# Site: volunteereyecare.com # URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com # Generated: 2026-08-30 03:02:51 # Version: 1.2 # File Type: llms-full.txt # Total Pages: 361 --- ## Omega-3 Fatty Acids Can Help Alleviate Dry Eye Syndrome URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/omega-3-fatty-acids-can-help-alleviate-dry-eye-syndrome/ ST. LOUIS, Mo. (April 2, 2012) –  Even though spring weather brings warmer, humid air, millions of Americans still experience discomfort associated with dry eye syndrome.  Dry eye is a condition where the tears produced by the eyes lack sufficient moisture and lubrication, which is necessary to maintain good eye health and clear vision.  Tears not only wash away dust from the eyes, but also soothe the eyes, provide oxygen and nutrients to the cornea, as well as help defend against eye infections by removing bacteria. “People with dry eye can experience a variety of symptoms,” said Paul Karpecki, O.D.  “The frequency and severity varies but may include irritated or gritty eyes, redness, burning, a feeling that something is in your eyes, blurred vision and even excessive watering.” Dry eye syndrome can result when one or more of the eye’s layers fail to produce the right quantity or balance of tears.  This condition has a multitude of causes but generally can stem from the following factors: • Age : As Americans age, eyes naturally become drier. Consequently, the majority of people older than 65 experience some symptoms of dry eye. • Gender:  Women are more likely to develop dry eye with hormonal changes during pregnancy, while using oral contraceptives and following menopause. • Medications:  Decongestants, antihistamines and antidepressants are among numerous medications that can reduce tear production. • Medical Conditions:  Health issues associated with arthritis, diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome and thyroid problems can produce dry eye symptoms. • Environment:  Dry climates and exposure to wind and smoke may trigger dry eye. It’s also important to blink regularly, especially if you work at a computer for long periods of time. • Eyewear/Surgery:  In some cases,   long-term wearing of contact lenses may cause dry eye (or make eyes less comfortable if they are dry), and previous eye surgery, such as LASIK, may lead to a temporary decrease in tear production. • Cosmetics:  When the lid margin is coated with heavy makeup, it can block the openings of the oily glands, which help lubricate the eye. Treatment for dry eye syndrome varies depending on the severity.  Some people can use artificial tears or similar eye drops or ointments that simulate the action of tears, but most will require therapeutic agents prescribed by their optometrist. There are also oral capsules that can help the eyes maintain tear production and guard against future tear loss.  The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends consulting an eye doctor to diagnose the condition and discuss the proper treatment to help ease the discomfort. According to eye doctors, some over-the-counter eye drops will actually have an adverse effect on dry eye symptoms. Additionally, consumers can help alleviate symptoms of dry eye by following a more holistic approach, such as: • Eating fish or taking a nutritional supplement that contains polyunsaturated fatty acids. • Increasing humidity in your home and/or office. • Blinking more frequently, especially when reading or staring at a computer screen, as well as lowering the screen to at or below eye level. • Wearing sunglasses with wraparound frames to reduce exposure to wind and sun. • Drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration. “Nutrition plays a big role in a person’s overall health, including their vision,” said Dr. Karpecki.  “Eating healthy by adding the benefits of essential fatty acids found in fish and nutritional supplements can play a role in preventing or easing the discomfort of dry eye.” Several new studies have confirmed the correlation between fatty acids and an improvement in dry eye syndrome.  Salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel and other cold-water fish are rich in essential fatty acids and can help reduce inflammation, enhance tear production and support the eye’s oily outer layer as well as provide health benefits for your cardiovascular, immune and nervous systems. Beyond discussing symptoms and treatments of dry eye syndrome with your optometrist, the AOA also recommends adults have yearly eye exams. Based on an individual’s eye health, an eye doctor may recommend more frequent visits. Drs. Elliott and Mallard are members of the AOA. About the American Optometric Association (AOA): The American Optometric Association represents approximately 36,000 doctors of optometry, optometry students and paraoptometric assistants and technicians. Optometrists serve patients in nearly 6,500 communities across the country, and in 3,500 of those communities are the only eye doctors. Doctors of optometry provide two-thirds of all primary eye care in the United States. American Optometric Association doctors of optometry are highly qualified, trained doctors on the frontline of eye and vision care who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the eye. In addition to providing eye and vision care, optometrists play a major role in a patient’s overall health and well-being by detecting systemic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.  Prior to optometry school, optometrists typically complete four years of undergraduate study, culminating in a bachelor’s degree. Required undergraduate coursework for pre-optometry students is extensive and covers a wide variety of advanced health, science and mathematics. Optometry school consists of four years of post-graduate, doctoral study concentrating on both the eye and systemic health. In addition to their formal training, doctors of optometry must undergo annual continuing education to stay current on the latest standards of care. For more information, visit  www.aoa.org . --- ## Helping Infants to Establish a Lifetime of Healthy Vision URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/helping-infants-to-establish-a-lifetime-of-healthy-vision/ Dr. Steven Elliott is a participant in InfantSEE.  Please take advantage of this program by having your baby’s eyes checked by an InfantSEE provider.  To find out more about the InfantSEE program or to learn more about the development of your baby’s eyes please visit: https://infantsee.org/ --- ## January Is National Glaucoma Awareness Month URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/january-is-national-glaucoma-awareness-month/ Sight Unseen: Glaucoma Takes Sight without Warning—How to Protect Yourself? What are you going to do differently this year? Take better care of yourself? Will you exercise more, eat healthier, or make an effort to see the doctor as often as you should? Finding time in your busy schedule to implement those well-intentioned resolutions often proves challenging. But don’t underestimate the importance of those doctor visits – and more specifically, visits to your eye doctor. A quick trip to your optometrist may not only be sight-saving but potentially life-saving. Optometrists can evaluate the health of your eyes and clarity of vision and they can also detect chronic and systemic diseases such as glaucoma, diabetes and even hypertension. You’ve probably heard of glaucoma, but many people don’t know how it can affect – and how quickly it can take – your eyesight. Glaucoma affects more than three million Americans, but over half of them don’t even know that they have it, according to Prevent Blindness America. Glaucoma begins by attacking peripheral vision, typically causing objects to appear less clearly. At first, it is possible to compensate by squinting or turning the head to focus better. But be careful. These changes may seem minor, but glaucoma can accelerate quickly; causing eyesight to rapidly and irreversibly deteriorate. Like many diseases, some factors can increase the risk of developing glaucoma, such as age, race or genetics.  Glaucoma usually affects one in 200 people by age 50, but as many as one in 10 people by age 80. The risk of developing glaucoma is much higher among African Americans: four to five times higher. In fact, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in African Americans. Not only do African Americans usually develop glaucoma 10 years earlier than Caucasians, they are also six to 15 times more likely to be blinded by the disease. Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but if diagnosed and treated early, it can be controlled. This reinforces what the National Optometric Association and the AOA already recommend: adults need regular, comprehensive eye exams. Fortunately, Medicare covers annual glaucoma screenings for people considered at heightened risk of developing glaucoma, such as individuals with diabetes, those with a family history of glaucoma, African Americans age 50 and older and Hispanic Americans age 65 and older. So start off the new year right: set up an appointment with your eye doctor – and maybe hit the gym and grab a salad on your way home. --- ## Volunteer Eyecare Now Accepts Care Credit At All Locations URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/volunteer-eyecare-now-accepts-care-credit-at-all-locations/ The decision is clear. Putting off vision care postpones wellbeing. It doesn’t have to be that way. Whether you’re considering LASIK, need cataract surgery, or it’s simply time for new glasses or contacts, CareCredit can help you see  clearer, sooner . CareCredit is available for your entire family’s vision care. That means you don’t have to save up to finally get the vision that you and your loved ones deserve. Apply today  and  you’ll be seeing clearer in no time . --- ## Second Harvest Food Drive URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/second-harvest-food-drive/ The East Tennessee Society of Optometric Physicians (ETSOP) sponsored a Second Harvest Food Drive at Valley View United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 16th.  Sponsoring the event requires a monetary donation and participation to help distribute food.  Dr. Elliott (front row-second from left) and Dr. Connell (front row-far right) participated in the event and look forward to helping in the future. --- ## What is the Difference between Vision and Medical Insurance? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/what-is-the-difference-between-vision-and-medical-insurance/ Vision insurance covers routine eye care services such as periodic eye examinations and refractive services (determining the prescription.) Many vision plans will also offer benefits on materials. These benefits may take the form of an allowance toward materials and special services such as contact lens fittings and follow-up. These benefits may also take the form of covered and non-covered (“out-of-pocket”) items. Plans vary greatly and pre-approval is sometimes required. Without exception, this type of coverage is limited in scope and frequency of benefits. We are obligated to collect all out-of-pocket expenses at time of service. Medical insurance, on the other hand, covers medical eye care services such as eye emergencies and diseases, and evaluation and management visits of diseases or suspected diseases. Often, diagnostic tests such as digital imaging and visual field evaluations are covered as well. Medical insurance however, never covers routine eye examinations or refractive services. Most insurance types have deductibles and co-pays associated with your coverage. We are obligated to collect these fees at time of service. Materials are also not covered by medical insurance with the exception of HSAs and Flex Spending Accounts which do cover prescription eyewear. Some types of insurance plans are also closed to us as providers. In these cases, we will give you the documentation you need to seek your own reimbursement. New plans under the Affordable Care Act are also required to offer children's vision services. How do I know if I have either one? You can help us work with your existing benefits by checking with your plan administrator or documentation to determine what kinds of insurance coverage you have before your visit. Please give us the information that you have when you make your appointments so that we can be prepared to help you. --- ## Vision is the Priceless Sports Enhancer - Protect It Well URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/vision-is-the-priceless-sports-enhancer-protect-it-well/ Vision, just like speed and strength, is an important ingredient in how well you play your sport. Vision correction is a part of one's sporting equipment. As performance goes, it's as important as wearing the right clothing or wearing the right shoes. It's another way to enhance the game. Proper eye protection and correction can mean the difference between a successful season and a tragic one. In fact, reports show that about 30% of eye injuries among children under 16 are sports related. Children are especially susceptible to eye injuries because of their underdeveloped depth perception, fearless style of play, and athletic immaturity. Eye injuries from sports include blindness, scratches on the cornea, bleeding in the eye, traumatic cataract (cloudy lens), swollen retina, inflamed iris, and fracture of the eye socket. The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that children wear protection for baseball, softball, racquetball, tennis, badminton, soccer, ice hockey, street hockey, basketball, lacrosse, archery, fencing, boxing, and karate. Baseball and basketball are the leaders in eye injuries reported for children between 5 and 14 years old mostly because eye protection is not as well-enforced as with other sports. Only purchase protective eyewear at sports specialty stores or eye care professional offices. Be sure that there are impact-resistant lenses in the goggles, they fit securely and snuggly, and are approved by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM). Most sports protection eyewear is available in prescription lenses, too. Transitions adjustable tint lenses make great sports protection because they cut glare and UV exposure in the sun. --- ## The Difference Between High Quality Frames and Cheap Ones is More Than Their Price URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/the-difference-between-high-quality-frames-and-cheap-ones-is-more-than-their-price/ You have tried on several frames of varying prices and styles... but for some reason on in particular stands out. It feels more balanced. The finish seems more polished and smooth. It just looks better. As you try on frames your instincts tell you that one frame stands out in quality over another. But why is that? What goes on before that frame reaches your face that makes all the difference? The fact is that not all ophthalmic frames are created equal. Much of the cost of a new frame, especially new styles and materials, are in the research and development it takes to bring a new frame to market. As a medical device, in order for a frame to feel good, look great, and protect your eyes, the style must go through a multitude of tests and steps to comply with heavily regulated legal and safety standards. Materials vary greatly in both quality and cost. Newer plastics like acetate and sturdy metals like titanium provide comfort and durability, but at an added cost to acquire and manufacture. Like a car, computer, or bicycle, the quality of the parts vary greatly as well and hinges, nose pads, and ear pieces can be either well-made or just so so. The manufacturing process varies greatly as well. Some frames are made in less socially-conscious countries and while the savings can be significant, the means to that end are often questionable. The manufacturing process can count as many as 100 steps to make one high-quality frame when it is handled by hand, requires the use of special machining and welding for high-end materials, and has added steps to ensure a better, more finished product. In the case of designer frames, brand licensing itself ensures quality and control. Most well-known brands have strict quality assurance and marketing standards that add to the price but result in a better product for the brand-loyal consumer. Last but not least, warranties are a great indication of quality in frames today. Unlike insurance or service agreements you pay extra for, manufacturers warranties show that the frame makers stand behind the quality and reputation of their brands. --- ## Six Steps to Healthier Eyes URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/six-steps-to-healthier-eyes/ When you are making your New Year Resolutions, don't forget to include these six steps to healthier eyes: 1. Get Regular Eye Health and Vision Examinations. Tired, dry, itchy or watery eyes, light sensitivity, headaches, blurry vision, fluctuating vision, and increased spots and floaters can all be apparent symptoms that your eyes need to be examined. However, some symptoms of eye diseases such as glaucoma can actually go unnoticed in early stages when they are more successfully treated. The eye ages just before the rest of the body does, so the condition of eye health, especially in the tiny vessels and nerves inside the eye, can give clues to overall health as well. 2. Eat Right. Eating an unrefined, non-processed diet of fresh vegetables and fruits can lead to better eye health and slow the onset of some diseases such as macular degeneration, an irreversible degenerative disease of the retina. Pick dark, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, peas, and broccoli because of their high content of carotenoids, or antioxidants. 3. Exercise Regularly. Exercise reduces stress and eye pressure, as well as promotes cardiovascular health beneficial to the delicate structures of the eye. 4. Don’t Smoke. Studies have linked smoking to increased risks for macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is an irreversible disease of the retina area that can lead to loss of central vision and color vision. 5. Protect Your Eyes from Harmful Ultraviolet Radiation. Wear 100% UV-A and UV-B blocking sunglasses when in the sun. Studies have linked UV rays to damage and aging of the lens of the eye, called the crystalline lens. Some contact lens manufacturers are now including UV protection in their lenses. 6. Wear eye protection at work and play. Accidents at home and work are one the leading causes of vision loss in this country. When working in the yard or with power equipment, be sure to wear safety-approved eyewear. At work, wear industrial-safety eyewear where eye hazards exist. When using a computer for long periods of time, special eyewear for computer use can be designed to reduce eyestrain and make vision more comfortable. --- ## Digital surfacing relies on a controlled combination of lens design, precisely made molds, and manufacturing technology to create the perfect lens. URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/digital-surfacing-relies-on-a-controlled-combination-of-lens-design-precisely-made-molds-and-manufacturing-technology-to-create-the-perfect-lens/ Digital lenses use a new design process for lenses which take into account reading posture, near zone placement, binocular vision, and sharper central focus. Today, a computer program calculates all of these factors into a lens that gives you best vision in all areas you look through. Advanced fitting systems also take into account head tilt, eye rotation and movement, and dominate eye. Digital lenses use new manufacturing processes that allow an unlimited number of shapes and curves that can be produced on the surface of the lens. The tool used in this process is much more accurate and controlled, leading to a more precise lens surface. In the past, lenses were ground out on the back to the right distance prescription in multi-step process, known as "traditional" surfacing. Digital surfacing relies on a controlled combination of lens design, precisely made molds, and manufacturing technology to create the perfect lens. Traditional surfacing also creates “rounding errors” which cause up to .06D of distance power errors. Digital surfacing gets that error down to within .01D of target power. New digital lenses that utilize digital technology both for design and manufacture: Give more precision – better Rx Vary the reading corridor length to the size of the frame for best near vision Give sharper central vision for distance viewing “Widen” reading and intermediate zones Take into account frame fit and position – they are customized for each frame and Rx --- ## New "Power of 3x" Rebate on Popular Products - Crizal, Transitions, Varilux and Xperio UV Polarized URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/new-power-of-3x-rebate-on-popular-products-crizal-transitions-varilux-and-xperio-uv-polarized/ oday a new rebate is available from the maker of the popular Crizal, Transitions, Varilux and Xperio UV brands of ophthalmic lens products. You may have seen the commercials on TV promoting these lenses. From now until the end of September, you can get a $10 rebate for each of three brands - Crizal, Transitions, and Varilux that you get on your primary eyewear for a total of $30. When you add Xperio UV Polarized lenses to your second pair, the rebates triple, enabling you to get up to $90 when you purchase all the products. The polarized pair must be on the same receipt as the first pair. Crizal lenses are non-glare lenses that stay cleaner longer because they include layers that resist scratches, smudges and dust. The lenses look great because they eliminate unsightly reflections on the surface of the lenses. Best of all, you will see great because Crizal lenses increase the clarity of lenses, especially at night, by reducing glare and reflections. Crizal's unique UV protection keeps your eyes safe from harmful UV rays. Crizal Prevencia is targeted at filtering bad blue light and letting in good blue. Crizal Sapphire is a different tone of non-glare that many users prefer. Transitions is a popular upgrade because it is a tint that adjust to your lighting conditions, In the sun, Transitions keep you comfortable because it becomes a nice tint to knock out harsh sun light. Indoors Transitions lightens to a clear lens. Transitions is also available in Xtractive for people who spend a lot of time outdoors and Vantage lenses that add a Polarized filter to the changeable tint and knock out glare. Varilux lenses are no-line bifocals that give you expansive vision for presbyopes. As the eyes age, the lens in the eye becomes less flexible, leading to trouble focusing up close, especially in low lighting. Varilux was one of the first lenses offered in North America to provide clear, continuous vision up close, far away, and every distance in between. Varilux lenses reduce eye and neck strain because they provide vision at all distances without switching between near and distance vision glasses. Xperio UV is a Polarized lens that makes your eyes more comfortable in the sun by blocking harsh glare from the sun. As an added bonus, the lenses keep your eyes healthy by blocking harmful UV rays. All four of the products are popular upgrades and now until the end of September you can get a little money back on them, even if you use insurance. --- ## It's Time for Back to School Eye Exams URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/its-time-for-back-to-school-eye-exams/ Appointments are filling fast for back to school eye examinations as parents get ready for students to return to school. Eye health and vision examinations are an important part of school preparations because some studies show that as much as 80% of effective learning is the result of good vision. Good vision helps in the classroom, with reading, and activities such as sports. Good vision can also improve self esteem as the world around your student is as clear and accessible as possible. According to the Vision Council, as many as 25% of students have an undetected vision problem. While vision screenings have their place, nothing replaces a thorough eye health and vision examination to keep your student performing at their best. --- ## Sports Safety Prevents Vision Loss URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/sports-safety-prevents-vision-loss/ Basketball is one the most eye injury prone sports in this country with close to 6,000 people suffering from injuries every year according to Prevent Blindness America. In fact, 1 in 10 college basketball players will sustain an eye injury. For children 14 years and younger, air and spring guns are the biggest culprit and among older children and adults, water sports eye injuries rank second. Eye injuries from any sport can include infection, corneal abrasions, blunt trauma, inflamed iris, fracture of the eye socket, swollen or detached retinas, or even a traumatic cataract. In some cases, a significant eye injury can cause permanent vision loss. · Most eye injuries can be avoided by wearing proper eye protection. Sports protective eyewear should be labeled as ASTM F803 approved: · Make sure the lenses either stay in place or pop outward in the event of an accident. Lenses that pop in against the eyes can be very dangerous. · Fogging of the lenses can be a problem. Some types of protective eyewear are available with anti-fog coating. Others have side vents for additional ventilation. Try on different types to determine which is most comfortable. · Sports eye protection should be padded or cushioned along the brow and bridge of the nose. Padding will prevent the eye protection from cutting the skin. · Try on the eye protector to determine if it’s the right size before purchasing. Adjust the strap and make sure it's not too tight or too loose. All athletes should get annual eye exams to detect a vision problem and improve performance, in addition to prevent vision loss later. --- ## The FDA Warns About Improper Contact Lens Wear URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/the-fda-warns-about-improper-contact-lens-wear/ Eye Safety this Halloween FDA joins eye care professionals—including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists and the American Optometric Association—in discouraging consumers from using decorative contact lenses. These experts warn that buying any kind of contact lenses without an examination and a prescription from an eye care professional can cause serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss. Despite the fact that it’s illegal to sell decorative contact lenses without a valid prescription, FDA says the lenses are sold on the Internet and in retail shops and salons—particularly around Halloween. The decorative lenses make the wearer’s eyes appear to glow in the dark, create the illusion of vertical “cat eyes,” or change the wearer’s eye color. "Although unauthorized use of decorative contact lenses is a concern year-round, Halloween is the time when people may be inclined to use them, perhaps as costume accessories," says FDA eye expert Bernard Lepri, O.D., M.S., M.Ed.. "What troubles us is when they are bought and used without a valid prescription, without the involvement of a qualified eye care professional, or without appropriate follow-up care. This can lead to significant risks of eye injuries, including blindness." This article appears on FDA's Consumer Updates page, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products. --- ## Use It or Lose It URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/use-it-or-lose-it/ This is the time of year we start getting busier as patients hurry to use their flex spending accounts. Contact lenses, eyeglasses, and eye exams are a great way to use those benefits that, in some cases, expire at the end of the year. Also, many patients who have met their medical deductible for the year are using their insurance for preventive care such as eye examinations. Medicare is an example of an insurance that will cover your eye examination for the medical portion of your visit. The refraction ("which is better 1 or 2") or vision part of the visit is not covered by Medicare. Make your appointment early and beat the rush! --- ## New Years Eye Health Resolutions URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/new-years-eye-health-resolutions/ Many people use the new year as a time to set new goals and refocus priorities. As your eye doctor, we couldn't wish for better resolutions than a year of safe and healthy vision. Try adding these to your plan for 2016: Replace and care for contact lenses as prescribed and make it a point to go to all office visits and exams Wear safety goggles when working around the house and while playing sports - that is when most eye injuries occur Eat a diet rich in antioxidants (green, leafy vegetables for sure) that studies have shown may prevent and reduce the effects of retinal disease Have an eye health and vision examination every year to ensure that your eyes are healthy and you are seeing your best - many eye diseases begin without noticeable symptoms but are much more successfully treated if diagnosed early #newyearsresolution --- ## Costa Sunglasses URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/costa-sunglasses/ We are excited to announce that we now have a large selection of Costa Sunglasses in stock at our Volunteer Eyecare North location. These sunglasses are unmatched when it comes to providing clear, comfortable vision for fishing or any outdoor activity. Costa lenses are available in glass for extreme clarity or polycarbonate for extreme protection and clarity. Costa sunglasses are the choice for all activities that take place on or around water due to the reduction in glare and ultraviolet protection provided by their 400 or 580 lenses. Stop in to try a pair on or bring your prescription to us to be custom fitted for your next pair of prescription sunglasses. --- ## Relief From the Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/relief-symptoms-seasonal-allergies/ One of the side effects of the beautiful explosion of color known as Spring is itchy, red, watery eyes from seasonal allergies. According to the  American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology , seasonal allergies develop when the body becomes sensitized and overreacts to something in the environment. By their estimates, as many as 50 million people suffer from it. In the spring it is hard to get away from the allergens causing the reactions, but there are some treatment options available in both prescription and over the counter. Antihistamines  reduce allergic reactions by blocking the attachment of histamine to cells in the body that produce an allergic response. Decongestants  shrink swollen nasal passages for easier breathing and reduce the size of blood vessels on the white (sclera) of the eye to relieve red eyes. Mast cell stabilizers  cause changes in mast cells that prevent them from releasing histamine and related mediators of allergic reactions. It does take several weeks for the full effects to work however so early intervention is the key to lessening the symptoms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory  eye drops may be prescribed to decrease swelling. Steroids  Corticosteroid eye drops are sometimes prescribed to provide relief from acute eye allergy symptoms for short-term use only. Make an appointment today and we can find relief for your watery, red eyes. --- ## Do children really need sunglasses? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/do-children-really-need-sunglasses/ ### According to most eye doctors and researchers, the answer is an emphatic " yes ."  Because children tend to spend more time outdoors than most adults, experts say nearly half of a person's lifetime exposure to ultraviolet radiation can take place by age 18. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation and blue light (also called high-energy visible, or HEV, light) from sunlight appear to increase the risk of multiple age-related eye problems, including cataracts and macular degeneration. Researchers say the more exposure you've had to the sun's harmful UV and HEV rays during your lifetime, the more at risk you may be for these sight-threatening conditions. Children are even more susceptible to damage to the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eye from UV rays because the lens inside a child's eye is less capable of blocking UV than an adult lens, enabling more of this harmful radiation to penetrate deep into the eye. ### Nearly all high-energy blue light reaches the retinas of children and adults alike, because the cornea  and  lens  of the human eye are not capable of absorbing these rays. These factors make it very important for all children, even infants, to wear UV- and HEV-blocking sunglasses anytime they are outdoors in daylight hours. This is true even on cloudy and overcast days, because most UV rays (which are invisible) and some HEV rays can penetrate cloud cover. By investing in quality children's sunglasses, you are helping your kids enjoy a lifetime of good vision. --- ## Summer can be Dangerous for Adults over 60 URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/summer-can-be-dangerous-for-adults-over-60/ Most of us look forward to summer but hot weather can be dangerous, particularly to adults over 60. A University of Chicago Medical Center study found that 40% of heat-related fatalities in the U.S. were among people over 65. There are several reasons why boomers and seniors are more vulnerable to heat stroke and heat exhaustion and even heat-related deaths. • As we age, we lose the ability to notice changes in our body temperature. • Health conditions that may come with age can also make it more difficult for older adults to adapt to heat. • Some medications can contribute to dehydration. • Keeping cool in summer is essential. Follow these tips: • Drink plenty of water even if you are not thirsty. • Avoid coffee and alcoholic beverages contribute to dehydration. • Wear Appropriate Clothes like light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothes and a wide-brimmed hat. • Stay indoors during mid-day hours • Take it easy – Avoid strenuous activity or exercise when it’s very hot. No hot yoga! • Avoid Humidity – When there’s a lot of moisture in their air (humidity), the body’s ability to cool itself by sweating is impaired. • Stay in air conditioned places like the mall, library or movie theater. • Take a cool bath or shower Know the Warning Signs of Heat-related Illness and seek help immediately if you experience dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, fainting and breathing problems --- ## Five Features of Children's Sunwear that are Musts URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/five-features-of-childrens-sunwear-that-are-musts/ In addition to having lenses that block 100 percent of the sun's UVA and UVB rays and a significant amount of potentially harmful blue light, children's sunglasses should also have these features: 1. Impact-resistant lenses. The best lenses for children's sunglasses are made of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate lenses  are up to 10 times more impact-resistant than standard plastic lenses for superior eye protection during  sports  and other play. Polycarbonate lenses also are lighter than glass or standard plastic lenses for greater wearing comfort. 2. Large, close-fitting frame. For the best protection from the sun's ultraviolet rays and to keep dust and other debris from getting in your child's eyes, a relatively large yet close-fitting frame is the best design for children's sunglasses. 3. "Unbreakable" frame material. Look for children's sunglasses that have flexible frames to avoid breakage and potential eye or facial injury from a frame that snaps upon impact. 4. Spring hinges. Hinges that extend beyond 90 degrees and have a spring action to keep the fit of the frame snug will decrease the risk of your child's sunglasses falling off or getting damaged during sports and other play. 5. An elastic band. An elastic band that attaches to the end of each of the frame's earpieces can help prevent loss or damage to children's sunglasses. Choices include a close-fitting band to keep the frame snugly attached to the head during active sports or a looser-fitting strap to allow your child to remove his or her sunglasses yet keep them hanging from the neck for easy on-and-off use. However, avoid the use of a band or cord that might pose a choking risk for an unattended infant or toddler. For superior UV protection, it's a good idea for kids to wear a wide-brimmed hat as well as sunglasses when spending a lot of time outdoors on sunny days. Researchers say a hat that shades the eyes and face can cut the amount of UV exposure in half. And don't forget the sunscreen, too! --- ## Your Children's Vision and Success in School URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/your-childrens-vision-and-success-in-school/ ### Early eye examinations are crucial to make sure children have normal, healthy vision so they can perform better at schoolwork or play. Students may give up on their classwork rather than admit they can’t see what their teacher is writing on the board.  This seemingly simple issue can become a significant barrier to learning and may contribute to further problems, being labeled as a bad student and possibly leading to school dropout. Studies have shown that children who are in correctional facilities have a 30% higher rate of need of vision correction.  Is there a possibility that some of these children may have been in challenging vision situations in school and just had difficulties learning due to their vision needs? Early eye examinations are crucial to make sure children have normal, healthy vision so they can perform better at schoolwork or play. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), infants should have their first comprehensive eye exam  at 6 months of age. Children then should have additional eye exams at age 3, and just before they enter the first grade — at about age 5 or 6. ### For school-aged children, the AOA recommends an eye exam every two years if no vision correction is required. Children who need eyeglasses or  contact lenses  should be examined annually or as recommended by their optometrist. Signs to watch for that your child may be experiencing vision issues: • Constantly sitting too close to TV or holding a book too close • Frequent eye rubbing • Loosing place while reading or using their finger to guide them • Sensitivity to light or excessive tearing • Closing one eye to read or watch TV • Receiving lower grades than usual • Squinting or tilting their head to see in the distance --- ## School and Sports Have Tremendous Visual Demands URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/school-and-sports-have-tremendous-visual-demands/ The school year is almost here! As kids prepare to work their brains, keep in mind that being a student also places great demand on their eyes. Time for an Eye Exam It’s always a good idea to have your student’s eyes checked at the start of a new school year. As much as 75% of learning is visually-based and students with undiagnosed vision problems often have issues with academic performance. Tips for Student Athletes It seems apparent that most sports require good vision for peak performance. There are an estimated 42,000 sports-related eye injuries each year and almost half of those occur in children younger than 15 years old.  Proper eyewear protection is critical for many sporting activities, especially those using a ball and involving physical contact. Too Much Computer Time Today’s students are staring at screens most of the day. Viewing a computer screen or mobile device places incredible demands on the visual system and can cause a variety of temporary symptoms including; headaches, eyestrain, blurry vision, neck and shoulder pain, and dry eyes. Computer Vision Syndrome is the name for vision and physical symptoms related to the use of these devices. Being a student is both a rewarding and challenging experience. Help your student succeed this year by helping them take care of their vision . --- ## Add an Eye Exam to your Back to School Checklist URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/add-an-eye-exam-to-your-back-to-school-checklist/ Back-to-school time is upon us and while many students’ lists include backpacks, rulers, and new shoes, there’s one more thing parents need on their back-to-school checklist – a comprehensive eye health and vision exam for their student. ### Studies show that as much as 75% of all learning comes through vision. Other studies show that a significant amount of vision problems go undetected in children leading to struggles in school and sports. Vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, are the most common and most identifiable types. However, a comprehensive and thorough eye exam can also find health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and eye problems such as glaucoma and lazy eye. Besides parents, teachers are also in a position to identify vision problems in the classroom. Headaches, burning eyes, double vision, squinting, and rubbing eyes are some of the signs of vision problems. A student that loses their place often, or re-reads or skips lines in a reading exercise also need a thorough vision examination. ### Make a comprehensive eye health and vision exam an important part of your back-to-school routine. --- ## Fall Sports Concussions URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/fall-sports-concussions/ ### It’s Football Season Again! Football season opens more discussions about concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) but they are not isolated to football – soccer and field hockey are also sports with risks for head injuries.  In fact, cheerleaders have the fifth most frequency of concussions of all sports! TBI’s are defined as a blow or jolt to the head, or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Seventy percent of all sensory information comes through the eyes.  When a person suffers a TBI the brain and eyes no longer process information together.  Post-concussion vision syndrome is real and your eye doctor is in the best position to be able to identify and treat those who have suffered the injury. Proper precautions to keep kids safe have definitely improved over the years:  awareness and ability to recognize the symptoms; as well as keeping the child off the field for precautionary reasons is something that we see more often now. Your Optometrist is in a unique position to be able to identify and treat anyone who is subjected to a traumatic event.  "Optometry understands vision better than any other profession, and because of this, has the tools to give patients with brain injury the best care possible," according to Chrystyna Rakoczy, O.D., chair of the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) Brain Injury Committee. --- ## Keeping an “Eye” on your Eyes URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/keeping-an-eye-on-your-eyes/ Healthy eyes are an important part of your overall health plan.  There are many things you can do to keep them healthy and make sure you are seeing your best.  Follow these simple steps as you age: • Have a comprehensive dilated eye exam . Your vision may seem fine to you but the only way to make sure your eyes are healthy is to be seen on a regular basis by your eye doctor.  Having a dilated exam allows your eye doctor to see the entire interior of your eyes for early detection of common eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD.)  Most of these eye diseases have no warning signs and early detection is critical to successfully administer treatment and save vision. • Know your family’s eye health history . This is especially true of parents.  Many eye diseases are hereditary and you would be at higher risk if your parents also had eye diseases such as glaucoma. • Eat healthy . Carrots aren’t the only healthy food for your eyes.  Eating fruits and vegetables and food high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, tuna, and halibut have been shown to prevent, and possibly slow, the progression of retinal disease. • Quit smoking . Smoking is just as bad for your eyes as it is for the rest of your body. • Give your eyes a rest . If you spend a lot of time on the computer remember the 20-20-20 rule.  Every 20 minutes look away about 20 feet for 20 seconds. • Wear your sunglasses . Protection for your eyes against UV rays is just as important as protecting your skin. • Protect your eyes . Whether you are at work or at home, practice good eye safety by wearing protective eyewear.  Most eye injuries occur at home and during casual sports. • Contact lens care . If you are a contact lens wearer, following instructions from your eye care provider is the key to a long, healthy future of wear.   Your vision and eye health can be damaged from over wearing lenses, dirty lenses, not changing your solution, or using something other than approved solutions. --- ## Do you have Dry Eye Syndrome? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/do-you-have-dry-eye-syndrome/ In the U.S. there are between 20-30 million dry eye sufferers. Unfortunately only about 5% of those have been diagnosed with the disease and treated. Millions of people are unaware that there is a solution to their discomfort. Dry Eye Syndrome happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the natural protein content of the tears is not high enough. There is a simple test that the doctor can perform to determine if the disease is present and what course of treatment is recommended. Treatment may include supplements, drops, tear duct occlusion, environmental changes, or a combination of options. Some facts about dry eye: • Because of the way we live today with computers, pollution, and lighting, it is hard to tell if the symptoms are serious or are just a result of our environment. • Dry eye is a progressive disease so it is important to know if you really have it. It can affect your vision and your overall eye health. • Contact lens wearers may find their lenses less comfortable. • Simply using over the counter lubricating drops might not be enough. If the symptoms go away temporarily, there may be more to the issue. • Dry eye symptoms include sandy or gritty feeling, light sensitivity, and water eyes. If you have any of these symptoms, you may have dry eye disease. Dry eye is a growing concern and although we are learning more every day about proper treatment, suffering from Dry Eye Syndrome is no longer necessary. --- ## Are you considering LASIK? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/are-you-considering-lasik/ ### Are you considering LASIK? Here are a few of the questions to ask during your appointment: • Is my prescription within the approved range?   LASIK is approved by the FDA to treat certain degrees of nearsightedness, farsightedness and certain types and degrees of astigmatism. • Am I the right age for it? Eyes and visual acuity fluctuate to about age 25, during pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause, and after age 40-45 (when presbyopia and other aging eye changes may begin). • Have my eyes been relatively stable? • Are my current work, family life, and sports and recreation choices compatible with LASIK? • What results can I reasonably expect? What might be the best and worst case scenarios? • If LASIK results do not meet our goals, what might be involved in retreatment? • About how long does it take for eyes to recover and adjust after LASIK? What kinds of adjustments at work or home might I need to make during this time? • If I experience any undesirable side effects, about how long might it be before these resolve, and how might they be treated? • Would any of the medications I'm taking, either prescription or over-the-counter, rule out LASIK or affect the results? • Do I have other general health or eye conditions that might rule out LASIK or need to be treated and resolved before the procedure?   Diabetes, autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiency states; eye conditions including: dry eye, uveitis and other eye inflammations, eye injuries or previous surgeries, keratoconus, corneal scarring, cataract, glaucoma, retinal disease, ocular herpes can all affect your ability to successfully have LASIK. • What are the costs of LASIK and of potential related treatments ? --- ## Top 5 Holiday Eye Safety Tips URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/top-5-holiday-eye-safety-tips/ 1. Sharp-Edged Toys As gifts are opened Christmas morning, take the time to check for any sharp/pointy edges. Eye injuries often occur on Christmas Day when excited children play with new toys. 2. Mistletoe Collisions The mistletoe is meant to be a surprise, but sometimes it's a bit too much of one right in the eye! Tall guys and gals out there need to keep an eye out for that unexpected mistletoe hanging. 3. Christmas Lights Christmas lights can break or older styles could even explode. The glass is extremely thin and small shards pose another eye safety risk. Use caution when untangling strands. 4. Christmas Tree Branches Even something as innocent as watering the tree or adjusting an ornament can result in eye injury since tree branches often come dangerously close to eyes during these activities. Pay attention to tree branches and make sure they avoid contact with your eyes. 5. Champagne Corks New Year's celebrations and champagne go hand in hand, but so do champagne bottle corks and eye injuries. This year, uncork that bottle of champagne with a hand towel over it to ensure the cork doesn't fly. While not as flashy as a cork flying across the room, sending a party guest to the emergency room isn't exactly a positive party memory. In addition to being more aware, always use safety glasses when working around the house and exercise safe habits as you enjoy this year's holiday celebrations. --- ## Medically Necessary vs Elective Contact Lenses URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/medically-necessary-vs-elective-contact-lenses/ With good communication between us and your vision insurance carriers, we can often get vision plan benefits to apply to medically necessary contact lenses. Elective contact lenses for cosmetic purposes are often covered as well. It all starts will all of us being on the same page about the expected outcome and necessity of them. ### Elective Contact Lenses When an individual requires vision correction, he or she often misinterprets a prescription as a medical necessity:   “I have poor vision, and my eye doctor wrote the prescription for contact lenses, which improves my vision.  So, my contact lenses are medically necessary.”  Unfortunately, this is not quite right. In most instances, an individual can receive vision correction through eyeglasses, contact lenses, or sometimes laser surgery.  However, eyeglasses are considered the professional standard of care, providing an agreeable and cost-effective treatment.  The other two options are elective and considered cosmetic.  Many vision plans include an elective contact lens benefit in which an individual may choose to correct their vision with contact lenses instead of eyeglasses. ### Medically Necessary Contact Lenses Medically necessary contact lenses are non-elective contact lenses prescribed when certain medical conditions hinder vision correction through regular eyeglasses and contact lenses are the  accepted standard of treatment. With some medical conditions, patients are unable to achieve a specified level of visual acuity or performance through regular eyeglasses. This results in the need for “medically necessary contact lenses.” Such medical conditions include: • Aphakia –  the removal or absence of the lens of the eye(s) due to surgery, injury, or abnormality. • Anisometrophia –  a refractive condition where the eyes have unequal focus or optical power • Keratoconus –  an eye disease that causes structural damage to the eye’s cornea, changing from the normal, round shape to a bulging, cone shape. Usually, the medically necessary contact lens benefit is greater than the elective contact lens benefit, and some vision plans will pay a benefit for medically necessary contact lenses even if the plan does not have elective contact lens coverage. --- ## Eyeglasses vs Contacts URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/eyeglasses-vs-contacts/ ## “Eyeglasses? No thanks, I wear contact lenses” #### Your eyecare professional will guide you through the decision process but the best vision solution for your eyes often includes both eyeglasses plus contact lenses. Choosing to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses for vision correction is not an “either or” question. Lifestyle, comfort, convenience, budget, and aesthetics should all factor into your decision-making process. Keep in mind that one is not necessarily better than the other; each has its pros and cons in terms of vision, ease of use, and eye health. Using them in combination is always the best solution. Eyeglasses offer many benefits over contact lenses. They require less cleaning and maintenance and you don't need to touch your eyes to wear them - decreasing your risk for eye infections. Glasses also can act as an extension of your personality and make a great fashion statement! Contact lenses have many advantages over glasses. Contacts sit directly on your eye, so vision is unobstructed. You can participate in sports and outdoor activities without fear of eyeglasses getting in the way, falling off or breaking. You can even change the color of your eyes with colored contact lenses. Thanks to advances in contact lens technology, most people can wear contacts successfully, even if they prefer to wear glasses as their primary form of vision correction. #### The decision to wear either contacts or glasses — and when to wear them — usually is a matter of personal preference. Keep in mind, though, that if you wear contact lenses full-time, you also should have an up-to-date pair of glasses — in case you need to stop wearing contacts due to an eye infection or irritation, or to simply give your eyes a break. #### Even if contacts will be worn as first choice, It is important that you don’t take short cuts on the quality of your eyeglasses. Compromising the quality of your vision to save a few dollars will end up as a regrettable decision. Purchasing eyeglasses that are fashionable, comfortable, and provide the best vision will provide the best over-all vision solution. --- ## Learn to Love Your Glasses URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/learn-to-love-your-glasses/ There may have been a time when glasses were considered “nerdy” or “geeky” but today “geek is chic” and bold eyewear that make a statement are in style. Best of all, glasses can enhance your appearance as well as your sight. If you are embarrassed of your eyewear, here are some reasons why you should learn to love your glasses: #### Fashion Accessory It can be fun picking out the perfect shoes, handbags, earrings, belts, and ties, but wearing glasses gives you another way to accessorize. You get to choose the color, style, and size frame you want. Picking the right pair can enhance your natural features and look - or stand out and make a statement. #### Good Vision People take the power of glasses for granted. You’re able to strengthen one of your five senses simply by putting corrective lenses in front of you. Straining to read can not only cause headaches and neck pain, it can distort your facial features as you squint or tilt your head to focus. #### Changes Your Look Depending on which frames you decide on, your glasses can make your look more intelligent, sophisticated, or playful. Having multiple pairs will allow you to set the look for any environment and mood. Draws Attention to Your Eyes Making eye contact is the most important aspect of communication so non-glare lenses allows people to see your eyes without distracting reflections. #### Protection Has a bug or piece of dust ever landed in your eye? If you’re outside, glasses can prevent objects from getting into your eye. If you run from inside to outside often you can get benefit from Transitions© Comfort lenses. They’ll keep your eyes safe from sun’s rays including UV light and they darken in the sunlight. #### Healthy Eyeglasses offer the safest form of vision correction and contact lens wearers need them to allow their eyes to rest. #### Sun Protection Sunglasses are not only fun and fashionable, but good quality sunwear will provide protection from dangerous UV rays. Protection against glare also keeps you safe while driving in bright sun and could improve your reaction time to potential dangers. --- ## Colored Contact Lenses URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/colored-contact-lenses/ ### All contact lenses, whether they correct vision or not, require a prescription and proper fitting from an eye doctor If you have ever wished that your eyes were a different color or that you could give them a different “look,” you might understand why decorative contact lenses appeal to some people. Costume Play (CosPlay) is a very popular today and actors quite often want to change their eye color based on their target appearance. There are many names for contact lenses that are used to change the appearance of the eyes, including cosmetic, theatrical, Halloween, circle, decorative, costume, or colored contact lenses. These types of lenses may also be used to correct vision. Whether they correct vision or not, all contact lenses require a prescription and proper care to lower the risk of eye infections and other complications. ### All contact lenses require a prescription All contact lenses are medical devices that are regulated by the U.S. government. By law, decorative contact lenses, whether they correct vision or not, require a prescription and proper fitting from an eye doctor. Any type of contact lens that can be purchased without a prescription is being sold illegally—and can pose serious risks to sight and eye health. Do not purchase decorative contact lenses from costume shops, beauty salons, drug stores, flea markets, or anywhere that doesn’t require a prescription. ### Colored or decorative contact lenses are not risk-free People who wear any type of contact lenses need to practice proper wear and care steps to keep their eyes healthy. No type of contact lens is risk-free. Improper care of contact lenses increases the chances of infections and other complications. When decorative contact lenses are sold without a prescription, proper fitting, and education about wear and care from an eye doctor, there is a greater risk of permanent eye damage—even blindness. ### Follow tips for healthy wear and care • For all types of contact lenses, not wearing and caring for them properly raises the chances of serious eye infections. • Never share contact lenses with others. • Rub and rinse your contact lenses with contact lens disinfecting solution—never water or saliva—to clean them each time you remove them. Even if worn occasionally, contact lenses must be disinfected and stored in new solution at least every 7 days. • Never store your contact lenses in water. Replace your contact lenses as often as recommended by your eye doctor. • Replace your contact lens case at least once every three months. • Don’t “top off” solution. Use only fresh contact lens disinfecting solution in your case—never mix fresh solution with old or used solution --- ## Getting High Performance from your Eyewear URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/getting-high-performance-from-your-eyewear/ Interest in high performance sunglasses has been booming in recent years.  There is a growing selection of products available to address vision challenges unique to sports such as mountain biking, skiing, golfing and many other outdoor activities.  Providing safety and being able to get the best vision in a quickly changing environment is equally important. Sunglasses are a critical part of your overall vision solution and high performance lenses are available to improve your vision for everyday use.  The best visual acuity requires the use of sophisticated digitally-manufactured lenses.  Digital lenses are available in most lens types including single vision and no-line bifocal choices. If you appreciate the sharpness of the picture you get with a high definition television, you will appreciate the benefits you get in digital ophthalmic lenses.  The additional clarity you get through a digital lens allows your visual system to work at a much more efficient rate, resulting in less strain on your eyes, less headaches, less fatigue, and an over-all improvement in your vision. Performance can also be enhanced by including other features to your lens such as Non-Glare, Transitions™ or thinner and lighter materials.  Protection from harmful UV rays from the sun is also another benefit of better lens material choice. Tips to consider when purchasing your next set of eyeglass lenses: • Choose the digital lens recommended by your eye doctor or optician • Consider using a high index lens for more comfortable wear • Always use a Non-Glare lens • Consider getting a Transitions™ lens if you spend time outdoors, going in and out of buildings, or want the ease and convenience of having sun and UV protection in the outdoors. --- ## Safe at Home URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/safe-at-home/ Nearly Half of all Eye Injuries in this Country Happen at Home Home is where we feel safe, comfortable, and at ease but is also the setting for nearly half of all eye injuries. From flying wood chips to weed whacker debris to even an errant champagne cork, our eye safety is at risk at home. Imagine a homeowner who returns from the hardware store with the proper tools to do the job, but has forgotten to pick up a pair of protective glasses. Reluctant to return to the store or postpone the project, he or she forges on with the work — and risks injury. Family members — especially children — are more likely to take an interest in home improvement projects. In some cases, the parent performing the work may be protected but a child standing nearby at a lower height actually is closer to the action than the person operating the equipment. The Home and Work Connection Many safety professionals are focused on keeping their employees safe and healthy on the job, but workers' productivity is affected just as much if they sustain injuries off the clock. The biggest challenge facing employers and safety professionals is the same as it has been for quite some time: getting employees to wear eye protection in the first place, and with nearly half of all eye injuries occurring off the job, this seems to be a challenge workers take home with them, as well. Prescription for Safety Many people wear personal eyewear, or “streetwear” glasses, as protective devices. Keep in mind however that those glasses have not been subjected to any kind of performance requirements like safety-approved eyewear. Make sure you get the right product for the right hazard. For example, goggles may be a better choice in environments with more dust because they can protect against material coming from around the eye, while safety glasses might be better for direct impact. In grinding environments, a face shield may be necessary to protect not only the eyes but the face and neck area. Scratched lenses mean reduced vision. Reduced vision can pose even more risks. The use and care of your safety eyewear is very important. If you take care of your safety eyewear it lasts longer and gives you better protection. Appearance Counts If weekend project warriors and workers in hazardous environments can select eyewear they consider attractive, they may end up safer in the long run because they will wear them more often. The process of selecting or being issued protective equipment creates a different experience for the user compared to selecting their own dress eyewear or sunwear. It's mandatory, you don't have a choice – and that's a huge difference.  Safety is the first priority, followed by comfort and aesthetics.   While the protective qualities are most important, your safety eyewear stills should look and feel good. --- ## Protecting Your Eyes at Play URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/protecting-your-eyes-at-play/ In sports, we take precautions to protect ourselves from broken bones, bruises, concussions, and other injuries, but how do we protect our eyes? An unprotected eye can be injured in numerous ways and nearly all sports pose some type of risk: • Baseball – Risks include a wild pitch, a thrown bat, or a pop-up ball lost in the glare of the sun. Players should wear sport eyewear with polycarbonate lenses or sport eye goggles. • Basketball –Risks include flying elbows and fingers and off-thrown basketballs.  Players should safety-approved eye goggles • Soccer – Risks include a wayward elbow, ball, or foot. • Football – Like other contact sports, players should wear eye guards and a full face guard to prevent injury. • Hockey – Risks include sticks, pucks, and flailing arms and legs and players should be equipped with a full mask to prevent eye and other facial injuries. • Tennis or Racquetball – Protect your eyes from a misjudged ball or flying racquets, eye goggles should be worn. • Skiing – Wind, sun, snow and glare make ski goggles also available in prescription the best to protect your eyes. • Swimming – Goggles protect from lake or ocean water and chemicals in pools.  Do not wear contact lenses in the water. • Hiking/Camping – Beware of insect bites and poison ivy, oak, and sumac. Keep your hands away from your eyes and be especially careful not to get insect repellant in your eyes! Good vision helps an athlete determine timing, coordination, and speed. Protecting vision is of the utmost importance and can even give players an edge by increasing performance. As we near spring and summer, spending more time outdoors opens the door for more and more potential dangers to our eyes.  Take the steps to protect yourself including your precious vision! --- ## Contact Lenses That Enhance Sports Performance URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/contact-lenses-that-enhance-sports-performance/ #### Many athletes choose  contact lenses  because of the competitive advantage they can provide. More than half of American adults have vision problems such as  nearsightedness ,  farsightedness ,  and astigmatism  and need corrective lenses. Eyeglasses should be your first choice of vision correction but even if you've worn contact lenses in the past and found they weren't that comfortable after a long day, you could try them part-time for sports and recreation. ### Advantages of Contact Lenses for Sports Compared with eyeglasses, contact lenses offer a number of advantages to enhance your vision for sports competition: • Better peripheral vision.  Though  sports eyeglasses  can be made with large, wraparound-style lenses, most prescription eyeglasses have small, relatively flat lenses and small frames. This significantly limits  peripheral vision  essential for many sports. • Unobstructed field of view.  Contact lenses also provide a wide, unobstructed field of view, because no  eyeglass frames  block or distort what you see. You can view more of your surroundings and react faster to objects coming at you and to other players around you. You also can more easily see and react to ground balls or other objects at your feet. • Less likelihood of fogging up or getting splattered.  Unlike eyeglasses, contacts usually remain clear regardless of environment or weather conditions such as rain. • Less chance of injury.  Eyeglasses may break and cause an  eye injury  if you take a hard hit, but contact lenses won't. • More stable vision.  When you wear eyeglasses, you can feel frames move slightly on your face with each stride. And you can have vision disturbances with eyeglasses when you run. With contact lenses, you also don't need to worry about eyeglasses sliding down your nose or falling off. • Better compatibility with safety equipment.  For sports that require headgear or  protective goggles , contact lenses don't interfere with the fit or comfort of these safety devices. An added advantage of daily  disposable contact lenses  is that you don't have to worry about daily lens care and storage. Wear the lenses for your game or for a day of fun, and then simply throw them away. --- ## Protect Your Most Cherished Sense URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/protect-your-most-cherished-sense/ For most of us, the eyes are the most cherished of our senses. Yet we potentially expose them to danger simply by going outside. Over time, the sun’s rays can seriously damage the eyes and surrounding skin, sometimes leading to vision loss and conditions from cataracts and macular degeneration to eye and eyelid cancers. However, simple daily protective strategies will help keep our eyes and the sensitive skin around them healthy.  Ultraviolet A and Ultraviolet B light:  Ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB), powerful, invisible rays with wavelengths shorter than visible light, are the most dangerous parts of sunlight. They can cause cataracts, eyelid cancers and other skin cancers   and are believed to play a part in macular degeneration, a major cause of vision loss for people over age 60. In addition, UV rays can prematurely wrinkle and age the skin around the eyes. High-Energy Visible Light (HEV light)/Blue Light:  HEV light – high-energy visible light in the violet/blue spectrum is a potential contributor to cataracts and other serious eye maladies. Blue light can damage the retina over time, leading to macular degeneration. The retina is the membrane where images are formed and transmitted to the brain. The macula, the region of sharpest vision located near the center of the retina, is the most likely area to be damaged. How sunlight damages our eyes Although designed to protect the eye, the eyelid’s skin is thin and contains many fragile tissues vulnerable to UV light. Inside the eye, the lens and cornea, both transparent, filter UV rays, but years of UV absorption can damage them. The lens, the eye’s focusing mechanism, can turn yellowish which are called cataracts. The cornea, the area in front at the outer layer of the eye, admits light and images to the retina. UV damage can cause many different cancers plus cataracts or macular degeneration.  Best Defense Lenses that absorb/block UV offer strong defense against eye and eyelid damage. It’s best to wear sunglasses year-round in the sun.  UVA light can damage the eyes and the skin around them throughout the year. Even on overcast days, UV can penetrate through clouds and haze. For proper protection, sunglasses should offer the following: • The ability to absorb and block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB light. Ideally, they should also guard against HEV light. • Sufficient size to shield the eyes, eyelids, and surrounding areas. The more skin covered, the better. Wraparound styles with a comfortable, close fit and UV-protective side shields are ideal. • Durability and impact resistance. • Polarized lenses to eliminate glare, especially when driving, but also out in the snow or on the water, where reflection greatly magnifies glare. Continuing glare can cause fatigue, headaches, and even migraines. --- ## Choosing Sunglasses for Children URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/choosing-sunglasses-for-children/ Children usually get more sun exposure than adults because many of their activities are outdoors including recess, sports and playtime. This increased exposure to sunlight also increases children’s exposure to damaging ultraviolet (UV) light – an invisible, radiation emitted by the sun. Children’s eyes cannot filter UV light and prevent it from reaching their retinas as effectively as adults because the lenses in their eyes are not developed well enough yet to filter out a lot of those damaging rays. As a result, children are exposed to more UV light and susceptible to retinal damage if they are not adequately protected Two of the most important features parents should look for when purchasing sunglasses for their children are comfort and a style because if the child doesn’t like them, they won’t wear them. Here are additional things to consider when buying sunglasses: Top Priorities • UVA and UVB protection, often designated by a sticker or label • Shop at a credible source; do not purchase from street vendors or online auction sites • Make sure they are comfortable to wear for long periods Other Considerations • Price does not necessarily indicate quality. For children who are more apt to lose their sunglasses, consider purchasing multiple inexpensive pairs to replace lost ones • Gray lenses absorb all colors equally and may be a good option for younger children who are still learning how to associate natural colors • UV-protective goggles can protect eyes from direct and reflected UV rays What Not To Do • Hats should never be used in place of sunglasses; especially baseball caps which don’t offer peripheral protection • Dressing up sunglasses can be fun but limit decorations; don’t let children draw on glasses or place stickers on the lenses. This can scratch the UV protective layer • Toy or costume sunglasses are not a supplement to the real thing; they do not have UV protection and can easily shatter or warp, causing more harm to the eye --- ## Protective and Sports Sunwear URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/protective-and-sports-sunwear/ If you play sports, you should keep two things in mind related to your vision: protection and vision performance. Sports lenses protect the wearer’s eyes. Sports such as tennis, baseball, softball and racquetball may have ball speeds of 90 mph or more. In baseball alone, there are over 500,000 injuries per year! Most eye injuries occur in basketball where an elbow or a finger jabbed into the eye can cause corneal abrasions, fractured bones, retinal detachments or even blindness. Polycarbonate lenses are more resistant to impact than glass or plastic and offer protection for 90% of eye injuries. Protective eyewear fits well, features a padded bridge, has prescription or non-prescription lenses, and has a deep-grooved eye wire to prevent the lenses from falling out. Insist on quality when buying sports eye protection – it is worth it. Specialized lenses can also optimize your vision. Depending on your sport, certain lenses are more appropriate than others. Dark, UV protection lenses are great for baseball and other outdoor sports. Golfers can benefit from gray-brown colored lenses which make it easier to outline the course. Even if you do not normally wear glasses, non-prescription sports lenses can benefit your performance. Some people think that lenses prevent the wearer from seeing the action but many sports lenses have anti-fog, glare reduction, and scratch resistant properties. Some are also designed to maximize peripheral vision. Sunwear To reduce exposure to UV rays and their effects, it is recommended that you invest in a set of sunglasses which can provide at least 98% protection from UVA and UVB rays. While cheaper sunglasses can range from poor to excellent UV protection, sunwear lines found in private eye care offices provide the best protection from the sun and you have the assurance, expertise, and backing of the staff making recommendations. Polarized lenses block light reflected from surfaces such as a flat road or smooth water. If you are involved in activities such as water sports, skiing, biking, fishing, and even driving, polarized lenses can be very helpful in reducing glare and giving a clearer view. In one third of all traffic accidents, glare is listed as a contributing factor. Finally, if you have a youngster in the family, it is never too early to fit them with sunglasses. Children under the age of 20 are the most susceptible to the damaging effects of UV light. UV damage is cumulative and exposure at a young age will lead to issue later in life. --- ## Good Vision for School Students URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/good-vision-for-school-students/ Good Vision….Important for a Successful School Year for Students Parents everywhere are racing to get the entire back to school checklist completed; school supplies, new clothes, bigger shoes and physical exams at the Pediatrician.  Eye exams need to be worked in right at the top of that list.  Good vision is a fundamental necessity to being able to learn in school. Too often parents rely on a screening that was done as part of a well-child check or in a school setting.  In fact, this screening is not a substitute for a full comprehensive eye exam.  While screenings can be very good at detecting nearsightedness or myopia (inability for a child to see clearly in the distance) they can miss farsightedness or hyperopia (inability to focus at near), astigmatism, lazy eye, and other eye teaming and ocular health related issues.  Many eye and vision problems have no obvious signs or symptoms making it critical to have a full evaluation and not just rely on your students perception of whether they are seeing well or not.   A full eye exam includes many components to uncover any vision or eye health related issues.  A thorough case history and many preliminary tests are needed including depth perception, color vision, eye muscle movements, peripheral or side vision, and pupil testing.  A refraction is done to check for any refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism) as well as eye focusing and eye teaming.  Once the vision is completely evaluated, eye health is evaluated with or without pupil dilating drops. If a diagnosis is made optometrists are well educated in discussing all of the available options to help your child succeed.  There are many self-esteem, self-awareness, academic competence, and athletic performance concerns that kids and parents have when deciding what is best for an individual child.  Proper communication and team decision between patient, parent and eye doctor are critical. --- ## First Aid Tips for Eye Injuries URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/first-aid-tips-for-eye-injuries/ Even a minor eye injury can cause serious, lifelong eye damage. Bleeding in the eye caused by an eye injury may lead to glaucoma later in life. Eye injuries can cause loss of vision or complete loss of an eye. Eye injuries can happen at any time anywhere. Children in school, athletes at play, and do it yourselfers at home are all at risk for vision-threatening eye injuries. ## If you get a speck in your eye: • DO NOT RUB your eye • DO NOT use tweezers or other sharp implements to remove it • Flush the eye with large amounts of clean water • See your eye doctor to make sure there are no debris left or secondary injuries ## Cuts, punctures, or foreign objects in the eye: • DO NOT WASH out the eye • DO NOT TRY TO REMOVE a foreign object stuck in the eye • Seek immediate medical attention • Try to avoid rubbing the eye ## Blows to the Eye: • Seek immediate medical attention ## Chemical Burns • Immediately flush the eye with cool, clean water • Open the eyelids as wide as possible • Continue flushing for at least 15 minutes • Seek immediate medical attention from your eye doctor Eye injuries are serious threats to your vision and eye health. Seek help from your eye doctor for all eye injuries and emergencies. Vision is your most precious gift. --- ## Are Contact Lenses a Good Choice for Kids? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/are-contact-lenses-a-good-choice-for-kids/ A common question many parents have is: "When is my child old enough to wear contact lenses?"  Contact lenses can offer several benefits over other forms of vision correction for kids but how do you know the timing is right? Physically, your child's eyes can tolerate contact lenses at a very young age. In fact, some babies are fitted with contact lenses due to eye conditions present at birth. In a recent study that involved fitting nearsighted children ages 8-11 with one-day disposable contact lenses, 90% had no trouble applying or removing the contacts without assistance from their parents. A Matter of Maturity The important question to ask yourself is whether your child is mature enough to insert, remove, and take care of their contact lenses. How they handle other responsibilities at home will give you a clue. If your child has poor grooming habits and needs frequent reminders to perform everyday chores, they may not be ready for the responsibility of wearing and caring for contact lenses. But if they are conscientious and handle these things well, they may be excellent candidates for contact lens wear, regardless of their age. Contact Lenses for Sports Many kids are active in sports. Contact lenses offer several advantages over glasses for these activities. Contacts don't fog up, get streaked with perspiration, or get knocked off like glasses can. They also provide better peripheral vision than glasses, which is important for nearly every sport. There are even contact lenses with special tints to help your child see the ball easier. Glasses Are Still Required If your child chooses to wear contact lenses, they still need an up-to-date pair of eyeglasses. Contact lenses worn on a daily basis should be removed at least an hour before bedtime to allow the eyes to breathe. Also, there will be times when your child may want to wear their glasses instead of contact lenses. Contact lenses should always be removed immediately anytime they cause discomfort or eye redness. Don't Push Contacts on Your Kids Motivation is often the most important factor in determining whether your son or daughter will be a successful contact lens wearer. If you wear contact lenses yourself and love them, that still doesn't mean they are the right choice for your child. Some children like wearing glasses and have no desire to wear contact lenses. Sometimes it's just a matter of timing. Often, a child may feel they don't want contacts, but a year or two later, they change their mind. --- ## Flex Your Dollars URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/flex-your-dollars/ ### FLEX YOUR DOLLARS, LOVE YOUR EYES: 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS “Tis the season to be jolly” and tax-savvy as well.  As the year end approaches, it’s time to remember your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and put it to good use. What better way to use your FSA than protecting your precious vision. Did you know that Flexible Spending Account covered items include Rx sunglasses, eye exams, and even colored contact lenses? So find our about your FSA—and then snag those stylish eyeglasses you’ve been wanting (or even turn your brown eyes blue.) WHAT is a Flexible Spending Account? Established by the US government, a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a tax-free financial account that can be set up through your employer to help pay for out-of-pocket medical and health-related expenses. You can set aside up to $2,600 annually in your FSA, which is deducted incrementally from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis. Typically, FSAs do not roll over into the next calendar year, so it’s “use it or lose it” with these funds.  Dependent Care FSA limit is $5,000 for single, head of household or married filing jointly. WHY have FSAs become popular? The money set aside in your FSA is not subject to payroll taxes, and can potentially help you lower your taxable income by up to $5,000. So every expense you make with it turns into a sweet tax deduction. In short, an FSA can help lower your tax burden and increase your take-home pay while you set aside money for health-related expenses. WHO gets to use one? To use an FSA, you must be an employee of a company that offers it as part of their benefits package. If you are unsure whether or not you’re eligible for an FSA, you can check with your employer or benefits administrator. WHAT can I buy with my Flexible Spending dollars? When it comes to vision-related expenses, almost every purchase is eligible. You can use your flex dollars for eye exams, copays, prescription eyeglasses, prescription sunglasses, reading glasses, contact lenses, and everyday purchases such as contact lens solution and cleaners. Even your favorite designer-brand frames are covered, as long as you have an Rx from your eye doctor. WHEN do I need to spend my flex dollars before I lose them? Since FSAs do not roll over into the next calendar year, many people need to use their funds by December 31. However, the IRS allows employers to offer an optional grace period that lets you use your FSA funds for up to two and a half months after the end of the plan year—typically March 15. Check with your employer or benefits-plan administrator to find the exact date for you. WHERE can I spend my FSA dollars for eye health? Drop in today to get expert help from our office.  Your eye care team is well-versed in the ins and outs of FSAs, and can advise you on how to best spend those beautiful tax-free dollars of yours—on your beautiful eyes! --- ## LASIK surgery: Is it right for you? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/lasik-surgery-is-it-right-for-you/ LASIK eye surgery may mean freedom from dependence on corrective lenses - but it's not right for everybody. Learn whether you're a good candidate and what to consider as you weigh your decision. LASIK is a type of refractive eye surgery that uses an advanced laser system to reshape the cornea and bend light into the proper place for good vison.  There are several variations of laser refractive surgery. LASIK is the best known and most commonly performed. Most people who have laser-assisted eye surgery achieve 20/25 vision or better, which works well for most activities. But most people still eventually need glasses for driving at night or reading as they get older. LASIK surgery has a good track record. Complications that result in a loss of vision are rare and most people are satisfied with the results. Certain side effects, particularly dry eyes and temporary visual disturbances, are fairly common. But these usually clear up after a few weeks and very few people consider them to be a long-term problem. Your results depend on your prescription and other factors. People with mild nearsightedness tend to have the most success with refractive surgery. People with a high degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness along with astigmatism have less predictable results. Images are normally focused on the retina in the back of your eye. With nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism, they end up being focused elsewhere, resulting in blurred vision. Traditionally, blurry vision is corrected by bending (refracting) light rays with glasses or contact lenses. But reshaping the cornea (the dome-shaped transparent tissue at the front of your eye) itself will also provide the necessary refraction and vision correction. Your eye doctor is a great place to start to see if LASIK is right for you.  Call today to schedule your LASIK consultation or ask us during your next regular visit. --- ## 7 Visionary New Year’s Resolutions URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/7-visionary-new-years-resolutions/ Happy New Year! As we ring in a fresh, new year, it’s human nature to consider ways to improve our life experience. These can range from the simple ( Drink more water ) to the complex ( Raise funds for a passion project ) to the philosophical ( Bark less, wag more ). Better health is often on the agenda; eyesight is a critical component of that. As eye care professionals, we offer six simple, effective ways to ensure your eye health in 2018:   • 1.     Know Your Family’s Eye Health History Knowledge is power! Many eye diseases and conditions including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy have a genetic component and tend to run in families. Familiarize yourself with your family’s eye health history and share it with your eye doctor so you can catch any potential signs of disease early, when treatments are most effective. • 2.     Follow Proper Contact Lens Protocol Remember the first time you tried contact lenses? It felt like a miracle to see so well, didn’t it? Contacts are certainly a convenient vision correction solution. But, if you don’t take care of them, they can cause serious problems. Follow your eye doctor’s instructions for proper care and wearing of your specific lenses. Don’t skimp on cleaning or storing lenses, and don’t wear them for longer than recommended. Failing to follow directions puts you at risk for infections, abrasions, and even permanent vision loss. Resolve to be contact-lens-compliant in 2018. • 3.     Eat Healthfully for Healthy Vision Here’s a resolution that might dovetail with other healthy habits: eating right can help keep you seeing right. Getting the proper balance of nutrients; vitamins A, C and D; Omega-3 fatty acids; bioflavonoids and antioxidants plays a part in healthy vision. Studies show that a healthy diet can reduce the risk for age-related vision problems including macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma. Aim to incorporate more of these in your diet in 2018: • Red or orange peppers, sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, spinach, kale and other green, leafy vegetables (for beta-carotene and Vitamin C) • Tea, citrus fruits, cherries, berries and legumes (for bioflavonoids) • Tuna, mackerel, salmon, anchovies and walnuts (Omega-3 fatty acids) • Liver, beef, oysters and fortified dairy products (Vitamins A and D, zinc) • 4.     Utilize Safety Eyewear Each day, emergency rooms across our country see about 2,000 eye injuries, according to Prevent Blindness America. That adds up to over 700,000 per year! There are also around 125,000 eye injuries that happen in and around the home, plus and 25,000 sports-related eye injuries each year—nearly half of which are to children under age 14. And while 10-20% of all of these injuries will cause temporary or permanent vision loss, a full 90% of them could be prevented by wearing the proper eye protection. You can keep your vision and that of your family and kids safe by wearing the right eye protection at work, at home, and while playing sports. Tell your eye care professionals about your lifestyle and we will recommend the ideal protection for your needs. • 5.     Wear Sunglasses 365 Days a Year Just because it’s wintertime doesn’t mean the sun’s UV rays can’t harm your eyes. In fact, glare from the sun can be particularly harsh in winter, and UV rays reflecting off surfaces including snow, pavement, metal and water can damage your eyes year-round. UV exposure is associated with an increased risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Proper sunglasses will block at least 99% of both UVA and UVB rays. Our optical associates can help you select a great pair of sunglasses that will protect your eyes as they project your style. Find a pair you love and wear them every day to protect your eyesight! • 6.     Follow the 20/20/20 Rule With screen time on tablets, phones, laptops and desktops at record high levels, many of us are hunching our shoulders and straining our eyes to catch up on the latest news and posts. This increased screen time can lead to Computer Eye Syndrome, characterized by tired eyes, blurry vision, difficulty focusing, dry eyes, headaches and shoulder or neck pain. To relieve the effects of Computer Eye Syndrome, follow the 20/20/20 rule. Every 20 minutes or so, give your eyes a break by looking at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. It’s a quick and easy way to relieve some of the strain screen time puts on our eyes. • 7.     Schedule A Comprehensive Eye Exam Protect your precious gift of sight, and do the same for each member of your family. By scheduling a comprehensive eye exam, you can determine whether your vision is at its best, update prescription eyewear or contact lenses, determine the best safety glasses for your lifestyle, and be screened for many potential eye issues or diseases that could dramatically impact your vision. We’ll “see to it” that you get the best possible treatment to preserve your eyesight in this new year―and always! --- ## February: Low Vision Awareness Month URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/february-low-vision-awareness-month/ The National Eye Institute has designated February as Low Vision Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about visual impairment and rehabilitation for those living with the condition. An estimated 3 million Americans age 40 and older are living with low vision, which can greatly impact their functionality, productivity and general enjoyment of life. What is Low Vision? Low vision is defined as having 20/70 vision or poorer in the “better eye” with maximum correction. The diagnosis often means that a person must live with blurred vision, tunnel vision or blind spots. Following are the definitions of visual acuity, according to the World Health Organization. These ratings are for vision in the better eye with the best possible prescription corrective lens: 20/30 to 20/60: Mild vision loss, but near-normal vision 20/70 to 20/160: Moderate low vision 20/200 to 20/400: Severe low vision 20/500 to 20/1,000: Profound visual impairment Less than 20/1,000: Near-total blindness No light perception whatsoever: Total blindness In the U.S., people with vision that can’t be corrected past 20/200 in their better eye or who have less than 20% of their visual field remaining are considered legally blind. How is Low Vision Treated? It’s a fact: Our vision changes as we age. While it is diagnosed in all ages of people, the primary patient population with low vision is in older adults. The condition can make simple and enjoyable tasks like reading, cooking, crossword puzzles or any up-close work nearly impossible. But there are helpful aids to assist those suffering from low vision to make the most of the vision they still have and enjoy their lives to the fullest. Magnification is the key to enhancing vision for people with low vision. Low vision devices and aids include magnifying and telescopic lenses for those who love to read, night-vision scopes, and other adaptive devices that can help maximize the remaining vision a patient has. Voice commands and computer magnification settings can help with low vision computer use. Depending on the cause of low vision, there may be medications or surgical alternatives that can help slow the disease’s progression and provide as much vision for as long as possible. For those with retinitis pigmentosa and other retinal-based conditions, retinal implants may be able to restore vision. With ongoing studies and clinical trials, treatment innovation and breakthroughs are on the horizon, offering hope to many who live with these devastating diagnoses. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with low vision or a disease that causes it, make an appointment with your optometrist to discuss the best course of rehabilitative treatment and what aids can help you continue to live independently and productively with your specific diagnosis. What Causes Low Vision? The main causes of low vision include a variety of eye diseases: • Age-related macular degeneration • Glaucoma • Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) • Diabetic retinopathy • Amblyopia • Traumatic brain injury • Cataracts unable to be surgically corrected In our next blog post, we will provide in-depth information about these diseases and conditions, which are the primary causes of low vision. --- ## Optic Neuropathy: Do You Know the Signs? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/optic-neuropathy-know-signs/ Brain Awareness Week is March 12-18, 2018, a time when the National Eye Institute focuses on brain neuropathy and how it impacts vision—because without the complex function of our brains working in conjunction with our eyes, we couldn’t see. The optic nerve is the pathway that relays all visual information from the retina to your brain, including brightness, color and contrast so that we can make sense of our world visually. When something goes wrong with the optic nerve, our vision is impacted. The term “optic neuropathy” is what we call damage to the optic nerve that affects our visual system. Nerve cells are very delicate and can be injured in a lot of different ways. Unfortunately, nerve cells don’t typically regenerate once they are significantly damaged, which means vision loss from optic neuropathy could be permanent. Optic neuropathy has various causes, each with different symptoms. For example, sometimes visual loss is very gradual, other times a patient wakes up one day and suddenly can’t see. Sometimes it impacts color vision, where colors start to seem less bright or washed out. Sometimes it presents inconsistently, with vision problems coming and going. Sometimes it affects just one eye, or sometimes both. If you experience a change in vision, your eye doctor will ask you a series of questions to help to pinpoint the cause during your comprehensive eye exam. The three most common causes of optic neuropathy, or damage to the optic nerve that causes visual impairment, are: 1. Insufficient blood flow to the optic nerve : a condition called ischemia. When blood flow to the nerve is interrupted, the nerve doesn’t get enough oxygen or nutrients, and permanent damage is the result. This typically occurs in people older than age 50. 2. Inflammation of the optic nerve: Associated with various diseases, most notably multiple sclerosis. It typically impacts people younger than age 50. 3. Glaucoma: A group of diseases associated with an increase in eye fluid pressure that damages the optic nerve and results in vision loss. It typically occurs in people older than age 40. See our January 2018 blog post for in-depth information about glaucoma. In all of these cases, early detection is key: Immediate treatment may help prevent further vision loss. There are also genetic or congenital causes for optic neuropathy, which are rare but still a factor for some patients: • Head trauma or brain injury from sudden impact or an accident can permanently damage the optic nerve. This includes car or truck accidents, blunt force trauma, gunshot wounds and surgical outcomes. • Toxicity from ingesting specific chemicals including methanol, also known as wood alcohol and sometimes mistaken for ethyl alcohol due to similar smells; Ethylene glycol, a component in antifreeze; ethambutol, a drug used to treat tuberculosis; amiodarone, a drug used to treat abnormal heartbeat; and tobacco exposure, specifically long-term exposure to pipe or cigar smoke. • Infection or invasion by bacteria, fungus or virus (this is very rare). • Aneurysms which cause blood vessels in the brain or eye to swell and protrude outward, pressing on the optic nerve and resulting in damage. • Tumors pressing on and damaging the optic nerve include a variety of cancerous tumors of the head, face and eye, in addition to benign cysts. When these growths press on the optic nerve, it causes inflammation and vision loss that usually progresses as the tumor grows, rather than sudden onset. • Inflammatory disorders , most commonly sarcoidosis, which cause abnormal masses of inflammatory cells known as granulomas. This typically begins in the lungs, skin or lymph nodes but can progress to the eyes, heart, liver or brain. • Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy , a genetic condition passed to children from their mother’s mitochondria. It predominantly affects young men with acute onset of vision loss in one eye, followed within about 8 weeks by the other eye. • Nutritional optic neuropathy is rare, but severely undernourished patients may experience vision loss. The condition occurred in prisoners during World War II who went without food for several months. However, vision loss associated with vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anemia can occur even in well-nourished individuals who can’t absorb enough B12 to support healthy vision. • Behr’s Syndrome and Berk-Tabatznik Syndrome , both extremely rare. In summary, if you experience vision loss, eye pain or if you notice that colors seem washed out, you may be suffering from optic neuropathy. If your vision goes dark for a few moments and then returns, you may be experiencing the earliest stages of optic neuropathy. Always call your optometrist immediately if you notice a sudden change in your vision, as early diagnosis can sometimes mean the difference between temporary and permanent vision loss. --- ## Do Your Glasses Work and Play as Hard as You Do? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/glasses-work-play-hard/ If you’re like most Americans, you or your kids may be involved in multiple sports and have specific safety gear and helmets that you use when skiing, playing football or riding your bicycle. Similarly, you likely have specific footwear for those same activities. Given how important your vision is, it also makes sense to have a specific pair of glasses to enhance the activities you enjoy, especially since improved vision during those activities can enhance your performance. Eyewear can be customized for specific tasks, from working on a computer to playing sports including tennis, football and basketball, to working in a setting such as a construction site or warehouse. The importance of the highest quality eyewear in each of these settings cannot be underestimated. Here are a few examples of how your eye doctor can help customize glasses for the specific tasks during which you need the highest possible visual acuity. Don’t see your activity listed below? Please ask us about your individualized eyewear needs during your annual comprehensive eye exam! 1. Computer glasses. Sure, you have a pair of glasses for driving or reading, but what about the eight hours per day you’re sitting at your desk staring at a computer 24 inches in front of you? The glasses you use for driving might not be optimal for addressing the exact focal point necessary for computer work, especially if you spend your entire workday at a computer. Typically, patients say, “I’m having trouble working at the computer—I can’t see the text without enlarging it to 200% and sometimes it gives me a headache.” If you have a similar complaint, we can help. If you’re struggling to focus on your computer screen each day, a customized pair of glasses that optimizes your vision in the exact range where your computer screen sits can help. When you strain to read text over such a long period of time, it can cause headaches and decreased work performance. With a pair of prescription glasses that help you focus exactly two feet in front of you, or a pair of multifocals that enable you to see both the computer screen and close-up text, you have a specific tool to improve your computer vision and help your eyes make it through the workday refreshed and seeing your best. Ask about various lens coatings that can help at the computer, such as those that block the blue light spectrum to further relieve tired eyes. 2. Prescription sunglasses. If you enjoy being outside—and who doesn’t?—consider getting a pair of prescription sunglasses so that you can protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays while seeing optimally. Whether you’re watching your child’s soccer game or attending an outdoor barbecue with friends, protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays while seeing your best is the goal every single day. Contrary to popular belief, the sun’s harmful UV rays represent a danger to your eyes 365 days a year whether it’s sunny or not—not only during the bright days of summer. If you like to read and need help with close vision, we can make you a pair of multifocal prescription sunglasses so you can look up to watch your kids jumping waves and then focus up close to read Real Simple magazine. Because that’s what prescription sunglasses do: make it “really simple” to maximize your enjoyment outside while protecting your eyes from the sun, no matter what month it is. 3. Sports glasses and goggles. Playing sports and seeing your best go hand-in-hand. You and your children may perform better when using prescription glasses or goggles especially made for your sport. Did you know that there are specific low-profile glasses made intentionally to fit under helmets for activities including football, skiing and biking? Your regular “street glasses” likely won’t fit well beneath a helmet, causing the glasses to press against your head or rub the top of your ears uncomfortably, distracting you. But when you get a special pair of prescription or sport goggles, you’ll be able to see your best and play your best without that irritating distraction. 4. Prescription safety glasses or goggles. Those who work in industries including construction, manufacturing, carpentry, auto repair, welding, plumbing or maintenance are at higher risk for sustaining one of the reported 2,000 work-related eye injuries in the United States each day. In addition, if you enjoy a hobby such as woodworking or metalcraft, or use a leaf blower or lawnmower, we recommend that you wear protective eyewear during those activities. Seeing your best through prescription safety glasses or goggles will help you perform your job better while providing you with the safety of eye protection that won’t break or shatter when a flying projectile hits it. Safety eyewear is more impact-resistant than everyday eyewear, providing a much-needed layer of safety between the world and your precious gift of sight. Did you know that 90% of work-related eye injuries could be prevented if the employee is wearing the right eye protection for the specific job he or she is doing? Be sure you have the right safety eyewear for your job or hobby, and wear it faithfully to protect your vision. --- ## Retinal Detachment: Are You at Risk? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/retinal-detachment-are-you-at-risk/ We explored the critical role the retina plays in maintaining healthy vision in our previous blog post and offered lifestyle adjustments that promote retinal health for you and your family. Here’s a brief recap: eat lots of orange veggies (carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots, peaches) in addition to those leafy greens (kale, broccoli, spinach), protect your eyes from UV rays every day, and exercise regularly. While these changes can support overall retinal health, there are still serious potential problems that can impact the retina and therefore your vision. Retinal detachment is one of them. What is a Retinal Detachment? The retina is a delicate layer of tissue in the back of the eye that communicates with the optic nerve to provide visual signals to the brain. When the retina becomes detached from the wall of the eye, it is separated from its normal position and can suffer from a loss of blood flow leading to tissue death. This condition can severely and permanently impact vision if it isn’t detected and repaired—fast! To better understand the condition, picture retinal detachment as similar to wallpaper coming unglued and peeling from a wall. It can start out with just a small piece detaching, which might cause some small pieces of wallpaper to flutter to the floor. In the eye, when the retina becomes detached, a person might notice the sudden onset of more “floaters” in their field of vision. If the retinal detachment worsens or is more severe to begin with, a person may see flashing lights, dark shadows or experience a “curtain effect” of the eye where the central vision is darkened. This is because the retina is detached from its normal position and isn’t able to process and receive light correctly to send visual signals to the brain. Symptoms of a Retinal Detachment –      Noticeable increase in the number of “floaters” –      Flashing lights –      Shadow or curtain effect on vision The severity of the symptoms often parallels the severity of the retinal detachment. These symptoms are critical warning signs and should be heeded: If you experience a sudden change to your vision, a noticeable increase in floaters, flashing lights or a sharp darkening of your vision, call your optometrist immediately to have the condition diagnosed. Time is critical when it comes to preserving vision during a retinal detachment, because the condition can lead to retinal tissue death and irreversible blindness. Risk factors for  Retinal Detachment • Lattice degeneration: a thinning of peripheral retina tissue • Extreme near-sightedness, in which the eye is often elongated and more prone to retinal detachment • Aging: retinal detachments are more common after age 40 • Family history of retinal tears or retinal detachment • Previous retinal detachment • Eye surgeries, including cataract surgery • Trauma Treatment for Retinal Detachment Retinal detachment is a  medical emergency  that warrants immediate action for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment involves re-attaching the retina to the back wall of the eye so that it can regain its normal position and blood supply. If there is a hole or tear involved, that must be repaired. Because there are several causes of retinal detachments, there are multiple ways to treat them, both surgically and with lasers, depending on the severity and cause of the condition. A retinal specialist will determine which approach is ideal for each case. The good news is that retinal detachment repair is successful in approximately 9 out of 10 patients. Whether the patient will recover the same clarity of vision that he or she enjoyed prior to the retinal detachment depends on each individual’s health and other risk factors. Generally speaking, most patients regain vision similar to what they enjoyed pre-surgically, though there is always a possibility for some degree of permanent loss of vision. If left untreated, retinal detachment will almost always result in permanent blindness. If you experience significant changes to your vision or see flashing or increased floaters and suspect a retinal detachment, call our office immediately so we can guide you about where to receive the best possible care as fast as it can possibly be given. --- ## 4 Ways to Safeguard Your Retinal Health URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/4-ways-to-safeguard-your-retinal-health/ ### 4 Ways to Safeguard Your Retinal Health The eye is second only to the human brain in complexity, performing its work with precision nearly continuously during all of our waking hours. In fact, your eyes are more efficient than the fastest camera. Try this: glance quickly around the room, focusing on a variety of different objects at varying distances as fast as you can. Think a camera can do that? It can’t: it would take up to a second for the camera to focus on each object. Pretty cool, right? Comparing the eye to a camera can help us understand how it functions. In this comparison, the cornea acts as a lens, responsible for focus and taking the light entering the eye and bending it through the pupil. The pupil and iris work together like a camera’s aperture, opening wider in low light to let in more light, and constricting under bright conditions to let in less light. Once light enters the eye, the lens helps focus it toward the back of the eye onto the retina, which can be compared to the film of a camera. The retina is a thin tissue layer lining the back of each eye and is positioned quite close to the optic nerve. Just like film, the retina gathers the light focused onto it by the lens and converts it into signals that produce a picture. In the case of the retina, this is accomplished by converting light into neural signals that the brain translates into visual images. The central 10% of the retina is called the macula; it controls our sharp, central vision that enables us to perform up-close work such as reading. The sides of the retina control our peripheral vision. If the retina is damaged by injury or disease, vision will suffer significantly. Because of their importance to good vision, maintaining healthy retinas is critical in our ability to see. So, what can we do to be sure we’re giving our retinas what they need to stay healthy so that we continue to enjoy good vision? Here are 4 ways to support retinal health: 1. Eat a healthy diet full of Vitamin A and antioxidants. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps reduce free radical damage and is critical to eye health in addition to bone growth and a strong immune system.  Vitamin A helps enable your eyes to see the full light spectrum and to produce specific pigments that enable the retina to process colors properly. Without enough Vitamin A, the eye can’t produce such pigments and it could lead to a condition called night blindness. Vitamin A also nourishes the cornea and helps the eye produce enough moisture to lubricate itself properly. How do you get Vitamin A? Foods containing beta-carotene, the compound which makes carrots orange, contain the building blocks our bodies use to make Vitamin A. Other foods high in beta-carotene or Vitamin A include sweet potatoes, butternut squash, beef liver, spinach, kale, broccoli, apricots, peaches, tomatoes, butter and eggs. Vitamin A deficiency is uncommon in the U.S., but in developing countries across Africa and Southeast Asia, it is the leading preventable cause of blindness for up to half a million children each year. 2. Get plenty of exercise. You probably know working out is good for you, but did you know exercise promotes healthy vision? The eyes are closely linked with many diseases including diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Exercising regularly can minimize the risk factors for these diseases and thus keep your eyes healthy, too. Research indicates a specific link between physical inactivity and age-related macular degeneration, a condition in which the center of the retina (the macula) deteriorates and causes what can be compared to a dark hole in the center of your close-up, fine vision. This makes close work such as reading, needlework or even cooking very difficult or impossible. Scientists report that people who exercise at least three times per week had a lower risk of developing AMD than those who led a sedentary lifestyle. All the more reason to get off the couch and head to the gym! 3. Wear high-quality UV protection every day. Damage to the retina means damage to your vision. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage the retina and increase your risk of developing macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. While you probably remember to wear your sunglasses on sunny days, did you know that you should also wear UV eye protection on cloudy days? It’s true: The sun’s UVA and UVB rays reach the surface of the Earth (and therefore, your eyes) 365 days a year, so you need to protect them every day. Choose high-quality sunglasses that block at least 99% of both UVA and UVB radiation to safeguard your retinal health when the sun is shining. On cloudy days, clear lenses can offer UV protection – ask us about UV coatings for your everyday glasses, too. 4. Schedule regular, comprehensive eye exams. Your optometrist will examine your retina closely for possible health concerns when he or she dilates your pupils. With the pupil dilated, an optometrist can more easily see into the back of the eye to thoroughly examine your retina and look for any signs of disease or injury. Schedule an annual comprehensive eye exam for both yourself and your family members to help keep those retinas healthy for a lifetime of good vision! --- ## Floaters URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/floaters/ Seeing Small, Shadowy Spots? You May Have Floaters You’re gazing up at the beautiful blue spring sky, and suddenly, you see them: small shadowy spots, squiggles, or trailing thread-like strands floating through your line of sight. As you try to focus on them, they seem to shift, elusively moving away. When you give up chasing them and refocus on the sky, they quickly reappear, slowly drifting across your field of vision once more. You’ve got floaters. What are floaters? To understand what you’re seeing, let’s review eye anatomy, specifically the vitreous body. This portion of the eye is between the lens at the front of the eye and the retina, which lays against the back wall of the eye. The vitreous is a clear, jelly-like substance that fills about 80 percent of the eye and helps it maintain its rounded shape. When we are born, the vitreous has a gel-like consistency. Starting as early as age 2 but usually around age 9 or 10, the vitreous begins to dissolve and liquefy to create a watery center. While the underlying cause of this liquefaction is unknown, the vitreous continues to dissolve as we age, and, as it does, it slowly shrinks as well. As the vitreous dissolves, small, undissolved pieces of the vitreous may float around in the more liquid center. As light enters your eye through the lens, it crosses through the vitreous before it hits the retina, and those small, undissolved pieces cast little shadows on the retina that are noticeable in your field of vision. You see them as small, shadowy spots, strands, or squiggles. Who gets floaters? Pretty much everyone experiences floaters, but the older you are, the more floaters you’re likely to have, especially if you’re over age 50. Nearsightedness can also increase the likelihood of floaters, at any age. And if you’ve recently suffered any type of eye trauma, you’re probably going to see more floaters than usual. Long-standing health challenges can cause an increase in floaters as well. People with diabetes, especially those who have diabetic retinopathy, are at risk for a high number of floaters. Those who have undergone cataract surgery or who are being treated with certain eye medications that are injected into the eye may also experience more floaters than normal. Are floaters a sign of something serious? Not always, but they can be—so pay attention to them. While some floaters are a normal part of aging, when you notice a new floater and especially when there is a significant increase in the number of floaters, a visit to your optometrist is warranted. While floaters may never disappear completely, eventually we become used to them and notice them less. A sudden increase in the number of floaters is a big concern because it could indicate a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. These serious conditions include retinal tears, vitreous detachment, inflammation at the back of the eye, hemorrhaging, and eye trauma—all of which necessitate an immediate visit to your eye doctor. A sudden increase in floaters might also signify retinal detachment, a serious medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision impairment and possible blindness. In addition to increased floaters, symptoms of retinal detachment may also include peripheral flashes of light, vision that comes and goes with a “curtain effect,” or a loss of peripheral vision. Be smart and always be cautious when it comes to safeguarding your vision: Contact your eye care professional immediately if there is any sudden change in your vision, including new floaters. --- ## Reduce Your Risk of Computer Vision Syndrome URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/reduce-your-risk-of-computer-vision-syndrome/ 8 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Computer Vision Syndrome With just about everything in the world accessible at the touch of a screen, our techy lifestyles keep us constantly connected. But for many of us, all that screen time comes at a price: We suffer from Computer Vision Syndrome, also referred to as “digital eye strain.” What is Computer Vision Syndrome? Like carpal tunnel syndrome but affecting the eyes, Computer Vision Syndrome is a repetitive motion injury. Watching a video, reading a screen of text, or looking up and down between papers on your desk and your screen requires significant effort from your eye muscles. As you engage with your screen, your eyes follow the same path over and over, adjusting again and again. The longer you spend behind the screen, the harder your eyes must work. When your eyes grow fatigued because of this repetitive motion, you may begin to experience symptoms such as eye pain, irritation, redness or dryness. You may also notice blurred or double vision. And you may find your eyes aren’t the only thing affected: headaches, neck pain and back pain are also common symptoms. Who is at risk for Digital Eye Strain? Not everyone who uses screens will experience vision trouble, but it’s more common than you may think. Studies have shown that between 50% and 90% of people who use a computer for work experience symptoms. Those with any history of eye trouble are at higher risk, as are those who need glasses but don’t have them, have glasses but don’t wear them, or are wearing the wrong prescription for computer use. Computer Vision Syndrome isn’t reserved for those who spend eight hours a day behind a screen. Children are susceptible, too. Kids who stare at screens for even a portion of the day may experience Computer Vision Syndrome symptoms, especially if lighting and posture are poor. What should I do if I think I have Computer Vision Syndrome? There's no proof that computer use causes long-term damage to the eyes, but Computer Vision Syndrome symptoms can cause issues with work performance. If extended screen time comes with your job, it’s a good idea to take preventative action or to make adjustments if you’re already experiencing symptoms. Here are seven things you can do to support your eyes while behind a screen: 1. Pay attention to your eyes. If they hurt, feel strained, or your vision is blurry during screen time, try to blink often to moisten them. You may also consider eye drops for dryness. 2. Try the 20/20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen, focus on something around 20 feet away, and keep your gaze there for about 20 seconds. 3. Adjust your lighting to reduce screen glare as much as possible or add a glare filter on your monitor. 4. Don’t hesitate to tweak your screen brightness , contrast, and font size so your eyes are as comfortable as possible. 5. Ask about eyewear designed especially for computer use  to ensure that you are seeing your best when viewing a screen or device. Studies suggest that exposure to blue light from digital devices can be harmful to your eye health and sleep patterns as well. Special blue light filters are available for most lens options today. 6. Watch your posture. You don’t want to have to lean forward, hunch down, or stretch your neck to see your screen. Position your monitor slightly below eye level and about two feet away from your face. 7. Keep papers you’re referencing at eye level by placing them on a stand next to your monitor. 8. Visit your eye doctor regularly to ensure you’re treated for all vision problems, even minor ones. Digital eye strain is more commonly experienced by those who have a history of eye or vision issues. If you believe you are at risk for Computer Vision Syndrome, are experiencing any discomfort, pain, or strain while using your cell phone, tablet, computer or other screen, call your eye doctor and schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms and risk factors for Computer Vision Syndrome. To determine whether you are experiencing digital eye strain, your optometrist will complete a comprehensive eye exam, which may include tests to discern how your eyes respond while working at a computer or other screened device. Your eye doctor will also consider your personal and medical history to determine whether certain elements in your environment, such as poor lighting, improper posture, glare, or certain medications, may be contributing to your symptoms. With the right support from your optometrist, Computer Vision Syndrome can be effectively treated so you can keep seeing your best! --- ## My Cataract Experience Part 1 URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/my-cataract-experience-part-1/ ### Patient Testimonial Part 1: My Cataract Experience June is National Cataract Awareness Month, so it’s the ideal time to learn more about this condition, which is a leading cause of vision impairment in the United States. Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s lens that affects vision, causing blurred vision, glare sensitivity, faded color perception and reduced night vision. The condition may make it seem like you’re looking through a cloudy piece of glass. Cataracts, a common age-related eye disorder, impact more than half of Americans by age 80. Fortunately, the vision deterioration caused by cataracts can be surgically corrected. One of our patients recently underwent cataract surgery. We thought it would be interesting to track her journey from blurry, cataract vision to sharp, corrected vision. The patient has given permission for her story to be written. She’s a 78-year-old woman in good overall health. Here’s what she shared: Patient: I started noticing that I couldn’t see very well, especially at night. I updated my glasses prescription, but I just couldn’t see as well as I used to―it got to be very annoying. My optometrist told me that I had cataracts, and if they continued to grow and impede my vision, I would probably know when it was time to schedule surgery. Optometrist:   We see a lot of patients who have cataracts. I usually first detect them before the patient notices any problems by viewing the eye through a slit lamp, an optometric microscope we use during all patient exams. I can see cataracts when they’re quite small; they develop at different rates in different people. They can affect one or both eyes. Some grow quite quickly, while others take years before they impact a patient’s vision. We track the cataract’s growth over the course of several visits, and when it gets to a point where it’s impacting the patient’s lifestyle, I recommend cataract surgery. Patient: That’s exactly how it happened with me. I was aware I had cataracts for several years before they got bad enough to take action. But I definitely knew when it was time. I couldn’t see very well in dim light, and everything just looked clouded, like my glasses were smeared, but whenever I checked, they were clean. I was misreading words― for example, I would think “car” looked like “cat,” and then realize from context that I had gotten it wrong. When driving, by the time I got close enough to read a street sign, it was too late to turn. Night driving was the worst because each oncoming car looked like it had four headlights. It was hard to concentrate and see the road at night, especially if it was raining. Optometrist: Those are very typical complaints from someone experiencing the effects of cataracts. The most common complaint I hear is, “I’m just not seeing as well as I used to see.” Glare is a big problem, as is decreased vision. In addition, a patient’s color perception is usually not accurate. Patient: As far as colors go, I thought I was seeing colors well, but sometimes I wear a pair of maroon shoes and my daughter says they are red. I just thought she had different color perception than I do. I’ll be anxious to see if colors look brighter to me after surgery. Because if that’s the case, I’ve probably been wearing some REALLY bright colors. I feel like I’m seeing colors well, but maybe I’m not. I’ve got some pants that I think are maroon and when I wore them, somebody complimented my purple pants, which I thought was odd. As far as seeing motion and peripherally, none of it is very clear anymore, but I can still see. Optometrist:  When patients are ready to have their cataracts repaired, we recommend a surgeon, and they’ll schedule a pre-surgical appointment. Patient: My surgeon mailed the forms I needed to fill out in advance, so I didn’t have to do that on the day of the office visit. They needed to know my medications and medical history. At the pre-surgical appointment, I watched a 5-minute video about people who had cataract surgery and could see fairly clearly the very next day when they took the bandage off. They also showed me a diagram of making a slit in the eyeball, breaking up and removing the old lens, and then inserting a new, folded lens into the eye that unfolds when it gets into place. The surgeon’s staff dilated my pupils, tested my vision and took digital pictures of each eye. Optometrist: For cataract surgery, patients have a choice of lens implants: either multifocal lenses or standard lenses. Multifocals enable a patient to see both up-close and at a distance but are often more expensive. With standard lenses, the patient can see at a distance but would likely need glasses for reading and up-close work. Patient: I don’t mind wearing glasses, so I opted for the standard implant. Optometrist: Cataract surgery involves one eye at a time, typically scheduled about two weeks apart. They rarely operate on both eyes at the same time, because the surgeon wants to make sure the first one is successful since everybody heals differently. It’s a preventive measure because on the slight chance there is a problem, if you did both eyes at the same time, you’d have a problem with both eyes, which wouldn’t be good. Patient: Before my cataract surgery, I visited my general practitioner for a pre-operative physical to ensure I was healthy enough to undergo the procedure. Optometrist: Patients also get a prescription eye drop that is critical in preparing the eye for surgery. It’s an antibiotic, to make sure the eye is as healthy as can be, which helps prevent complications. Patient: I started putting eye drops in my right eye a few days before the surgery. And the night before my surgery, I couldn’t eat after midnight, but that wasn’t too surprising. Be sure to read Part 2 of this blog post, where the patient discusses the day of surgery and her outcome. --- ## Cataract Surgery and Recovery Part 2 URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/cataract-surgery-and-recovery-part-2/ ### Patient Testimonial Part 2: Cataract Surgery and Recovery Do you or someone you know suffer from cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens that can negatively impact your vision? By age 80, more than 50% of Americans notice deteriorating vision due to cataracts. When the condition advances to the point of interfering with daily activities such as reading, driving or working, surgery is warranted. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common operations performed in the U.S.; about 90% of patients report improved vision after the procedure. Continuing our observance of National Cataract Awareness month, we’re following the story of a patient of ours who recently had surgery to correct her cataracts. We interviewed her before and after. The patient gave us her permission to write about her experience. She’s a 78-year-old woman in good overall health. Be sure to read our previous blog about her experience leading up to the cataract surgery. Here, she discusses the procedure itself: Patient: The cataract surgery on my right eye was scheduled for 1:50 pm. My husband drove me to the appointment. I was a little nervous because I wondered if I would “see” the surgical instruments coming at my eye. But with the anesthesia, I couldn’t see anything out of that eye. I was sleepy and relaxed, but I could still talk with the surgeon and his team. They were very reassuring and treated me exceptionally well during the entire procedure. I was lying down, covered with a blanket to keep me warm, and I was very relaxed when they wheeled me into the operating room. Optometrist: Cataract surgery has become “routine,” with the entire surgical procedure from start to finish taking only 10 or 15 minutes. It’s a lot to accomplish in a short time. The surgeon makes a small slit in the white part of the eye, inserts a micro-scalpel to break up the lens of the eye, which is where the cataract is, and then vacuums the tissue out. They put gel in the space where the lens was to “reserve” a spot for the implant. At that point, the patient doesn’t have a natural lens in the eye anymore. Next, a tiny, folded lens replacement implant is positioned in the space where the natural lens had been. When it gets into the eye, they unfold it. You can watch a similar surgery on YouTube. The implant unfolds and anchors itself in the eye. The surgeon makes sure it is centered correctly, and then the procedure is complete. Patient: It sounds simple, and to the surgeon, it’s a very routine procedure, but since it was the first time I’d ever had it, I was very nervous. Patient: After surgery, they wheeled me to a recovery area, where my husband met me. I was groggy, but I got into a wheelchair and was taken out to our car. I could’ve walked, but it’s hospital procedure. A pad covered my right eye so I couldn’t see out of it. My husband drove us home, and I didn’t have any trouble walking into the house from the car. Then I took a nice, long nap. Optometrist: A few hours after cataract surgery, patients start post-surgical eye drops, to promote healing. Patient: When I woke up four hours later, my husband took the pad covering my eye off and put some post-surgical eye drops in my eye. I was alarmed because my vision was blurry and I was seeing double out of the right eye, but the surgeon had told me to expect that, so I tried not to worry about it. Then we put an eye patch back over the eye before I went to bed, so I wouldn’t accidentally hit it or rub it in my sleep and dislodge the implant. Optometrist: It’s common to have blurry vision for the first few days after cataract surgery. The eye has undergone a tremendous change and needs time to acclimate to its new normal. Patient: When I woke up the next morning, I was amazed! Not only could I see more clearly than I ever imagined, but everything was bright and shiny. Everything white looked like it had been bleached with Clorox! I had a post-operative appointment so the doctor could see how my eye was healing. They were pleased with how the eye and implant looked, and I was delighted by how clearly I was seeing. During the next several days, my vision kept improving. I got more eyedrops and a detailed schedule for putting them in four times each day. Honestly, that was the worst part of the entire procedure: eye drops at breakfast, lunch, dinner and bedtime―and really, that’s not so bad! Optometrist: The post-surgical eye drops are critical because they help prevent infection and the anti-inflammatory eyedrop helps the eye heal. It’s important for patients to follow their surgeon’s instructions and be sure to get every drop in that eye. Patient: As I said, I was amazed that everything was so bright and clear! The sky is brighter – the trees have definition, I can see the leaves individually instead of just a big green blur. Since I had one “old eye” and one “new eye,” I could really tell a difference between how I was seeing before surgery and how I could see with the new, implanted lens. For example, I have a sofa with a red floral pattern on a white background. When I looked at it with my “old eye,” the sofa looked cream-colored. When I looked at it with my “new eye,” the background was so much whiter―the red flowers really popped off the background. I feel like someone raised a curtain off of my eye or something. It’s a huge difference; you just can’t believe it until you experience it. Optometrist: If a patient has cataracts in both eyes, we remove the corresponding lens from the patient’s prescription eyeglasses so they can function between the two surgeries. Patient: Between the two procedures, I could do pretty much everything I usually do; I had to shut one eye sometimes. We continued with the eye drops four times per day. The day before my second cataract surgery, we started eye drops in my left eye. The second surgery was just as fast and easy as the first, and since I knew what to expect, I was much less anxious. It was almost identical to the first surgery in every aspect. When we got home and changed the bandage and I was seeing double, I wasn’t as worried as I had been with the first eye since I knew it would clear up. And it did! Post-Cataract Surgery Thoughts Patient: Now that I’ve had both eyes done, my vision is like it was 20 years ago. Everything is sharp and crisp. And colors! I can’t get over how bright and beautiful colors are. My daughter was right about my maroon shoes being red. And I’m worried that I must’ve been wearing some really strange color combinations before I had cataract surgery!  Now that I can see colors so much better, I appreciate them like never before. It’s truly a modern miracle that my vision could go from blurry and cloudy to crisp and clear in what amounts to about 20 or 30 minutes of surgical time. I’m very grateful to my optometrist and his staff for helping to find me a great surgeon and for answering all of my questions along the way. --- ## 7 Questions About Sunglasses URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/7-questions-about-sunglasses/ July is UV Safety Month, and while we are huge proponents of applying SPF 30 (or higher) on our skin before going outside in the sun, the primary focus in our office is the importance of protecting your eyes from damaging UV rays. It’s common knowledge that staying too long in the sun without protection on your skin causes a sunburn. But are you also aware that the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun can cause serious damage to your eyes? While the eyes can get sunburned (a condition called photokeratitis), it’s the cumulative UV exposure that often causes problems, including cataracts, macular degeneration or even eyelid cancer or cancer of the skin around the eyes. Both the sun’s UVA and UVB rays can burn your eyes as well as your skin. So how do you protect your eyes from the long-term, irreversible damage that UV rays cause? Sunglasses are a great start, but they have to be high-quality sunglasses that protect your eyes by blocking at least 99% of both the damaging UVA and UVB rays from the sun. The American Optometric Association also recommends that your sunglasses block out 75 to 90% of visible light and says that gray lenses are best for accurate color recognition. While sunglasses amp up your cool factor, they aren’t just a fashion accessory: The sunglass lenses you choose for yourself and your kids are the single most important barrier you have between you and cumulative damage to your eyesight. Your optometrist or optician can recommend the ideal pair of sunglasses that will protect your long-term eye health, frame your face and fit your lifestyle. Here are some frequently asked questions about the sun’s damaging UV rays and protecting your eye health. 1. Do darker lenses offer an increased level of UV protection? No, they don’t. But unfortunately, about 42% of Americans believe that they do. In reality, dark lenses that lack full-spectrum UV protection can be more harmful than wearing no sunglasses at all. Why? Because dark lenses cause the pupils to dilate and take in more light—increasing the retina’s exposure to damaging, unfiltered UV rays when the same dark sunglass lenses don’t offer protection from UV rays. 2. But for kids, those cheap glasses at the discount store are fine, right? Absolutely not. The reason: children and teens are outside in the sun much more than adults, to the point where your kids are exposed to up to three times more UV rays each year than adults! And when you consider that UV damage is both cumulative and irreversible, it’s essential to wear the highest-quality UV eyewear sun protection at every age. 3. Should I wear sunglasses only in the summer, or all year long? All year long– and even on cloudy days. Just as you can get sunburned on a cloudy day, UV rays are present in our atmosphere 12 months per year. When you’re outside during the day, it’s important to protect both your eyes and your skin from the sun. That’s why they’re called “sunglasses” instead of “summerglasses.” 4. What exactly is polarization? Polarization is an effective solution to neutralizing glare. Polarization is a type of coating on lenses that blocks horizontal light rays so they don’t enter the eye. Most glare we encounter is horizontally oriented, including light that is reflected off of flat surfaces such as sand, pavement, water, the hood of a car or even snow (but probably not this month). Sunglasses with polarized lenses can eliminate horizontal glare and make your vision more comfortable. 5. Are brown eyes less sensitive to light than blue ones? Yes. The lighter your eye color, the less pigment you have in your iris – which means that more light can enter your eye. The darker the eye color and the more pigment you have, the less light that enters your eye. If you have light-colored eyes that are extremely sensitive to light, ask your optometrist about darker-tinted sunglasses to enhance your outdoor vision comfort. 6. What if I need prescription glasses and sunglasses? There are three main sunglass options: 7. 1. Switch between two separate pairs as you go outside or inside. 8. 2. Choose frames that have magnetic clip-on sun protection. 9. 3. Opt for photochromic lenses, which get darker as they’re exposed to ultraviolet light. These are a convenient option for prescription lens wearers who don’t want to swap glasses when going outside or back in. 10. Do pets need sunglasses? Well, no. Because they have relatively shorter lifespans, cats and dogs generally won’t develop conditions that result from cumulative exposure to UV rays such as cataracts or macular degenerations as humans are prone to develop. But pictures of pets in sunglasses are always fun to see! Before you brave the bright summer sunshine, always slip on high-quality eyewear with lenses that protect against at least 99% of damaging UVA and UVB rays. Not only will you look cool, but you’ll also be protecting your eyes from the irreversible damage done by cumulative exposure to the sun’s UV rays. And if you need a fresh new pair of glasses to get through the rest of summer, come in and see us today! --- ## Scratched Cornea? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/scratched-cornea/ ### Scratched Cornea? What to Do―and What Not to Do July is Eye Injury Prevention Month, which makes it the perfect time to highlight one of the most common eye injuries, corneal abrasions. #### What are Corneal Abrasions? If you’ve ever scratched your cornea (the front surface of the eye that focuses light so you can see clearly), there’s no doubt you’ll know it: The cornea is full of nerve endings ready to alert your brain as soon as something foreign enters your eye, so even a tiny corneal abrasion can be extremely painful. If you’ve ever had an eyelash fall into your eye, you know how intense sensations in your eyes can be—that tiny intruder feels like a giant branch poking you in the eye. But unlike a rogue eyelash, corneal abrasions involve actual damage to the surface of the eye, which means the pain is there until the scratch heals. Because the eyelid grazes over the abrasion every time you blink, healing can take up to a week, and during that time, you’re likely to experience additional symptoms such as redness, tearing, increased sensitivity to light, headache, or blurry or decreased vision. Sometimes these additional symptoms kick in right away, and sometimes symptoms don’t increase until several hours after the injury. #### What causes a Corneal Abrasion? Generally, we’re quite skilled at keeping things out of our eyes. Our eyelashes help protect the eyes , and our tears readily wash out most of the tiny bits that make it past our eyelashes and eyelids. Still, there are countless ways to get a corneal abrasion. It doesn’t take a traumatic event, such as getting poked or hit in the eye, to cause an abrasion. Our daily lives pose plenty of potential culprits; anything from fingers or makeup brushes to pets or sports equipment can easily scratch the eye. And no ages are exempt: Kids can get corneal abrasions just as easily as adults, especially if they’re active outdoors where sand, dust and other small particles can easily enter the eye. #### What to Do – and What Never to Do If you do scratch your eye, it’s important to know what to do - and what to never do. Here’s a list of safe options should you experience a foreign object in your eye: • DO rinse your eye with saline solution. • DO blink. • DO wear sunglasses if your eyes are sensitive to light. • DO contact your optometrist immediately. Though some of the “don’ts” on our list may seem counterintuitive, it’s best to steer clear of these tactics so as not to cause further damage or infection: • DON'T rub your eye. • DON'T touch your eye with anything like a Q-tip or tweezers. • DON'T wear your contact lenses. • DON’T patch the eye unless you’re instructed to do so by your optometrist. #### What Your Eye Doctor May Do Not only can a corneal abrasion impact your vision, it can also make your eye more susceptible to infection and other vision complications. If you’re experiencing eye pain or other symptoms, visit your eye doctor as soon as possible. For minor abrasions, your optometrist may encourage the use of non-preserved lubricating drops to keep your eye moist and comfortable so it can heal on its own. You may also be given antibiotic eye drops or ointment to prevent infection during healing. For more extreme cases, optometrists may also use a “bandage lens,” a special silicone contact lens designed to protect the eye, provide pain relief, and promote healing. While patients have shown notable improvement using these silicone lenses, technology continues to expand, and a new bandage lens made of amniotic membrane instead of silicone is also now available. Once your eye doctor has examined your eye and has prescribed a treatment plan for your corneal abrasion, it is important to follow through with care and attend your follow-up appointments. In some cases, corneal abrasions don't heal properly, which can lead to repeat occurrences and other complications that can impact your vision and comfort. Your optometrist will guide you on the best path to recovery. --- ## School Vision Screening URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/school-vision-screening/ ### Is a School Vision Screening “Good Enough” for Your Student? It’s August! Where did the summer go? In just a few short weeks your kids will be heading back to school in a flurry of photos and emotions as you watch them start the new school year. You want them to learn as much as possible, so consider this: With 80% of learning tied to vision, is your student starting the semester with all the tools necessary to have the best school year ever? Each year, most schools provide a vision screening for students. The goal of such screenings is to identify students with undetected vision problems. However, according to the American Optometric Association (AOA), these screenings can’t be relied on to provide the high level of results that a comprehensive eye exam by your optometrist does. Why school vision screenings aren’t enough to safeguard your student’s vision So, what do school vision screenings test for? While screenings vary from state to state and even from school district to school district, they mainly test visual acuity—that is, whether a student can see and correctly read the middle line of an eye chart. When a student doesn’t meet this criterion, parents receive a note recommending a thorough optometric exam. While visual acuity is important, it is just one of many hurdles your student must overcome in order to see his or her best and therefore maximize the information absorbed and learned during the school year. Such cursory screenings can miss up to 60% of vision problems in children. Passing a visual screening does not mean that your child sees optimally to perform his or her best at school and in sports. So, how can you be sure they have the visual skills necessary to excel? Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist A comprehensive eye exam can be the key to unlocking your student’s potential. When an optometrist examines a child’s eyes, he or she considers a thorough range of information collected by state-of-the-art equipment. With this information, an optometrist can identify a wide range of potential problems that could otherwise prevent your child from being able to learn to his or her maximum ability. What does a comprehensive eye exam test for? In addition to taking a family and patient health history, your optometrist will perform a thorough evaluation of overall eye health in addition to evaluating the following critical eye functions that your student needs to succeed in school: • Visual acuity (how well they see) – both from a distance and up-close • The presence of nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism • Peripheral vision • Depth perception • Color perception • Focusing skills – whether the eyes can change focus quickly and effectively, such as when a student looks down at a paper on the desk and then up at the teacher across the room in rapid succession. • Eye teaming skills – how well the eyes work together, which is critical to reading and comprehending words across a page. How often should kids see their optometrist? Remember: Eyes grow and change as your child does. If their vision is good, they should see their optometrist for an eye exam every two years. If there are any risk factors or visual concerns, they should have a comprehensive eye exam annually to monitor their vision for changes. A typical scenario We often see students who pass the school’s visual screening but aren’t doing well in school or have poor reading ability, but nobody seems to understand why. By testing their visual acuity, focusing skills and eye teaming skills, an optometrist can provide useful insight into what might be causing your child’s challenges. Early intervention is key Many conditions are easily treatable when caught early, ideally by ages 4 to 6; most children will make significant improvements or even a full recovery. However, if conditions such as amblyopia, poor focusing or poor eye teaming go untreated, it becomes increasingly more difficult for the eyes to learn to work together smoothly or for the weaker eye to regain its full range of vision. Without intervention, these easily correctable conditions could give your child a lifetime of trouble and result in your student missing the opportunity to learn and also to perform their best in extra-curricular activities and sports. It’s easy to prevent potentially lifelong problems by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist. Call us today so we can ensure that your students are seeing their best and have every possible visual tool to make this their best school year yet. --- ## Attention Parents: Amblyopia Treatment URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/attention-parents-amblyopia-treatment/ ### Attention Parents: Earlier is Better for Amblyopia Treatment What is Amblyopia? As the leading cause of visual impairment among children, amblyopia affects approximately 2 to 3 of every 100 children. The condition occurs when vision in one eye is reduced; though the eye may appear normal, the eye and the brain are not working together properly. Rather than taking the images from both the left and right eyes and combining them to make a 3-D image, the brain favors one eye’s image over the other. Over time, this scenario can lead to reduced vision in the weaker eye, which can cause amblyopic individuals to be slower with close-up tasks such as reading or computer work. Additionally, using one eye instead of two diminishes the field of vision and reduces depth perception, leading to frequent tripping or bumping into things. What causes Lazy Eye? Sometimes called lazy eye, amblyopia has two primary causes. 1. Strabismic amblyopia is the most common version of lazy eye. While this type of amblyopia is often confused with strabismus (wandering eye) due to similar names and symptoms, the two are completely different issues. Strabismic amblyopia is caused by eye misalignment. As the eyes take in separate images that the brain can’t match up, the brain prioritizes the image received from one eye over the other. 2. Refractive amblyopia is the second common type of lazy eye, in which there is a distinct discrepancy between the refractive abilities of the right and left eyes. One eye may be significantly more nearsighted, farsighted, or have greater astigmatism than the other. As a result, the brain relies on the stronger eye and ignores the blurred image, causing amblyopia in the underused eye. There is a third, rare type of amblyopia, where vision is obstructed by visual occlusions such as congenital cataracts―called deprivation amblyopia. Unlike the more common causes of lazy eye which can often be addressed without surgery, this third type must be surgically corrected to allow normal vision development. Earlier is better when it comes to treatment Amblyopia is not only the top cause of eye impairment in kids; it is also the most common cause of monocular (single eye) issues among young and middle-aged adults. Unless lazy eye is effectively treated in early childhood, it almost always persists into adulthood. Fortunately, prospects are bright for children who receive treatment early, between the ages of 3 and 6. If amblyopia is left untreated, or if treatment is delayed until the preteen or early teen years, it could mean the difference between full and partial recovery. Because the brain has ignored the weaker eye for so long, retraining it becomes more difficult, and vision in the affected eye may be permanently impaired, causing weak depth perception and peripheral vision. Treatment options The best treatment for amblyopia depends on its cause. For refractive amblyopia, the solution may be as simple as correcting the refractive error causing distorted images with glasses or contact lenses. For more extreme cases of refractive amblyopia as well as strabismic cases, optometrists often choose visual therapies. Common treatment options include: • Patching the stronger eye to force usage of the weaker eye. • Eye drops that blur vision in the stronger eye, also to force the weaker eye to work. • Visual acuity exercises to strengthen the weaker eye and align the eyes for better function. Regardless of treatment recommendation, compliance is key to successful recovery. Though children may cry or throw a tantrum in resistance to wearing an eye patch, time is of the essence in effectively treating the condition. The younger a child is, the faster treatment works to improve vision―so parents must be persistent and encouraging. Regular visits to the eye doctor to track treatment and changes are important, too. School screenings rarely catch amblyopia Amblyopia is best treated early and by a licensed optometrist. Preschool and elementary school eye screenings aren’t designed to diagnose amblyopia, and even pediatric vision screenings often fall short. Such screenings are often cursory and may miss up to 60% of children with vision problems; they are intended to indicate a potential need for further evaluation, not to catch underlying issues. As such, they are not a substitute for a visit to the optometrist. To ensure your child’s vision is its best for the school year, schedule a comprehensive eye exam today! --- ## Digital Eye Strain - Students URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/digital-eye-strain-students/ ### Is Your Student at Risk for Digital Eye Strain and Fatigue? With an ever-increasing amount of technology in schools, back-to-school season can mean more screen time, and that puts kids at risk for digital eye strain and fatigue. What is Digital Eye Strain? From the moment we wake up until our heads hit the pillow, our eyes are hard at work, and that’s especially true of staring at digital devices. With the numerous screens that support our tech-centric lifestyles, it’s no wonder digital eye strain is on the rise. Also known as Computer Vision Syndrome, digital eye strain is a repetitive movement injury that stems specifically from the use of screens. Sufferers may experience eye soreness, tiredness, burning, watering, dryness, or itchiness. Eye strain can lead to light sensitivity, headaches, and difficulty focusing ― all of which can pose classroom challenges for kids. What causes Digital Eye Fatigue? While digital eye fatigue is common among adults who work long days behind the computer, all those who use screens are susceptible ― and is there anyone left in our modern world who doesn’t spend at least a portion of their day in front of some type of screen? Though we may feel like we vary our usage by switching from computer to smartphone to tablet, screens of all types challenge the human eye. Staring at a screen forces eye muscles to work overtime as they continuously shift, adjust, and refocus. So the more screen time we spend, the more likely we are to experience symptoms of digital eye strain. Is my child at risk? It’s not only adults who spend long days plugged in: Kids are constantly connected, too. As children return to the classroom after a summer of outdoor play, their screen time often doubles, says Lori Roberts, O.D., chair of the American Optometric Association (AOA) New Technology Committee. “Each year when school starts,” she reports, “we see an increase in kids complaining of symptoms synonymous with eye strain.” Parents tend to underestimate the total amount of time their kids spend staring at screens, which is an additional concern. According to an AOA survey, more than 80% of children ages 10 to 17 estimate they use an electronic device for more than three hours each day, but only 40% of parents think their kids use an electronic device for that amount of time. This discrepancy may cause parents to overlook or undervalue kids’ complaints of common eye fatigue symptoms. If your children use screens regularly, evaluate the way they use them: • Are they spending long hours engrossed without breaks? • Is their posture poor? • Do they use screens in low lighting? All of these factors can contribute to eye strain and fatigue. Also, if kids need glasses ― or have them but don’t wear them ― or if they have a history of vision problems, they may be at higher risk for digital eye strain. How you and your child can prevent Digital Eye Strain Now that school has begun talk to your child about screen time. Let kids know that screen time can cause eyes to become itchy, watery, blurry, or feel like they are burning, and that they should tell you if they experience these symptoms. Ensure they eat a balanced diet including a variety of fruits and vegetables full of antioxidants, and encourage regular exercise to improve circulation, which increases oxygen delivery to the eyes and supports eye health. Remind them to wear hats and sunglasses when they go outside, to protect from both UV-A and UV-B rays. The same AOA survey that highlighted parents’ tendency to underestimate kids’ screen time also found that over 33% of kids who use screens wait over an hour before taking a break. When your child does use screens, make sure lighting and posture are good, and teach kids how to implement the 20/20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen, focus on something 20 feet away, and keep your gaze there for about 20 seconds. If your child is already complaining about eye pain or strain, call our office to schedule a comprehensive eye exam to rule out obvious problems including the need for new or updated prescription glasses. Your child may benefit from special computer glasses with a screen-specific prescription and unique lens coatings that filter out blue light (the kind emitted by screens). Be sure to ask your optometrist whether he or she recommends computer glasses for your child, too. --- ## Prevent Pink Eye - Students URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/prevent-pink-eye-students/ ### Back to School Tip: Prevent Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Now that kids are back in school, they’re around lots of other kids--and lots of other kids’ germs. Viruses and bacteria are present on objects kids touch every day, including door handles, keyboards, tablets, railings, restroom facilities, desks, playground equipment, pencils and art supplies. When you consider how many times students touch these objects per day and that, on average, humans touch our faces hundreds of times per day, you can understand how viruses and bacteria quickly spread from student to student.  This means an increased risk of infectious diseases, including the most common eye infection in school-age children: conjunctivitis, also known as “pink eye.” What causes Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)? Conjunctivitis is a swelling or inflammation of the thin, transparent layer of eye tissue that covers the white part of the eye, known as the conjunctiva. The infection can affect one or both eyes. Depending on its cause, conjunctivitis can be highly contagious and spread very easily. Fortunately, it’s usually a minor infection of the eye, though if not treated it can develop into a more severe condition. Conjunctivitis is typically either viral or bacterial in origin. Both are contagious conditions; the viral version is highly contagious and spreads readily from person to person. Bacterial conjunctivitis is most commonly the result of a staph or strep bacterial infection in the eye, often originating in a person’s own respiratory system. It can be spread through physical contact with an infected person, touching the eyes and face with unclean hands, or by sharing contaminated cosmetic products including mascara or eyeliner. Improperly cleaned contact lenses or cases can also cause bacterial pink eye. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and is often caused by the same viruses involved in the common cold. Because cold viruses spread readily, viral conjunctivitis is quickly spread through sneezing, coughing or otherwise infecting one’s face or eyes with the virus from unwashed hands or contact with respiratory droplets from an infected individual. Conjunctivitis can also be caused by allergens or chemical exposure to the eyes, but these conditions—though painful and irritating to the individual suffering with them--are not contagious to others. What are the symptoms of Conjunctivitis? It’s known as Pink Eye for a reason: If you or your child contracts conjunctivitis, you will likely have a pink, irritated discoloration of the whites of one or both eyes. In addition, you may exhibit these symptoms: • Burning or itching sensation in the affected eye or eyes • Thick pus or discharge coming from the eye or eyes • A gritty feeling as if a foreign body is in the eye • Swelling of the eyelids • Excessive tearing • An increase in light sensitivity How is Conjunctivitis treated? If you suspect you or your child have conjunctivitis, schedule an appointment with your optometrist immediately. If you are diagnosed with the condition, treatment is very effective. The goals of treatment including decreasing discomfort and irritation in the eye, reducing the length of the infection and preventing its spread. In the case of bacterial conjunctivitis, the patient will be prescribed antibiotic eye ointment or eye drops. It’s very important for the infected patient to continue with the treatment for the entire course of antibiotics. For viral conjunctivitis, as with the common cold virus, antibiotics aren’t effective in eliminating the infection. A virus has to run its course, which can take several weeks. For this type of conjunctivitis, your optometrist will recommend treatments that can help relieve the discomfort of the condition, including warm or cool compresses for the eye area, artificial tears and sometimes if the infection is severe, steroidal eye drops to reduce the inflammation. If you’re a contact lens wearer, it is typically recommended for you to stop wearing your contact lenses while a conjunctivitis infection is present. You should discuss your contact lens protocol with your optometrist. How can I prevent contracting Conjunctivitis? 1. Wash your hands often and thoroughly. 2. Resist the urge to touch your eyes with your hands. 3. Never share makeup, eye drops or lotions applied near the eyes. 4. Don’t share pillowcases, washcloths or towels with anyone else. 5. Never share contact lenses, contact lens cases or solutions with another person. 6. Wear safety goggles in environments where you’ll be exposed to chemicals. 7. Protect your eyes during windy days and in dusty conditions. If you suspect you may have a conjunctivitis infection, see your optometrist so he or she can prescribe the right treatment for the type of conjunctivitis to prevent the condition from becoming more severe and to start you on the path toward healing. --- ## Keep Your Eye on the Ball URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/keep-your-eye-on-the-ball/ ### Keep Your Eye on the Ball: Student Athletes Need Good Vision It’s Fall, and for a lot of kids, that means it’s prime sports-playing time. Whether you have a student athlete participating in soccer, tennis, football, basketball, softball, baseball or lacrosse — or any other action-packed sport — you know it’s essential to help your child take care of both body and mind as they train for the game. But how healthy are your child’s eyes? Visual fitness can make or break an athlete’s game. Student athletes need healthy eyes We all know 20/20 vision is synonymous with ideal visual acuity, but seeing clearly is just the beginning when it comes to how vision impacts an athlete’s performance on the court, field or pitch. Playing sports also requires visual skills including eye teaming, tracking, focusing and visualization. Collectively, these skills are known as “functional vision.” An athlete with strong functional vision is able to quickly identify how an object (for example, the game ball) relates to the space in which it is moving. In other words, functional vision allows accurate depth perception. Functional vision and depth perception are relevant in every sport that requires visual tracking – which is pretty much every sport. Here are two examples of functional vision in sports: 1. When the batter is up in baseball or softball, they use eye teaming, focus and tracking skills to judge whether the pitch is good and determine if they should swing — all in a fraction of a second. 2. In football, the wide receiver (while running!) uses every asset in his functional vision arsenal to visualize where the ball will land as it moves through the air, and therefore how fast to run and position himself for the catch. These are amazing human feats requiring a range of skills that we’ve all witnessed first-hand — but their successful execution is due in large part to functional vision. Advanced athletes, including college, Olympic and professional athletes at the very highest levels, often undergo specialized training to hone their functional vision skills and improve their game performance. When vision issues interfere with sports performance Even students who exhibit 20/20 vision or already wear corrective lenses may still have undiagnosed vision challenges that can interfere with their ability to excel at sports. Here’s why: In order to produce a crisp image to send to the brain for processing, each of our eyes must be able to accurately perceive the objects and spaces in our surroundings. As the eyes feed the brain two distinct, individual pictures, the brain combines the two slightly different images to create a single, three-dimensional representation of what we “see.” Both eyes must be functioning optimally for this process to work well. Therefore, even if only one eye is challenged, depth perception suffers. Unfortunately, most school vision screening tests are too basic to detect even relatively common vision issues, such as how the eyes are working together as a team, known as “eye teaming.” Two common visual perception issues The two most common issues that interfere with visual perception are strabismus and amblyopia . Strabismus, commonly referred to as “crossed eyes,” and amblyopia, known as “lazy eye,” both derail visual processing by offering the brain two separate images — one from each eye — that do not match up well. Because the brain cannot overlay the two images to create a single 3-D picture, it suppresses the image from the weaker eye and learns to depend on the clearer, more accurate image provided by the stronger eye. As a result, depth perception is affected, sometimes dramatically. For student athletes who have one of these two common conditions, it’s much harder or sometimes impossible to judge where the ball is as it’s coming toward them, which can result in missed opportunities on the playing field. How your optometrist can help But there’s good news! If your child is suffering from an eye teaming, tracking, focusing or visualization issue, your optometrist can help. Strabismus and amblyopia are conditions that can be addressed and corrected when they are caught and treated early in life, ideally between the ages of 3 and 6. Unfortunately, school vision exams miss up to 60% of vision problems that can impact a student athlete’s performance, which is why scheduling an annual comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist is critical to your child’s eye health — and future sports performance! Your eye doctor will conduct thorough testing to detect any functional vision issues and recommend visual correction or specific treatment options to address these conditions so your student athlete will reach his or her fullest potential! --- ## Protect Your Student Athlete URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/protect-your-student-athlete/ ### Protect Your Student Athlete from Eye Injuries If you have children who play sports, it’s critical to protect their eyes from injury while on the court, field, mat or pitch. According to the National Eye Institute, there are approximately 100,000 sports-related eye injuries in the U.S. each year, with 33,000 of those involving children. Kids ages 11 to 14 are most likely to injure their eyes while playing sports, and such eye injuries are a leading cause of blindness in children. It’s easy to imagine how the eyes could be injured: ball speeds in tennis, softball, baseball and racquetball can reach 90 mph or more. If that fast-moving ball hits the delicate eye area, players can suffer injuries including retinal detachment, bone fractures or even blindness. Sports such as basketball, football and wrestling have a different component that can also be dangerous to the eyes. When competitors are in close proximity and moving quickly, there is an increased rate of finger or elbow jabs to the eye area, which can result in injuries ranging from mild to severe. Keeping an eye on sports safety So, how can you protect your child’s precious sense of vision? Most parents are prepared for scrapes, bruises, and sprains on the field. But with over 42,0000 people visiting emergency rooms for sports-related eye injuries every year, proper eye protection is clearly a requirement. To keep your athletes’ eyes safe, consider the eye injury risks before enrolling your child in a new sports program. Stick with well-supervised activities, and ask your child’s coach whether there will be someone present during practices and games who is trained to recognize and immediately address eye injuries, should they occur. Before enrolling your child in a sports program, you’ll also want to talk with your optometrist about sport-specific protective eyewear. Regular eyeglasses and contact lenses do not offer sufficient protection during sports, but with the right gear, most sports-related eye injuries can be prevented. Your eye doctor will be able to help you make the safest choice for your child’s preferred sport. Solutions to students’ sports safety It's important to note that even if your child doesn’t require prescription lenses, non-prescription sports glasses or goggles are a necessary precaution against eye injuries. Lenses made from polycarbonate material are an ideal choice because they are up to 10 times more impact resistant than glass or plastic, and can offer protection from 90% of potential eye injuries. Protective eyewear should feature a padded bridge against the nose, include deep grooves so that lenses fit tightly within the frame or goggle and won’t fall out, fit snuggly and offer either prescription or non-prescription lenses. Sometimes glasses paired with a sports strap are best, while for sports where athletes need to maximize peripheral vision, goggles might be the go-to. Depending on whether the sport is played indoors or outdoors, another option for sports glasses and goggles is UV protection or tinted lenses, which may help athletes playing baseball, lacrosse, soccer or golf. Your optometrist or optician will analyze your specific sports needs to help you choose the best option for your student athlete. The goal is to maximize the visual field and keep their eyes safe while they’re focused on playing their best. Whether you choose a new pair of sports glasses or goggles, prescription or non-prescription, tinted or clear, appropriate sports eyewear is the best defense against eye injuries. With healthy, protected eyes, your student athletes will be able to keep their eye on the ball for their best season yet! --- ## Don’t Let Diabetes Steal Your Vision! URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/dont-let-diabetes-steal-your-vision/ November is National Diabetes Month, and that means communities across the country are teaming up to raise awareness about the many ways diabetes impacts the lives of Americans. With diabetes causing more deaths per year than breast cancer and AIDS combined, raising awareness is crucial to connecting those at risk with resources to support them. WHO IS AT RISK FOR DIABETES? Most of us know that diabetes has to do with blood sugar and the sugar-processing hormone, insulin. Though the exact reason for diabetic insulin resistance or depletion is still unknown, it appears both genetics and environment factor into the equation. Those with a family history of diabetes generally have a higher risk of developing the disease. Additionally, specific ethnic populations seem to be at greater risk: the incidence of diabetes is higher among African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian Americans than it is among Caucasians. Beyond your body’s genetic code, there are many lifestyle factors that also increase your risk for diabetes. Carrying an increased amount of fatty tissue (being overweight or obese) is a primary risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Inactivity also tops the list as a significant risk factor because physical activity is the body’s way of using up the glucose in the bloodstream while also making cells more sensitive to insulin. Those over age 45 face an increased risk, possibly because people tend to exercise less and gain weight as they age. Lastly, the same lifestyle issues that cause diabetes also cause pre-diabetes; once you’ve been diagnosed as pre-diabetic, your risk for diabetes increases dramatically. DIABETES AND THE EYES Over time, uncontrolled blood sugar levels take a toll, and small blood vessels throughout the body begin to weaken and leak, leading to a slew of diabetic complications. The majority of these complications arise in the areas of the body that have the smallest blood vessels, including the brain, feet, kidneys, and eyes. In the eyes, diabetes can damage the blood vessels found in the retina, the innermost layer of the eye that receives light signals and transmits them to the brain to be processed into images. As retinal blood vessels weaken, leak and bleed, vision becomes distorted, and blindness can occur. This condition is known as diabetic retinopathy , and, along with glaucoma and cataracts, falls under the umbrella of “diabetic eye disease.” Onset may be slow, but diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss and a leading cause of blindness among working-age adults. SAFEGUARD YOUR VISION FROM DIABETIC COMPLICATIONS The good news is that those living with diabetes can proactively protect their vision. By staying physically active, maintaining a healthy diet, and taking medications as prescribed, it is possible to minimize or possibly even avoid diabetic vision complications. Because the main symptom of diabetic retinopathy is vision loss, those with diabetes should make a point to schedule a comprehensive, dilated eye exam at least once per year to identify early warning signs. During your eye exam, your optometrist will check for any signs of retinal blood vessel damage or leaking. If detected early enough, some cases of diabetic retinopathy can be addressed with a laser treatment that seals off leaky vessels, halting damage. For those living with diabetes, taking action early and consistently will help keep your vision safe! --- ## Dangers of Diabetic Retinopathy URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/dangers-of-diabetic-retinopathy/ The Dangers of Diabetic Retinopathy More than 100 million Americans are living with diabetes. Over 84 million more have prediabetes. These statistics seem staggering, but so is the list of possible complications from diabetes. Individuals with diabetes face an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, nerve pain and damage, hearing impairment, kidney failure, and even Alzheimer’s ― and that’s not even a comprehensive list. As such a complex list of possible complications reflects, diabetes is a systemic condition, affecting numerous areas of the body at once. At its core, diabetes occurs when the body either becomes deficient in insulin or develops insulin resistance. Insulin is the sugar-processing hormone; without the right levels of insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream. High levels of sugar in the bloodstream can damage nerves and blood vessels. The longer blood sugar levels are elevated, the worse the symptoms and complications get. WHAT IS DIABETIC RETINOPATHY? Diabetic blood vessel damage is especially harmful in areas of the body where blood vessels are small and delicate. Our eyes have a large number of tiny, fragile blood vessels, and the retina (a thin layer of cells at the back of the eye that transmits light signals to the brain) is especially prone to blood vessel damage from diabetes. Over time, diabetes increases the chances that retinal blood vessels will weaken, leak and bleed. When they do, vision becomes blurry or distorted. Eventually, blindness can occur. This damage to the small blood vessels of the retina and the resulting vision issues are known as diabetic retinopathy . All people with diabetes are at risk for this serious complication. Among diabetic individuals, an estimated 40-45% already have some degree of diabetic retinopathy, though only about half are aware of their condition. SYMPTOMS OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY In the US, diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among adults aged 25-74. Unfortunately, early symptoms are rare, so eyes are often damaged before treatment is sought. It’s common for diabetic retinopathy to go unnoticed by an individual until vision is irreversibly impacted. As diabetic retinopathy progresses, individuals may notice “floating spots” in their field of vision. These distortions are caused by abnormal retinal bleeding or hemorrhaging. Alternately, vision may become cloudy, blurry or otherwise altered. Any changes in vision should be evaluated immediately by an optometrist. Prompt treatment may not undo the damage that has already occurred, but a proactive approach can help preserve remaining vision. TREATMENT FOR DIABETIC RETINOPATHY Treatment for diabetic retinopathy includes both medical solutions and lifestyle changes. Initially, your eye doctor will conduct a comprehensive dilated eye exam that tests eyesight and eye pressure while checking for nerve damage, leaky blood vessels, and early warning signs like fatty deposits in the eye. If leaky vessels are found, your optometrist may suggest a laser procedure to clear the affected areas and seal off blood vessel leaks. In more advanced cases, a procedure called a vitrectomy may be used to remove scar tissue, blood and cloudy fluid from the inside of the eye. Combined with follow-up care, these surgeries can reduce the chances of total blindness by up to 90%. That said, surgical procedures are not a total solution. To prevent the disease from worsening, those with diabetic retinopathy must also work to keep their diabetes in check. Smoking cigarettes significantly worsens diabetes symptoms, so diabetics should also refrain from smoking. Finally, diabetic patients with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or who are overweight or obese are also at higher risk. Eating a healthy, low-sugar diet and maintaining an active lifestyle are essential to long-term health. --- ## Not seeing Red or Green This Season? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/not-seeing-red-or-green-this-season/ ### Not seeing Red or Green This Season? You May Be Color Vision Deficient For many of us, the holiday season includes festive displays of red and green. But for those with color blindness, the season takes on an entirely different hue. THREE TYPES OF COLOR BLINDNESS Color blindness affects one in every 12 men and one in every 200 women, but not all those who have it see things the same way. The human eye contains light-sensitive cells called photoreceptors; different photoreceptors help us see different colors. While some people truly cannot see any colors at all, most people who identify as colorblind can still see most colors. However, some of their photoreceptors don’t work properly, so they may struggle to distinguish between certain colors or hues. When individuals can see some colors but not all, “color blindness” is more accurately known as color deficiency. The three types of color vision deficiency are: 1. Red/green color vision deficiency is by far the most common type. For these individuals, reds may appear greener, or yellows and greens may appear redder. Certain shades of red or green may appear indistinguishable from one another or may look gray, but those with red/green vision deficiency are usually able to see the rest of the color spectrum fairly well. 2. Blue/yellow color deficiency is more rare. For these people, blues appear greener, and yellow hues may look reddish, violet or gray. 3. True color blindness is the rarest of the three. Unlike those with color vision deficiency who can see at least a portion of the color spectrum, individuals with true color blindness have a complete inability to see colors. Those living with true color blindness often also have trouble seeing clearly and may struggle with visual acuity. LIVING WITH COLOR VISION DEFICIENCY While there is no cure, color vision deficiency is almost never life-threatening. Most who have the condition live completely normal lives. That said, there are some professions where color blindness or deficiency can pose additional challenges. Some fields, including law enforcement, firefighting and the military, have restrictions or bans on hiring colorblind individuals. Other jobs may depend on the ability to perceive colors and are therefore not ideal for those with color vision deficiency. For example, pilots may need to read color-specific safety signals; those in the medical field must be able to accurately assess physical symptoms at a glance. Electricians must distinguish between color-coded wires; interior designers have to regularly match colors; even teachers often use color-based learning tools. But for most, the inherited disorder of color vision deficiency does not pose serious lifestyle or career restrictions. Many who have the condition are not even aware they are color deficient until later in life. CORRECTING COLOR VISION DEFICIENCY Because color vision deficiency is not life-threatening and rarely life-challenging, treatments for the condition are optional and patient-chosen. Many people choose to forego treatment altogether as they feel the solution is more of a hindrance than the condition itself. If a color vision deficient person does wish to correct their vision, treatment comes in the form of specially colored filters worn either in a pair of glasses or a single contact lens. The goal is to create a difference in the wavelengths received by each eye, allowing the brain to differentiate between two colors that previously looked the same. While the patient won’t necessarily see colors as someone without color blindness would, colored lenses offer an effective workaround when the need arises. However, most color deficient individuals rarely bother with color-corrective eyewear, preferring to use cues other than color to guide them. For example, knowing that most stoplights are arranged with the red light on top and green on the bottom allows those with color deficiency to follow traffic signals without being able to see the precise red and green shades. Furthermore, advances in technology offer workarounds in the form of intelligent color-matching programs or smartphone apps to help with color-based activities, such as selecting ripe fruits or matching clothing to make outfits. With plenty of tools available to address altered color perception, color blindness is rarely cause for worry. Instead, color vision deficiency simply provides an alternate way of viewing the world, especially during the red-and-green holiday season. --- ## New Year, New You: LASIK Vision Correction URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/new-year-new-you-lasik-vision-correction/ ### Is LASIK Laser Vision Correction Right for You in 2019? January is the perfect time to consider your goals for the coming year. Are you considering swapping glasses and contacts for LASIK? If you do, what benefits will you receive? To get answers, we interviewed a LASIK patient who underwent the elective eye surgery herself at age 29. Here’s what she shared. Q: Before LASIK, what vision challenges did you have, and what made you choose LASIK? A: I was 8 years old when I realized I couldn’t see as well as other kids in my class; glasses became part of my daily attire shortly thereafter. As a responsible eldest child, I was fortunate that my parents allowed me to start wearing contacts as early as sixth grade, but by the time I reached my late twenties, I had been wearing glasses and contacts for nearly two decades. Because I couldn’t function without vision correction and knew a lifetime of glasses and contacts was in my future, I decided enough was enough. I wanted to explore what LASIK could do for my vision and lifestyle. Q: How did you make the decision to have LASIK? A: The idea of inviting (and paying!) a doctor to cut my eyes with a laser was unnerving, but I wanted a long-term solution that would eliminate the need for glasses and contacts for years to come. LASIK was the ideal solution. At least, that’s what I told myself as I made my decision to move forward. But it turned out there was a lot more to learn about LASIK ― including that not everyone who wants LASIK is eligible for the procedure. I searched the internet and quickly learned that LASIK was not an option for everyone. It was possible that I wasn’t a good candidate for the procedure. The first step is to schedule a screening with your optometrist. Q: What makes someone a good candidate for LASIK? Did you have any pre-surgical concerns? I arrived at my initial screening with butterflies in my stomach. I knew the optometrist and his team would check me for potential LASIK deal-breakers. Some of the criteria I knew I would pass with flying colors: I was a healthy 29-year old, well within the general health requirements for eye surgery. I was legally of age to make this decision for myself (those under 18 or 21 may need a parent or guardian’s permission). I also had no history of eye injuries that could interfere with the procedure. I didn’t have cataracts. And I wasn’t pregnant. But there were other tests relating to the structure of my eyes. To qualify as a good LASIK candidate, your optometrist must determine that your vision is stable. Also, some prescriptions are too extreme for LASIK to fix, and I knew mine was severe. I’d read that LASIK wasn’t an option if your pupils were too large but wasn’t sure whether mine were, and I didn’t know whether my cornea was smooth enough or thick enough to withstand the procedure. Lastly, I had some worries that my eyes might be too dry, since dry eyes can also interfere with the success of LASIK. I had concerns and questions about the procedure overall, including the possible side effects ― vision distortion, seeing halos around lights and dislodged corneal flaps. Fortunately, from the moment I arrived at the optometrist’s office, the doctor and his staff made sure I was comfortable and encouraged me to ask questions throughout the screening. They assured me that the majority of people who are screened as LASIK patients are eligible for the procedure, and that the vast majority who undergo the treatment are extremely happy with the results. As it turned out, I was a good candidate, so I scheduled my LASIK procedure for just a few weeks later! Q: What lifestyle benefits have you seen as a result of your LASIK procedure? A: I certainly put a lot of thought and preparation into my decision to undergo LASIK, but what I didn’t anticipate was the difference LASIK has made in my life overall. In the years since I had LASIK, I’ve saved an enormous amount of time, energy, and effort previously directed at supporting my vision. Every morning when I wake up, I can see clearly; I don’t require any time in my morning routine to clean my glasses or insert contacts. During the day, the bridge of my nose never hurts, and my eyes are almost never dry or itchy. In fact, I rarely think about my eyes at all ― they simply function as they’re supposed to, freeing my brain for more productive and rewarding thoughts and allowing me to be present and enjoy life. And maybe the best part is knowing when I go to sleep each night that I’ll wake up the next morning ready to take on the day with crisp, clear vision. It’s been seven years since my LASIK procedure, and in each annual eye exam I’ve had since then, my optometrist tells me that my eyes are healthy and my visual acuity remains very good. I’d do it all again in a heartbeat! --- ## LASIK: One Patient’s Story URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/lasik-one-patients-story/ ### My LASIK Laser Vision Correction Experience: One Patient’s Story It’s hard to believe that LASIK laser vision correction has been around for nearly 30 years! Since so many of our patients are curious about LASIK, we interviewed a patient who underwent the procedure seven years ago at age 29. Here’s her first-hand account of the procedure: “My LASIK procedure took place in 2012. I might have done it earlier, but it wasn’t until my late twenties that my eyesight finally stabilized enough to consider the procedure. Once my vision stabilized and I realized LASIK was a possibility, I did a lot of research about what, exactly, I was signing up for. I learned the doctor would essentially reshape my cornea using a laser so that my eye could more accurately focus light, thus sharpening my vision.” What to expect during LASIK “More specifically, when I went in for the procedure, I learned that I’d be given numbing eye drops to desensitize my eye, then a tool called a speculum would hold my eye open while the laser did its work. With the doctor’s supervision, the laser would cut a flap in the cornea, then reshape its surface based on my specific prescription before replacing the flap to heal naturally. I read that even with possible side effects that could impact my vision such as dry eyes, slipped flaps, or halos ― the chances were very high that I’d come out with much better vision. Maybe even 20/20! So, after a pre-screening with my optometrist, I scheduled the procedure with a LASIK surgeon.” Preparing your eyes for LASIK laser vision correction “I agreed to follow my optometrist’s instructions on how to prepare my eyes: • I couldn’t wear contact lenses at all for two weeks prior to the procedure • I wasn’t allowed to wear any makeup for the same two weeks ― not even my never-leave-home-without-it tinted moisturizer with SPF I questioned why I couldn’t wear any makeup or moisturizer. My doctor explained that if any foreign elements, including the tiny bits of makeup that naturally make their way into the eye every time makeup is worn, are left in the eyes, it could compromise the accuracy of the laser and jeopardize the success of my procedure. With 20/20 vision on the line, I quickly committed to two weeks of glasses and no makeup and scheduled my procedure for three weeks later. I was glad they would be correcting both of my eyes on the same day.” The day of my LASIK procedure “The day of my LASIK procedure, my husband drove me to have it done. I was excited and nervous, but mostly I couldn’t wait to be able to see . After checking in at the front desk, I relaxed in a darkened exam room and was offered a mild sedative to calm my nerves, which I gladly accepted. Twenty minutes later, a nurse led me to the procedure room. The sedative had calmed me, and I happily allowed the doctor and nurses to help me get situated on the table. They reminded me that it would take about five minutes per eye, and they’d be done in about 15 minutes, including the time it took to reposition the equipment between rounds one and two. They handed me a small stuffed dog, encouraging me to hold it with both hands all the way through the procedure. Later, I realized this savvy diversionary tactic was designed to keep my hands away from my face. Using a special tool, the doctor propped open my eyelid to prevent blinking, then dried the surface of my eye with a small jet of air, explaining that the drier the surface, the more accurate the laser could be. Next, he lowered a suction ring onto my eye to prevent eye movement while the laser was at work. That was a relief because I’d feared I might involuntarily move my eye at the worst possible moment! As it turned out, the most uncomfortable part of the entire procedure was the pressure on my eye from the suction ring; as the suction increased, my vision dimmed. But once again, the doctor talked me through it, encouraging me to relax and breathe. Before I knew it, the suction ring was removed, my vision cleared, and we were moving on to eye number two.” After my LASIK procedure “I wish I could report that when my second eye was finished, I sat up and immediately had perfect 20/20 vision. However, that was not my experience. While I could see slightly better immediately post-surgery than before, it took three or four days before my vision totally cleared and I could confidently say I was glad to have had the procedure. I followed the post-op instructions carefully: Lubricating eye drops several times a day, no makeup for another week, and no rubbing the eyes ― even when they itched, which they did because they were healing. Like many people who undergo LASIK, I experienced dry, itchy eyes for a number of weeks after the procedure. Also, my night vision was challenging for about six months or so. However, once my eyes healed, and I was able to wake up each morning and see the clock without squinting or reaching for glasses, I was elated. And, given that I continue to enjoy 20/20 vision seven years later, I still am. Now that I’ve had LASIK, I visit my optometrist for regular annual eye exams and am delighted that my eyes remain in good health and my visual acuity continues to exceed my expectations.” --- ## AMD: What is it? Who’s at Risk? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/amd-what-is-it-whos-at-risk/ Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): What is it? Who’s at Risk? February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Low Vision Awareness Month. As we age, there are increased risks that may cause us to lose visual acuity, which is a significant and noticeable loss since we rely on our eyes to sense about 80% of our surroundings. Low vision, as defined by the World Health Organization, is measured as having less than 20/70 vision in our “better eye” when wearing the highest possible vision correction. Low vision can be caused by a number of diseases and conditions, including retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy, amblyopia, traumatic brain injury, cataracts that are inoperable, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. Let’s take a closer look at Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). What is AMD? The macula is the center of the retina—the light-sensitive membrane at the back of the eye that receives light images. It’s only 5 millimeters across ― less than ¼ inch ― but is responsible for our sharp, central vision and most of our ability to perceive colors and fine detail. As an example, if you’re looking at a phone or computer screen as you read these words, your macula is responsible for your ability to see this post with your sharp, central vision. Unfortunately, as we age, the macula can begin to degenerate and cause a loss of vision right in the center of our visual field. AMD is a chronic eye disease that destroys our sharp, central vision and gets progressively worse with time. AMD is the leading cause of vision impairment and legal blindness in Americans, affecting approximately 9.1 million Americans over age 40. Because it doesn’t impact the peripheral vision, it doesn’t cause total blindness, but it can make everyday activities like reading, watching tv or putting together a puzzle much more difficult, if not impossible. What are the symptoms of AMD? The condition isn’t painful physically, but losing one’s central vision can be devastating. The disease has different levels of progression depending on which specific type of AMD a patient has. Symptoms and warning signs of AMD include: • A loss of ability to see details in the center of your vision, such as people’s faces or words in a book • Straight lines that appear to be wavy • A decreased ability to see colors • Empty or dark spots that are blocking the center of your visual field • Difficulty seeing things at a distance If you experience any of these symptoms, see your optometrist immediately. Though AMD is a chronic, progressive disease, if caught early, treatment may slow its progress in some cases. --- ## AMD: Who’s at Risk? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/amd-whos-at-risk/ Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Who’s at Risk? Bette Davis, the gorgeous American actress and star of film, television and screen in the 1930s through 1980s, is famously quoted as saying, “Old age ain’t for sissies.” Though we don’t know exactly what health concerns she faced in her final decade, her words ring true. Another popular actress, 84-year-old Judi Dench, is reportedly suffering from Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), a progressive disease that impacts the center of the retina—which is called the macula—and causes patients to lose their sharp, central vision that plays such an important role in seeing faces of the people you’re speaking with or reading books, or in Dench’s case, movie scripts. She is reportedly coping with the problem by using large-print scripts and having someone read her lines to her. But AMD doesn’t only impact great actresses—it’s the most common cause of visual impairment in the U.S., affecting more than 9.1 million people over the age of 40. People with AMD have a condition called “Low Vision,” which means even with glasses or other visual correction, they don’t see better than 20/70 in their “good” eye. Let’s take a closer look at AMD. Who’s at risk for AMD? The cause of AMD isn’t precisely known, but the following factors increase your risk of developing it: • Aging. People over age 50 have a higher likelihood of developing AMD. At age 40, one in 14 Americans develop AMD – but after age 75, up to 30% of seniors are impacted by the condition. As our U.S. population continues to age, the prevalence of AMD continues to grow. • High blood pressure • Smoking. Those who choose to smoke have twice the risk of developing AMD. • High fat intake • A family history of AMD • Being of Caucasian descent The two types of AMD There are two basic types of AMD: 1. “Dry” AMD: The “dry” form of macular degeneration accounts for 85% of AMD cases. Research suggests that high levels of specific vitamins, minerals and antioxidants might slow the degeneration in some “dry” AMD cases, which is why it’s critical to see your optometrist immediately if you notice any symptoms. 2. “Wet” AMD: The “wet” form of AMD comprises 15% of total AMD cases. It’s called the “wet” type because it results from small blood vessels that grow under the retina and begin to leak, which damages the delicate tissue of the retina and impacts vision. In some cases of wet AMD, laser treatment or photodynamic therapy can help to slow the progression of the disease. In addition, new drug protocols can sometimes stop new blood vessel growth. Interestingly, in the case of the actress Judi Dench, she has been diagnosed with both types of AMD—one eye has the “wet” type and one has the “dry” type. Treatment of AMD Unfortunately, vision loss from AMD is permanent, so slowing the disease’s progression is critical. If you’re diagnosed with AMD, the best course of action will be to quit smoking, work with your primary care physician to control your blood pressure, reduce your fat intake and commit to a healthy diet that includes vegetables and fruits high in carotenoids―such as broccoli, spinach, peas, green beans, apples, oranges and kiwifruit. Your optometrist may also recommend vitamin and mineral supplements. Ongoing research and clinical trials are testing new treatments, including the option of transplanting healthy cells into the degenerating retina, and surgically inserting a “retinal chip” to help restore vision loss. An additional goal of treating patients with AMD is to help them maintain a good quality of life and preserve independence while living with low vision. Some of the tools available to help low vision patients include magnifiers with built-in lights, handheld telescopes, large-print reading materials and advances in technology that include watches, clocks and computers that read text aloud, helping patients continue to enjoy many of the things they enjoy even as their vision deteriorates. --- ## Protect Your Eyes, Inside and Out URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/protect-your-eyes-inside-and-out/ March is Save Your Vision Month, a time to remember that we’re born with one pair of eyes to last our entire lives, and serious injuries can happen in an instant. With a focus on awareness and adopting a few simple best practices, you can protect your eyes for a lifetime. Protect Your Eyes from Injury Protecting your eyes—and the eyes of your loved ones—from injury is one of the most important actions you can take to maintain good vision. Up to 90% of eye injuries seen in doctor’s offices and emergency rooms could have been prevented by simply wearing protective safety glasses or goggles! Many people incorrectly believe that eye injuries are most common at work, such as in manufacturing settings or on construction sites, and aren’t on the lookout for eye dangers in our daily lives. But nearly half of all eye injuries take place at home, not at work. And 40% of those injuries occur while playing sports or engaging in other recreational activities. The most common types of eye injuries occurring at home are caused by hazardous products and chemicals—including bleach, oven cleaner and pest control sprays. However, non-chemical items can be dangerous, too. Grease and oil can splatter into your face while cooking, curling irons can slip and seriously injure an eye, and loose rugs can cause you to trip and fall and potentially land on something sharp. Outdoors, activities that pose the most significant threats include mowing the lawn and trimming hedges or bushes, or similar scenarios where small bits of debris are flung far and wide by power tools. It’s an unfortunate statistic that only 35% of people take steps to protect their eyes while working on repair projects, yard work and home maintenance. Fewer still wear goggles while playing sports. To significantly reduce your risk of eye injury, use common sense while working around the house, and stay diligent about household hazards that could damage eyesight. Read labels thoroughly, use grease shields to protect from splatters, secure rugs and railings, and stay focused and present while using dangerous tools. It’s a best practice to wear safety glasses or goggles during any activity with the potential for eye injury, and encourage your kids to wear them, too. Setting a good example for kids to follow will help ensure they grow up with an awareness for eye safety, which will set them up for a lifetime of healthy vision. Eat for Eye Health As important as it is to protect our eyes from the outside in, we also need to support our eyes from the inside out! Living a healthy lifestyle can help delay or even avoid many chronic diseases, including certain eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration. To keep your eyes healthy and seeing your best, pile your plate with whole, colorful foods full of these essential vitamins and minerals: 1. Vitamins C, D and E Protect against dry eyes, cataracts and macular degeneration with sweet peppers, strawberries, salmon, sunflower seeds, almonds and hazelnuts. 1. Flavonoids The antioxidant effects of these plant molecules, found in citrus fruits, blueberries, red wine and tea, can also help you steer clear of cataracts and macular degeneration. 1. Beta carotene Carrots aren’t the only source of this well-known vision supporter: Sweet potatoes, butternut squash, spinach and kale are all loaded with it, too. 1. Lutein and Zeaxanthin They’re good for your eyes even if they’re hard to pronounce. Chow down on turnip greens, collard greens and squash to incorporate them into your diet. 1. Omega 3’s Fish oil supplements may be your go-to source for these essential fatty acids, but flaxseeds and walnuts also pack an omega 3 punch. Eat up, and protect your eyes from macular degeneration and dry eye. Is it Time to Schedule Your Annual Eye Exam? Protecting your eyes while working around the house and supporting vision by consuming healthy fruits and veggies are important steps, but a holistic approach to eye health includes professional care, too. Your annual eye exam gives you a chance to discuss any ongoing concerns with your eye doctor, and yearly visits enable your optometrist to catch any potential problems early, while they are most treatable. We look forward to seeing you soon! --- ## Top 5 Features of Performance Eyewear URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/top-5-features-of-performance-eyewear/ If you wear glasses, you’re probably thankful that they help you see clearly. But what else can your glasses do for you? Some eyewear goes above and beyond the call of clear vision, supporting and protecting your eyes and vision in innovative ways. Today’s performance eyewear offers a wide array of features and benefits to help you see clearly and live fully every day of the year. Here are our five favorite features for frames and lenses that enhance and protect your vision: 1. Ultraviolet (UV) Protection One of the most basic and important ways glasses can help support your eyes is by providing UV protection. Without this feature, exposure to UV rays can put you at risk for potential eye problems both in the short term as well as the long run. Do you often spend days at the beach or on the water without proper UV protection for your eyes? Such exposure to UV rays can lead to corneal sunburn. Also known as photokeratitis, corneal sunburn can be extremely painful and may cause temporary vision loss. For those who work outdoors or spend most days outside, UV ray exposure can eventually cause a growth called pterygium—or surfer’s eye. It’s a pink, fleshy growth on the white part of your eye. Ultraviolet light exposure over your lifetime can even lead to macular degeneration, a primary cause of vision loss for older adults, and cataracts. The solution? Be sure that your lenses block at least 99% of both UVA and UVB rays, and wear them year-round—yes, even on cloudy days. You’ll look cool and your eyes will thank you. 1. Polarization Considering a new pair of shades? Ask about the benefits of polarization. In these specialized lenses, an invisible filter is added to reduce glare. By preventing reflected light from entering the eyes, visual clarity and comfort are improved. Polarization can neutralize the harsh glare of sunlight reflecting off of water, snow, or even a flat road, which has been known to temporarily blind drivers and result in accidents. Fortunately, polarized lenses eliminate glare and are available for both prescription and non-prescription sunglasses. 1. Anti-reflective lenses While polarized lenses filter out reflected light in sunglasses, anti-reflective lenses offer a similar result for regular glasses. This feature reduces distraction and eye strain. By eliminating reflection from both the front and back of your lenses, anti-reflection treatments allow more light to pass through your lenses and enter the eyes. This reduced level of reflection enhances visual acuity and, as an added benefit, anti-reflective lenses are also nearly invisible to the naked eye and in flash photos. The reduced glare often results in improved night driving because the glare from streetlights and oncoming headlights is neutralized. 1. Scratch-resistant coatings Everyone who wears glasses knows it can be difficult to keep your glasses pristine so you can see your best. Whether you knock them off accidentally, drop them on a hard surface, or they fall between the seats of your car, glasses are prone to scratches. So, a convenient performance feature you can add to lenses is a scratch-resistant coating that protects them in these common scenarios. 1. Impact Resistant: Polycarbonate frames and lenses Gone are the days of shattered lenses and broken frames when you choose the impact-resistant properties of polycarbonate. Originally designed for use on fighter planes, polycarbonate hit the consumer market in the 1980s. With 100% UV protection and nearly ten times the impact resistance of plastic or glass, the material was quickly adopted as a safe, durable, lightweight alternative. Polycarbonate has been the gold standard for impact-resistant eyewear ever since. The durability of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for those working in hazardous job conditions. And there’s another segment of the population who are great candidates for these frames and lenses: Your kids! Whether they’re climbing the jungle gym or playing sports, polycarbonate is the ideal material to hold up against your child’s active lifestyle and  tendency to drop their glasses during play. For the same reason, sports goggles are often made from polycarbonate, too. Glasses are a daily accessory, so be sure you have a pair that accents your lifestyle while delivering performance that enhances your vision. If you’re not sure whether your current lenses include these features, or you’d like to get a pair that does, we’re happy to help! --- ## What Do Eyes Say About Health? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/what-do-eyes-say-about-health/ What do eyes say about health? Believe it or not, they say quite a bit. From stress to diabetes, abnormalities in your eyes and vision can show us a world of signs about our physical condition. Of course, don't try to figure out these things on your own. If you have any worries about your eye health, simply speak to your optometrist . But for the curious, we're breaking down some of the common flags that our eyes give us. Read on to learn more! ## Stress You might think of eye twitches as something you only see mad scientists do in movies, but they're actually much more common than it seems. Having an eye twitch can be quite annoying, but it's not the end of the world. Sometimes, you might just be too stressed. That's right. Most people do believe that eye twitches come from stress, and there's quite a bit of truth in this. If you think that's the case, avoid stress for as long as you can, and cut out caffeine. Over time, you should see your eyes relax. If only one eye is twitching, you might want to see your optometrist for a diagnosis. There may be some more serious issue with that particular eye. ## High Blood Pressure Did you know that about 1 out of every 3 adults has high blood pressure? Even though it's common, it's not something to take lightly. High blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and more, but lucky for us, proper health management can help avoid these issues. Many people might not know they have high blood pressure though, and that's where our eyes come in. During an annual eye exam, an optometrist can point to signs of blood pressure issues or hypertensive retinopathy, a disease that comes from high blood pressure. This is another great reason to make sure to have your annual eye exam . Hypertensive retinopathy can cause significant damage, but it's easily treated if an optometrist can tell you that you have it. ## Diabetes Blurred vision is often just a sign that you need to wear glasses or contacts, but in some cases, it may be a sign of something more worrisome—diabetes. People with blood sugar that is too high or low may start to have blurry vision. The simple treatment for this is to lower or increase their blood sugar. Swelling in the lens of your eye from high levels of blood sugar is often the cause. This can be one of the first signs of diabetes, but other diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration could be causing it as well. Make sure to speak to your optometrist and your doctor about any new vision issues. ## Stroke Although it's not the most common symptom, stroke victims might notice extreme and sudden vision loss while the attack is happening. Blurry vision, loss of vision, or double vision may all be signs that a stroke is about to happen. Other symptoms of a stroke are speech problems, confusion, intense headaches, and numbness. ## General Infections You can see plenty of issues from your eyes that have nothing to do with your eyes, but when your eyes are in pain, they will tell you too. Look at your cornea, and if you see white spots over top of it, you might have a corneal infection. This is nothing to freak out about though, as it is quite common, but make sure to speak to your eye doctor about it as soon as possible. This kind of disease is more common for people who wear contacts instead of glasses. Forgetting to wash your hands or using an old contact might trigger this infection. Of course, those who wear glasses should also look out for this issue. ## Tiredness! You already know this one: dark circles around your eyes means you need to sleep more! But why does this happen? It's because your eyes need fluid circulation, and not getting the proper amount of sleep can make it hard for them to get it. During the day, your blinking keeps the circulation going, but sleep allows your eyes to fully rest. This is also why your eyes may feel dry if you haven't had enough sleep the night before. Red or twitchy eyes are sometimes a sign that you haven't had enough sleep too. Sleep gives your muscles—eyelids included—time to rest. Neither of these symptoms is something to worry about as long as they go away when you get enough sleep. ## What Do Eyes Say About Your Health? After reading this article, you shouldn't have to ask, "What do eyes say about health" anymore. Although you know, avoid trying to diagnosis yourself, especially with any serious eye or body diseases. If you're worried about your eye health or need to see us for your annual exam, please schedule an appointment online with us! --- ## Eye Allergies: What You Need to Know URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/eye-allergies-what-you-need-to-know/ Did you know that over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year? And many of these people are stuck dealing with a dry, puffy mess called eye allergies. Starting in the Spring, eye allergies can often mean an itchy and red year for those who have to deal with them. If you're one of these people, you know how frustrating it is to deal with eye allergies. Eye drops, doctor visits, and sometimes even medication can take time and energy out of you. Knowing a bit more about the allergy, cures, and symptoms will give you an upper leg when you're trying to defeat your allergies this year. This article will tell you everything you need to know. Read on to learn more! ## Eye Allergy Symptoms For some, eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, don't start developing until later in life. This is because our immune systems eventually start to recognize a new substance, called an allergen, as harmful. Often, this is something simple like pollen or dust. The symptoms are usually pretty obvious, meaning you won't need an optometrist's help to diagnose this. But you should talk to them for help if you have any questions or severe pain, but we'll get to that later. For now, here are some common eye allergy symptoms: • Burning • Red eyes • Swelling • Itching • Light sensitivity • Soreness Keep in mind that these symptoms don't always mean you have allergies. Other factors could be causing any one of these symptoms, but a combination of them all could mean you have eye allergies. Your eye doctor will be able to diagnose your symptoms. Often, pink eye and similar diseases can look like eye allergies, so getting their opinion may help you catch other issues before they become serious problems. ## What Causes Eye Allergies? Now that you know whether or not you have these allergies, let's move on the deeper side: what causes eye allergies? Although it's interesting, you might be wondering why you need to know this. For one, knowing what causes your symptoms will help you to avoid allergens you come across in your daily life. Also, if you're a parent, knowing the causes can help you keep your children away from certain allergens you might not think anything of. Here are some common triggers to look out for: • Pollen • Pets • Mold Spores • Dust Mites • Cigarette Smoke • Cosmetics • • Eye drops and artificial tears can cause some people to have an allergic reaction. Usually, food and other common allergens will not cause people to display symptoms of eye allergies. That doesn't mean it's impossible though. One person's allergens won't always be the same as someone else's. If you don't have allergies yet, you still might develop them over time. Allergies tend to run in families , so be ready to have them if your relatives do! This also means parents with eye allergies should be extra careful with their children. ## Eye Allergy Cures Dry, itchy, and painful. There's no denying that eye allergies are anything but fun, and if you've made it this far, chances are you're looking for relief. Let's discuss how you can find just that. For people that wear contacts, one of the best ways to reduce your symptoms is by taking out your contacts. If an allergen gets stuck in your eye without you noticing, you might find yourself itching all day. If allergies get too bad, you might want to think about wearing glasses instead of contacts during high allergy seasons. At the very least, make sure to keep contact solution and a spare pair of glasses with you when you can. For those already wearing glasses, consider wearing wrap-around glasses to shield your eyes during allergy season. If you can't give up contacts, there are also wrap-around sunglasses you could take outdoors. One common defense against eye allergies is non-prescribed eye drops and artificial tears. This simple yet effective solution to allergies is how most people beat them each year. Follow the instructions on the bottle of eye drops you choose. Each has different rules, and consider asking your eye doctor which one to use. In some severe cases, an optometrist can prescribe prescription medications for your allergies. This is only after other cures don't work. Antihistamines, prescription eye drops, and steroids may all help in the fight against eye allergies. Ask your eye doctor on your next annual visit for advice on this. ## When to See an Eye Doctor About Eye Allergies Seeing an eye doctor for your allergies isn't uncommon at all. Even if you feel like it's not a huge problem, talking to your optometrist may bring you some relief. You should see your eye doctor for your allergies if the pain is becoming distracting. Stinging or redness isn't uncommon, but it may be a bad sign if it lasts too long or hurts extensively. Light sensitivity isn't uncommon with eye allergies either. Although, if you're having trouble with your day-to-day activities, see your optometrist for help. Thinking about switching to glasses to help with allergies? This won't be the first time your eye doctor has heard this one. Feel free to schedule an appointment to ask about this. In general, it's better to be safe than sorry with your eyes. Contact your optometry office if you're in doubt. ## Kids and Eye Allergies As mentioned before, kids with parents that have allergies need to be on high alert for any allergens. In fact, all parents should have some concern with these allergies. Why? One in ten children has already developed eye allergies. Of course, a lot of the signs of eye allergies are pretty obvious, but you might want to get an optometrist's opinion to confirm it's what you think it is. One thing to note with kids is that they may scratch at their eyes because of their allergies. Scratching can cause serious damage to their eyes, so if they show symptoms, make sure to find a cure for them quickly. ## Ready to Beat Those Eye Allergies? Now that you've read this article, you should be ready to go to bat against eye allergies. Remember that every case is different, and you should speak to your optometrist if you have any questions. Over the next few weeks, we'll be taking a deep dive into eye allergies. So to stay in touch, make sure to follow us on Instagram , Twitter , and Facebook . Want to speak to one of our eye doctors or make your annual appointment? With six locations, you can schedule your next Knoxville eye exam here. --- ## Help! What Are the Eye Allergy Symptoms? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/eye-allergy-symptoms-what-are-they/ Are you stuck suffering with allergies? Eyes are one of the most common places we get allergies, but if you aren't sure what the symptoms are, you might be a bit lost when your eyes start to hurt. Not knowing might mean you accidentally try to treat the wrong eye issue. In fact, many people think that they are showing signs for pink eye when it's just their allergies are flaring. On the other hand, you don't want to brush off a serious eye issue as allergies and end up with long-term problems. That's why we're going to break down some of the top eye allergy symptoms here. Read on to learn more. ## 1. Red Eye Red eye is arguably the most obvious symptom of eye allergies. But here's the thing: red eyes can mean plenty of other things as well. Red eyes can come from pink eye, dry eye, injuries, and even more serious diseases. At the same time, it can sometimes be just that you haven't had enough sleep lately. So, don't assume the worst if you have red eyes. In fact, it may be nothing at all, but if you're showing signs of other symptoms, chances are you might have eye allergies. ## 2. Swollen Eyes Although it's common, eye swelling doesn't always happen to people who have eye allergies. And, like red eyes, swollen eyes can be from a number of different things. More than likely though, swollen eyes come from allergies, and if you're showing other symptoms, it's likel that you have them. ## 3. Water Discharge No, we don't mean crying from the pain! Water discharge can range from clear and thin to thick and opaque. Thick and opaque water discharge usually means an eye infection is at play. Any kind of eye irritation can cause you to have water discharge, so make sure to consider other factors with this specific symptom. ## 4. Itching Unlike most other symptoms, itchy eyes are pretty unique to eye allergies. While pink eye has an itchy component to it as well, itchiness should help narrow it down to these two symptoms. Whatever you do, don't scratch your eyes! This could cause damage if you're not careful. Instead, consider wearing glasses outdoors to block pollen and other allergens. If you wear contacts, you might want to wear glasses during Spring to keep allergens from sticking in your eyes. ## 5. Light Sensitivity Light sensitivity can be anything from a migraine to a lack of sleep to dry eyes. This can often be a cause of allergies, but don't let it be the only thing you determine it as. ## 6. Soreness Eye soreness is not something to ignore. For some, it could be a simple side effect from allergies, and for others, it might be a cause of a stye or glaucoma . Make sure to bring any soreness concerns to your optometrist on your next eye exam . They'll be able to help ## Need Help With Your Eye Allergy Symptoms? Eye allergy symptoms are nothing to joke about, and if you don't know what they are, you might find yourself scratching away without an idea about what to do. Hopefully, this article will keep you from doing that. Keep in mind that having your optometrist look over any of your eye questions is best. They will be able to tell you exactly what's going on. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to make an appointment with us. And for more about eye allergies, check out last week's blog . --- ## Why Kids Need High-Quality Sunglasses URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/why-kids-need-high-quality-sunglasses/ Are you a safety- and health-conscious parent? You are if you teach your kids the importance of brushing their teeth, buckling their seatbelt, and wearing the proper protective equipment for sports including shin guards, helmets and knee pads. But are you overlooking how critical it is to protect kids’ developing eyes from the damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun? UV radiation is an invisible spectrum of light that is present in our atmosphere 365 days a year and reaches the earth’s surface even on cloudy or overcast days. UV damage is cumulative—it builds over time--and irreversible. You’re probably also aware that kids spend more time outside than adults do. Some studies estimate that up to 50% of lifetime UV exposure accumulates before age 18. Here’s why this is critical: • Since the lenses in children’s eyes are still developing and their pupils are larger than adult pupils, more UV rays reach the back of children’s eyes, causing cumulative, irreversible damage to the retina. • Kids are exposed to about 3 times more UV rays than adults are each year. • Total lifetime exposure to UV light has a direct correlation with eye problems later in life, including the development of cataracts and macular degeneration. • A hat worn alone won’t cut it: Wide brims block about 50% of UV ray exposure to the eyes, but that’s not enough. It’s a best practice to wear both a hat and a pair of high-quality, UV blocking shades. It’s never too early for your kids to start wearing high-quality sunglasses that protect their eyes from damaging UV rays whenever they go outside. There are a large variety of sunglass options for all ages of children, ages 6 months to 18 years. (Children under 6 months of age shouldn’t be exposed to the sun). In addition to protecting their eye health for a lifetime of good vision, just think how cute they’ll look in their little sunnies! Here’s what to look for when buying sunglasses for children: • Full UV spectrum protection that blocks 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. A new designation, “UV 400” also meets this standard, because it blocks all wavelengths of the sun’s rays up to 400 nanometers. • High-quality frames and lenses from a credible source rather than a discount shop, online auction or street vendor. Costume sunglasses won’t protect your child’s eyes! • Prioritize comfort and fit: Kids won’t wear them if they’re not comfortable, and they need to fit well so they won’t fly off if your child performs a less-than-perfect dismount from the swings or monkey bars. • Wraparound styling is a bonus. The more skin that’s covered, the less UV exposure around the delicate eye area. More than 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by UV exposure. • Impact resistant frames are a great choice. Such frames will bend but won’t break, and will keep your child’s eyes protected through the falls, jumps, trips and spills of an active lifestyle. • Scratch-resistant coated lenses are another smart option, to help protect the glasses from the inevitable drops, sand and dirt that will befall them. The sooner you instill the importance of wearing high-quality sunglasses each time your child goes out in the sun, the lower your child’s risk of UV damage and the development of eye problems in their future. There’s a bonus to outfitting your kids with the proper UV protection in sunglasses: You’ll want to model the good behavior of wearing sunglasses whenever you go outside, 365 days a year and yes, that means on cloudy days, too. When Mom and Dad make it a habit, kids will see how important it is, and your whole family will benefit from the beneficial eye health habit of wearing your sunnies year-round! --- ## Why Do We Have Eye Allergies? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/why-do-we-have-eye-allergies/ Did you know that over half of all Americans have some kind of allergies? That means that even if you don't have them, you likely know plenty of people who have to deal with allergies each year, and you may even develop them later in life. Whether you have severe symptoms or just a small cough, allergies can get pretty annoying. Eye allergies are one of the more frustrating types of allergies to deal with during the Spring. Symptoms include dry, itchy eyes and redness. Unlike other allergies, it's also pretty easy for people to tell when you're dealing with eye allergies. While you're dealing with the itching and swelling, you might be wondering why you have these symptoms in the first place. After all, allergies seem to be one of the most common health issues in our society. If that's you, stick around. We're answering the question "Why do we have eye allergies" here. Read on to learn more! ## Why Do We Have Eye Allergies? We get eye allergies for the same reason that we have any other allergies, and it's actually much more simple than you might think. Allergic reactions flare when we get into contact with allergens. Allergens are harmless substances like pollen, hair, mold, or nuts. While these substances aren't bad for us at all, our bodies can confuse them for dangerous materiels. Our immune system then attacks this substance in an effort to protect us. Sometimes it may just be trying to expel the allergen from the body through sneezing or coughing. Other times, your body may be trying to warn you to get away from the substance. Unfortunately, this means we react to items that like pollen and animals that mean us no harm. Of course, this doesn't explain why some people can have life-threatening reactions to foods like peanuts and shellfish. Scientists still debate on why our bodies have such violent reaction to these types of allergens. ## Can You Avoid Eye Allergies? Believe it or not, there are some who say that allergies are avoidable if our immune system learns how to deal with them in our younger years. This idea comes from the hygiene hypothesis . In short, the hypothesis states that living in an extremely sanitary environment during childhood may keep our immune systems from developing naturally, which would make us more susceptible to allergies and other diseases. Like any scientific hypothesis, though, many people dismiss this idea, but it could explain why allergies are more common in developed countries . Some take this to mean that parents should encourage their kids to get in contact with more germs than they usually would in the hopes that they won't have allergies. While some studies have shown this to work , tossing your child in a pile of mud might not be the best solution to avoid eye allergies. ## Looking for More? Now that you've read this article, you should have a good grasp on why we have eye allergies. But knowing why you have eye allergies isn't going to keep you from having to deal with them. Check out this guide to surviving eye allergies on our site. --- ## Optometry Myth Busters: Sunglasses URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/optometry-myth-busters-sunglasses/ ### Optometry Myth Busters: 6 Facts You Need to Know about Sunglasses Did you know that the first sunglasses were invented in 12 th century China? They weren’t quite as sophisticated as the styles you’ll see in our office, but they served their purpose: a cut piece of smoky quartz—a grayish rock that can be seen through--were held against the face to block the sun’s rays. Since then, sunglasses have made considerable strides in popularity, convenience and sun protection. But as our ability to protect our eyes from the damaging UV rays of the sun advances, there is often confusion about certain aspects of these important vision protecting devices. Here, we’ll bust 7 myths about sunglasses: 1. When it comes to sunglass lenses, the darker, the better. FALSE. Dark lenses may seem like they offer more sun protection than lighter lenses, but in fact, the opposite can be true. Since dark lenses block more sunlight, your pupil will dilate, opening wider to let in more light. If the lenses don’t offer 100% UVA and UVB ray protection, this wider pupil opening can actually cause more damage to your eyes than lighter lenses. Whether you choose dark or light tint to your sunglass lenses, the first priority is to be certain that they are blocking 100% of the sun’s damaging UV rays. 1. You don’t need sunglasses when you’re inside a car or sitting by a window in a building. FALSE. Glass blocks most UVB rays, but the ones it lets through are the most harmful and damaging to your eyes: UVA rays. These rays are present on the Earth’s surface 365 days a year—even when it’s cloudy and overcast—and can damage your eyes even though you’re not aware of them. Whether you’re having lunch by a café window or driving your car, it’s still critical to wear sunglasses that block 100% of harmful UV rays. 1. Glare off of water, snow or pavement creates a higher risk of eye damage. TRUE. You’ve probably experienced the uncomfortable and sometimes blinding glare of the sun’s rays bouncing off of a reflective surface and into your eyes. Reflected sun rays make the UV rays your eyes receive even more intense and damaging. So whether you’re walking on a beach, skiing on the slopes or running on a sidewalk, be sure to wear your sunglasses to protect your eyes. 1. Polarized lenses offer more protection than standard sunglass lenses. FALSE. Though your vision in bright, sunny conditions may be more comfortable through polarized lenses, they don’t offer more UV protection than high-quality nonpolarized lenses that also block 100% of the sun’s damaging UV rays. Polarization is an invisible filter that neutralizes glare by preventing the horizontal rays of light from entering your eye. Since most surfaces that reflect the sun’s light are horizontal—such as bodies of water, a sidewalk, a sandy beach—this lens option is popular because it makes your vision in high-glare situations so much more comfortable. 1. When it comes to sunglasses, the bigger, the better. TRUE. Though the number one priority in choosing sunglasses is to ensure that they offer 100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays from the sun, the larger they are, the more facial surface they can protect. Large sunglasses not only protect the surface of your eyes from UV rays, but also protect the delicate skin around the eyes and on the eyelids. Since 90% of skin cancers result from cumulative UV exposure, it’s true that the bigger your sunglasses are, the more facial protection they offer and therefore, the better they are for your vision health. 1. You can skip wearing sunglasses on cloudy or wintry days. FALSE. You can be sure that the sun will come up again tomorrow, and you can also be sure that the sun’s UV radiation will hit the Earth’s surface and all things on it—including you--when it does. The sun’s damaging UV rays are present in our atmosphere 365 days a year, and even though they’re invisible, they penetrate through cloud cover and into your eyes every single day, even in the dead of winter and on overcast days. It’s essential to protect your eyes from these rays every time you’re exposed to them, so wear your sunglasses every day, no matter the season and no matter the weather. Are you looking for the perfect pair of sunglasses for your upcoming spring and summer activities? Come visit our office--we have an extensive selection of sunglass frames and lens options to choose from. Our staff will help you select the ideal pair for framing your face, suiting your style and performing well in the activities you enjoy while offering 100% UV ray protection to safeguard your healthy vision. --- ## Eye Allergies vs. Pink Eye: What's the Difference? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/eye-allergies-vs-pink-eye/ Eye allergies vs pink eye: how do you know which you are dealing with? If you've had either symptom, you might know that they are very similar to each other. There's plenty of overlap with the symptoms, and most people will likely get one or the other at some point in their lives. The way you deal with the symptoms is different though, and if you're trying to soothe pink eye with eye allergy cures, chances are you're going to have a hard time. That's why we're breaking down the main differences in this article. Read on to learn more! ## Eye Allergies vs. Pink Eye: Season Matters One of the more obvious ways to spot the difference between eye allergies and pink eye is to recognize what time of year it is. This won't give you all the answers you need, but it will give you a good start. Eye allergies are most common in the Spring and early Summer . That doesn't mean that you can't get them other times of the year, but you may only get in contact with specific allergens during that time. Pollen, for example, is something you won't come into contact with much during the winter. But other allergens like dust and mold might still be present. In short, figure out what allergens make your eyes react. If you haven't come in contact with it in a while, it's more likely to be pink eye. ## Pay Attention to Discharge The biggest detector between eye allergies and pink eye is whether or not you have discharge coming from your eyes. Both can have discharge, but eye allergies will cause significantly less discharge than pink eye. In fact, you may not experience any discharge with eye allergies. Usually, pink eye discharge will be a yellowish/green color, like an infection, but pink eye discharge will tend to be opaque and tear colored. With pink eye, you might also see crusting on your eye, and this should be the sign that says that you have pink eye, not eye allergies. If that's the case, speak to an eye doctor as soon as possible. When it comes to pink eye, keep in mind that it can be a dangerous infection to have. Without proper care, it can, over time, hurt your vision . Pink eye is also contagious, so if you think you have the disease, consider staying home and until the symptoms clear up. Children with the infection should also avoid being around other children. ## Eye Allergies vs. Pink Eye: The Bottom Line Determining between eye allergies vs pink eye isn't always easy, but hopefully, this article has given you some guidance on what to do when you show the symptoms. Remember that you shouldn't try to diagnose these problems alone, especially if they disrupt your daily life. Speak to an optometrist who will be able to give you a path to curing your pain. Need an eye doctor? Make an appointment with one of our eye doctors in Knoxville , Clinton, Maryville, or Dunlap. --- ## What Are the Benefits of Wearing Sunglasses? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-wearing-sunglasses-2/ Are you ready for summer? Of course you are! For most people, summer means vacations, warm weather, and time off. But getting ready for summer also includes getting ready for the sun, and we're not talking about sunburns here. Along with sunscreen, you should also be wearing polarized sunglasses to help protect against the sun's damage to your eyes. This is one of the biggest benefits of wearing sunglasses, but there are a few more we'd like to break down in this article. Read on to learn more! ## 1. Sunglasses Protect Your Vision As you know, the most important thing about sunglasses is that they can protect your vision. Unfortunately, harmful UV rays can hurt your eyes if they are exposed to the sun, but with polarized sunglasses, you can keep that from happening. Look for glasses that block out UVA and UVB radiation. Most good brands of sunglasses will block 99 to 100 percent of radiation. ## 2. Sunglasses Improve Your Vision While wearing sunglasses for a long time might protect your vision, you can also improve your vision while wearing them. Depending on what frame you buy, the lenses can accent certain colors and make objects sharper. For example, certain Costa sunglasses will help you improve your fishing by reducing glare often caused on water. ## 3. Sunglasses Stop Glare When you're driving, nothing can be more annoying than bright objects bouncing into your eyes. That's why so many people choose to wear sunglasses when they're driving. Glare can also be dangerous in certain situations. If something keeps you from seeing for just a few seconds, something very bad could happen! But with polarized sunglasses, you can have the peace of mind you need while driving. Remember that you don't have to wait until summer to break out your sunglasses for driving! Even when it's cold outside , you can ensure your safety by keeping a spare pair of sunglasses in your car. ## 4. Sunglasses Look Great! No matter why you're wearing sunglasses, you know they're a good choice by how great they look on you. There's no wonder that they've been a staple of fashion for so many years. Making sure you have sunglasses that fit your style is almost as important as having sunglasses that save your eyes. Why? If they look bad, you won't want to wear them! Another great part of the style in sunglasses is how versatile they are. Different colors and styles let you mix and match with what you're wearing. ## Take Advantage of the Benefits of Wearing Sunglasses Whether you're a sunglasses aficionado or a casual wearer, hopefully, this article gave you some encouragement to remember your sunglasses the next time you go outside. While they're fashionable and cool, they also give you protection and safety. Looking to get your own pair? Take a look at our Knoxville optometry offices to see where you can pick up sunglasses today. --- ## 5 Advantages of Prescription Sunglasses URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/5-advantages-of-prescription-sunglasses/ If you wear prescription eyewear, have you ever experienced this scenario? For whatever reason, you don’t have contact lenses in. Maybe you don’t wear them, or if you do, maybe it’s allergy season, or you ran out of contacts or perhaps you just forgot. So, you’re wearing prescription glasses, and find yourself in an incredibly bright, sunny situation where the sun’s light is making you squint uncomfortably. You try holding your hand up over your eyes to get relief, but your arm gets tired. You silently wish you had a better solution, but since you don’t, you do the unthinkable: Put your regular sunglasses on “over” your prescription eyewear. It’s a bad idea, because not only are you risking scratching and stretching both your sunglasses and your prescription eyewear, but also wearing two pair of glasses simultaneously hurts the bridge of your nose and irritates the top of your ears. Not to mention that one pair or the other keeps slipping down your nose and you find yourself constantly pushing them back into position to see clearly. And that’s just from your perspective. With two mismatching pairs of glasses on, to the rest of the world you look like a weird, bug-eyed alien with multiple peepers that don’t align correctly. You vow never to do that again. It’s time to consider the benefits of having a pair of prescription sunglasses made just for you. Here are 5 great reasons to do so: 1. Crisp, Clear Vision Under the Sun If you spend any time outside and value crisp, clear vision in every light, prescription sunglasses are the ideal answer. Created especially to address your specific vision correction needs, you can have the lenses made in any sunglass tint you prefer, from light to dark, and in colors including, gray, rose, yellow and blue, depending on how you prefer to see the world. Whether you are nearsighted, farsighted, have an astigmatism or are in the presbyopia years, prescription sunglasses can correct and enhance your vision every day when the sun is shining upon you. 1. Banish the Glare Some people are more sensitive to glare than to the brightness of the sun. Polarized prescription lenses neutralize blinding glare, which occurs when the horizontal rays of the sun bounce back into your eyes from surfaces including roadways, sidewalks, beaches, playgrounds, sports fields, bodies of water, hoods of cars--and in the winter, snow. When your prescription lenses are polarized, you’ll be empowered to see more clearly in every outside situation. That means better days on the beach, behind the wheel and enjoying your favorite outdoor sport or activity. 1. 100% UV Protection Whichever color and style you choose, your prescription sunglasses will block 100% of the sun’s UV rays to protect your eyes from their damaging effects. UV ray damage can lead to conditions including cataracts, macular degeneration, and cancer of the eyelids and surrounding skin. Because sunglasses extend the benefits of UV protection to the skin around your eyes, sunglasses prevent sunburn and the premature aging of the delicate skin in the eye area—which is why some people choose the largest sunglass frames they can find. The thin, sensitive skin around the eye area is particularly vulnerable to UV damage, so wearing prescription sunglasses that protect against 100 percent of the sun’s damaging UV rays will not only keep you looking cool every day—it can help you stay younger looking longer! 1. Lens Options to Suit Your Lifestyle When you have a pair of prescription sunglasses made especially for you, you can choose the specific material and treatments for your lenses. Here are some popular choices: • Polycarbonate: A great option if you lead an active lifestyle and play outdoor sports, polycarbonate lenses are impact-resistant. • Scratch-resistant: if you’re prone to dropping your sunglasses, this feature is for you. • Polarized: This treatment neutralizes glare for more comfortable vision in every situation. • Photochromic lenses: These smart lenses darken or lighten automatically according to the amount of direct sunlight they—and you—encounter. 1. Combine the Best of All Worlds Prescription sunglasses are a one-stop solution to multiple problems: 1. Every day isn’t necessarily a contact lens day. Sometimes you have allergies, or you don’t get enough sleep, or you cried at a sad movie, and your eyes need a break. 2. The sun’s UV rays are present 365 days a year—even when it’s cloudy! So no matter what, every day is an ideal day to wear your sunglasses. 3. You need prescription lenses to see clearly and function effectively—prescription sunglasses provide that. You’ll be able to read on the beach, see your child score that winning goal and easily find your friends at outdoor events. Prescription sunglasses will keep you looking good, seeing well and protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays all year long! --- ## How to Choose Sunglasses URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/how-choose-sunglasses-knoxville/ Sunglasses make up a $4 million dollar industry in the United States alone, which means we can assume that people are buying sunglasses all the time. But picking out your next pair of sunglasses can sometimes feel like a burden. Between all the options, knowing what looks best on you can be hard. Plus, you want to make sure the frames not only look great but also improve your life. If you're in this situation, look no further. In this article, we're breaking down everything you need to know how to choose sunglasses. Soon, you'll be an expert on choosing sunglasses. Read on to learn more! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPck87upark ## 1. How to Choose Sunglasses: Face Shape Comes First Before you begin choosing sunglasses, you need to figure out what kind of face shape you have. While this might sound a bit trivial, it will help you narrow down what looks best to you. Once you've determined your face shape, figure out what types of frames match your face best. Generally, you want to go with something that is the opposite of the way your face looks. For example, if you have a round face, you'll probably want to go with an angular or square frame. For people with a square face, circular frames tend to work best. Using a frame that contrasts with the way your face looks gives your appearance more definition, leaving you with a better look. ## 2. Why Do You Want Sunglasses? Next, you want to ask yourself why you want sunglasses. Do you want them for sports or some other hobby? If so, you'll want to check out sporting frames that give you better vision. For instance, fishers can have an easier time spotting fish with frames custom-built for that very reason, and hikers can see better views with frames that give more color to the world around them. For some though, sunglasses are just a way to protect your eyes from glare during everyday tasks like walking and driving. This is a great reason to have sunglasses as well, and it gives you more flexibility when choosing. Whatever you choose, make sure that the sunglasses are polarized. Polarization protects your eyes from harmful UV rays that damage your eyes. Most quality sunglasses are polarized already, but don't be afraid to ask when shopping around. ## 3. Find What Looks Best on You Decided how you want to make sunglasses work for you? Great. The last step is the most fun step! Start trying on sunglasses and looking for something that's comfortable and stylish. Don't be afraid to try on frames that aren't an exact match for your face shape. If you think the sunglasses look good, then they look good! ## Choose Your Sunglasses Today! Now that you've read this article, you should know how to choose sunglasses. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll be on your way to stylish, useful frames soon. Want to check out some frames at our store? Visit any of our local optometry offices to see how we can help you. --- ## Cataracts: What You Need to Know URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/cataracts-what-you-need-to-know/ Did you know that over half of all Americans have cataracts by the time they are 70? That's quite an astonishing amount of people dealing with them, and it means that it's likely that you will have cataracts one day as well. But how much do you know about this common disease? If your answer is "not much," then you're in the right place. In this article, we're breaking down what you need to know about cataracts. Let's get started. ## What Causes Cataracts? The reason that cataracts are usually considered an age-related disease is that the disease starts from wear and tear on the lens of our eyes. As we age, tissues and other materials around the eye begin to break down and clump together over the lens. As the lens breaks down, it becomes more difficult for light to pass through the eye, which can make it harder to see clearly. This can mean blurry vision for early developing cataracts. Although the main cause comes from age-related issues, it doesn't mean that younger people can't get them as well. Even children can get congenital cataracts, a type of cataract that a child can be born with or develop from other factors. ## What Do Cataracts Do? Now that we understand how cataracts develop, let's discuss what they change in your vision. There are a few different types of cataracts, and all of them impact your vision in unique ways. Left untreated, cataracts can make you legally or totally blind, but they tend not to develop quickly unless you have diabetes. Most cataracts will cause you to have blurry vision and may even tint your eyes. Glare becomes more prominent and painful, and bright lights will have halos around them. Not all of these symptoms come up at first. Sometimes blurriness is the only thing you'll see, but your eye doctor will be able to tell you if you have any cataracts. Make sure to schedule eye appointments on a regular basis to ensure that you catch cataracts and other diseases before they start. With Cataracts Without Cataracts ## How to Treat Cataracts At first, you can treat cataracts with a stronger prescription in your eyes, but eventually, surgery will be the only option for a permanent solution. There's usually not a huge rush to get rid of cataracts with surgery, but the sooner you choose to take them out, the easier the surgery is and the quicker you can recover from surgery. In cataract surgery, an eye surgeon removes the cloudy lens from your eye and replaces it with an artificial lens. This is generally a safe process, and serious complications are rare. After surgery, it may take time to adjust, but your eye doctor will help you through the process. It's possible for untreated cataracts to become so developed that they are difficult to treat. This is called a hyper-mature cataract, and they can cause complications when going through surgery. ## Catch Your Cataracts Today! Now that you've read this article, you should have a basic idea of what cataracts are. Remember that, as you age, eye exams become more and more important for this reason and many others. Want to learn more? Stick around. We'll be celebrating cataract awareness with a new blog about cataracts each week. Click here to read one patient's testimonial about cataract surgery . --- ## What Causes Cataracts? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/what-causes-cataracts/ June is National Cataract Awareness Month, a common eye condition which is now a leading cause of vision loss in the United States for adults over the age of 40. It’s also a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Cataracts are a progressive cloudiness, yellowing and hardening of the typically transparent natural lens in the eye. About 50% of all Americans will either have a cataract or have had surgery to remove a cataract before the age of 80. There’s a good chance you know someone who has had the surgery―or might soon need it. The number one cause of cataracts is the number of birthdays you’ve celebrated. As we age, cataracts are more likely to form because of normal changes to the eye that begin around age 40. The proteins in the eye’s natural lens begin to break down, causing the lens to cloud. But it can take years to start noticing that cloudiness. Typically, people don’t notice it until they’re over age 60, and even then they may not have any impactful vision problems for years to come. It all depends exactly where on the eye’s lens the cataract forms. Besides aging, some of the secondary factors that increase your likelihood of developing cataracts include: • Smoking, and exposure to secondhand smoke • Drinking alcohol to excess • Obesity • Poor nutrition: Diets that are low in antioxidants including Vitamins A, C and E and selenium • Genetic history: If you have siblings, parents or other family members with cataracts • Excessive use of steroid and corticosteroid medications, including prednisone • Chronic systemic diseases, including diabetes and diabetic retinopathy • Excessive UV light exposure without eye protection • Physical trauma or injury: Blows to the head and neck, eye injuries, burns or electric shock • Congenital cataracts (which are present at birth) Steps that may slow the progression of cataracts The good news is, cataracts are painless, but unfortunately they cause a progressive loss of visual acuity. Most cataracts that are age-related develop slowly over many years. While there is no cure for cataracts and they can’t be prevented, there are some healthy steps you can take that may slow their progression. ## 1. Smoking and drinking Smoking and drinking are primary and secondary causes of a variety of health problems. These vices increase your risk of developing many undesirable health conditions including cancer, heart disease and stroke. Developing cataracts is another health condition to which smoking and drinking contribute. ## 2. Poor Diet You are what you eat. A healthy diet is a preventive step to help you live your best life. Try simple swaps like adding leafy greens to each meal, substituting fruit for your afternoon snack, and focusing on consuming foods high in antioxidants, including Vitamin A (beta-carotene), Vitamins C and E, and selenium. ## 3. No Protection Excessive exposure to the sun’s damaging UV rays contributes to the formation of cataracts. A pair of high-quality sunglasses that block 100% of the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays are the best first line of defense against UV exposure. Add a wide-brimmed hat, and your eyes will both see more comfortably on sunny days and you’ll protect them from UV damage. ## 4. No Annual Eye Exams Adults age 40 and older should have a comprehensive eye exam with pupil dilation every year. Regular eye exams with your optometrist will allow your doctor to monitor signs of age-related eye diseases including cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma. Early detection could save your sight! Cataracts can’t be prevented or cured, but they can be treated with a routine surgery that has exceptionally high success rates—in the 98% range. In our next blog post, we’ll discuss the symptoms of cataracts and the surgical procedure to correct them. Need your annual eye exam? Schedule with us today. --- ## 5 Frequently Asked Questions About Cataracts URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/5-frequently-asked-questions-about-cataracts/ What do you know about cataracts? If you said "not much," you're not alone. While plenty of people get cataracts each year, people who haven't had the disease might not have a good idea of what it can cause. Even those with cataracts might still have some questions about treatment and recovery. Whether you've had them or not, you're in the right place. In this article, we're answering some frequently asked questions about cataracts. Read on to learn more. ## Before Questions About Cataracts Before we get into the weeds with questions about cataracts, let's make sure to have a strong understanding of what cataracts are. In short, cataracts are an eye disease that causes clouding in your eyes. This can impact your vision and make it quite difficult to see. For more details on this, check out our last blog Cataracts: What You Need to Know . ## 1. Are Cataracts Common? One of the first questions you might have if you have cataracts is if they are common or not. Sometimes it helps to know that other people have had to deal with a disease, so this is a fair question. In short, yes, cataracts are quite common. By the age of 80, over half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. Of course, you don't have to be 80 to have cataracts, although age is a common factor. People in their 40s and 50s can get cataracts, and even young people and babies can develop or be born with them. Often, these early cataracts are a cause of diabetes, eye injury, or other problem. If you or your child haven't had any eye complications yet, chances are you won't have to worry about cataracts until your 50s or beyond. ## 2. Can Dogs Get Cataracts? Like humans, dogs can get cataracts in their eyes. Also like humans, they tend to develop if the dog inherited the disease from their parents. Old age, diabetes, and eye injury can also play a part in creating cataracts in your dog's eye. Some species are also more prone to cataracts than others. If you notice that your dog's eyes are getting cloudy, consider taking them to your vet for a checkup. Although clouding in a dog's eye is natural over time, it could also be the first signs of cataracts. Surgery is an option when dealing with a dog's cataracts, and like humans, they may go blind without it. Without proper treatment, a dog's cataract can cause your pup quite a bit of harm. ## 3. Are Cataracts Painful? Cataracts generally do not cause pain in your eyes unless they are left untreated for too long. In that case, the light may be hurting your eyes and giving you headaches. Even if they don't cause pain, cataracts can cause vision loss and total blindness if not treated. To stay alert, make sure to have annual comprehensive eye exams, letting your eye doctor check for any diseases. ## 4. Can Cataracts Be Prevented? Because cataracts are so common, it can often feel like preventing them is impossible. That isn't the case though. If there's a history of cataracts in your family, you might not be able to avoid them, but it can't hurt to try. With a few healthy lifestyle changes, you might be able to prevent cataracts long term. Here are a few ways. ### Quit Smoking & Drinking Smoking has plenty of dangers that you already know, and it can also make it more likely for you to get cataracts. Occasional alcohol likely won't increase your chances of getting cataracts, but avoid excessive drinking for your eyes and other health benefits. ### Monitor Diabetes Diabetes can cause plenty of health problems related to the eyes, and cataracts are one. Those with diabetes should make sure to have regular eye exams to avoid any unforeseen issues. ### Eat Healthy Eating healthy has plenty of benefits for your overall health. Some studies have shown that healthy eating may reduce your chances of getting cataracts. Vitamins C and E , which come from foods like fruits and nuts respectively, are especially great for your eye health. ### Protect Your Eyes One of the best ways to protect your eyes, in general, is to wear sunglasses when you're outside. This keeps them from exposure to harmful UV rays. You should also protect your eyes from other injuries as they can cause cataracts as well. Safety glasses will keep you from any dangerous items getting in your eyes. ## 5. When Should I Get Cataract Surgery? Cataract surgery is elective surgery, so that means it's up to you to decide when you want to have your cataracts removed. Although your optometrist may suggest getting them, you could still wait but shouldn't! The earlier you get the cataract removed, the easier the surgery will go, and the faster you'll be able to get back to recovery. That being said, you may not want to get it removed until it starts impeding your vision. The best thing to do is to book annual eye exams with your optometrist. If you have a cataract, they will let you know when they think it's time to get it removed. ## Questions About Cataracts: Next Steps Now that you've read this article, hopefully, you have a better idea of what this common eye disease is. Because questions about cataracts can have complicated answers, make sure to speak to your optometrist about any concerns. Whether you're decades from having your first cataract or are thinking about surgery, we're here to help. Please schedule an eye appointment with us online, or give us a call at 877-865-3937. --- ## What are the Symptoms & Treatment for Cataracts? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/what-are-the-symptoms-treatment-for-cataracts/ June is Cataract Awareness Month, an ideal time to familiarize yourself with the causes, symptoms and treatment of one of the most common eye conditions affecting aging people worldwide. A cataract is a progressive change to the eye’s naturally clear and flexible lens, which gradually becomes cloudy, yellow and inflexible. There is not a cure for cataracts, but there is a very effective surgical treatment to correct the condition. Cataract Symptoms If you’re one of the 50% of the population who will have a cataract or cataract surgery by the age of 80, here are some of the visual changes you may experience with cataracts: • Blurry vision • Increased light sensitivity • Double vision (seeing two images instead of only one) • Color perception changes – for example, you may see a color as maroon, but it’s actually red or pink: The yellowing of the eye’s natural lens distorts the color you see. • Difficulty seeing at night • Needing more light to perform close tasks such as reading or needlework When should I have cataract surgery? During your regular annual comprehensive eye exam, your doctor will look for cataracts. They are a common occurrence in the aging eye, typically appearing after age 40. However, some cataracts form at a younger age due to head trauma, surgery or other specific situations. Just because your doctor identifies a cataract doesn’t mean you require surgery. If you can conduct your daily activities and remain productive with good vision, it’s best to take a “watch and wait” approach. Cataract surgery isn’t necessary at the first sign of a cataract—surgery is needed only when it is impeding the everyday functionality or quality of life of the individual patient. Your optometrist will watch the cataract and note any changes in its progression and your corresponding visual symptoms, sometimes over many years. There is no way to predict the rate at which a cataract will progress, or how soon you’ll need to have it surgically corrected. However, when you complain about reduced vision and your optometrist can’t correct that visual impairment with a new pair of prescription glasses, you’ll know it’s time for surgery. How will you know? When vision changes interfere with normal daily activities and quality of life, that’s when it’s time. For example, if you’re unable to read due to blurry vision, or unable to drive at night due to glare or an inability to read street signs, or your visual acuity makes crafting or watching TV difficult—then it’s likely time to consider cataract correction. The surgery is a routine outpatient procedure with an extremely high success rate of up to 98%. What is involved with cataract surgery? Cataract surgery is the most common surgery performed on older adults. The good news is that it is well-tolerated, and most patients are very pleased with the outcome. The visual problems that cataracts cause are corrected after a successful cataract surgery. There are even options to fix ongoing vision problems via multifocal implants that enable patients to see clearly both at a distance and up-close. Cataract surgery involves removing the hardened, cloudy lens of the eye and replacing it with a long-lasting, man-made intraocular lens, or IOL. This lens will restore your clear vision and in most cases, improve your visual acuity. The procedure itself is typically conducted on an outpatient basis, and takes between 5 and 10 minutes to perform (this doesn’t include pre-surgical preparation or recovery, so you’ll likely be in the surgical center for a few hours from start to finish). If both eyes have cataracts requiring surgery—which is a common occurrence—the surgeries are most often performed two or more weeks apart. This enables your surgeon to ensure that the first surgery went well and for you to recover good vision with your “new” eye lens before operating on the “old” one. What are the outcomes of cataract surgery? The first cataract surgery that removed the eye’s natural lens was performed in 1748! At that time, there wasn’t a replacement lens available, so patients had to wear very thick glasses to see clearly after surgery. As you might imagine, in the 271 years since, modern medicine has made tremendous improvements in technique and success. Cataract surgery is extremely successful in a wide range of patients. The most concerning complication is infection. To prevent it, a series of antibiotic drops are placed in the eye several times a day both before and after the procedure. Sometimes patients are required to adhere to an eyedrop regimen for up to six weeks per eye. Many patients tell us that the “worst part” of cataract correction is putting multiple eye drops in each day. But let’s bring that into perspective: For a procedure that will likely restore your vision to what you enjoyed several decades ago, putting eye drops in a few times a day is a relatively minor annoyance. With an approximately 98% rate of favorable outcomes, there’s a very high chance you will be pleased with your vision after the procedure. However, all surgeries involve risk. Complications (other than infection) include inflammation inside the eye, retinal detachment, swelling in specific areas of the eye, bleeding, glaucoma, having a piece of the cataract remaining inside the eye, worsening of existing eye conditions and a lack of vision improvement when other eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy are present. Here’s what one of our patients, a 78-year-old woman in good health, said one month after having cataract surgery on both eyes: “My vision is so sharp, and I can see more colors that I could before surgery. It’s like I’m seeing the way I did 20 years ago. I didn’t realize how poor my vision had gotten until I had the surgery. I was a little nervous before the procedure, but I’m so glad I went ahead with it. It’s one of the biggest quality of life improvements I’ve ever had.” Are you ready to discuss cataract surgery? If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts and your visual changes are impacting your daily life, it may be time to consider surgery. Schedule an appointment with your optometrist for an evaluation, and we’ll confirm that you’re a good candidate for the procedure and refer you to a surgeon to schedule your surgery. --- ## 5 Fourth of July Eye Safety Tips URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/5-fourth-of-july-eye-safety-tips/ The Fourth of July is one of the most exciting times of the year, but for your eyes, it can also be one of the most dangerous! In this article, we're looking at a few ways that you can save your eyesight from the dangers of at-home fireworks. By the end of this article, you should have an idea of how to keep you and your family members safe. Read on to learn more about Fourth of July eye safety! ## 1. Wear Safety Glasses Safety glasses aren't expensive, and they can save your eyesight if the worst happens. Don't forget to buy these glasses when picking out your fireworks. Many fireworks stores will probably sell them anyway! If you're using sparklers, safety glasses aren't a necessity, but any large explosives mean that you'll need safety glasses. ## 2. Stay Away For those that aren't shooting off fireworks, it's best for them to stay away from the spot the fireworks would go off from. It usually only takes one or two people to light a firework, and they should be the only ones near the explosive. This makes it easier for people to get away from the firework after lighting. It also means that fewer people could get hurt if something bad happens. ## 3. Have an Age Limit Kids and fireworks aren't exactly a good mix. In fact, the two together can be quite dangerous. Allowing kids to set off fireworks or handle them on their own isn't a good idea. Letting them be involved can be fun, but make sure to take extra safety precautions when doing so. Even sparklers, which are generally considered safe for kids, can be quite dangerous if used improperly. They can burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Poking your eye or skin could cause serious damage if they aren't careful. ## 4. Be Prepared When shooting off fireworks in your backyard, you'll want to make sure to have an emergency plan. Even when you have the best intentions, something can still go awry. Keep a bucket or two for putting out any fires or dud fireworks. If you try to light a firework and it doesn't work correctly, don't try to light it again. Instead, use one of your buckets of water and toss it. A dud firework could be a dangerous explosive. Also, know what to do if a firework hits or causes a burn. The best protocol is to call 911 and avoid any home remedies. For eye injuries specifically, any rubbing or watering can worsen the problem. ## 5. Leave it to the Pros The safest way to enjoy fireworks this year is by leaving it to the pros. Enjoy a local fireworks show or see one at a private event hosted by pyrotechnicians. When you go, you won't have to worry about safety precautions, and chances are you'll see a better show anyway. On the plus side, you also won't have to pay for the fireworks! ## Remember These Tips for Fourth of July Eye Safety While at-home fireworks are fun, they can also be dangerous if you're not careful. With these Fourth of July eye safety tips, you should be able to squander the danger. Make sure to follow general fireworks safety tips while celebrating Independence Day. Ready to get your next exam? Schedule your annual eye exam with us today. --- ## UV Rays and Eyes: What You Need to Know URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/uv-rays-eyes-what-you-need-to-know/ Ah, summertime. Hours upon hours of fun, no school, and vacation. You're not the only one enjoying the longer days. The sun is also out for more hours each day, and while that means more time for your activities, a dangerous byproduct comes from this. This byproduct is called UV rays. You've likely heard about them when talking about skin, but they can also pose a risk to your eyes. In this article, we'll let you know what UV rays are and how you can protect yourself against them. Read on to learn more about UV rays and eyes. ## What Are They? Before we get into the details of the impact of UV rays on your eyes, it might help to understand what UV rays are. For the most part, UV rays come from the sun, but artificial light sources like tanning beds can also produce UV rays. UV rays are stronger depending on the time of year and location. There are three different types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC rays aren't worth worrying about as they don't enter our atmosphere. UVA and UVB rays are similar, but UVB rays are stronger, meaning they are more likely to cause damage. ## Can UV Rays Harm Eyes? Like skin, UV rays can harm your eyes when you're outside. Eyes can get sunburned, but most of the risk is long-term. Overexposure to the sun over decades can cause your eyes to form cataracts or develop macular degeneration. A number of other factors can cause these diseases, but UV rays can make it more likely. ## How Do I Protect Myself from UV Rays? Although UV rays can be very dangerous, there is good news. Protecting eyes from UV rays isn't hard at all. In fact, there are a few quick and easy steps you can take today. First, make sure to wear sunglasses when you're outside for long periods of time. This will ensure to keep the UV rays out of your eyes. Sunglasses also have other benefits like reducing glare and helping with sports. They can make it safer when you're driving, and they might even help you when fishing, hiking, biking, or running. You can also consider wearing a hat when you're outside. This gives you constant shade, keeping the UV rays out of your eyes. It can also help you prevent sunburns on your neck and shoulders. Finally, the safest thing you can do is limit your time in direct contact with the sunlight. This will help you not only protect your eyes but also avoid sunburns and lower the risk of skin cancer. ## UV Rays and Eyes: Ready to Go! Now that you've read this article, you should be able to protect yourself against UV rays. Remember that you can't perfectly protect your eyes, but every step can make a difference. If you have any questions about UV rays and eyes, make sure to contact your eye doctor . Now that you understand what UV rays are, you might want to buy a pair of sunglasses. If you're an athlete, there are few sunglasses for sports that can help your game. --- ## How Do I Protect Myself from UV Rays? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/how-do-i-protect-myself-from-uv-rays/ How much do you know about UV Rays? As you may know, UV rays can cause damage to your skin and hair. But did you know even your eyes are at risk to UV radiation? While damage likely won't occur immediately, long-term exposure can cause your eyes to lose their strength. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to protect your vision, skin, and hair from UV rays, and it doesn't take that much effort. Read on to learn a few quick and easy ways to protect yourself from UV rays. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2DvzZOqdIc ## Wear Sunscreen to Protect from UV Rays Wearing sunscreen is one of the best and fastest ways to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. Especially with children, it's important to apply and reapply sunscreen throughout the day. In general, the best kind of sunscreen is SPF 30 or higher. Dermatologists suggest this as it blocks around 97 percent of UVB light. Keep in mind that sunscreen isn't just for the beach and avoiding sunburns. You can protect yourself from skin damage from the sun by using lotions with SPF in them. ## Keep Sunglasses on Hand Did you know that 5-10 percent of all skin cancer starts around the eyes? That's one of the reasons why it's so important to wear polarized sunglasses with UV protection whenever you're outside. A combination of sunscreen and sunglasses will keep that sensitive skin protected. On a more obvious note, sunglasses will help your eyes by keeping UV rays out of them. UV rays can cause cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye-related issues that develop over time. ## Put a Cap on It! While sunglasses will protect your eyes, you will also want to protect the rest of your head and other sensitive areas. On easy way to do this is to wear a hat. A hat will help protect your eyes while also keeping the sun out of the rest of your face. It's best to wear a full-brimmed hat to protect the back of your neck and your shoulders, but unless you're planning to be in the sun for a long time, a regular hat or sunscreen will likely do the trick. ## Be Reasonable in the Sun Staying inside probably isn't the first thing you want to spend time doing all summer, and you don't have to in order to avoid skin cancer. However, to keep your skin and eyes healthy, you can protect yourself by spending time in the shade and inside. If you have to be outside for long periods of time, take the previous tips to avoid any harm. The last thing you want to do is cause long-term damage, and sunburns aren't any fun either! ## Protect Yourself from UV Rays Today Hopefully this article has given you a few ideas on how to protect your eyes from UV rays. While you can take many more extreme efforts, chances are that these simple tips will be able to protect your eyes for years to come. Schedule an eye exam with us this week, or visit any of our optometry offices to try on sunglasses today! --- ## What is Dry Eye Disease? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/what-is-dry-eye-disease/ You’ve likely heard of Dry Eye disease and the discomfort it can cause. But what is this condition, and who is most likely to suffer from it? Your eyes require tears to lubricate and nourish the cornea – the front surface of your eye. Tears serve many functions, including lubrication so that the eyelid can smoothly open and close, lowering your risk for eye infections, and washing away dirt or other foreign matter that gets into your eye. Your tear film is, therefore, a critical aspect of eye health. If you don’t produce adequate tears or the tears aren’t of good enough quality, Dry Eye disease can occur. July is National Dry Eye Awareness month, an ideal time to explore this multifaceted eye condition that affects an estimated 25 million people in the United States. What factors lead to Dry Eye? Two essential factors play a role in Dry Eye disease: 1. Not enough tears.  The glands around your eyelids produce tears, and like many biological functions, tear production sometimes diminishes with age, or sometimes diminishes due to side effects of pharmaceuticals or a medical condition you may have. The weather—particularly in windy or dry climates—may also play a role if it causes tear evaporation to increase. In some cases, tears flow too quickly into the small ducts at the inner corner of your eyelids, draining out more quickly than they should. If the balance of tears is impacted either by inadequate tear volume production or an increase of tear evaporation, Dry Eye disease symptoms may occur. 2. Low quality of tears.  You probably don’t think too much about what’s in your tears, but your vital tear film is composed of three layers: oil, water and mucus. Each of the three components plays a role in nourishing and protecting the front of your eye, and each of the layers is secreted by different glands in and around your eye and eyelid. If there’s not enough water in your tears, or if the oily layer isn’t sufficient to keep that watery layer from evaporating, or if the mucus layer doesn’t spread the tears across the eye effectively, the cornea can become uncomfortably dry. The most common reason for Dry Eye symptoms to appear is when the layer of water in your tears isn’t adequate. What are the symptoms of Dry Eye? You’ve likely experienced itchy, irritated, scratchy or burning eyes at some point in your life—whether it was due to an allergy or having foreign matter in your eye. It can be incredibly uncomfortable, can’t it? People with Dry Eye experience that feeling often, but no allergy medication or removal of foreign matter solves the problem for them. The reason Dry Eye symptoms are so uncomfortable is that the tissues of the eye need to stay moist. When those tissues dry out, it can lead to complications—comparable to how it feels when your lips dry out and crack. Except worse, because it impacts your visual acuity. Many Dry Eye patients complain of blurred vision, which makes sense because when the eyes’ tear film breaks down, you can’t see through it clearly. To understand why, think of how it looks when your car’s windshield is dirty—it’s hard to see through. And if your windshield is dry and dirty and then you apply your windshield wipers (which is essentially the role of your eyelids in this analogy), it just smears more, and visibility gets even worse, right? That’s the issue with Dry Eye. Sometimes Dry Eye patients experience an excessive watering of the eyes. In advanced cases, the eye becomes so dry and irritated that the cornea can become damaged and impair vision permanently. What causes Dry Eye? Multiple factors must work together to create a stable, healthy tear film that protects the eye: 1. Age is a factor.  Because lower tear production occurs as we age, most people over age 65 will have some degree of Dry Eye symptoms, but the disease can begin at a much younger age. 2. Gender. Women exhibit more Dry Eye symptoms than men, likely due to hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives as a result of oral contraceptive use, pregnancy and menopause. 3. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.  The meibomian glands, located in both the upper and lower eyelids, secrete oils that keep tears from evaporating too quickly. When they are blocked or aren’t functioning correctly, Dry Eye symptoms appear. 4. Medical conditions. Dry Eye symptoms increase in patients diagnosed with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid issues. Those who have had eye surgeries, including LASIK or cataract surgery, can have a decreased tear production also. 5. Medications. Pharmaceuticals including decongestants, antihistamines, antidepressants and blood pressure medications can lower tear production and cause Dry Eye symptoms. 6. Environmental factors. Dry, windy climates can impact your eyes’ tear film, as can exposure to smoke and staring at computer and phone screens for much of the day. If you suffer discomfort from Dry Eye and feel compelled to scratch your eyes or use lubricating eye drops throughout the day, talk with your optometrist about your symptoms at your next annual comprehensive eye exam. --- ## Why Kids Need Annual Eye Exams URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/why-kids-need-annual-eye-exams/ Summer is coming to a close, and kids are getting ready to go back to school. While you might be busy packing up backpacks or picking out pencils, you might also want to make time to visit with your eye doctor before your child goes back. Whether they have glasses or not, annual eye exams are important for school-age children, and in this article, we're going to discuss why you should make sure your child is seeing their optometrist before school every year. Read on to learn more! ## 1. Kids Need Annual Eye Exams to Catch Problems The risk of poor academics isn't the only reason kids need to have eye exams. In some cases, it can be much more about their health than anything else. Annual eye exams can catch lazy eyes, color blindness, and diseases unrelated to the eye. For kids with diabetes, eye exams are even more important, and catching diseases that impact our eyes, like diabetes, is easier with regular eye exams. With eyes, ironically enough, many common issues are not visible. So, ensuring that your kids are able to go regularly before those problems become visible could drastically help your children. Keep in mind that catching eye diseases isn't just for kids. Most adults know if they have color blindness, lazy eyes, or diabetes, but as they age, they become more susceptible to diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts. ## 2. It's Likely They'll Need An Eye Exam Whether your child has had glasses before or not, chances are they will need vision correction at some point. 61 percent of Americans need either glasses or contacts, and one out of every four kids need glasses by kindergarten. Nearsightedness often reveals itself when kids go to school because of the increase in reading and other sight-dependent activities. Even if your child hasn't shown any signs of vision issues, it's safer to have an eye exam before they even step foot in a school! Getting the eye exam during the summer also saves you and your child's time and energy during the hectic school year. It might get a bit harder to make time for an appointment once their schedules are on full blast. ## 3. Eyesight Affects Learning in the Classroom Did you know that about 80 percent of everything a child learns at school is through visual information? That means that if your child's eyesight isn't at tip-top shape, chances are they will fall behind in school. What's worse is that, even if your child can't read the board or the homework assignment in front of them, they still may not even realize their eyesight could be fixed. In fact, a small visual impairment may just be slowing them down enough to hurt their school work but not impact the rest of their lives. For that reason, it's good for an optometrist to check their eyesight before they go to school. This could help alleviate a problem before it even becomes one. ## Schedule Your Child's Annual Eye Exam There's no doubt that kids need annual eye exams to improve both their learning and their overall health. Are you looking for an optometrist? We specialize in pediatric eye care and are always happy to take new patients. With 6 offices in Knoxville, Maryville, Clinton, and Dunlap, we will be able to help you and your child anywhere you are. If you'd like to make an appointment, please either call us at 877-VOL-EYES (877-865-3937) or schedule online . Back to school exams schedule early, so please contact us as soon as possible! --- ## Dry Eye Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/dry-eye-disease-diagnosis-and-treatment/ Dry Eye Disease occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough tears or the tears produced are not high enough in quality to create a nourishing, lubricating tear film over the front of the eye to protect it. The condition is progressive and often gets worse as you age. It has a myriad of causes including age, gender, medications, medical conditions and environmental factors. Diagnosing Dry Eye During your annual comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor will ask specific questions to establish your health history, any medical conditions you have, medications you take, and environmental factors that may impact your eye health. If you’re at risk for Dry Eye or exhibiting symptoms of the disease, your optometrist may conduct additional testing to determine whether your tear film is stable and of good quality. One strong determining factor in diagnosing Dry Eye is patient experience: If you are suffering from dry, itchy eyes, are experiencing blurred vision, have difficulty focusing or wearing contact lenses, your optometrist will likely conduct further testing to determine whether you have Dry Eye. Treating Dry Eye Because there are a number of factors that contribute to Dry Eye disease and everyone’s experience with it is unique, there are multiple approaches to treating the condition. Unfortunately, there’s no “one size fits all” solution for Dry Eye disease, but your optometrist will recommend a treatment protocol created especially for your symptoms and background. For some patients, more than one approach may be required to alleviate discomfort. Adding tears. In mild cases, Dry Eye symptoms can sometimes be alleviated with artificial tear drops that are available without a prescription at your local pharmacy. Ask your eye doctor which brands he or she recommends. Conserving tears. Keeping the naturally occurring tears your body produces in the eyes for longer can help alleviate Dry Eye symptoms. To do so, your optometrist may plug the small ducts in your inner eyelids where tears drain out of the eyes, thus keeping more tears in the eyes for an extended amount of time. Tiny removable silicone plugs can temporarily block the ducts at the corner of your eyelids. In extreme cases, tear ducts can be surgically sewn shut. Increasing the amount of tears in the eye helps reduce Dry Eye irritation. Treating Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Your meibomian glands , located in both the lower and upper eyelids, produce oils that prevent tears from evaporating too quickly. When they aren’t functioning correctly or become clogged, Dry Eye symptoms appear. If your optometrist finds evidence of MGD, he or she may recommend warm compresses, Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, a procedure called LipiFlow or a treatment called iLux. Both LipiFlow and iLux work by warming the inner and outer surface of the eyelids and using gentle pressure to help melt and remove the waxy secretions blocking the meibomian glands. Increase production of tears. Prescription eye drops can help to increase your tear production. In addition, certain supplements may be prescribed to help your body produce higher quality tears. Lowering inflammation. If your Dry Eye is the result of inflammation of the eye surface or eyelid, prescription eye drops to lower inflammation may help. In addition to the treatments your optometrist recommends, it’s essential to blink regularly when staring at computer or phone screens for long periods of time. If you’re staring at a screen for hours, be sure that every 20 minutes, you close your eyes purposefully and intentionally for at least two seconds. If you suspect you may be experiencing Dry Eye disease symptoms, schedule an appointment with your optometrist to discuss treatment options. Dry Eye can impact your productivity at work and have an adverse effect on your social and psychological well-being, so it’s important to address the problem as soon as you recognize it. --- ## 17 Visual Skills Kids Need to Succeed URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/17-visual-skills-kids-need-to-succeed/ ### The 17 Visual Skills Kids (and Adults) Need to Succeed in Life Back-to-school season is an ideal time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam for your children. Why? Because it’s critical to ensure that they’re seeing their absolute best and that all aspects of their visual system are functioning well to help them learn during the school year. The American Optometric Association recommends that school-aged kids—those 6 to 18 years old—receive a comprehensive eye exam before they start the first grade and annually each year afterward. Your child’s eyes change rapidly as they grow, and any interference with healthy development could result in a visual change that could impact their ability to learn. While many such changes are easily corrected if identified, the longer they go uncorrected, the more your child could suffer from the consequences, and the more difficult the issue may be to correct. An annual eye exam helps to ensure that your child’s vision is an asset to—rather than a hindrance to—their ability to learn and develop life skills. There are 17 visual skills that every individual relies on throughout our lives. That’s a lot of different skills! If any of these skills are not functioning properly or are unbalanced, the result can be problems at school, which can spill over into problems in various areas of life. The 17 Critical Visual Skills We All Use Daily 1. Central Visual Acuity: Visual accuracy, often measured with the term 20/20 vision, which is a benchmark rating of “perfect” vision. If you have 20/20 vision, you can see from 20 feet away what other people with excellent vision can see from 20 feet away. If you have 20/15 vision, you have better-than-average eyesight and can see from 20 feet away what people with excellent vision can see from 15 feet away. (Good for you!) 2. Eye Movement Control: Necessary for pointing both eyes together at an intended task, such as following a line of text across the page. Each eye has six muscles which work together to control eye position and movement so that you can enjoy good vision. 3. Simultaneous Focus (Near): Seeing an image that is close to us by focusing with both eyes clearly. This type of vision is important in inspecting items within an arms’ length of our eyes. 4. Sustained Focus (Near): Holding a close image in focus over time. This aspect of vision is important in classroom tasks, including reading, writing and art projects. 5. Simultaneous Focus (Far): Seeing a distant image clearly. This aspect of vision is critical when watching anything beyond about 6 feet from us and can impact the ability to play and watch sports, drive, watch tv or enjoy a show at the theatre or cinema. 6. Sustained Focus (Far): Holding a distant image in focus over time. This visual skill is necessary for activities including identifying and reading street signs and highway signs, playing sports, identifying objects at a distance, and reading from a classroom blackboard. 7. Simultaneous Alignment (Near): Aligning both eyes at the same close point. Without proper alignment, people may experience double or blurred vision, which can make reading and writing difficult. 8. Sustained Alignment (Near): Keeping both eyes lined up at the same close point. Without sustained alignment, people may have trouble with focus, see double and have difficulty with depth perception. 9. Simultaneous Alignment (Far): Aligning both eyes at the same distant point. Without proper alignment, students may not be able to read words on a blackboard or play sports to their best ability. 10. Sustained Alignment (Far): Keeping both eyes lined up at the same distant point. Without sustained far alignment, students may experience depth perception challenges. This could mean they’re unable to tell how fast an object is moving and how far away it is. 11. Depth Perception: Good depth perception requires two working eyes and enables us to tell whether objects are closer or further away than each other. A lack of depth perception can impact a child’s ability to learn. It can also cause challenges in athletic performance and prevent older kids from pursuing occupations which require strong depth perception such as pilots, firefighters, police officers, paramedics or lifeguards. 12. Peripheral Vision: Ability to see sideways while your eyes are looking forward. This aspect of vision enables us to see objects surrounding us without turning our heads. 13. Color Vision Perception: Ability to tell colors apart from one another. Students with color vision deficiency may have difficulty understanding color-coded educational materials including charts and graphs. 14. Fine Visual – Motor: Ability to perform close-up activities accurately including writing, texting, sewing, putting puzzles together and reading. 15. Gross Visual – Motor: Ability to move through your environment without bumping into things by using your vision. This ability is particularly important when playing sports. 16. Visual Perception Field: Awareness of your surroundings and environment taken in through your eyes. This measurement of an individual’s total scope of vision includes peripheral vision as well as what we see above and below our central vision. 17. Visual Integration: Combining your vision with other senses to perform complex tasks, such as copying and writing text, threading a needle, catching or hitting a ball and tying shoelaces. A large variety of factors combine to form a well-functioning visual system that enables us to learn and develop. If you suspect that you or your child are having problems with any of the 17 skills of the visual system, make an appointment with your optometrist to discuss how best to address the issue so it has a minimal impact on your or your child’s life now and in the future. --- ## Student Athletes Back to Sports URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/student-athletes-back-to-sports/ ### Are Your Student Athlete’s Eyes In Top Shape for the Season? Fall is in the air! If you haven’t already had your first pumpkin spice latte or seen your first football game—what’re you waiting for? Now that the school year is in session, for many students that also means “back-to-sports.” So we have to ask: Are your student athlete’s eyes ready for back-to-sports season? With 80% of learning tied to a child’s visual system, it’s important that all students–from athletes to mathletes—are seeing their best to maximize their ability to learn. Telltale Signs Your Student Athlete’s Vision is an Issue Not all kids like sports, but for those who do, watch for signs that indicate a need for further vision testing. These include: • A typically athletic child seems less excited about playing a favorite sport enjoyed in previous years. • Your child has noticeable difficulty seeing the ball (or other players) clearly. • He or she shies away from ball sports that include hitting, catching or shooting. • Exhibits difficulty tracking where the ball or other players are on the field of play. • Over- or under-estimates the distance to the ball, boundaries or other players. • Has strong athletic ability but simply doesn’t do well playing ball sports. If your child exhibits any of these behaviors, we recommend scheduling a comprehensive eye exam so your optometrist can check for vision skills that impact sports performance, including eye teaming, eye tracking, focusing and visualizing. These visual skills are all necessary to tell how distant an object (the ball) is at any given moment in time--a skill called depth perception. Without depth perception, you’ll have difficulty “keeping your eye on the ball” and difficulty with athletic performance in general. Going Deep Into Depth Perception Because we have two eyes, humans have the capability of perceiving depth perception, meaning that we can discern how close or far away an object is using visual cues to judge the distance of an object and how fast it’s moving toward or away from us. This is critical in many sports and in many life skills. However, some eye conditions cause depth perception to be diminished and athletic performance to suffer. In the long run, poor depth perception could impact career choices and job performance. Good Depth Perception is Key for Athletes Most ball sports require athletes to track the moving ball through space and then either catch or hit it, so depth perception is absolutely crucial for excelling in these sports. And when you consider the speed at which balls are thrown, it’s critical to be sure your child is seeing their best and has good depth perception and peripheral vision. This enables visual awareness of the playing field, which helps to avoid injuries. And of course, eye protection―in the form of sports goggles―is a must for kids who play sports. Causes of Poor Depth Perception For good depth perception, the eyes must each be able to accurately focus and clearly perceive objects in space. The eyes must also work together as a team to give the brain information about the distance and rate at which the object is moving. The brain receives input from each eye―each of which offers a slightly different image of the field of vision―and puts them together in a single, three-dimensional image, which is what we “see” in our field of vision. However, if one eye is not performing as well as the other, the brain won’t receive enough information to provide an accurate “picture,” and the result may be poor athletic performance. If one eye has excellent visual acuity while the other doesn’t, it can negatively affect depth perception. However, correcting the vision in the poorly performing eye can improve depth perception significantly. The two most treatable causes of poor depth perception are: 1. Strabismus —a misalignment of the eyes where one eye “points” in a different direction from the other, whether it’s left, right, down, up or diagonally. 2. Amblyopia —often called “lazy eye,” this is a condition where one eye isn’t capable of producing a clear image for the brain, so the brain starts ignoring input from that eye. The good news is that your optometrist can diagnose and treat both of these conditions—in addition to other eye-teaming issues that impact sports performance. To ensure that your student athlete sees their best, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist. Your eye doctor will test to make sure the eyes are working well together and that vision is functioning optimally for excellent performance both on the playing field and in the classroom. --- ## Ways to Protect Students Vision URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/ways-to-protect-students-vision/ ### 5 Ways to Protect Your Student’s Vision This School Year Kids all over the country are back to school, burying their noses in computers and books in pursuit of the knowledge necessary to succeed in school and in life. The connection between good vision and learning is significant: The American Optometric Association reports that up to 80% of learning in school occurs through a child’s visual system. Therefore, protecting your student’s vision is critical. Good vision is the most important tool in their learning toolbox. The human eye is incredible—under favorable conditions, the human eye can see a single candle flame from a distance of 1.7 miles ! While our eyes are somewhat protected by their position in the hollow eye sockets of our skulls, eyes are still vulnerable to physical damage from a variety of environmental factors including flying objects, chemicals, ultraviolet light and overuse. To keep your child seeing their best, here are 5 ways to protect your student’s vision. We encourage adults to adopt these same good habits, too! 1. Eye protection in (and after) class Is your student taking shop class, chemistry, art or biology? In any situation with flying debris--including metal shavings, wood chips, dirt, sand or slivers of glass—make sure your student is protecting their eyes so these objects don’t cause injuries. High-quality safety glasses, goggles or full-face shields are necessary to protect the eyes. Approximately 90 percent of eye injuries could have been avoided if proper eye protection was worn. That’s right: 9 out of 10 eye injuries—some causing permanent damage and blindness—can be avoided with proper eye protection. Everyday sunglasses or prescription lenses won’t protect the eyes adequately under circumstances where chemicals or flying debris are present. The lenses can crack, shatter or bend. That’s why you need high-quality eye protection made from a tough plastic called polycarbonate. Whenever you’re around chemicals—both in chemistry class or around the house and yard—make it a habit to wear eye protection. Again, prescription glasses don’t offer adequate protection under these circumstances, because chemicals can splash behind your frames and get into the eye. It’s critical to keep your safety glasses, goggles and face shields in good, clean condition and replace them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. 1. Eye Protection for Sports Every 13 minutes, an emergency room in the U.S. treats a sports-related eye injury. Eye injuries are the leading cause of childhood blindness, and most such injuries are caused by kids playing sports. Just like you protect their heads with a helmet, protect their eyes with sports goggles made with polycarbonate lenses whenever your child participates in an active sport, including soccer, tennis, lacrosse, field hockey, football, basketball, baseball―even paintball! When choosing sports goggles, consult your optometrist about the best product for your child and the sport(s) they play. Sports glasses and goggles made with polycarbonate lenses offer 10 times the impact resistance than other plastic eye protection, which may crack or shatter on impact. Sports goggles are available both with and without prescription lenses. Sports eye protection should feature padding along the brow line and nose bridge to prevent the eyewear from digging into the skin. If your child plays outdoor sports, be sure that their eye protection features a UV coating to protect eyes from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays. 1. UV-Blocking Sunglasses You protect your child from the sun’s ultraviolet rays by slathering sunscreen on their skin before they go outside. But are you forgetting to protect one of the most critical body parts from the sun’s damaging UV rays? The sun’s UVA and UVB rays don’t only pose a risk to skin – they can also burn your eyes. Cumulative UV damage, which starts in childhood—is a cause of long-term eye health issues including cataracts, macular degeneration and even cancer. Choose sunglasses that block at least 99% of the UV spectrum to protect eyes, and encourage kids to wear them every time they go outside, 365 days a year. Sport safety goggles for outside sports should have a UV coating to protect your athlete’s eyes from UV damage in addition to protecting them from flying balls, bats, racquets and sticks! 1. Computer Glasses Have you heard of Computer Vision Syndrome? It’s a thing. The human eye wasn’t made to stare at small screens reading text for hours every day. When we adopt such behaviors, it causes problems including eye fatigue and a higher incidence of nearsightedness in younger people. A pair of computer glasses can correct nearsightedness and alleviate the eye strain and fatigue resulting from spending hours reading screens. If your student struggles to focus on their computer or tablet, a customized pair of glasses that optimize vision in the distance range where the screen sits can significantly ease the eye strain they’re experiencing. Be sure to ask your optometrist about lens coatings that can further relieve tired eyes― such as those that block blue light, a spectrum emitted by computer screens that can impact your eyes. 1. Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam As your child grows and changes, so do his or her eyes. An annual comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist is the best way to ensure that your kids continue to see their best through every age, stage and activity. But—you may say—doesn’t the school provide a vision screening each year? Well, yes. But did you know that such basic vision screenings miss up to 75% of visual problems that need correction in order for a child to maximize their ability to learn? Your optometrist will conduct a thorough exam of your child’s visual system, including visual acuity and functional vision testing to ensure that your student’s eyes are working together to augment the learning process. Your child’s vision is a precious gift that can’t be replaced. Taking precautions to protect their vision is a smart parenting strategy that will enable your child to enjoy years of healthy vision and learning. --- ## How The Eyes Different Parts Power Your Vision URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/how-the-eyes-different-parts-power-your-vision/ March is Save Your Vision Month, as designated by the American Optometric Association (AOA). This month is an ideal time to increase awareness of the importance of scheduling a comprehensive annual eye examination with your optometrist. Optometrists diagnose eye diseases through annual eye exams and help you see your best with the right prescription and advice on the optimal type of correction for your lifestyle. Did you know that they can also diagnose other types of disease during an eye exam? For example, in 2014, during comprehensive eye exams, optometrists diagnosed diabetes in 401,000 patients who were not aware they had the disease! The AOA reports that more than 40 million aging Americans are at risk for reduced vision and potentially even blindness because of age-related diseases. Your optometrist is your first line of defense to prevent reduced vision and blindness. Still, it’s up to you to go in for your annual eye exam so he or she can thoroughly check your eyes for signs of glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. The devastating effects of these diseases can be prevented or slowed with early detection. Understanding Your Eye Below, we explore various parts of the eye that your doctor will examine in-depth to make sure your eyes are healthy. As we identify and describe the different parts of the eye, we’ll also note which problems and diseases occur in them: Iris. The colored portion of your eye is the iris, composed of fibrovascular tissue. It connects to the tiny muscles that enable your pupils to grow larger or smaller depending on lighting conditions. Diseases of the iris are rare. Pupil. The pupil is the black tissue at the center of the iris. It is often compared with the aperture of a camera because of its ability to expand and constrict in differing lighting conditions to control the amount of light that enters the eye. This is what enables us to see both in sunny, bright daylight and near-darkness. The reason the pupil appears to be black is that it absorbs most of the light that goes through it. Sclera. The sclera is “the whites of your eyes.” It is fibrous tissue with collagen in it that serves to protect the eye’s inner structures from damage. Conjunctiva. This name may be familiar to you because of a disease associated with it: conjunctivitis, an inflammatory condition also known as pinkeye. The conjunctiva is a clear layer covering the sclera (the whites of your eye.) The conjunctiva extends to the inside of your eyelids and produces tears and mucus to lubricate the eyes and keep foreign bodies out. Cornea. The clear covering over your iris and pupil is called the cornea—the part of the eye that provides most of your optical power. The cornea refracts (bends) light to enable your eyes to focus on objects. Problems related to the cornea can include corneal abrasions, keratoconus, pterygium and astigmatism. Lens. The lens is a transparent structure within the eye, oblong in shape and curved both outward and inward. It refracts light. Depending on the curvature of your lenses, you may develop astigmatism and have difficulty focusing. Another common problem with the lens as people age is a cataract, the condition in which the lens impairs vision by becoming cloudy and difficult to see through, like a dirty windshield. Retina. Covering the back surface of the eye, the retina is a sensory membrane. As your eye “sees,” the lens delivers images to the retina, which translates them into electrical signals that the optic nerve delivers to your brain. Diseases and challenges for this area of the eye include retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, retinoblastoma and retinitis pigmentosa. Macula. The center of the retina is called the macula, where your ability to see objects in great detail resides. Aging can sometimes lead to macular degeneration, a disease in which central vision is impaired and patients can no longer see in detail to enjoy daily activities including reading, needlework and watching television. Aqueous Humor is a thick fluid that provides nutrients to the structures of the eye. This liquid is in an ongoing cycle of draining and being replaced. When patients develop glaucoma, the aqueous humor fluid builds up and creates an uncomfortable feeling of high interocular pressure. Glaucoma can damage your eyesight permanently and cause blindness if left untreated. Optic Nerve . This nerve connects your eye to the brain and is the pathway by which the retina’s rods and cones send visual signals that are translated by the brain. If the optic nerve isn’t healthy and functioning well, you would lose your ability to see. Save Your Vision month is the perfect opportunity to call us and schedule an annual eye exam—both for yourself and those you love. --- ## Exploring the Facts Around Eye Cancer URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/exploring-the-facts-around-eye-cancer/ The good news about eye cancer is that it is not a common cancer: Only 5 in every 1 million adults will develop it in their lifetime. However, though uncommon, it’s in our patients’ best interest to understand the basic facts around the disease. Types of Eye Cancer Eye cancers can be grouped into two basic types: 1. Cancer affecting the outer portions of the eye . These include the eyelid and the inner or outer corners of the eye. It’s worth mentioning that there are many benign, non-cancerous growths that can form on the eyelid or even within the wall of the eye. 2. Cancer that originates inside the eyeball itself. This is called intraocular cancer. In adults, it can be either lymphoma or melanoma. In kids, retinoblastoma is the most common form of eye cancer and forms in the cells of the retina. Eye cancer—just like any form of the disease--can spread to other areas of the body, a process known as metastasis. With intraocular eye cancer, the most common organ for the cancer to metastasize to is the liver. Signs and Symptoms of Eye Cancer Intraocular melanoma doesn’t often present with signs or symptoms. It doesn’t hurt, and though it’s an uncommon diagnosis, it’s typical for patients to have no suspicion that there’s anything wrong with their vision. Your optometrist can diagnose such cancers during a regular comprehensive eye exam. While the hallmark of eye cancer is a painless loss of vision, some people do experience symptoms that can include: • Difficulty seeing • Blurring of vision • One eye that feels slightly sore • A loss of part of the field of vision • Seeing flashes of light • Squiggles, spots or floaters • A dark, discolored spot on the iris If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your eye doctor immediately. Many of these symptoms also correlate with other eye emergencies or diseases that could cause you to lose your vision, including retinal detachment, macular degeneration and glaucoma. Treatment options Every cancer diagnosis is different, due to the stage and grade of the disease, the specific area of the eye it affects, and the age and health of the patient. Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation, laser therapy and cryotherapy (freezing of the eye tissue to kill cancer cells). If the tumor is small and slow-growing, doctors may recommend a “wait and see” approach through active surveillance and observation, especially if the tumor is in a patient’s only working eye, if the patient is elderly, or if the treatment would cause more severe discomfort than the cancer itself. Surgical removal of the tumor and some of the surrounding tissue is often necessary to treat aggressive cancers, to prevent its spread to other bodily organs. Unfortunately, such surgeries often result in either severe reduction in vision in that eye or total removal of the eye, a procedure known as enucleation. While losing an eye to eye cancer is both an emotional and a physical loss, it may be necessary to save a patient’s life. Losing vision in one eye means a loss of depth perception, but most patients adjust well over time and with therapy. What can you do? Early diagnosis is critical in eye cancer, especially ocular melanoma, an aggressive and often deadly form of the disease. The most important step you can take is to schedule your annual comprehensive eye exam that includes dilation so that your optometrist can thoroughly examine your eye to rule out eye cancer. --- ## What is 20/20 vision? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/what-is-20-20-vision/ It sounds so futuristic; it’s a new decade and a year we’ve been eagerly anticipating here in your optometrist’s office. Why? Because we want to help all of our patients to enjoy 20/20 vision both in the year 2020 and for many years into the future. Which brings up an interesting question: What exactly do we mean when we say someone has 20/20 vision? The term 20/20 vision represents a benchmark in visual acuity that means a person has excellent vision. Having 20/20 vision is the gold standard of visual acuity or “clarity,” and it’s the level of quality in vision we aim to achieve with each patient by providing the highest possible level of comprehensive eye care and vision correction. Let’s examine some of the aspects around how we measure your vision when you come in for your annual exam. What is visual acuity? Visual acuity is the term used to express how sharp your vision is. Optometrists can calculate a measure of your individual visual acuity by testing one eye at a time from a specific viewing distance using a Snellen eye chart. The Snellen eye chart ― the one with the large “E” at the top ― is named for Dutch eye doctor Herbert Snellen. He created it more than 150 years ago in 1862 to measure how well his patients could see. Some optometrists use one of the newer eye charts, including the LogMAR, Bailey-Lovie or ETDRs chart – all of which provide a similar way to measure visual acuity. The Snellen chart features eleven lines of block letters that people familiar with the alphabet should easily be able to recognize — that is, if they have the visual acuity to do so as the letters get progressively smaller as you move down the lines of the chart. The “optotype” used for the block letters on the Snellen chart is specially developed so that each letter has uniformly thick lines with uniform white space gaps between each letter, each line, and the gap in the letter “C.” This level of precision helps to obtain a consistent measurement of each person’s ability to identify the progressively smaller and smaller letters on the chart’s descending lines from a predetermined distance of 20 feet. What does 20/20 mean? As the patient reads the eye chart with each individual eye, your optometrist records how many letters you correctly identify on each line of the chart. If you can read all of the lines on a standard Snellen chart ― which tests visual acuity down to 20/10 (or 20/5) accuracy ― you have outstanding visual acuity indeed! However, most people can’t read down to the 20/10 level. So-called “normal” vision is measured by whether or not you can read the 20/20 line. If you can, it means that you can accurately read the same line of block letters from a distance of 20 feet that other people with “normal” vision can read at 20 feet. What does 20/30 or 20/40 vision mean? However, if you can’t read the 20/20 line accurately, maybe you can read the 20/30 line accurately. If so, this means that you must be as close as 20 feet to read what people with normal vision can read from 30 feet away. It goes on like this. If you have 20/40 vision, it means people with normal vision can read from a distance of 40 feet what you can read from 20 feet. The measurement of 20/20 vision therefore represents the distance from which you can read text (20 feet) and what level of visual acuity that represents compared with the benchmark of people with normal vision. The level known as legally blind means your “best corrected visual acuity is 20/200,” meaning a person with 20/200 vision can read at 20 feet away what a person with normal vision can see from 200 feet away. What does 20/10 vision mean? These visual measurements can go the other way, too: People with 20/10 vision can read from a distance of 20 feet what people with normal vision can read from 10 feet. In other words, 20/10 vision is twice as good as 20/20 vision. Similarly, you can think of people with 20/40 vision as having only half the visual clarity of a person with 20/20 vision. This level of visual acuity means that a person must be standing at half the normal distance (20 feet) to see what a person with normal vision can see from 40 feet away. Correcting your visual acuity Good news: Most people who don’t have 20/20 vision can benefit from visual correction in the form of prescription glasses or contact lenses to improve their vision significantly and get fairly close — if not better than—20/20 vision. If you’re starting the year 2020 out with less than optimal 20/20 vision, call us today to make an appointment. We’ll help you see more clearly this year—and every year. And while you’re here in the office, we encourage you to take and post your eye exam picture on social media and tag it #2020eyeexam. --- ## What is Diabetic Eye Disease? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/what-is-diabetic-eye-disease/ Diabetes is a chronic, progressive disease that can cause extreme changes to your eye health, and is a leading cause of blindness for those under the age of 74. Because the condition causes changes in the blood vessels that feed the eyes, it can cause eye problems known together as Diabetic Eye Disease. These conditions include diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. Having diabetes also doubles a person’s risk of developing cataracts and glaucoma. What is Diabetic Retinopathy? The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the back of your eyes. The retina is responsible for converting the images you view into electronic signals that the optic nerve carries to the brain. In short, the retina is essential to your ability to see clearly. In people with diabetes, high blood sugar can cause damage to the blood vessels that supply blood to the retina , a condition called diabetic retinopathy. In the beginning stages of diabetic retinopathy, the walls of these tiny blood vessels can grow weak and swell or leak blood onto the retina. Your optometrist can tell if this has happened during a thorough examination of your retina when your eye is dilated for a comprehensive eye exam. As diabetic retinopathy progresses, the damaged blood vessels can shut down. This sometimes triggers new, abnormal blood vessels to form across the surface of the retina. Left untreated, this can cause severe vision problems and even blindness. What is Diabetic Macular Edema? The central part of the retina that powers your sharp, central field of vision is called the macula. The macula enables you to read, see faces, drive, and perform close-up tasks. Similar to how diabetes damages the blood vessels in other areas of the eye and other organs of the body, it can cause damage and enlargement of the blood vessels in the macula. This condition is called diabetic macular edema. When the macula suffers damage, it destroys the central, sharp vision and leads to vision loss or total blindness. Macular edema most often presents in patients who are already experiencing the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy. How Can I Manage Diabetic Eye Disease? While there isn’t a cure for diabetes, managing the disease is 90% under the control of the patient. Unfortunately, once diabetic eye damage occurs, it can’t be reversed. However, you can prevent it from getting worse by managing your blood sugar levels. By managing your diabetes and keeping blood sugar levels steady, you can prevent further progression of diabetic eye disease. It’s also critical to monitor your cholesterol and blood pressure levels. If you smoke, quitting will also help you to maximize your eye health and reduce the risk of vision loss. If you have diabetes, the American Optometric Association recommends that you have a comprehensive eye exam that includes dilation at least once per year. Your optometrist may recommend that you have a comprehensive eye exam more often due to the changes in your eyes or the severity of your diabetic eye disease. Who is at Risk for Diabetic Eye Disease? • The longer you've had diabetes, the higher your risk of developing diabetic eye disease. • About 33% of diabetics over 40 years old already show signs of diabetic retinopathy, which is the top cause of vision loss for people with diabetes. If found and treated early, you can reduce your risk of going blind by up to 95%. • High blood glucose levels and high blood pressure—when left untreated—increase your risk of developing diabetic eye disease. • Some specific groups of people are more likely to lose vision or go blind from diabetic eye disease, including African Americans, Native Americans, Alaskan Natives, Hispanic and Latinos, and Pacific Islanders. • Women with diabetes who become pregnant can develop eye problems quickly during pregnancy and must remain vigilant to catch problems early to protect their vision. What are Symptoms of Diabetic Eye Disease? Early symptoms may not be noticeable. Diabetic eye disease isn’t painful. You may not detect the early signs, but your optometrist can. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include: • Wavy or blurred vision • Frequent changes to vision, often from day to day • Poor color vision • Dark areas in vision or vision loss • Floaters—dark spots or strings • Flashes of light Call your optometrist immediately if there are sudden changes to your vision, such as flashes of light or noticeably more floaters than usual, or if it seems as though a curtain has been pulled over your eyes. All of these symptoms could indicate a detached retina, which is a medical emergency. What are Treatments for Diabetic Eye Disease? It’s critical to carefully monitor your blood glucose levels, blood pressure and cholesterol, to keep these crucial indicators within the optimal range. In addition, your optometrist may prescribe medications to block abnormal growth of blood vessels in the eye or to stop fluid leaks in the eye. For patients with leaky blood vessels, laser treatment is often prescribed to help prevent diabetic eye disease from progressing. This can prevent additional vision loss or blindness but won’t bring back any vision loss you’ve already experienced. Preventing Diabetic Eye Disease is Key The most important factor in diabetic eye disease is prevention of vision loss. Work closely with your doctor to adopt best practices in managing your diabetes. Schedule an annual comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist, and follow his or her recommendations to protect your eyes and prevent blindness. --- ## How a Flex Spending Account Saves Your Tax Dollars URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/how-a-flex-spending-account-saves-your-tax-dollars/ It’s December already, and we’re counting down the final days of 2019 before we get to the year 2020—and you know that’s going to be a favorite year for all of us in optometry, right? After all, 20/20 vision is the measurement of ideal visual acuity. Because it’s December, it’s a critical time to determine whether you’re one of the 38 million Americans who has a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)―a tax-free savings account offered by your employer. An FSA is where your employer sets aside a percentage of your paycheck each month to be used only for medical expenses. It’s a great benefit from a tax savings perspective, enabling you to spend “pre-tax” money (money diverted to the FSA before taxes are deducted from your paycheck) on medically necessary services and products that your health or vision insurance doesn’t cover. Use it or Lose it: Your Flex Spending Dollars In 2019, the maximum amount Americans could set aside was $2,700, with most FSA participants earmarking about $1,200 for the year in their FSA accounts. While this is an excellent employee benefit that can save you money on your tax bill, there’s an important rule governing FSA accounts that sometimes goes unnoticed: The money saved in your FSA account can only be used in the same calendar year that it’s contributed to the account. That means if you have an unspent balance of funds in your FSA at the end of the year—December 31--you forfeit that money and your employer gets to keep it to offset the costs associated with administering the FSA benefit. Don’t let your employer keep your hard-earned money because you forgot to spend it! Does Your FSA Account have a Rollover Feature? While some FSA accounts enable employees to roll over up to $500 in unspent funds for use in the following calendar year, others don’t. It’s essential to check with your employer about whether your FSA program allows rollovers. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to spend your hard-earned money by the date specified on the account or risk losing it. Usually, this date is the end of the year: December 31. Does Your FSA Account have a Grace Period? Some FSA accounts feature a grace period of up to 2½ months, giving you extra time to spend Flex funds. If your employer has a grace period, it’s possible that you may have additional time in the year 2020 to spend the Flex funds you contributed in 2019—in a best case scenario, up until March 15, 2020. While a majority of Flex Spending Accounts offer either a rollover or extended grace period, employers can’t offer both. It’s an unfortunate statistic: about 8% of Flex Spending Account benefit holders leave money in their FSA accounts and lose it at the end of the year. The average amount lost is $172! 9 Eye Healthcare Expenses that are FSA Approved If you find yourself with FSA funds that must be spent before December 31 or lost to you forever, come in and see us. Here are nine ways you can use your FSA funds to benefit your eye health care now and for the coming year: 1. Schedule a comprehensive Eye Exam 2. Bulk purchase a year of contact lenses 3. Treat yourself to a second pair of prescription eyeglasses 4. Relieve Computer Vision Syndrome symptoms with computer glasses 5. Get a new pair of prescription sunglasses 6. Stock up on contact lens solutions 7. Buy your allergy or other eye drops in advance 8. LASIK corrective eye surgery 9. Dry Eye Disease treatment --- ## 7 Ways to Save Your Vision URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/7-ways-to-save-your-vision/ It’s Save Your Vision Month, which the American Optometric Association (AOA) decrees as the perfect time to bring awareness to the importance of good vision, healthy eyes and steps you can take to achieve both. Did you know that more than 40 million Americans are at risk for reduced vision and potentially even blindness because of age-related diseases? Did you know that just because you have good visual acuity and can see well, it doesn’t necessarily mean your eyes are healthy? The best way to ensure that you’re seeing your best with healthy, well-functioning eyes is to make an annual appointment with your optometrist for a comprehensive vision exam. Your optometrist will perform a thorough examination and evaluate your eyes with a 360-degree approach to make sure you’re healthy. But what can you do during the other 364 days of the year to make sure your eyes stay healthy? Here are 7 ways to save your vision: 1. Buy and wear high-quality sunglasses. Not only do they look great, but quality sunglasses that protect against at least 99% of the sun’s damaging UV-A and UV-B rays protect your eyes. Cumulative, ongoing exposure to the sun’s UV rays—which are present on the Earth’s surface 365 days a year—can cause vision-destroying conditions including macular degeneration, cataracts, issues with the conjunctiva and negative impact on both the cornea and your eye’s tear film. The solution? Prevent UV eye damage by wearing your sunglasses every day, every time you go outside. 2. Exercise regularly. It’s important for so many different reasons, and your eyes are one of them. Your eyes need healthy blood circulation and oxygen to fuel good vision. Exercise—anything that gets your heart rate up and the blood pumping from a brisk walk to a run or a Zumba class—benefits your eyes because it promotes good circulation. 3. Quit using tobacco products. Because they can cause the opposite effect from exercise--reducing blood flow and impairing blood oxygenation--tobacco products have negative consequences on many of your body’s organs, including the eye. Stop smoking ! Whether you use nicotine patches, gum or lozenges or try one of the four medication types that can help, now’s the time to quit for a healthier “future you.” 4. Wear safety goggles and protective eyewear when it’s called for. Whether you’re at home, outside or at work, there are a multitude of different situations where you should wear protective eyewear to protect your eyes from dangerous projectiles and fumes. With more than 1,000 daily eye injuries in workplaces nationwide, 40,000 sports-related injuries to the eye and 125,000 eye injuries occurring in homes each year, about 90% of these potentially devastating eye injuries could be prevented by wearing appropriate safety goggles and protective eyewear. 5. Contact lens care counts. Are you abusing your eyes by sleeping in contact lenses not meant for that purpose, or wearing your lenses for prolonged periods? These behaviors can result in severe irritation such as corneal ulcers that may cause permanent vision damage. There’s a reason your optometrist recommends a certain length of wear and teaches proper lens hygiene. Ask your optometrist about daily disposable contact lenses to help prevent many of these issues. 6. Love those leafy greens! Yes, Leafy green veggies are a key to good eye health. Vitamins and micronutrients are plentiful in fruits and vegetables including broccoli, kale and spinach. Eat the rainbow of colors and you’ll eat your way to proper nutrition―which benefits your eyes. 7. Ditch the digital device. Eye strain is an issue in our modern lives, and it’s impacting the human race like never before due to the enormous amount of time we spend staring into tiny digital devices. Laptops, computer screens, tablets, e-readers, cell phones―they all cause eye strain when used too much. Practice the 20/20/20 rule―about every 20 minutes, focus your eyes on something that’s 20 feet away for a 20-second break from your digital device. That simple practice can limit eye strain and improve your ability to see your best! And of course, another important way to Save Your Vision is to make and keep your annual comprehensive eye exam appointment with your optometrist. We can’t wait to see you! --- ## 5 Ways to Cultivate a Gratitude Practice URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/5-ways-to-cultivate-a-gratitude-practice/ It’s easy to feel sorry for ourselves or experience anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. We didn’t want our lives to change so dramatically, and we didn’t do anything to “deserve” this complete change in lifestyle, and yet here we are, enduring it together. But there’s a way we can get through this in a better state of mind: By incorporating a gratitude practice into our daily lives. Psychology Today notes that there are at least 7 scientifically proven benefits of gratitude : 1. 2. 1. Gratitude paves the way to better relationships 3. 2. Gratitude improves your physical health 4. 3. Gratitude improves your mental health 5. 4. It enhances empathy and lowers aggression 6. 5. Grateful people sleep better 7. 6. Gratitude can improve self-esteem 1. Gratitude increases your mental strength and resilience So, how can you take advantage of this powerful (and free!) benefit in your daily life? Here are five ways to cultivate a gratitude practice with yourself, family and friends: 1. Start a gratitude journal. Whether it’s on your tablet, phone, laptop or in a paper notebook, a daily gratitude journal is a powerful way to get your mind in a positive space during a difficult time. A wonderful way to start each morning is to write down 3 things you’re grateful for. They can be as simple as “a hot shower to start the day” or “the flowers in bloom outside” and can also include people, places and activities you’ve enjoyed or hope to enjoy soon when this global pandemic comes to an end. 2. Write a thank-you note. Who is deserving of your thanks? A friend who has gone above and beyond during this crisis? Someone you forgot to thank for a favor a few months ago? Your parent, child, partner or sibling? Writing your gratitude is a powerful way to connect with this positive practice. You’ll make yourself happier, and you’ll undoubtedly make the recipient’s day better. You can mail, email or hand-deliver this note, or even utilize technology to read it to the recipient in person (virtually, or from a safe social distance of 6 feet away). Develop the habit of writing one such note each month—and every once in a while, write a thank-you note to yourself. 3. Text your gratitude. There’s great benefit to sharing this practice of gratitude. On days when you’re feeling down or wrapped up in all of the negative changes this pandemic has brought, a text message from a friend listing their daily gratitudes can help you refocus on the abundant good things in your life rather than on those things that you don’t have right now. 4. Get the kids involved. Teaching others the benefit of showing gratitude is one of the best parts of a gratitude practice. So why not get the kids involved? They likely have lots of time and creative energy to share, so get out the art supplies and make cards or posters for your community’s health care workers, police force, firefighters, garbage collectors, recycling collectors, delivery people, grocery clerks and pharmacy workers who are helping to keep the community going and keeping us safe and healthy. Your efforts will be greatly appreciated, and you’ll teach your kids the importance of practicing gratitude and show them how great it feels. 5. Mental gratitude. While you’re washing your hands—something we all likely spend much more time doing these days than ever before—think of someone you’re grateful for and thank them in your mind. It might be a grade-school teacher who taught you to read, or the neighbor who loaned you a garden tool or helped with an errand, or a stranger who showed you a kindness recently (or even years ago!). By focusing on the good things in life, we are creating positive channels in our brains and training our awareness to look for the most positive aspects of the crisis we’re all in together. Please be safe, stay well and take good care of yourself and others during this crisis. --- ## Our New Safety Protocols to Prevent Virus Spread URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/our-new-safety-protocols-to-prevent-virus-spread/ We are as eager to get back to normal as you are! However, we also need to do our best to protect you and our eye-care team during these trying times. We have always taken steps to sanitize patient areas, reduce contact with sick people, and provide comfortable distances for people. Under the current circumstances, when we are all doing our part to reduce the spread of a dangerous virus, we are taking extra precautions: • When you call to schedule and also when you arrive for your appointment, we may ask you more questions than we usually do . • Please let us know if you have any signs or symptoms of COVID-19. • Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 include: fever, dry or productive cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle aches or muscle pain, dizziness, confusion, headache, sore throat, lack of appetite, airway bleeding, runny nose, chest pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, loss of sense of smell, presence of conjunctivitis, recent travel to virus “hot spots,” and contact with sick individuals. • We also need to know if you have been tested for the COVID-19 virus and what your test results were. Equally important is to know if you have been in close contact with someone who has been tested recently. • Seek medical attention immediately if you have severe symptoms including: • • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. • • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest. • • New confusion or inability to wake up/arouse. • • Bluish lips or face. • If you are suffering from an eye-related emergency, contact us immediately. We may screen emergencies a little more closely in order to limit the number of people in the office at one time. • Interpreters and caregivers are always welcome, but please limit the number of people who come inside our office with you . By minimizing the number of people in our office space, we can keep a safe distance between people to help reduce the risk of spread. • Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a significant component, but it’s only one part of the system that protects staff and other patients from cross-infection. Please feel free to bring and wear your own protection, such as masks and gloves . • While in our facility, please maintain a safe distance of at least 6 feet between you and others and avoid touching surfaces and avoid touching your face . • We check our eye care team each day for high temperature and other symptoms of the coronavirus. They are also taking extra precautions to keep their areas and themselves clean and sanitized. They may wear some forms of PPE during your exam. All of this information and extra precautions help us serve you and others better. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we carefully return to work. We look forward to seeing you in our offices again soon! --- ## How to Pick Sunglasses for Your Face Shape URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/how-to-pick-sunglasses-for-your-face-shape/ It’s incredible how many different styles of sunglass and eyewear frames there are to choose from, isn’t it? Wouldn’t it be great if you could narrow your selections down, rather than trying on pair after pair to determine the ideal frame selection for your unique facial features? Good news: You can! Below, we describe the six most common face shapes and offer suggestions for the frames that will look best on you. It’s easy to determine your unique face shape. Look at yourself in the mirror with your hair pulled back, and—standing an arm’s length from the mirror--use a bar of soap to trace the outline of your face. Then, step back and look at the shape you traced to decide whether it’s oval, round, rectangular, square, heart-shaped or triangular. See below for details on which frame shapes will flatter your facial features. ## Oval Face If you have an oval face , your face is slightly longer than it is wide. Your chin is rounded, and the widest part of your face is your cheekbones. Your forehead is a bit wider than your jaw. Best bets for oval faces: Opt for frames that are exactly as wide or slightly wider than your face and check that the frame’s upper rim is aligned with your eyebrows. Oval faces look great in: • Oval, round and rectangular frames with smooth lines • Cat’s eye or butterfly-shaped frames • Aviator-style frames Oval faces should steer clear of: • Overly bulky or massively large glasses • Frames featuring sharply defined edges • Narrow frames ## Round Face The hallmark of a round face is that the length and width that are nearly the same. Round faces feature a small, rounded chin—no sharp angles—and a similar shape on the forehead with a smooth, rounded hairline. Best bets for round faces: The goal is to lengthen the face visually, so glasses with dark frames are a good choice. They’ll help narrow the face, making it seem more oval in shape. Frames that are wider than they are tall are a best bet. Round faces look great in: • Cat’s eye or “butterfly” shaped frames • Pointed, square and rectangular frames • Frames with a narrow bridge • Aviator and Wayfarer styles Round faces should avoid: • Round glasses • Narrow frames • Geometrically shaped glasses • Frames that cover the eyebrows • Frames with sharp, strongly defined edges ## Rectangular Face Shape Similar to an oval face, a rectangular face is longer than it is wide, but in rectangular faces, the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw are about equal in width. The hairline is fairly straight, and the chin is angular and broad. Best bets for rectangular faces: The goal is to visually broaden the face and make it seem wider. Large-framed glasses are a good choice and work even better when they have thin edges. Rectangular faces look great in: • Large frames • Aviators (ideally with large frames) • Round glasses Rectangular faces should avoid: • Small frames • Narrow frames • Bright, colorful frames ## Square Face Shape Similar to a round face, a square face has a nearly identical length and width, with a broad and angular chin balanced by a hairline that is nearly straight. The jaw, cheekbones, and forehead are about equal in width. Best bets for square faces: Rounded frames can help balance facial proportions, but square frames or rectangular frames with sharp angles can overwhelm you. Square faces look great in: • Oval, round, or tear-shaped frames • Frameless glasses that appear nearly invisible • Frames that are as wide as your face • Large frames • Cat’s eye and aviator styles Square faces should avoid: • Small, petite, and narrow frames • Frames wider than the width of your face • Square frames with sharp corners ## Heart-shaped Face A heart-shaped face is longer than it is wide, and the narrowest part is the area where the forehead is the widest part of the face leading down to the chin. Best bets for heart-shaped faces : The idea is to provide balance to your face, making the lower part seem wider while the upper part seems narrower. You have to choose carefully. Overall, the width of the frames should match the width of your face, with more bulk in the lower region. Heart-shaped faces look great in: • Small frames and those with low-set arms • Teardrop, Wayfarer, or aviator styles • Round or rounded glasses • Frames with a narrow bridge • Frameless glasses Heart-shaped faces do well to avoid: • Large, heavy, massive frames • Sharp, pointy frames • Frames that cover the eyebrows • Butterfly or cat’s eye frames ## Triangular Face Shape The reverse of a heart-shaped face, a triangular face has a chin as its widest element, with narrow cheekbones and a narrow forehead. Best bets for triangular faces: Ideally, the frames will make the upper half of your face seem wider while making the lower half seem narrower. Frames with a design on the upper part or with a heavy line on top are a good choice. The lower part of the frames shouldn’t have sharp or square lines. Triangular faces look great in: • Round glasses • Aviators and cat’s eye styles • Frameless Triangular faces do well to avoid: • Rectangular or square frames • Narrow or small frames • Frames with an enhanced lower edge or sharp-edged feature ## Choose Sunglasses for Your Face Shape Today! Now that you've read this article, you should be able to choose sunglasses for your face shape with ease. But the good news is that you don't have to do it alone! We're happy to help. Drop by one of our six optometry offices to learn how we can help you today. --- ## Keeping Sight of Age-Related Macular Degeneration URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/keeping-sight-of-age-related-macular-degeneration/ As the US population ages, cases of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) are expected to double .  Right now more than 2 million people are affected by AMD. Although AMD is the most common cause of eyesight problems in people over 50 years old, it doesn’t affect peripheral vision or lead to total blindness. Even if your eyesight is affected, there are lots of ways can maintain your quality of life. As the name suggests, in age-related macular degeneration the cells of the macula wear out. The light detecting layer at the back of the eye is called the retina, and this is lined with cells called rods and cones. Rods are mostly at the edges of vision and are good for peripheral vision and night vision. Cones detect color and sharp detail and are most densely packed in the macula – the central part of the retina where best vision occurs. #### Symptoms AMD is painless and symptoms usually come on slowly, progressing over many years: • needing brighter light to read; • blurring of sharp focus with glasses; • problems recognizing faces; • straight lines appearing wavy; • and a ‘blind spot’ in the middle of vision that gradually gets bigger. #### Wet or dry? About 90% of people with AMD have ‘dry’ AMD, in which the cells of the macula just wear out. While it can’t be treated, it doesn’t tend to be as severe as wet AMD and comes on slowly, often over many years.  The wet form of the disease usually leads to more serious loss of vision. It can cause severe loss of vision within months, but it is treatable. #### What’s the treatment? If you’re diagnosed with wet AMD, you may be eligible for a treatment called anti-VEGF. Medicine is injected straight into the eye in a course every few weeks, using a very fine needle. The treatment sounds scary but it is done using local anesthetic drops and takes only a few seconds. This treatment is new but very exciting – while it doesn’t help everyone, up to two in five people treated see a significant improvement in their eyesight. #### What if my eyesight is badly affected? The world is full of adaptations if you know where to look. Large print books, big-numbered phones, and magnifying glasses make things bigger. Adjustable lights make things brighter and contrasting backgrounds make them bolder. #### How can I protect myself against AMD? While AMD is not reversible, there are lots of ways to help yourself: • Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruit and veg. Some vitamins may help ward off or delay progression of AMD. • Don’t smoke – it can damage your eyes as well as your lungs. • Avoid bright sunlight by wearing sunglasses with high level UVA and UVB protection. • Get your eyes examined annually, even if you haven’t noticed any change in your vision. Many other eye problems (including glaucoma) become more common with age, and early treatment could save your sight. • Always see your eye doctor quickly if you notice a sudden drop in vision; loss of vision; distortion of your vision; flashing lights or a rapid increase in “floaters.” --- ## 4 Ways to Celebrate Save Your Vision Month URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/4-ways-to-celebrate-save-your-vision-month/ Happy holidays! No, it's not Christmastime again, but if eye care is your cup of tea, it might feel like it is. March is National Save Your Vision month, and even if you haven't celebrated before, you can get into the holiday spirit too. Don't know how? Lucky for you, this article will give you some ideas for celebrating Save Your Vision Month with us. Keep reading for more! ## 1. New Glasses The feeling of wearing new glasses is a hard one to beat. Compliments from others and a fresh prescription will give you a confidence boost that will last well-beyond Save Your Vision month. If you haven't upgraded your glasses in a while, check out some new pairs to see if there are any that fit your style better. You might also want new work or school glasses to protect your eyes from harmful blue light. ## 2. Save Your Vision with Protective Wear Did you know that over 2,000 people injure their eyes in the workplace each day? That's quite a bit of eye damage, but what's worse is that experts believe eye protection could prevent 90 percent of it. Construction workers and chemists are the most at-risk people for these kinds of injuries. It doesn't stop at work though. Anyone, construction worker or not, using chemicals or tools could be putting their eyes in danger. Make a change to save your vision by wearing protective eyewear when working with tools. The last thing you want is serious damage from a preventable issue. ## 3. Teach Your Kids You don't need your OD to teach your children about eye care. Vision safety, blind awareness, and even the history of glasses could all be interesting topics to your child. From eye-themed coloring sheets to magnifying glasses, you can have lots of fun learning about eyes. Explaining the braille alphabet to kids could be a fun activity for you all. Warning: it might get a little messy! Bring a copy of the braille alphabet and a bottle of glue. Ask your kids to use the braille alphabet to spell their names or a short word with drops of glue. After the glue dries, they can run their fingers across the page to read the word. Older kids could write secret messages that others have to decipher! ## 4. An Eye Exam When was the last time you had an eye exam? If it has been a few months, it might be time to go again. There's no doubt that the easiest way to celebrate Save Your Vision month is by going for an eye exam. Eye exams not only help you ensure that your prescription is right, but it also gives your eye doctor a chance to check for any other problems. Finding out about an issue before it becomes dangerous could help you save your vision. ## Celebrate Save Your Vision Month with Volunteer Eyecare Celebrating save your vision month isn't hard, and it can even be a fun experience for you and your family. Remember that taking care of your eyes can prevent you from future problems like glaucoma and blindness, so take advantage of this month while you can! Want to come in for an eye exam or have questions about your vision? Schedule an appointment with us today. --- ## Why You Need Sunglasses to Prevent UV Ray Damage to Eyes URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/why-you-need-sunglasses-to-prevent-uv-ray-damage-to-eyes/ June is Cataract Awareness Month, as declared by Prevent Blindness America . There’s a strong correlation between the month of June and cataracts: Cataracts are the top cause of vision loss in America, and the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays—which are most intense in summer months—are a contributing factor for cataracts, in addition to other eye conditions including macular degeneration. How do the sun’s UV rays contribute to cataract formation? The Earth’s atmospheric ozone layer is gradually disappearing. Think of that layer as a natural umbrella that protects Earth’s surface from the sun’s UV rays. Without that natural layer of protection, more UV rays make it to Earth’s surface and are absorbed by everything on it—including your skin and your eyes. When your skin absorbs UV rays without sunscreen, the short-term result can be sunburn. Over a longer time, such as after years and years of UV ray absorption, the accumulated damage can cause skin cancer. Similarly, when your eyes absorb UV rays without protection, the short-term problem can be sunburn of the eyes, called photokeratitis. Long-term, after accumulation of UV light by the eyes over the years, one resulting condition is the formation of cataracts. How do cataracts form? The sun’s UV rays can cause free radicals in the human body, which are damaging chemical compounds. Over time, these compounds contribute to health problems, including premature aging such as age spots and wrinkles, skin cancer, and in the eyes, cataracts and macular degeneration. Years of accumulated UV ray absorption cause the proteins in your eye’s natural lens to thicken and clump together. The normally transparent lens, through which light is focused by the eye, becomes thickened and yellowed by these proteins, preventing light from passing through it clearly. The resulting thickening of your eye’s natural lens is called a cataract. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss around the globe. Who is at risk for cataracts? Cataracts are a common problem, typically affecting people over age 40, with one in six of that age group experiencing them. As we continue to age, by the time we reach 70 years old, about 50% of people will experience cataracts. With at least 24 million Americans affected by cataracts, the condition is a common vision problem. Fortunately, the vision loss caused by cataracts can often be restored through surgery. More than 3 million Americans have cataract surgery each year. How do sunglasses prevent UV damage to eyes? Though the sun’s UV rays aren’t the only contributing factor in developing cataracts—lifestyle factors including smoking, diet, vitamin intake and other health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes, also play a role. However, protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV rays is one easily addressed factor. Increased UV exposure hastens the development of cataracts, so the less UV exposure you get, the better. The most effective measure you can take to slow or prevent the development of cataracts is to lower your exposure to UV rays by wearing both high-quality sunglasses that block 100% of the sun’s dangerous UV rays and a hat when you’re outside. What should I look for in a pair of sunglasses? According to the American Optometric Association , a good quality pair of sunglasses to reduce your eyes’ exposure to the sun’s damaging UV rays should: 1. Block out at least 99% but preferably 100% of both the sun’s UV-A and UV-B rays 2. Block between 75% and 90% of the sun’s visible light 3. Contain lenses that provide distortion-free vision 4. Promote proper color recognition with gray-tinted lenses If you work in an industry where you spend most of your days outside or are an avid athlete who trains outside regularly, consider wrap-around style sunglass frames that provide even more physical protection for your eyes and face from the sun’s harmful UV rays. To help maintain the health of your eyes over a lifetime, commit to wearing a quality pair of sunglasses every time you spend time outside—both this summer and every day of every year in the future. Looking for a great pair of sunglasses for yourself or a family member? We’ve got just the right pair for you in our optical department. Give us a call to schedule a time to come in and try some on! --- ## 9 Home Safety Tips to Prevent Eye Injury URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/9-home-safety-tips-to-prevent-eye-injury/ If you’re like most Americans, you’re spending more time than ever at home this summer. And while you’re reaching new heights in cooking, cleaning, yard work and home projects, you may not have considered that each of these activities can cause eye injuries if you’re not careful to wear protective eye protection. Did you know that half of all reported eye injuries happen at home, while people are doing everyday chores like cutting the grass, working in the garage, cleaning and preparing meals? There are hazards in and around your home that could permanently injure or damage your eyes. Such injuries can even result in blindness. All it takes is one millisecond to cause a life-altering injury to your eyes that could steal or damage your gift of sight. Even if you’ve done such activities in the past without incident, neglecting to protect your eyes in high-risk household situations can cause an injury―and a lifetime of regret. This summer, make it a priority to buy and wear a pair of protective safety glasses. We recommend for each member of the family a pair that is approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Approved safety glasses will have a “Z-87” stamped logo on the frames. These are widely available and reasonably priced at both your local hardware store and big-box home building centers. Nearly 40 percent of eye injuries at home occur in the garden or yard. Projectiles from the lawnmower or debris kicked up from electric trimmers pose a danger of high-speed projectiles hitting the eyes. To make sure that you don’t become a preventable eye injury statistic, here’s how to protect your vision while working around the house: 1. When you’re cutting the grass , wear safety goggles or safety glasses that include side protection to protect objects from entering the eye at all angles. It’s a best practice to visually check your lawn before starting the lawnmower, to remove any large sticks, pine cones or other debris that could become a projectile. 2. Before you use the power trimmer , put on your goggles or safety glasses PLUS a face shield. 3. Need to saw, cut, sand or trim something with a power tool? Wear protective safety goggles. 4. Turn off power tools to protect bystanders, such as when a child or other member of your family approaches. If you have a helper on your project, make sure they’re wearing correct eye protection while tools are in use. 5. Chemicals can irritate eyes: When applying fertilizer or pesticides to your yard – including lime dust or rose dust – wear protective goggles so these chemicals don’t irritate the delicate tissues of your eyes. 6. Become a label reader. Follow all of the product instructions on power tools you’ll be operating, and heed the warnings on the chemical bottles and packaging you’re using. 7. Protect eyes from cleaning products. When you clean your home, remember that bleach, cleaners and other household chemical cleaning products cause at least 125,000 eye injuries each year. Wear eye protection whenever you use these chemicals. 8. Wash your hands. On average, people touch their faces 16 times an hour. While that’s a bad idea during the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s also dangerous to your eyes if you have chemicals or other contaminants on your hands. Wash your hands after using cleaning chemicals before you touch your eyes or your face. 9. Prepare foods safely. If you’re chopping onions, garlic or hot peppers or other strong ingredients, be sure to wear eye protection. Even getting a small amount of these powerful ingredients in your eye will be painful and irritating. It can easily be prevented by using a physical barrier like safety glasses, goggles or a face shield. And wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes after being in contact with these delicious but potentially harmful substances. While spending time at home, pay attention to eye safety! Always wear the proper protective eyewear to keep your vision safe. By doing so, you’ll set an excellent example for your children so they will adopt healthy eye practices that support a lifetime of good vision. --- ## How Eyelashes and Eyebrows Protect Your Eyes URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/how-eyelashes-and-eyebrows-protect-your-eyes/ Wearing a facial covering or mask—as many of us are doing this summer—draws a lot of attention to your eyes! Because of masks, you’re likely noticing other peoples’ eyes and eyebrows more than ever. Have you ever wondered why humans evolved to have eyelashes and eyebrows, and what functions these perform in overall eye health and function? In addition to being uniquely expressive, eyebrows and eyelashes serve as the first line of natural defense against airborne debris and other hazards getting into the eyes. How do eyelashes protect your eyes? The focus on eyelashes is often for their aesthetic beauty. And indeed, mascara, eye makeup and false eyelash sales are increasing during the Covid era. However, while they add drama to the eyes, eyelashes also serve a critical function in eye safety. Have you ever gotten a piece of lint or a grain of sand caught in your eyelashes? That’s the preventive nature of eyelashes in action. Eyelashes are a first line of defense for your eyes, keeping airborne dirt, dust, lint and other debris from reaching the delicate eye tissues. With eyes open, eyelashes catch some airborne debris, but when closed, eyelashes form a nearly impenetrable barrier against foreign irritants in the eye. Eyelashes are also incredibly sensitive. How sensitive? Reach up and touch the very tip of one of your eyelashes. No matter how lightly you touch them, you can sense it immediately. Touching your eyelashes also triggers your body’s blinking reflex, which occurs to prevent debris or dirt from getting any closer to the eye itself. The blinking reflex is why it can be challenging to keep your eyes wide open while inserting a contact lens or applying makeup. And while we mentioned false eyelashes above, we don’t recommend wearing them. The glue necessary to attach them to your eyelids can be an eye irritant. Extra “added” lashes can also be detrimental to the natural function of eyelashes, increasing your risk of dust exposure and even dry eye. Anytime you put a foreign material—mascara, false lashes, other cosmetics—near the eye, you risk eye infection and allergic reactions. If you must use these, do so very sparingly and practice the highest level of good hygiene with cosmetics and other eye accoutrements. Why do we have eyebrows? With everything the eyelashes do to protect the surface of your eyes, what purpose do eyebrows serve in eye health? Though they’re positioned farther away from delicate eye tissue, eyebrows serve an essential purpose. The next time you’re outside in the hot summer sun and sweat starts dripping down your forehead, notice what happens. The eyebrows are positioned along the brow bone to help channel sweat and other liquids away from your eyes. Thanks to eyebrows, sweat flows down the side of your face so it won’t go directly into the eye socket. Whether it’s sweat, rain, or shower water, eyebrows do a great job of re-routing liquids away from the eyes. Both the shape of your eyebrows and each individual hair within the brow play a role in this function. Just as wearing false eyelashes can interfere with the natural protective function eyelashes serve, removing too many individual eyebrow hairs in the name of cosmetic appeal can hinder functionality. Your eyebrows evolved to serve their protective function, so don’t overpluck them. The current trend of a “bold brow” is much healthier for your eyes than overplucked eyebrows—not to mention much less painful!—so we hope that trend is here to stay. Why do we blink? Blinking your eyes is necessary to maintain good eye health and lubrication. Did you know that the average adult blinks 10 to 20 times per minute? And that each blink takes just one-tenth of a second? What happens in that millisecond is critically important, though. Blinking is a natural function that cleans and refreshes your eyes. When you blink, a thin layer of natural tear film spreads across the cornea of your eye. That tear layer keeps the eye moist while whisking away particles of dust or dirt that could irritate the eye and interfere with good vision. The excess tears and any particles of debris are washed down through your tear ducts into the nasal passages. This connection is also why you probably get a runny nose when you cry – the tear film and nose are interconnected. Though the blinking rate is typically 10 to 20 times per minute, some tasks can be so intense that they interfere with your natural tendency to blink. Blinking less than usual isn’t ideal, because it reduces the frequency of that cleansing, refreshing bodily function. If you’re staring intently at a screen or reading a book, studies show that you may blink a lot less—sometimes as few as 3 to 8 times each minute. That’s a significant drop from the normal, healthy blinking rate. Over time, less frequent blinking can lead to conditions such as dry eye and eye strain. Be intentional about blinking Though blinking is involuntary, it’s a best practice to think about it and remember to blink more often during high-intensity visual activities. When staring at a screen and working hard on a project, remember to close your eyes occasionally, on purpose. This rest will be a welcome and healthy moment for your eyes! If you can’t remember to blink while you’re highly focused, set a phone reminder each hour and purposefully close your eyes. Close them completely, pause, then squeeze your eyelids together intentionally so you can feel the top and bottom eyelids touching. Then pause again with your eyes closed for several seconds. Finally, open your eyes again and enjoy a more relaxed, refreshed feeling. If your eyes feel tired or dry after hours spent staring at a screen, make an appointment to see us about getting a pair of computer glasses to ease eye strain, or for a dry eye disease screening. The eyes are one of your body’s most important organs. When you take good care of them and support their natural function, they can perform their best. We’re here to help you take excellent care of them for a lifetime of healthy vision. --- ## 6 Sunglass Myths: Debunked URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/6-sunglass-myths-debunked/ You might be spending more time outside this summer than usual, especially since many inside activities have been moved outside to lower the spread of coronavirus. Because of that, it’s more important than ever for you and your loved ones to wear high-quality sunglasses that block 100% of both the sun’s Ultraviolet A and B rays (UV-A and UV-B rays). Why? Just as the sun’s rays can cause your skin to burn, they can also damage your eyes and the skin around the eyes. Sunglasses that protect you against 100% of the sun’s harmful rays can make a big difference over the years, minimizing lifetime UV exposure to your eyes. We thought the sunny weather outside presented the ideal opportunity to debunk some of the myths around sunglasses: Myth 1: You don’t need sunglasses on cloudy days. False! When the original inventors and marketers of sunglasses named them, it might’ve been more appropriate to call them Outdoorglasses , because you should wear them every time you go outdoors, not only when it’s sunny. In fact, in some conditions on cloudy days, there is an even higher exposure to the sun’s burning UV rays because of a scattering effect of the light. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, up to 80% of UV rays penetrate cloud cover and reach the Earth’s surface on cloudy days. Verdict: Wear your sunglasses every day, whether it’s sunny, or cloudy, or in-between. Myth 2: You don’t need sunglasses in winter. False! While surface UV levels are highest on a cloudless day in summer, UV light is present 365 days a year, and your eyes and skin can be negatively impacted by it. While we tend to spend less time outside during winter because of the colder weather, it’s still important to wear sunglasses each time you go outside, in spring, fall, summer or winter―and on both cloudy and cloudless days! Verdict: Wear your sunglasses in every season, every time you go outside. Myth 3: Darker tinted sunglass lenses offer higher UV protection than lighter lenses. False! However, almost half of Americans believe this myth, which puts them at higher risk for increased exposure to UV rays in their eyes. No matter how dark or light the tint on the sunglass lenses, it’s the UV protective coating that determines the percentage of UV rays that they block. You want sunglasses from a reputable source that protect against 100% of the sun’s damaging UV-A and UV-B rays to be absolutely sure your eyes are protected from the harmful effects of UV light. Verdict: Whether you prefer dark or light-tinted sunglass lenses, the most important aspect of sunglasses is the UV-protective coating. Myth 4: Kids don’t need high-quality sunglasses. False! The damage that UV-A and UV-B rays cause to your skin and eyes are cumulative over a lifetime—and irreversible. That means you don’t get a second chance to protect your kids from this damage that is occurring daily. To complicate matters, kids and teenagers are out in the sun much more often than adults are, and some studies say that children are exposed to up to 3 times more UV-A and UV-B rays than adults are each year! With those facts in mind, find a quality pair of children’s sunglasses that your kids love and will wear daily, and encourage them to start this good habit of wearing sunglasses whenever they spend time outside. Verdict: Kids need high-quality sunglasses, too! Myth 5: Kids’ eyes aren’t as sensitive to the sun’s rays as adults are. False! Just because your kids are anxious to go outside and play even in the brightest of sunny conditions doesn’t mean it isn’t hurting their eyes—it just means they’re so excited to go out and play that they won’t let a little bit of discomfort stop them. Compared with adults, children’s pupils are larger when at rest and constrict less in bright conditions. That means that even more UV light is entering your child’s eyes when they’re outside—and we’ve already established that kids are outside more often than adults. Verdict: Get your kids a pair of sunglasses that block 100% of the sun’s harmful UV-A and UV-B rays. Myth 6: You don’t need sunglasses in the car. False! Have you ever noticed that you have more sun damage—maybe in the form of freckles or age spots—on your left arm, hand, and the left side of your face and neck than on your right? That’s from driving! Unless you wear SPF 30 or higher every single day, chances are you’re accumulating more damage on your left side. The reason is that while most car windows block the sun’s UV-B rays, which would also cause your car’s dashboard to fade and crack, most don’t block the UV-A rays, which are the ones that cause skin aging, wrinkles and, over time, can contribute to the development of skin cancer. These UV-A rays can also contribute to eye problems, including cataracts and macular degeneration. Verdict: Wear your sunglasses in the car, and on trains and planes, too! Need a pair? Are you, your family or loved ones in the market for a quality pair of sunglasses to keep your eyes safe this summer and for years to come? Our optical department has just the pair for you. We’ll be sure to find you the right fit that combines your preferences for form, fashion and functionality. We’ll consider your lifestyle and personal preferences with eyewear when recommending the right pair for you. Give us a call to set your appointment today! --- ## How Vision and Learning Go Together URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/how-vision-and-learning-go-together/ It’s back-to-school season. And whether that means in-person or virtual learning for the students in your school district, the vision needs and capabilities of school-age children remain the same. Making sure that your child has the visual skills necessary to learn effectively is an important consideration as the learning season begins. Children ages 6 to 18 require specific visual abilities to ensure they succeed at school. Vision is closely connected to the ability to learn. August is Vision and Learning month. You may be surprised to learn that one in four students have an undiagnosed vision problem that hinders their ability to learn. According to the Vision Council, 80% of what your child learns is associated with information coming in through their visual system. Vision empowers the ability to read, write, see work on the chalkboard or screen, and use computers and other learning aids that teachers employ to help your child learn. Your child sees the wonder of the world and takes in information constantly through their visual system. If their eyes aren’t working well together or their visual system isn’t functioning at its best, their participation in classroom activities, sports and school lessons can be severely impacted. The necessity of having good vision increases as children grow and change. As they advance from one grade to the next, they spend more and more time reading textbooks. Often, the text size in those books becomes smaller at the same time as the amount of time they spend reading and studying increases. These additional tasks and time spent reading place new demands on your student’s eyes. That’s why it’s essential to be sure your child has excellent visual acuity. In addition, they must also possess the focusing, tracking, eye teaming and visual perception skills that enable them to read and comprehend what teachers are asking them to learn. In short, good vision is paramount to your child’s ability to thrive in both a classroom or virtual learning setting. Is vision screening enough to ensure my child’s vision is strong? The short answer is, no, a vision screening isn’t enough to be sure your child’s vision is at its best. Because they are growing and changing so quickly, your child’s visual system can change quickly, too. The American Optometric Association recommends that school age kids have a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist every year . To be clear, school vision screenings are not the same as a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist. Even if your child passes a vision screening, it’s important that they have a comprehensive optometric exam. This will ensure that their eyes work together well and provide them with the visual information necessary to learn effectively. 5 Common signs of childhood visual problems The most common vision issue that schoolkids experience is blurry vision. This could mean that they have farsightedness and can’t see the text in their books or on their screens clearly. It could also mean that they are experiencing nearsightedness and can’t see the teacher writing on the chalkboard across the room. Both of these conditions are easily corrected with prescription glasses. Here are 5 common signs of childhood visual problems: 1. When reading, your child rereads lines or skips lines in the text. 2. After reading something, your child can’t explain what they read or answer questions about what they’ve just read—a hallmark of poor reading comprehension. 3. Your child confuses letters while reading, which might mean they reverse letters such as “d” and “b” in the text. 4. The teacher says the homework assignment should take 15 minutes--but it takes your child significantly longer to complete it. 5. Your child gets easily frustrated while reading and has a very short attention span while doing schoolwork. These are strong indicators that your child needs help with a visual problem. However, even if your child isn’t exhibiting any of these symptoms, every child should have the benefit of a comprehensive eye exam each year to be sure they’re seeing their best. Now is the ideal time to bring your child into our office for their annual comprehensive eye exam. We’ll make sure their eyes are working together as a team to provide the wide array of visual cues they need to succeed in the classroom—whether their classroom is in-person or virtual. --- ## 5 Visual Skills Your Child Needs This School Year URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/5-visual-skills-your-child-needs-this-school-year/ While this back-to-school season is unlike every other back-to-school season we’ve ever experienced, one thing that remains the same: It’s important that your student is seeing their best so they can take advantage of every learning opportunity presented to them. Whether it’s in-person learning in a classroom or a virtual learning scenario, your child’s visual system is responsible for about 80% of what they learn. Making sure they’re seeing their best has never been more important. We often think of good vision as having 20/20 eyesight. That number—20/20—is a measure of a person’s visual acuity . It is important for seeing well both up-close for reading and at a distance for classroom learning. Having 20/20 vision either naturally or with prescription lenses is important for all students. However, visual acuity isn’t the only important visual skill your child needs to maximize their ability to learn. Academic success depends on having good visual acuity in addition to these 5 visual skills: 1. Eye focusing. Eye focusing is the ability to focus and maintain clear, accurate vision as you change what you’re focusing on. For example, your student may need to look quickly back-and-forth from a book on their desk and up at the teacher writing on a chalkboard at the front of the classroom. The ability to accurately focus on both the up-close book and the far-away chalkboard is a visual skill called eye focusing. Your eye must quickly adjust to the two different visual fields at different distances. If this skill is compromised, your child may have difficulty in completing his or her schoolwork. 2. Eye tracking. This is the ability to follow an object or path with the eyes. In the classroom, this means that the eyes are able to move along a sentence of words on a printed page so your child can read and comprehend the meaning of those words. It’s a critical skill in learning. Outside of the classroom, it’s the ability to watch a bird flying across the sky, or to track an object in motion such as a ball being thrown from one player to another on a sports field. 3. Eye teaming. Your child has two eyes, and it’s important that those eyes act together as a team in feeding the brain visual information to process. Eye teaming is the ability to use both eyes together in a coordinated action. This teaming enables us to judge distances—critical in activities such as sports, driving and navigating the world (such as going up or down stairs). It also helps the eyes when they’re reading a line of printed text in a book or on a computer screen. The eyes must work together as a team to empower your child to learn. 4. Hand-eye coordination. The “eye team” also works together to inform other parts of your body through the visual information the eyes provide to the brain. Eye-hand coordination is how we use the visual information to direct the motions our hands make. This is necessary in sports, such as trying to hit a tennis ball with a racquet or even kick a soccer ball with your foot (that could also be called “eye-foot” coordination). It’s also critical in writing and drawing, as the eyes inform the brain as to whether the hand is performing as the brain intends. 5. Visual perception. This is how we recognize what images appear on a printed page or screen. In order to learn to recognize letters in the alphabet and therefore learn to read, children need good visual perception. In addition to recognizing these shapes, your child must understand what they mean when used together and remember what they are reading. The skills of recognizing different letters, such as the difference between the letters “b” and “d” for example, is important in learning to read. Visual perception also informs our reading comprehension, helping your child to imagine what’s happening in a story, such as if a cat and a dog go on a walk together, your child can “picture” the two animals. In addition, these skills work to help us remember what we’ve read and recall details of a story. If your student’s visual skills aren’t functioning at their top ability, your student won’t be able to learn as effectively as kids with good visual skills. Your child will have to work harder and likely won’t enjoy their learning experience as much. Students who struggle in the classroom setting are at risk of falling behind. That can be the beginning of lifelong self-esteem issues and a negative feeling about reading, writing or learning. Do you want your child to have the best possible learning experience in school? Give them the opportunity by making sure their vision system is performing at its peak. We can help. Call us today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. We will examine your child’s vision system for acuity, perception, teaming, focusing, tracking and coordination to ensure that they have the best possible opportunity to enjoy a great school year! --- ## What Are Blue Light Blocker Glasses? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/what-are-blue-light-blocker-glasses/ The average American spends over 11 hours a day looking at screens. And while phone companies like Apple have created tools to help put your phone down, chances are you still have to use it all day. Some jobs even require you to stare at a screen for 40 hours each week! With computers at school, video games at home, and phones everywhere else, kids have to worry about this issue as well. Of course, too much technology usage has its downfalls, but did you know it can actually hurt your eyes as well? It comes from something called blue light. If you don't know what that is, stick around. In this article, we're discussing what blue light is and how blue light blocker glasses can help you and your family. Read on to learn more. ## What Is Blue Light? As mentioned before, blue light is the type of light that comes from screens, but this type of light isn't all bad. In fact, the sun emits blue light, and a healthy dose of it can make you feel awake and happier. It's one of the many types of light you need to be healthy. But the artificial blue light that comes from screens and some light sources can be dangerous. Looking at this blue light for long periods of time will often cause your eyes to feel strained, and over time, too much exposure to blue light can increase your risk of macular degeneration. It could also worsen your eyesight or cause early onset cataracts. Nearly 60 percent of Americans experience symptoms of digital eye strain because of exposure to blue light from devices. Plus, because blue light isn't natural at night, using devices before bed can make falling asleep more difficult or ruin your night vision. ## What Are Blue Light Blocker Glasses? In a world full of dangerous levels of blue light exposure, blue light blocker glasses are your superheroes. These glasses help defeat the villainous blue light you are taking in each day. Sometimes these glasses have an orange tint from an infused material that helps block the light, but this tint isn't usually noticeable unless you're looking closely. Actually, most blue light blocking glasses look like everyday glasses, and you can add your prescription to them too. But, because eye protection is for everybody, these glasses can come without any prescription as well. Even if you have 20/20 vision, you might want to consider getting them for yourself. Kids with perfect vision might also need them to help avoid any eye problems. After using these glasses for a short period, you'll see your sleep improve and your vision relax. You also won't have to feel any eye fatigue or worry about long-term vision problems that come from blue light. ### Who Are They For? Blue light blocker glasses are for everybody! Anyone who uses digital technology on a regular basis should consider getting a pair. If your job requires you to be on a computer a lot, you should definitely consider finding your own blue light blocker glasses. You wouldn't want to have eye damage from a preventable issue. Most patients experience eye strain after just two hours of screen time. If you find yourself using a screen for more than two hours each day, blue light blocker glasses are for you. ## What Else Can I Do? When it comes to protecting your eyes, there's always more to do. Although blue light blocker glasses are a great place to start, there are also a few other practical tips you can use to shield yourself from screens. For one, you can follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes that you're looking at a screen, you should look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This will help prevent your digital eye strain. You can also add integrations into your phones, laptops, and tablets that help block blue light. On Apple screens, you can turn on "Night Shift" to help reduce eye strain. On other devices, you should be able to download an app to help filter blue light. It's best to avoid all digital devices for an hour or so before bed, and monitor your device usage throughout the day. Picking up your phone less will also reduce the strain on your eyes. ## Ready to Get Blue Light Blocker Glasses? If you've read through this article and think you might need blue light blocker glasses, you're in luck. You can check out our store for you or your child's first pair. Need help deciding on which to get? Give us a call at one of our six convenient locations, and we'll be happy to help you. --- ## 6 Sports You Need Sunglasses for Now URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/sports-you-need-sunglasses-for/ About a quarter of American adults play sports on a regular basis, and even more people participate in leisurely outdoors activities like hiking or fishing. Whether you compete for fun, pride, or money, having sports sunglasses can help make sure that you are ready for the next adventure. Without them, you may find it hard to compete, and if you've never tried using sunglasses while playing sports, you could see your game improve. Want to know what sports you need sunglasses for? Read on to learn more! ## 1. Fishing Fishing is a difficult sport that takes a lot of skill, timing, and luck. But with polarized sunglasses, you can be sure to take advantage of everything you have. One thing sunglasses help with when finishing is keeping the glare out of your eyes. When you're looking down at the water, the sun is often reflecting off of it. This not only hurts your eyes, but it can also keep you from seeing fish in clear water. Polarized sunglasses can also help enhance the colors around you. For fishers, this means you'll have an easier time noticing signs that there are fish near you. ## 2. Hiking Like fishing, hiking takes skill, patience, and a lot of work. While not a sport in the traditional sense, hiking and backpacking competitions are popping up throughout the world. And for those hikers wanting to step over into climbing, having great sunglasses can make sure that you perform at your best. For hiking, you want your sunglasses to be able to keep the sweat out of your eyes and also stay on your face. Consider purchasing wrap-around glasses for intense hiking, or stick with rubber nose pads and a steady grip for the more casual hiker. Having sunglasses is also great for the peaks of your hikes. While nature is beautiful on its own, having polarized lenses will help you see it with more clarity. ## 3. Running When most people think of sunglasses for sports, chances are they think of running. Take a look at any picture of a race, and you'll notice that many of the people in the picture are wearing sunglasses! The biggest benefit of running with sunglasses is that it helps you relax. As any good runner knows, staying loose gives you an easier and chilled run, and this includes your eyes. Squinting for the entirety of your run doesn't sound very comfortable! Over the length of your run, squinting your eyes can waste precious energy you could have used when running. Sunglasses can also help keep the sweat out of your eyes. When looking for running sunglasses, you'll probably want to purchase wrap-around frames. Otherwise, you'll have to spend time pushing your glasses up when you start to sweat. ## 4. Biking Like running, biking takes a lot out of you, and squinting your eyes the whole time can also waste muscle energy. While a bike helmet can help to some extent, full protection from sunglasses is the better option. Sunglasses are also important to protect your eyes while biking. One study showed that the average person bikes at 9.6 miles per hour . If a pebble or other object hits your eye at that speed, you might end up with a serious injury. Also, if your sunglasses are polarized, you'll have an easier time seeing obstacles in your path. From rocks to roots, you want to know what's in your path. When looking, you'll want to make sure that the sunglasses also wrap around your head. Causal wear will get distracting and likely fall off, especially for athletic bikers. ## 5. Kayaking Kayaking with sunglasses isn't necessary, but it can make your experience a whole lot better, especially when you're in fast waters. Like fishing, having sunglasses can keep the sun from reflecting on your eyes. Having sunglasses can also be helpful when kayaking to keep water out of your eyes. Depending on what river you're heading down, keeping water out will be a lifesaver. When looking for kayaking sunglasses, ask about floating sunglasses. With glasses like these, you can make sure that your frames never get lost at the bottom of a river. ## 6. Tennis When it comes to tennis, you have to have fantastic eyesight to play well. A tennis ball is only a couple inches in diameter, and when it's coming at you at speeds of up to 160 miles per hour , you can't miss a second. That's why having sunglasses can be so important when playing tennis. If the sun gets in your eyes, there's no doubt that the ball will fly right past you. Many tennis players prefer playing with hats, but sunglasses can be great for amateurs and when warming up. ## There Are More Sports You Need Sunglasses For Believe it or not, sports sunglasses are one of the most important items in your outdoor itinerary. Without them, you might be at a disadvantage, and being outside for long periods of time without protection can also harm your vision. Whether you're active or not, you can protect your vision by wearing sports sunglasses. Looking for sports sunglasses? Come by one of our six optometry locations and browse through our collection. Cover Photo Credit Running Photo Credit --- ## 27 Telltale Signs Your Child Has a Functional Vision Problem URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/27-telltale-signs-your-child-has-a-functional-vision-problem/ It’s been a back-to-school season like no other! And whether your student is learning in a classroom or you’re overseeing their virtual learning program from home, vision is critical to how kids learn in a multitude of ways. The first way vision is critical to learning is obvious: If your student has poor visual acuity—as measured in terms of 20/20 vision—they may be unable to see the whiteboard, chalkboard, tablet or computer screen where the teaching is taking place. If a child is nearsighted or farsighted, that can present a problem for them in their current learning setting. But good vision—the kind that empowers your child to reach their full potential—is more than just visual clarity and 20/20 eyesight. Excellent vision also means that your child has strong functional vision. Functional vision is how your entire visual system—eyes, brain and the visual pathways between them—work together to help you move through and interact with your surroundings. Functional vision means that your student has good eye teaming, eye focusing and coordinated eye movement. This enables the eyes to work together as a team with the brain to provide accurate, instant information that’s critical to the learning process. Sometimes kids who have never experienced problems in any setting in life will encounter academic struggles during the first month of a new school year. That can be a symptom of a functional vision problem, and indicates that it’s past time for a visit to your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam. Following are 27 signs, symptoms or behaviors that could mean your student is experiencing a functional vision problem: Physical Signs of Functional Vision Problems 1. A lazy eye or crossed eyes 2. Excessive blinking, squinting or if your child often closes one eye 3. If your child tilts his or her head to one side 4. Holding a device or tablet too close, or practically having their nose in the book 5. Exhibits poor hand-eye coordination or motor skills 6. Is clumsy or accident-prone; often bumping into objects or dropping things 7. If your child has trouble throwing or catching objects 8. An obvious preference for using one eye, favoring that eye 9. If the eyes are red, itchy or your child rubs them or says they’re burning 10. Headaches in the temples or forehead Behavioral Signs of Functional Vision Problems 1. A brief or short attention span 2. If your child gets irritated, nervous or tires quickly when reading or performing “close work” 3. Shows signs of developmental or emotional immaturity 4. Easily frustrated and doesn’t get along easily with other students 5. Says he or she experiences blurred vision 6. Dizziness, nausea or motion sickness 7. Mentions that she or he has double vision Working Signs of Functional Vision Problems 1. Often confuses their right or left when giving or taking directions 2. Tilts or twists their head when looking at a book or screen, to favor that eye 3. Holds a book or object very close to their face 4. When reading or copying work, frequently loses their place in the activity 5. Low reading comprehension; can’t remember what they’ve read 6. Frequently mixes up or reverses words or letters in words – such as “b” and “d” 7. Uses their finger as a guide when reading lines of text 8. Often skips words, omits small words or has to re-read a line of text 9. Moves their head across the page, back and forth, instead of moving the eyes 10. Struggles with their handwriting skills To succeed in school and in life, your children and loved ones need to be able to use the full spectrum of their visual system to maximize the ability to learn and experience life. That’s why having a robust functional vision system is critical. If your child or loved one is experiencing any of these 27 telltale symptoms, make an appointment with your optometrist for a comprehensive visual exam. We will test your student for the eye teaming, focusing and coordinated eye movement skills necessary to learn at their highest level. Functional vision issues are highly treatable, especially when they’re caught early. --- ## 10 Ways Vision and Learning are Linked URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/10-ways-vision-and-learning-are-linked/ Whether your child is back in the classroom this year or learning virtually, you want your student to learn in the most effective way possible. Did you know that there’s one key factor in learning that is sometimes overlooked? That factor is how well the eyes and the brain work together to maximize your student’s ability to learn. Vision has a significant impact on learning. Studies show that 80% of what we learn comes to us through our visual system. That’s why it’s critical to make sure your child’s entire visual system works at its best. If my student has 20/20 vision, can she still have a visual system problem? Yes. While it’s vital to have 20/20 vision either naturally or through corrective lenses, visual acuity is just one of many vision elements that affect learning. What if your student’s eyes can’t change focus quickly enough when looking up at the teacher and then back down to where he or she is taking notes? Or, imagine if when reading, your child’s eyes aren’t teaming well, so the text appears doubled or blurry, preventing her from understanding the words on the page. Or what if the words seemed to disappear as she’s reading a line of text? In each of these cases, the student experiencing the vision problem may have 20/20 visual acuity. Yet, with the focusing and eye teaming challenges mentioned above, the visual system isn’t functioning well enough to promote quality learning. Is a school vision screening enough to rule out visual problems in learning? No. Even if your student passes a school vision screening, they can still have a significant functional vision issue preventing them from learning at their best. A student’s visual system is often a significant part of any learning dysfunction. What exactly does a visual system problem impact during a student’s school career? Following are 10 examples of how learning and vision are closely linked: 1. When your child first learns to read, vision challenges can prevent them from developing basic reading skills. 2. When students are reading for comprehension, double vision or blurry vision can prevent them from being able to read for an extended period. This lowers their reading comprehension significantly. 3. When a child’s vision is blurred or double, they can have difficulty seeing signs in math such as decimals or addition, multiplication or division symbols. 4. Students with reduced visual skills have trouble organizing their letters and numbers on the page—making it difficult to line up the numbers correctly to complete math problems. 5. When kids don’t see or align numbers correctly in math problems, it can lead to incorrect calculations. They may need to use their fingers to count, or count aloud, which lowers their ability to score well on timed tests. 6. If your child is a strong “mathlete” but needs to read a story problem in math class and figure out the answer from the context, vision problems can prevent him from doing so correctly. 7. Your child’s handwriting may suffer if she has vision problems. Our vision guides our hands as we write. A poorly functioning vision system can show up as challenges in neat and organized handwriting. 8. If your student has challenges with visual recall—the ability to create a visual image in the mind based on past experiences—they may also suffer from spelling challenges, since spelling is based on recalling the letters in a word. 9. Kids with functional vision challenges can easily confuse letters with similar shapes such as b, d, p and q and may write or read them backward, hindering their reading comprehension. 10. Your student’s writing can suffer if they don’t have the visualization skills to organize and rework a paragraph or longer composition in their heads, resulting in poor writing skills. Sadly, many students and adults never realize that their challenges in the classroom or even in the workplace are not related to intelligence or effort—but are due to their visual system and how it processes information. Such problems can be due to focusing, tracking, perceptual skills and eye teaming, which are all functional vision issues. If your student doesn’t understand why he or she isn’t succeeding in the classroom, it can negatively affect behavior and self-esteem. It can even lead to continued challenges in the work setting as an adult. Children and adults with functional vision problems often feel frustrated, restless, anxious and struggle to concentrate. This can result in them being labeled as “problem learners.” Don’t settle for that label—if a vision challenge is at the center of your child’s issue, we can help! Bring your child to the optometrist for a comprehensive annual eye exam. We will test his or her functional vision to make sure they are capable of succeeding in a learning setting. If your child has a functional vision issue, prompt diagnosis and treatment can improve their ability to learn. When a vision issue is identified, we can help to correct it. This will help your student improve their ability to focus, improve their reading comprehension and even sports performance. If your student hasn’t had a comprehensive eye exam in the past year, call us today to make an appointment with your optometrist. We’ll evaluate his or her entire visual system to ensure they have the visual abilities needed to succeed this school year! --- ## 13 Surprising Health Issues An Eye Exam Can Detect URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/13-surprising-health-issues-an-eye-exam-can-detect/ In our previous post, we explored 7 serious health issues your optometrist can detect during your annual comprehensive eye exam. These include: 1. Diabetes 2. High Blood Pressure 3. Thyroid disease 4. Rheumatoid Arthritis 5. Brain tumors 6. High cholesterol 7. Cancer But your optometrist’s ability to detect health issues lurking within the human body doesn’t stop there. Here are 13 additional health risks and diseases your optometrist can detect by examining the ocular structures in detail: 1. Multiple sclerosis (MS). A degenerative disease that attacks the nervous system, multiple sclerosis can be potentially disabling. MS causes the immune system to attack nerve fibers and causes miscommunication between the brain and other parts of the body. When your optometrist detects optic nerve inflammation, that can indicate a diagnosis of MS. Patients with MS often also have double vision, blurred vision, or report pain when moving their eyes. 2. Lyme Disease. Spread by ticks, this bloodborne infection leads to total body inflammation that often causes a wide array of symptoms that are difficult to pinpoint as Lyme Disease. Inflammation of the optic nerve is one telltale sign, along with an increase in “floaters” when the infection begins. 3. A weakening in a blood vessel’s wall can cause it to swell or bubble out, and can lead to a rupture or leak in the artery, vein or capillary. These weakened blood vessels can occur in the eye. Aneurysms can result in severe consequences, including loss of body function, facial function or an extremely painful one-sided headache. If an aneurysm is detected, medical attention is required immediately. 4. Often presenting along with dry eye, this autoimmune disease causes inflammation in many different bodily systems. It can cause swelling of the sclera (the white part of the eye), the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye, or even the tissues of the middle layer of the eye. 5. This is another inflammatory disease that can impact multiple organ systems, including the ocular system. Your optometrist will suspect sarcoidosis if the colored part of your eye – the iris – is painful and inflamed in a condition called iritis. Sarcoidosis also can cause very intense light sensitivity in patients. 6. Sickle cell disease. A genetic blood disorder, sickle cell patients develop stiff, misshapen red blood cells that can block blood flow in all parts of the body – including the eye. This disease can cause a variety of symptoms in the eyes, from burst blood vessels on the eye’s surface to redness to severe bleeding to retinal detachment. 7. Giant cell arteritis. Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a persistent inflammation of the medium-sized arteries that supply blood to the upper body, neck and arms. Because these same vessels supply blood to the eyes, the condition can cause blurred, double vision or even sudden vision loss in one or both eyes. 8. Myasthenia gravis. The first symptom of this autoimmune disorder often impacts the eyes. It causes muscle weakness and fatigue, which can result in drooping eyelids, double vision, arm or leg weakness, and in advanced cases, significant problems breathing, swallowing, chewing or talking. 9. Sjögren's syndrome. Another autoimmune disease, Sjögren's syndrome specifically attacks the glands that make saliva and tears. Dry eyes are a common symptom of this syndrome, as are stinging or burning eyes, blurred vision and dry mouth. 10. Sometimes the tiny blood vessels that supply the retina become blocked or contain blood clots. A patient might experience sudden blind spots or the feeling that a curtain is being closed over their vision. This is an indicator of an increased risk of stroke. 11. Vitamin A deficiency. If you have dry eyes or night blindness, the cause may be Vitamin A deficiency, a condition that prevents your eyes from making enough moisture to keep eyes well lubricated. The reason this deficiency causes night blindness is that it prevents pigment production needed to keep the retina functioning properly. Sadly, Vitamin A deficiency is a leading cause of blindness in children worldwide and is preventable. Good sources of Vitamin A include fish oil, liver, milk, eggs and leafy green vegetables along with orange and yellow vegetables and fruits. 12. Vascular disease. Bleeding and clotting disorders can result in visible bleeding in or around the eye. Optometrists know this as subconjunctival hemmorhage. Vascular disorders can cause vision loss due to retinal bleeding and damage. 13. Sexually transmitted diseases. Did you know sexually transmitted diseases can affect various layers of the eye? These include herpes, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV and genital warts. Sexually transmitted diseases left untreated can cause blindness and affect many areas of the body. Isn’t it amazing how many serious medical conditions have symptoms that can show up in the eyes? Your optometrist can help to detect many of these high-risk conditions during your annual comprehensive eye exam. The good news is, by detecting such serious conditions at an early stage, they’re more highly treatable, and the patient will have the opportunity to address the condition and get symptoms under control to prevent or delay more severe outcomes. Call us and schedule your annual eye exam today! --- ## Where to See Fourth of July Fireworks in Knoxville (2019) URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/where-to-see-fourth-of-july-fireworks-in-knoxville-2019/ On the Fourth of July, more than 14,000 fireworks will go off to celebrate our nation's independence. If you haven't already scouted your spot for this year's festivities, you're in the right place. There are plenty of options in Knoxville and the surrounding counties. In this article, we're telling you where to see Fourth of July fireworks in Knoxville. Then, we'll break down a few things to keep in mind about eye safety as well. Soon you'll be on your way to an awesome Independence Day! Read on to get your celebration started! ## Where to See Fourth of July Fireworks in Knoxville Here are a few spots to see fireworks in and around Knoxville. ### Festival on the Fourth From 4 p.m. until 11 p.m., the city of Knoxville will be hosting a festival in World's Fair Park. A live band will perform, and the night will end with a fireworks display. This event is free, and the show will go on — rain or shine. ### Fireworks Cruise Looking for a bit more than the typical fireworks show? Hop aboard the Volunteer Princess Cruise for a four-hour boating tour and watch the downtown Knoxville fireworks from the water. With dinner, a live DJ, and a four-course dinner, you won't have a boring moment. Plus you'll be able to avoid the Knoxville holiday crowd. ### Mabry-Hazen House The historic Mabry-Hazen home will host its annual Fourth of July on Mabrys Hill event with food, beer, games, and tours of the antique home. The view from the home gives visitors a unique spot to see the fireworks go off. ### Clinton 4th of July Fireworks Celebration The City of Clinton will be hosting its annual Fourth of July celebration from 5 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. on the Fourth. The free event will have live music, food vendors, and inflatables for kids in Lakefront Park. ### Alcoa FreedomFest The Alcoa FreedomFest started over 40 years ago, and it isn't stopping now! This year, the event is on June 29 from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m at the Alcoa Duck Pond. Fireworks start at 9:45 p.m., while music, food, and activities for children will start at 6 p.m. ## Eye Safety on the Fourth of July If you're going to a fireworks show like one of the ones we listed previously, chances are you won't have to worry much about eye safety. But, if your plans for the Fourth include some DIY fireworks, you might want to take a few precautionary steps. Why? On average, 280 people go to the emergency room every day around the Fourth of July holiday. Carelessness with fireworks can lead to injuries anywhere on the body. Of course, anything that can explode can cause damage to your eyes, but you don't have to be hit by something to hurt your vision. Heat exposure and contact with chemicals can both cause just as much damage. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=61&v=BIu1jFLf5Qg Avoid giving small children sparklers. While they are generally more safe, they still burn at high levels and can cause damage to the eyes or other areas. If damage does happen to your eyes from fireworks, treat it as an emergency, and let a doctor tell you exactly what to do. Rubbing, applying pressure, or using ointments may increase the problem. Make sure to follow strict guidelines for fire safety as well, and don't forget to wear safety goggles too! ## Ready to See Fourth of July Fireworks in Knoxville? Hopefully, this article has given you a few places to choose from for your celebrations. Knowing where to see Fourth of July fireworks in Knoxville is easy, but deciding where to watch them will be the hard part. And we'll leave that one up to you! Have a question about eye safety or just need to schedule your annual eye exam? Please contact our optometry team in Knoxville , Maryville, Clinton, or Dunlap. --- ## Ready to Go Back to School? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/ready-to-go-back-to-school/ ### Is Your Student’s Vision Ready to Go Back to School? It’s back-to-school season! If you’re the parent of a school-age child, you likely have a list of supplies and are busily checking off items to make sure your student has everything they need for a successful school year. But are you forgetting the No. 1 most important item on every child’s back-to-school checklist? Good vision! If you haven’t made an appointment for your child’s annual comprehensive eye exam, now’s an ideal time to do so. Kids don’t have “jobs” as such, but that doesn’t mean they’re not working hard every day – their “job” is to work at learning the skills necessary to succeed in life. One of the most important tools they possess to accomplish this job is their vision, which enables them to learn to read and write, play sports, observe and learn from what’s going on in the world around them. August is Vision & Learning month. This national observance has the goal of increasing awareness among teachers, educators and parents about the epidemic of misdiagnosed or undiagnosed vision problems that can cause students to struggle in the classroom and grow into adults with similar challenges in the work setting. 80% of Classroom Learning is Visual The American Optometric Association says that as much as 80% of a child’s ability to learn and adapt occurs through their vision system. If there is a vision problem that goes undiagnosed and uncorrected, a child isn’t able to learn and function to the best of his or her ability. Kids Won’t Tell You They Can’t See Well Here’s another factor: Children don’t know how their vision is “supposed to look.” For example, if they see everything around them as a blur, they can’t possibly know they’re not seeing the same as everyone else, because they’ve never experienced seeing clearly with crisp visual acuity. And kids won’t tell you they’re not seeing very well, both because they don’t necessarily realize that fact and also because they may feel embarrassed about it. It’s Not Just Visual Acuity While it’s important for kids to be able to see 20/20 on the visual acuity scale, that’s not the only facet of vision that plays a critical role in learning and in life. There are 17 visual skills that come into play for your student to see and learn their best. These include eye movement control, eye teaming, peripheral vision, depth awareness, color perception and eye alignment. If any of these vital visual skills are compromised and it isn’t detected and therefore can’t be corrected, your child’s visual learning skills will likely suffer. It’s an unsettling statistic: One in ten children—that’s about 5 million kids in the U.S.--have an undiagnosed eye or visual problem that is considered significant enough to impact their ability to learn. School Screening Exams Miss 75% of Kids with Vision Problems According to the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, school visual screenings provide less than 4% of the eye and visual tests needed to ensure that children see well. In addition, such screenings can miss up to 75% of children who need correction of a visual problem to thrive. This means that there is a virtual epidemic of children who aren’t seeing their best in school due to ongoing undiagnosed eye and visual problems that impact their ability and performance in the classroom. Sometimes vision problems are misdiagnosed by school screenings, causing kids with poor eye teaming skills to be considered as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) when in reality, they can’t read well because of a vision problem. When eye and visual problems go unidentified, they often get worse. If this happens, your child could fall behind during the critical time when their eyes and brains should be working together efficiently to help them learn the most. Is Your Child Seeing His or Her Best? Now’s the time to make an appointment for your child to see your optometrist for a comprehensive eye and vision examination—before classes start. Your optometrist will perform a range of tests to determine whether your child’s eyes are working well together and providing the visual acuity and range of perception that empower your child to see and learn his or her best. Don’t wait – our appointment calendars fill up fast this time of year, but your child’s vision is critical to success in school and in life, so it’s important to make an appointment. --- ## What Is an OCT? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/what-is-an-oct/ What is an OCT? Many people ask this when they visit their optometrist for an annual eye exam. And because they might not know what it is, they often choose not to have the short test done. This means they're missing out on one of the most accurate tests for eyes, and they don't even realize it! Lucky for you, this article is going to break down everything you need to know about OCTs. After, you'll be able to decide whether you want one or not. Read on to learn more! ## What's an OCT? If you don't know yet, chances are you're wondering what an OCT is. Before understanding why it can help you, let's break down exactly what it is. OCT stands for optical coherence tomography. This is a type of imaging technique that takes a photo of your eyes at a detail that is otherwise unseen. Like a topographic map, an OCT shows you the different layers of your retina . Your eye doctor uses this information to measure layers, which helps identify diseases. The machine allows an eye doctor to see at a micrometer resolution. This is about 0.000039 in inches. Now that we understand what an OCT, let's discuss some of the benefits of having one. ## 1. Details, Details, Details When it comes to eyes, detail is everything. The layers of your retina can tell optometrists what they need to know to diagnose issues. A regular eye exam can catch quite a bit on its own, but letting your optometrist take an OCT photo ensures precision. ## 2. Easy to Do At this point, you might be wondering how invasive and time consuming an OCT is. Something that is that detailed tends to take time. In reality, an OCT is non-invasive, and it takes less than a minute to capture the photos. This means that you can add an OCT to your eye exam and be back to work in the same hour. Because of its simplicity and speed, an OCT is also cost-effective. The price for the test is low, meaning anyone can access this pertinent information. ## 3. Peace of Mind An OCT is one of the most effective ways to check for eye disease. This give you the peace of mind that your eyes are healthy and happy. If something seems off, your optometrists will be able to catch it before it becomes more serious. For kids, having an OCT will let parents know the exact condition that their child's eyes are in. Children tend not to develop as many eye diseases as adults, but you can protect them with this simple test. ## Ready for Your OCT? OCT tests are one of the fastest and most accurate tests for eye health. We hope this article has helped you decide whether you want to have one on your next visit. Ready for your next appointment and OCT test? Schedule your annual eye exam here. --- ## 9 Eye-Healthy Ways to Use Your Flex Spending Account Balance URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/9-eye-healthy-ways-to-use-your-flex-spending-account-balance/ There’s only a couple of weeks left in 2020, which means you only have a handful of days remaining to spend your Flex Spending Account (FSA) funds before they’re forfeited back to your employer. That’s right: It’s a “Use it or Lose it” situation with FSA dollars. If you don’t use them on approved healthcare expenses before December 31, you’ll likely lose them. Don’t let your employer take back your hard-earned dollars just because you forgot to use them! If you’re looking for smart strategies for using a FSA balance, here are nine ways you can use it to proactively take care of your eye health and ensure you have good vision as we start the year 2021! How to use your Flex Spending Account funds It’s easy to spend your FSA balance before the end of the year! Here are nine qualifying expenses you can use those Flex Dollars on before they’re gone: 1. Schedule Your Comprehensive Eye Exam Even with vision insurance, you likely pay for part of your annual visit to the eye doctor. If you haven’t had your comprehensive eye exam in 2020, call us to schedule today. You can use the remainder of your Flex Spending funds for the portion of your visit that insurance may not cover. 1. Stock up on Contact Lenses Avoid the annoyance of running out of daily contact lenses during a busy workweek or just before a long-awaited vacation by stocking up now on a year’s supply of lenses. When you order in bulk and pay with your Flex funds, you’ll prevent that potential issue in 2021. 1. A Second (or Third) Pair of Prescription Glasses Keeping up with one pair of glasses can be difficult in our hectic lives, so having a spare pair can help in a multitude of situations. You can leave a pair at work, so you’re never without them in the office. If your kids toggle between two homes and tend to forget their glasses at the most inconvenient times, maybe having an extra pair would come in handy. Or perhaps you just want to treat yourself to that stylish new frame you saw in our optical department the last time you were here. A second pair is a smart strategy! 1. Computer Glasses Computer Vision Syndrome is a result of the large amount of screen time our population experiences every day. Our eyes weren’t built to stare for long hours at small text on ever-smaller screens. This behavior causes eye strain, eye fatigue, headaches, and a high incidence of nearsightedness in younger and younger people. If you or your loved ones are experiencing these symptoms, a pair of prescription glasses that optimize your vision for the distance range where screens are viewed can help to ease the strain and fatigue you—and your loved ones—are experiencing. 1. Prescription Sunglasses The reason we call them sunglasses instead of “summer glasses” is that the sun’s damaging UV rays are raining down on our planet 365 days a year—even when it’s cloudy and even when the days are short like they are in wintertime. The cumulative UV ray damage that adds up over the years can cause a wide range of eye problems, including the formation of cataracts, macular degeneration and cancer on the eyelids and the skin surrounding the eyes. Prevent these conditions by wearing sunglasses that block 100% of the damaging UV rays the sun emits every day of the year! 1. Contact Lens Solutions and Cases   If you wear contact lenses, you know that cleaning solutions are a necessary part of keeping your lenses clean and comfortable. Contact lens solutions are on the approved list of Flex Spending Account items, so if you have extra funds, why not stock up this month? 1. Prescription and Over-the-Counter Eye Drops   Whether you have a specific condition such as dry eye or glaucoma, or you have allergies that require over-the-counter or prescription eye drops, now’s a great time to stock up on the drops that keep your eyes healthy and your vision comfortable. 1. LASIK Eye Surgery If you’ve been dreaming of waking up in the morning and not needing to reach for your glasses to see the alarm clock, LASIK eye surgery may be the solution for you! Vision correction procedures, including LASIK, are an eligible FSA expense that can correct vision issues including presbyopia (difficulty focusing on close objects) and myopia (difficulty focusing on faraway objects). While you may not have time in 2019 for your optometrist to determine whether you are an ideal candidate for the LASIK procedure, you can plan ahead for 2021. 1. Dry Eye Disease Treatments If you’ve experienced the dry, itchy, gritty symptoms of Dry Eye Disease, you realize how uncomfortable it can be when left untreated. Treatments for Dry Eye Disease are FSA-approved expenses. These include prescription medications and eye drops to reduce eyelid and corneal inflammation, lubricating eye drops, tear duct punctal plugs, tear-stimulating medications and drops, and procedures including meibomian gland expression or LipoFlow. --- ## 5 Ways to Reduce or Prevent Diabetic Eye Disease URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/5-ways-to-reduce-or-prevent-diabetic-eye-disease/ November is American Diabetes Month. It’s estimated that more than 30 million adults over age 18 currently have diabetes, with another 84 million showing signs of prediabetes . For those over age 65, one in four have diabetes and its associated complications. Did you know that diabetes can have a significant impact on your vision, causing both blurred vision and in advanced cases, partial to full vision loss? Here are five steps to take to reduce or prevent your risk for developing diabetic eye disease and help preserve good vision for years to come: 1. Visit your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam that includes dilation at least once each year. Diabetic eye disease, including diabetic retinopathy, doesn’t have noticeable symptoms in its early stages. When looking at your eyes while dilated, your optometrist can more closely examine the retina and the optic nerve for signs and symptoms of damage, likely before you notice any changes or blurriness in your vision. If you are diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, your optometrist will begin treatment immediately and monitor the health of your eyes closely and regularly to prevent further damage to your eyesight. 1. Get your blood sugar under control. When your blood sugar—also called blood glucose level — is too high, you may experience blurry vision. That happens because a high level of glucose can affect the shape of your eye’s natural lens, which helps to focus your vision. When you carefully monitor your blood glucose levels and get it to stabilize, the lens shape typically goes back to normal, and the blurriness caused by this symptom clears up. However, when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in your eyes and specifically your retina, that damage is permanent. It’s critical to follow your doctor’s advice and closely monitor and maintain control of your blood sugar levels to prevent these problems and preserve your eyesight. 1. Monitor and maintain cholesterol and blood pressure levels While this is good advice for everyone, it’s especially important for people with diabetes to watch both blood pressure and cholesterol levels closely. Why? When they aren’t monitored and kept within acceptable levels, both of these conditions can increase your risk for developing eye disease that results in vision loss. However, by keeping these levels in check, your overall health will benefit, and you’ll also be at a lower risk for developing heart disease or stroke. 1. Quit smoking. If you smoke, you’re at increased risk for a large number and variety of diseases, and unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you likely know it. However, if you have diabetes and you continue to smoke, you have a higher risk for developing diabetes-related diseases of the eye and going blind. That should be a wake-up call! Smokers with diabetes have a much higher risk for diabetic retinopathy and damaged blood vessels within the eye that steal your vision. The other severe eye complications you could develop include dry eye disease, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, optic nerve problems, increased risk for glaucoma, and uveitis (an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye wall that causes red eye, pain and vision problems.) Start your path to quit smoking today ! 1. Exercise Yes, exercise. You can even call it “exerc-eyes” if it helps you remember that movement and working up a sweat has benefits for your eyes. In addition, exercise and a healthy lifestyle are also helpful in controlling blood glucose levels and, therefore, for getting diabetes under control. So, go out and walk around the block at your lunch hour. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park an extra few rows away from your destination and walk. Get your 10,000 steps per day. Your eyes—and your entire body—will thank you! A diabetes diagnosis can be considered as a wake-up call to take these specific steps to improve your health so you can save your vision. By taking matters into your own hands and actively monitoring blood sugar levels, you can dramatically reduce the likelihood that you will develop severe eye disease as a result of diabetes. Call us today to schedule your comprehensive eye exam to stay one step ahead of diabetic eye disease and other health concerns that can affect your vision. We’re here to help you see your very best now, and for years to come! --- ## 5 Questions About Flexible Spending Accounts And Vision Care URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/5-questions-about-flexible-spending-accounts-and-vision-care/ With 2020 soon coming to an end, you have only a few weeks left to spend your designated Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds on eligible health care costs. Many patients ask us which vision-related expenses qualify for reimbursement under an FSA. We thought we’d provide information about these accounts and how you can maximize their use to see your best this season. If you have an FSA through your employer, now is a good time to double-check the “use-by date” for the funds you contribute all year long. If it’s a calendar year plan and your benefits expire on December 31, you must either use the funds in your plan by that date, or you may lose them. Here are 5 questions to help you maximize your flex spending this season: 1. What exactly is a Flexible Spending Account? The federal government established flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) in the 1970s. The program enables people to save money in a tax-free account set up by their employer. Employees can choose whether or not to participate. The employee can then use the funds in the account to pay for medical, dental or vision expenses throughout the year. People can use their FSA funds to pay for a wide variety of out-of-pocket health care expenses ― including deductibles, eye exams, prescription glasses and contact lenses. The 2020 limit for FSA contributions is $2,750 . However, if funds aren’t used by a specified date – often December 31, those funds may not be recoverable, and you may lose them. That’s why we often associate the term “use it or lose it” with flex spending dollars. 1. What are the benefits of a Flexible Spending Account? The amount of money you can save through an FSA is tax-free, meaning it’s deducted before your employer calculates your monthly or biweekly payroll taxes. This is a tax advantage: If you elect to set aside the full amount of $2,750, you lower your taxable income by that amount for the year. If you have kids, you may also be eligible for a Dependent Care FSA, which has a limit of $5,000 per taxable year for individuals or married couples filing jointly. By maximizing your contributions to these accounts, you maximize your tax savings. And, every qualifying purchase you make with the funds is essentially a tax deduction. To summarize, an FSA is a smart way to decrease your tax burden while both increasing your take-home pay and setting aside funds to pay for health care expenses. 1. Am I eligible for a Flexible Spending Account? Employees of companies that offer a Flexible Spending Account to their employees are eligible for an FSA. An FSA is an optional benefit, and you often must “opt-in” to receive it. If you’re not sure whether your company offers this benefit, check with your human resources manager or benefits administrator. 1. What expenses can I pay for with Flexible Spending funds? From a vision-care standpoint, almost every expense will qualify. Your flex dollars are eligible for use on the following: • Eye exams • Copays and deductibles • Prescription eyeglasses • Reading glasses • Computer glasses • Contact lenses • Prescription sunglasses • LASIK surgery • Dry eye treatment You can also use your funds for everyday, non-prescription purchases, including contact lens solutions and cleaners. You can even purchase designer frames ― as long as you use a prescription from your optometrist on the lenses that go in them. Where can I use my FSA funds for vision-related expenses? In our office! You can use your outstanding flex funds for eye exams, prescription glasses, contact lenses and other vision care needs and vision-related expenses. Our vision care team is here to help, and they’re quite knowledgeable about your options for using those outstanding FSA funds. Call us to schedule an appointment to come in and explore the possibilities. But don’t wait – we get booked up and quite busy toward the end of December, and we want to be sure we have enough time and social-distancing space to accommodate you! --- ## A Thank-You To Patients and Friends URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/a-thank-you-to-patients-and-friends/ We wish you a safe and healthy holiday season! We realize that many of you — just like many of us — are ending this unprecedented year much differently than we have ever done in the past: By spending the holidays at home, canceling travel plans, avoiding large family gatherings, and adjusting long-standing holiday traditions. However you choose to spend the holidays, please know that we care about you and wish you joy — whether it’s in new traditions, small acts of kindness, or hope for the future. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe this year by wearing a face covering and maintaining a social distance while in our office. We are especially grateful that you choose us for your essential eye care and eyewear needs. It brings us joy to know that you trust us with your eye care. Thank you for your kindness and patience as we all struggle to cope with this new normal. “Happiness is the new rich. Inner peace is the new success. Health is the new wealth. Kindness is the new cool.”  - Syed Balkhi We look forward to continuing to serve your eye care needs in the New Year! --- ## Top 5 Questions About Glaucoma URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/top-5-questions-about-glaucoma/ Many of us breathed a sigh of relief when the year 2020 with its many challenges came to an end. But the New Year brings a critical reminder: January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. It’s an important time to educate yourself, family and loved ones about this disease that is often called the “silent thief of sight.” Let’s explore the top five questions patients ask us about glaucoma: 1. What is glaucoma? Glaucoma, the silent thief of sight, is actually a group of eye diseases that gradually cause damage to the eyes and steal your eyesight with no warning or symptoms ― until it’s too late. Though the disease most commonly strikes in middle-age or later, it can also affect younger people of any age. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, which serves as the connector between your eyes and your brain. Once this nerve is damaged and vision is lost, it cannot be reversed. Damage to the optic nerve is caused by too much pressure of the fluid inside the eye ― because either too much fluid is produced or it isn’t draining out of the eye properly. Once the optic nerve is damaged, vision loss can’t be regained. That’s why early detection of glaucoma is incredibly important. Your optometrist tests you for glaucoma and looks for signs of the disease each year at your annual comprehensive eye exam. While there is no cure for glaucoma, when detected early, the disease can be managed. Further vision loss can be slowed or prevented by proper treatment, medication or surgery. As with so many conditions, early detection holds the key to minimizing its impact on your daily life. 1. Who is most likely to develop glaucoma? While the disease can strike anyone at any age, a typical patient may fall into one or more of the following risk factor categories: • African-American, Hispanic or Asian ethnicity • Age 60 or above • Elevated eye pressure (your optometrist checks this during your eye exam) • A family history of the disease • Ongoing steroid use – including asthma inhalers • Smoking • Past eye injury or injuries • Diabetes, high blood pressure, migraines or other conditions that impact blood vessels 1. What are glaucoma’s warning signs? There are few (if any) noticeable symptoms in the early stages of glaucoma, which is why the disease can steal a significant amount of your vision before you notice it. Unfortunately, a loss of vision may be the first symptom you notice. Your best line of defense against this vision thief is to have a comprehensive eye exam each year. 1. Can glaucoma be prevented? There are best practices you can adopt throughout your life to help prevent this disease. These include: • Don’t smoke • Carefully control any medical conditions, such as diabetes. • Keep blood pressure within normal range through diet, exercise and medication. • Wear safety glasses when working around the home, garage or yard. • See your optometrist each year for a dilated, comprehensive eye exam including an eye pressure check. 1. What is the treatment for glaucoma? The goal for treating glaucoma is to lower the fluid pressure inside of your eyes to prevent damage to the optic nerve. That goal can be achieved in several ways that include surgery, laser procedures, oral medication, and prescription eye drops. When caught early, glaucoma is often treated with prescription eye drops. This medication helps to lower the pressure inside of the eye, which can help to slow or even prevent the optic nerve damage that causes vision loss. It’s critical to follow directions and use the eye drops according to your doctor’s instructions in order to slow the progression of the disease. There are also surgical treatments, which include draining the excess fluid from inside of the eye to lower the high eye pressure. Laser procedures are another way to treat this disease. While these procedures can help significantly, they sometimes need repeating, and you may also still need to use eye drops to manage the disease. The damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed, which is why it’s so important to see your optometrist yearly for a comprehensive eye exam to check your eye pressure. When caught early, treatments are often effective in limiting vision loss from this silent thief of sight. --- ## Who Is At Risk For Glaucoma? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/who-is-at-risk-for-glaucoma/ The National Eye institute designates January as National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Did you know that more than 3 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with this sight-stealing disease? In our previous post, we addressed the top five questions people ask about glaucoma. In this post, we’ll focus on the specific groups who are most at-risk for developing this disease. Glaucoma is a progressive disease in which the optic nerve is damaged by excessive fluid pressure inside of the eye. The nerve damage results in permanent, irreversible “blind spots” within your field of vision. While there is no cure, when caught early, glaucoma can often be managed to prevent or delay further vision loss. To the question, “Who is at risk for glaucoma?” the answer is: Everyone. Everyone is at risk for glaucoma. Anyone, at any age, can develop this group of diseases, which can rob you of your precious sense of sight. Early detection is the key, which is why your optometrist always checks your “intraocular pressure” at your annual eye exam. An elevated level of fluid pressure within your eye ― the intraocular pressure ― is a key indicator for glaucoma. Although people at every age have a risk for glaucoma, specific groups of people are at a significantly higher risk for developing the disease. These high-risk groups include: African-Americans Glaucoma is the second-leading cause of vision loss and blindness for people of African descent ― after cataracts. How much more common is glaucoma in African-Americans than in people of European ancestry? A whopping 4 to 8 times more likely. Reasons for this include that people of African descent often have thinner corneal tissue and larger optic nerves than those of European descent. And although science doesn’t yet understand why, African-Americans are also more likely to suffer vision loss and a more rapid progression of glaucoma than other groups of people. People over age 60 Getting older increases our risk for many diseases, and glaucoma is among them. The sight-stealing disease is much more likely to occur in older people of every ethnicity. After age 60, you are more than 6 times more likely to develop glaucoma than those in a younger age group. This is where early detection is key: Starting at age 40, schedule an annual comprehensive eye exam with pupil dilation so that your optometrist can check for glaucoma and other eye diseases that are more likely to occur in your age group. A family history of glaucoma Of all the wonderful things we inherit in our genes, one we don’t want is an increased risk for primary, open-angle glaucoma — the most common form of the disease. It’s hereditary, which means that if your parents, grandparents or aunts and uncles have or had glaucoma, you are at higher risk for developing the disease than the general population. Use this information to your advantage: A family history of the diagnosis means you’re 4 to 9 times more likely to develop glaucoma, so schedule your annual eye exam in the same month each year and don’t miss the opportunity for early detection to work in your favor. Hispanic ethnicity, especially after age 60 People of Hispanic descent have a much higher prevalence of glaucoma than those of European ancestry (though not as elevated as people of African descent). And, this risk increases for Hispanics who are over the age of 60. Use this information to your advantage by scheduling your annual eye exam without fail each year so that early detection can work in your favor. One study, the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study , discovered that not only were people of Mexican descent more likely to have glaucoma than European Americans, but that 75% of the Hispanic population with glaucoma were not diagnosed and were unaware that they had the sight-stealing disease. People of Asian ancestry Asian people are at an increased risk for the less-common “primary angle-closure” form of glaucoma, which comprises fewer than 10% of all glaucoma diagnoses. However, this can be a more aggressive form of the disease, and is responsible for 90% of blindness in China. Those of Japanese ancestry are at higher risk for “ normal-tension glaucoma ,” a variant where there isn’t an abnormally high level of eye pressure. Still, the optic nerve suffers damage and the patient experiences vision loss. While the cause of normal-tension glaucoma is unknown, your optometrist can diagnose it by examining the optic nerve for damage. Long-term steroid use People who use steroids in high doses to control asthma, autoimmune or inflammatory conditions are at greater risk for glaucoma. Any form of steroid use (topical, oral or inhaled) may increase risk for glaucoma by up to 40%. Eye injuries If you’ve suffered a severe eye injury, such as a blunt trauma “bruise” to the eye or an injury in which an object penetrated the eye, you’re at higher risk for developing glaucoma. The disease may occur immediately following this injury or may develop gradually years later. Two common sports-related injuries in this category are boxing or baseball injuries. Any serious injury to the eye can damage the drainage system of the eye, causing traumatic glaucoma. While glaucoma can’t be cured, it can often be controlled. Vision loss can be slowed or prevented with proper medication and treatment. Early detection is critical in maintaining your vision field. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about your glaucoma risk during your annual eye exam. Call us today to schedule it! --- ## 8 Ways To Love Your Eyes On Valentine’s Day And All Year Through URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/8-ways-to-love-your-eyes-on-valentines-day-and-all-year-through/ On Valentine’s Day, our thoughts turn to those we love—our significant others, our families, pets and friends. We think about how much we love and appreciate all that these wonderful people and animals do. But have you ever thought about how much you love and appreciate your eyes for all they do? Arguably your most important sensory organ, the eyes enable us to take in up to 80% of the information we gather from our environment through our sense of vision. And that includes seeing our loved ones and all the things they do! This Valentine’s Day, we present 8 ways to love your eyes today and all year through: 1. Limit Time Spent Staring at Screens More than ever before, we’re spending hours each day using digital devices, including cell phones, tablets and laptops. But spending hours looking at these devices and the high-energy blue light waves they emit can cause eye fatigue and even damage the eyes over time. To minimize this damage, keep screens as far away from your eyes as possible. That’s 20 to 24 inches for your computer screen or tablet. In addition, practice the 20-20-20 rule: Take a break about every 20 minutes and look 20 feet away and focus on something at that distance for 20 seconds. You can also blink 20 times in a row to help prevent eye dryness. This break will help minimize eye fatigue. 1. Wear Sunglasses that Block 99-100% of Ultraviolet Rays A lifetime of sun exposure can do damage to your eyes and also increases the risk that you’ll eventually develop conditions that impact your vision. These conditions include cataracts, eye cancer, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and corneal inflammation or growths. Wear high-quality sunglasses that block 99-100% of both UVA and UVB rays. And wear them every day―winter, spring, summer and fall―because the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays are present 365 days a year. 1. Wash Hands Before Touching Your Eyes If the past 12 months have taught us anything, it’s the importance of washing our hands thoroughly and often. And if you’re a contact lens wearer, it’s even more important to wash hands thoroughly before touching your eyes and inserting your lenses. Both bacteria and other germs (yes, even viruses) can cause eye infections such as pink eye, and you could potentially introduce a virus into the body through your eyes. 1. Wear Proper Eye Protection For Every Activity Whether you’re at work or enjoying leisure time skiing, playing sports, or maybe woodworking, cleaning with caustic chemicals, gardening or mowing the lawn, always think about how to properly protect your eyes. Sports goggles and impact-resistant safety goggles can help prevent up to 90% of eye injuries. Ask your optometrist what type of safety eyewear he or she recommends for the activities you and your family enjoy. Wear safety goggles or glasses consistently whenever you’re participating in those activities to protect your eyes from projectiles, dust, bacteria and injury! 1. Quit Smoking. For your overall good health, if you’re a smoker, quit now! Smoking skyrockets your risk of multiple health conditions―including heart and lung disease, stroke, emphysema and COPD. Smoking can damage the optic nerve. In addition, smoking increases your risk for eye conditions that can hinder your vision, such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Make 2021 the year you quit smoking for good. 1. Know Your Risk Factors.  Both age and family medical history are important to your ongoing eye health. The more birthdays you have, the more likely you are to develop age-related eye conditions. Eye diseases including glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa have a genetic component, so it’s essential to know if any family members have (or had) them to determine your risk level. Do you know your risk factors? 1. Exercise and Maintain a Healthy Weight. Exercise can help prevent or control high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, which can all contribute to serious vision problems. Watching your weight can prevent you from becoming overweight and increasing the risk of developing diabetes and diabetic eye disease. Get out there and move—walk, run, dance or garden—as often as you can! 1. Schedule a Comprehensive, Dilated Eye Exam The American Optometric Association recommends for all adults age 18 to 64 to have a comprehensive eye exam at least every 24 months—more often if your optometrist advises. Many eye diseases don’t have warning signs but are controllable or treatable when caught in the early stages. Visit your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam at least every other year to keep seeing your best! --- ## February Is Low Vision Awareness Month: Are You at Risk? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/february-is-low-vision-awareness-month-are-you-at-risk/ The National Eye Institute designates the month of February as Low Vision Awareness Month in order to increase awareness about this visual impairment condition. It’s estimated that more than 3 million Americans age 40 and older are experiencing low vision, which can significantly affect their productivity, functionality, and overall enjoyment of life. What is Low Vision? Low Vision is a condition where a person’s vision is impaired so dramatically that it cannot be corrected or improved any further with prescription lenses, medication or surgery. People with severe Low Vision have an extreme visual impairment – about 20/200 or worse as measured on the scale where ideal visual acuity is 20/20. That means that people with severe Low Vision can’t read the top line of an eye chart from 20 feet away (and yes, we’re talking about the largest letter at the top of the chart). Below, we explore the seven leading causes of Low Vision. Are you at risk? 1. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The leading cause of blindness in Americans over age 50, AMD is an age-related condition in which the macula—the center of your eye’s retina—deteriorates. The retina has millions of light-sensitive cells that perceive vision, and its center is called the macula. When you lose the ability to process vision in that central area, you can no longer perform fine-detail tasks, including reading, driving, or sometimes even recognizing the faces of loved ones. It’s like having a blind spot directly in front of you, while peripheral vision often remains. It’s a devastating diagnosis, but when caught early, medication can help slow its progression. 2. Glaucoma , known as the “silent thief of sight” because it doesn’t have noticeable symptoms. Once a person notices a loss of vision due to glaucoma, it’s too late to get that vision back. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve because of internal fluid buildup and high fluid pressure inside of the eye. Over time, this high intra-ocular pressure gradually causes vision loss in patches, often starting with peripheral vision loss. Glaucoma ranks as the second-most common cause of blindness in the U.S. When diagnosed early during your annual optometric exam, glaucoma can often be controlled through medication or surgery to slow your rate of vision loss. 1. Diabetic Retinopathy , diagnosed in up to 45% of people experiencing diabetes , impacts vision by causing gradual retinal damage that can eventually lead to total blindness if not treated. The best way to prevent diabetic retinopathy is to carefully control your diabetes and monitor blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels are known to damage blood vessels throughout the body, including the tiny blood vessels in your eyes. When these tiny capillaries leak blood into the eye, the retina swells, resulting in clouded or blurry vision. Controlling blood sugar is critical to minimizing damage to the eyes. There are also laser and surgical procedures that can help slow its progression. 1. Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). Retinitis Pigmentosa is a group of eye diseases that progressively destroy both the peripheral (side vision) and night vision. These diseases damage the rods and cones in the retina, which are the light-sensitive cells. RP has a genetic component and is often inherited, so knowing whether you have a family history of this disease is critical. Its first symptom is often night blindness, and can affect people as young as their teenage or early adult years. Prognosis isn’t good: RP patients typically progress to total blindness around age 40. 1. Amblyopia is sometimes called “lazy eye” and usually develops in youth, before the age of 6. Not due to any specific eye health issue, amblyopia occurs when one eye doesn’t develop its central vision normally. This can happen when one eye is weaker and simply doesn’t develop strong visual acuity. The good thing about amblyopia: When it’s caught early, it can be corrected and reversed. That’s why it’s critical to take children to an optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam when they’re babies (at age 6 months) and again at age 3. The bad thing about amblyopia: When it’s not diagnosed and treated until adulthood, it can be nearly impossible to reverse or improve the condition. 1. Traumatic Brain Injury . Accidents, blunt force trauma, blows to the head and strokes can result in brain injuries. This can cause blurry vision, permanent changes to your visual field, eye misalignment, problems with depth perception, sensitivity to glare and a significant reduction in visual acuity. 1. Cataracts—a clouding of the eye’s natural lens that reduces the amount of light that reaches the retina—are a cause of low vision. However, in most cases, cataracts are operable and can be removed through surgery and replaced with a lens implant that fully restores vision. Caused by lifelong exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, or sometimes caused by injury or a genetic predisposition to the condition, cataracts typically occur as we age into our 60s and 70s. In cases where the eye isn’t healthy enough to undergo surgery or for patients with additional diseases of the eye, cataract surgery may not be possible, and the condition will cause low vision. Low Vision is typically age-related, becoming more common in adults age 45 and over, and is significantly more common by age 75 when one in 6 people experience low vision. An annual comprehensive eye exam is your best defense against Low Vision. Many of the conditions that cause it can be controlled or slowed by interventional treatment when diagnosed early. If you haven’t scheduled your annual eye exam, call us today! --- ## How To Protect Against Blue Light and Digital Eye Fatigue URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/how-to-protect-against-blue-light-and-digital-eye-fatigue/ March is Save Your Vision Month, so we thought we’d address a common challenge we see in our offices: Digital eye strain, resulting from spending excess time staring at digital screens that emit blue light. You’ve likely heard about blue light and its effect on the human body in the news. But what exactly is “blue light,” and why should you be concerned about it? Those are the two questions we’ll answer in this post. #### What is blue light? Blue light is our name for a visible light spectrum that exists in the range from 420 to 480 nm—which means that it’s very near on the light spectrum to the invisible ultraviolet (UV) light emitted by the sun. Blue light is a short wavelength, high-intensity light that can be both harmful and beneficial. On the positive side, blue light is what makes the sky look blue. On the negative side, it can cause glare or hazy vision, and long-term exposure to it may be harmful to your eyes. While you’ve likely heard that blue light is produced by digital device screens, you may or may not know this fact: The sun is by far the largest producer of blue light. The sun’s UV rays produce far more blue light than other light sources. The issue with digital devices is that we often have them quite close to our faces for hours at a time, so blue light exposure from devices can be quite intense. When your eyes absorb blue light, it acts to suppress melatonin – the natural hormone that prompts your body to get sleepy after the sun goes down. That’s beneficial during the day (or while you’re trying to stay awake through a long Zoom presentation). But, it can be troublesome at night if you spend time on a digital device close to bedtime when you want your body to produce melatonin and help you get a good night’s sleep. According to the Vision Council, more than 80% of adults report using a digital device—and therefore staring at a screen—in the hour before they (try to) go to sleep. #### Why should I be concerned about blue light? When you spend a lot of time looking at screens, your eyes are exposed to abnormal amounts of blue light. That can upset your sleep/wake cycle and cause sleep deprivation. In addition, the intense focus necessary to look at screens—especially the “tiny Internet” on your phone—can cause digital eye strain. Digital eye strain symptoms include dry, itchy or tired eyes; headaches; and blurred vision. You might even feel like you can’t keep your eyes open for another minute. According to the American Optometric Association , exposure to blue light “Is a risk factor for the onset of age-related macular degeneration, a deterioration of the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision.” #### How can I protect my eyes from blue light? We’re glad you asked! Proper eyewear is the best way to protect your eyes from the side effects of blue light. Here’s what we recommend: • When outdoors, wear sunglasses with high-quality lenses that block 99 to 100% of UV radiation and around 75 to 90% of visible light. • When using your cell phone, tablet, computer or other digital device, wear computer glasses that have a special blue light filter coating . This coating will protect your eyes and ease the strain on your visual system. • Practice the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes or so, stop what you’re doing on that screen and shift your gaze 20 feet away and focus on an object for 20 seconds. You can also blink your eyes quickly 20 times after that for an added refresher. • Make your appointment for a comprehensive annual eye exam so you can visit our eye care team. We’ll make sure your eyes are healthy and that you’ll continue to see your best! --- ## 10 Safety Tips For Eye Makeup URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/10-safety-tips-for-eye-makeup/ If you’ve found yourself wearing more eye makeup in the past 12 months, you’re not alone. According to Fortune magazine , interest in and sales of eye makeup products have surged since March 2020. So-called “above-the-mask” beauty has become a buzzword and beauty mandate for people worldwide. But though you may like how your eyes look when you apply makeup to accentuate them, your eyes don’t always react well to wearing makeup. To help you wear eye makeup safely, here are some tips and best practices to incorporate: 1. Beware of eye irritants That sparkly new eye shadow may be all the rage, but if it contains glitter, metals, crushed gems, minerals or mica, it could leave microscopic deposits on the surface of your eye. Your eye perceives those ingredients as foreign bodies and will react with redness, inflammation and irritation in the whites of your eye – turning it red. Red, irritated eyes are not the ideal result from applying the newest eye makeup. Proceed with caution: If a mascara or eyeliner causes irritation, stop using it immediately. 1. Never share Though it’s nice to share some things, eye makeup (and really, any cosmetic), applicators and brushes are not things you should ever share. Not even with your mother, sister, aunt or grandmother! Cosmetics can become a fertile breeding ground for bacteria. When you share them, you’re risking cross-contamination. Eye infections, including “pink eye” (conjunctivitis), spread very easily. Don’t share your makeup or tools. 1. Read ingredient labels Before using a new cosmetic around your eyes, lashes or eyelids, read the ingredient label. Disclosing the full list of ingredients is a requirement of the US Food and Drug Administration, and makeup manufacturers must comply. While cosmetics aren’t FDA-approved in the US, the industry is regulated, and there is a list of banned ingredients . Beware of cosmetics—often originating in foreign countries--that may be sold on the internet without proper labelling. 1. Allergy alert When you read the labels on your makeup, look for ingredients that you may be allergic to. Not sure if you’re allergic? Then add a new product into your beauty routine slowly and with care. Test the makeup on your forearm or inner wrist, and only introduce one new product every few days so you can quickly pinpoint the source of any allergic reaction. Some of the typical allergens found in eye makeup may include fragrance, dyes, latex, preservatives and nickel. 1. Organic isn’t necessarily safer While products labelled as organic or all-natural sound safe, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safer for your eye health. Many makeup ingredients, whether organically or conventionally grown, contain allergens and eye irritants. One label to look for and trust: hypoallergenic! 1. Keep makeup outside of the eye That inner rim of your lower eyelid is a tempting spot to place eyeliner, but avoid that temptation. Putting makeup so close to the surface of the eye increases the likelihood of an eye infection. Also, that delicate part of the eyelid is where your meibomian glands are located. These glands play a significant role in keeping eyes lubricated. If your meibomian glands get clogged, it’s bad news for your eyes. Inflammation, infection and eventually even dry eye symptoms can occur. Keep makeup application to the eye's external structures (eyelashes, upper and lower lids) only. 1. Out with the old To keep your risk of eye infection low, it’s a smart strategy to throw out and replace eyeliner, mascara, other cosmetic products and makeup brushes or applicators regularly. When should you toss out old makeup, applicators and brushes? • After 3 months of use. • If you have an eye infection. • If cosmetics become discolored or develop a different odor 1. For eyes only If you’re going to use makeup around your eyes, use only makeup and products made for use around the eyes. Don’t use lipstick, blush or powders made for the face close to your eyes, as they may have ingredients that aren’t safe for eye-area use. And do the same with brushes: Designate brushes for eye makeup only and don’t use them on lips, or you may cross-contaminate either your eyes or lips with bacteria and cause an infection. 1. Keep it clean If the year of Covid taught us anything, it’s the importance of keeping things clean. Before you apply makeup to your eyes and face, wash your hands, wash your face, and use a clean brush or applicator. 1. Take it off Make it a non-negotiable rule: Before you go to sleep each night, thoroughly remove your makeup. Sleeping in makeup—especially eye makeup—increases the odds that you’ll get an infection and can result in red, irritated eyes or even dry eye symptoms. Use a product specifically made to remove eye makeup gently and be careful not to get any of the remover in your eye. Those who neglect to keep lashes and eyelids clean risk developing blepharitis , a bacterial inflammation of the eyelids causing them to become itchy, red and shed scaly, dandruff-esque flakes into your eyelashes. If you’re experiencing irritation after using eye makeup, discontinue use. If you suspect you may have an eye infection, call your eye doctor. --- ## Are Your Eyes Suffering From Seasonal Allergies? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/are-your-eyes-suffering-from-seasonal-allergies/ Ah, Spring! The birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and the trees are “leafing out” all over. After a long winter, the arrival of Spring is a welcome one. In fact, some of us get so excited by the warmer Spring weather that we completely forget that Spring is also allergy season for many people. If you’re a seasonal allergy sufferer, you remember all too well how annoying allergies can be. The sneezing! The sniffling! The runny nose! But do you also experience allergic symptoms in your eyes, including redness, swelling, itching and eye-watering? Season allergies that affect the eyes result in a condition called allergic conjunctivitis. It’s called that because the “conjunctiva” is the white part of your eye and “itis” is the medical term for inflammation. If you’re experiencing allergic conjunctivitis, what can you do to get relief? Let’s explore the causes and symptoms of “allergy eyes.” What causes allergic conjunctivitis? Your conjunctiva will swell and become inflamed when an allergen is introduced into the eye and makes contact with the conjunctiva. An allergen is typically a harmless substance that triggers your immune symptom to respond as if it’s harmful. When this happens, so-called “mast cells” in the eye release histamines in response. The primary role of mast cells is as a first line of defense against antigens invading the body. Mast cells in your eyes release histamines, which are molecules that send messages between cells and are sometimes called “ the stuff allergies are made of .” Histamines cause your nerve cells to make you (and in this case, your eyes) itchy. What are common eye allergens? Every person is unique, and everyone responds differently to different allergens. Some overall common allergens that often impact the eyes include: • Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds • Pet dander, dust, mold and various other indoor allergens • Fragrance, smoke, makeup or other chemicals What are the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis? You’ll know you’re likely having an allergic reaction if your eyes exhibit these symptoms: • Red, irritated eyes • Itchy eyes • Itchy eyelids • Watery, teary or runny eyes • Swollen eyes and/or eyelids • Sore, painful or burning feeling in the eyes • Sensitivity to light How can I get relief from eye allergies? In an ideal world, you can avoid the substance that causes the allergies. However, when seasonal allergies hit, pollen gets everywhere and it’s nearly impossible to avoid it altogether. In our next blog post we’ll go in-depth to explore the options for treating seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, which include: • Over-the-Counter Allergy Eye Drops • Prescription Eye Drops • Applying a Cold Compress • Oral Medications If you’re experiencing an extreme allergic reaction in the eyes, seek medical attention immediately. If you’d like to discuss prescription eye drops to improve your allergic response and visual comfort during allergy season, call us today to make an appointment. It’s our goal to keep you seeing your best every day of the year! --- ## 6 Options for Treating Allergy Eyes URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/6-options-for-treating-allergy-eyes/ In our previous post, we explored the symptoms of seasonal allergies that affect the eyes—what we call allergic conjunctivitis. These include itchy, watery, swollen red and irritated eyes. If you’ve had them, you know how annoying and uncomfortable the condition can be. Let’s explore 6 options for treating this seasonal condition: 1. Over-the-Counter Allergy Eye Drops There are a variety of over-the-counter allergy eye drops on the market that you can buy to find relief from red, swollen, or itchy allergy eyes. Many of these eye drops have antihistamines or block your body’s mast cells to help reduce your body’s allergic reaction. In addition, preservative-free artificial tear eye drops can help to soothe the discomfort of allergic conjunctivitis. Here’s a tip: For an added cooling effect on warm Spring days, store your eye drops in the refrigerator before use. 1. Prescription Eye Drops Depending on your level of irritation, over-the-counter products may not provide sufficient relief from your symptoms. If that’s the case, discuss prescription eye drop options with your optometrist. While similar in function to many over-the-counter products, prescription eye drops are often more powerful and therefore more effective in providing relief. Prescription drops may include steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to relieve your irritating symptoms. 1. Apply a Cold Compress Changing the temperature of your eye area may give you relief from allergic conjunctivitis. Cooler temperatures will help to shrink blood vessels and reduce blood flow and swelling to relieve your discomfort. You can buy a ready-made cold compress to keep in your refrigerator. To make your own compress, fill a sealable plastic bag with ice cubes and wrap a thin towel around it, then apply to the eyes for 10 minutes. One of our most creative patients uses a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a thin towel and says it works great! 1. Oral Medications The same oral antihistamines that relieve runny noses and sneezing may also minimize your allergic conjunctivitis symptoms. You may need to start taking them up to a month before allergy season to maximize effectiveness. Allergy medications can have another effect, however: In some cases, antihistamines can result in symptoms of dry eye. Antihistamines can result in drowsiness. In addition to the treatments recommended above, here are a few additional tips that might help minimize our allergic reaction this season: 1. Avoid allergens Allergic to your neighbor’s cat or dog? Avoid petting him, and when you do come in contact with him, wash your hands thoroughly afterward. If pollen is your kryptonite, choose inside activities on high pollen days. If you do go outside, wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from being exposed. When you come inside, change your clothes and wash your face or take a shower to minimize your pollen allergen exposure. Here’s why: tiny pollen particles attach themselves to your skin and hair. If you get in bed with pollen on your body, and it transfers to your pillow, you’ll constantly re-expose yourself all night long! 1. What about Contact Lenses? Since allergens (including pollen) often stick to a contact lens’s surface, it’s a best practice to minimize exposure in the eyes. There are two options: 1. Try one-day or “daily” contact lenses. One-day contact lenses are a smart solution because you get that “fresh pair” feeling every day. While it’s challenging to remove pollen from the surface of a weekly or monthly contact lens, putting a fresh, new pair into your eyes each day assures you that there isn’t pollen or other allergens on them. 2. Take a brief contact lens vacation. If your eyes are severely affected by allergies, take a break from contact lenses. Wear your glasses for a few weeks until the pollen storm is over. When you wear that attractive new pair of face-framing prescription glasses that you found in our optical department, you may even be surprised how many compliments you get! Don’t like your current glasses or need to update your prescription? Make an appointment to come in and see us! We have new styles arriving weekly for Spring. Our team will help you find a flattering, face-framing pair to see you through allergy season in style. Many of the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis are similar to those of an eye infection or other problems. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, call us to set up an appointment. When eyes are red, dry, irritated or watery, these symptoms can indicate a variety of other eye problems. Our professional staff will examine and evaluate your eyes and address your symptoms to make sure you’re seeing your best in every season. --- ## Top 5 Reasons To Wear High-Quality Sunglasses URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/top-5-reasons-to-wear-high-quality-sunglasses/ May is Healthy Vision Month , a time when we focus on steps we can take today to keep our vision healthy for a lifetime. Sunglasses are an essential tool in your long-term eye health toolkit, and we recommend that you wear them every time you go outside, in every season. Yes, even if it’s cloudy. The weather’s getting warmer (and pollen season is ending), inviting us to spend more time outside. When you do step out—whether it’s for 15 minutes or the entire day—be sure to wear high-quality sunglasses that block 100% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. And it’s not just because your sunnies complete the outfit or look cool. Here are the top 5 reasons to wear high-quality sunglasses this season—and every season. 1. UV Protection, Short-Term Benefits You wouldn’t spend time in the sun without protecting your skin with sunscreen, but many people don’t think about protecting their eyes. Fact: your eyes can get sunburned! And it hurts! Spending hours in the sun without the UV protection high-quality prescription or non-prescription lenses provide can lead to overexposure to the sun’s burning UV-B rays. If your eyes get sunburned, you may experience severe eye pain, a burning sensation, blurred vision and light sensitivity. Avoid wearing contact lenses if you suspect your eyes are sunburned, and call us for proper medical attention to this serious condition. 1. UV Protection, Long-Term Benefits The reason UV exposure is so harmful to your eyes is the long-term repercussions of accumulated UV damage. The conditions resulting from long-term UV exposure include cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and cancer. When we see patients who are experiencing those challenges with their eyes, they often tell us they wish they could go back in time and wear high-quality sunglasses daily to help prevent these potentially sight-stealing diseases. UV damage is cumulative and irreversible. So the only way to avoid it is to prevent UV exposure by wearing sunglasses that block the sun’s damaging rays. Wear your sunglasses, every day! 1. Protect Eyes From Wind, Sand, Dust and Pollen It’s a jungle out there. When you step out into your daily adventure, you never know what conditions you’ll confront. Extreme wind can be drying to the eyes, causing irritation, and can also blow debris such as dirt, sand or pollen into sensitive eye tissues. We don’t have to tell you how much it hurts to have even a tiny speck of lint or dust in your eye. Sunglasses are your first line of protection against blowing debris. 1. Eliminate Glare and Improve Your View People whose eyes have a low tolerance for sunlight know the strong impact of wearing high-quality sunglasses to eliminate glare and improve their visual acuity. Their vision is uncomfortable in strong sunlight, so they opt for sunglasses (and likely, a hat!). After all, it’s no fun to squint or “salute” your way through a kids’ soccer or baseball game! But people with a higher tolerance for sunlight may not realize the benefits of improved vision with sunglasses. Your sunnies can eliminate glare through a polarization coating. Different color lenses can improve your vision while driving on cloudy days or participating in various outside sports. And when you’re spending time on a lake or ocean (or in the snow), you’ll be able to see more clearly without glare from the sun’s reflection bouncing off horizontal surfaces. 1. Look and Feel Your Best! There’s no arguing the point: Sunglasses can both protect your long-term eye health AND top off an outfit in style. When you’re wearing new sunglasses, you not only see well, you look good! With exciting new styles arriving in our optical department each week, we can help you find a great pair of frames that look good and help you feel good while protecting your vision for now and the future. Call us today to make your annual comprehensive eye exam appointment, and try on a new pair of sunglasses while you’re here! --- ## How To Choose the Best Sunglasses for You URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/how-to-choose-the-best-sunglasses-for-you/ If you don’t yet wear your sunglasses daily, today’s the day to start! Overexposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays over time causes eye and vision damage that can result in diseases with the potential to steal your sight. It’s a slow accumulation of damage, but one that you can avoid by wearing the proper protection of high-quality sunglasses. If you wear prescription lenses, having a pair of prescription sunglasses is a best practice that we highly recommend. The lenses we provide will not only help you see your best in bright sun or cloudy conditions, they’ll also feature the strongest possible protection from both the sun’s UV-A and UV-B rays. For those who don’t need prescription lenses in their sunglasses, we recommend high-quality sunglasses from our optical department that are guaranteed to protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging rays. When you purchase sunglasses from a standard retailer, they may not block 100% of harmful sunlight. In fact, only 47% of consumers check the level of UV protection offered by a pair of sunglasses before purchasing. Here’s how to choose the best sunglasses for you. Whether you have prescription or non-RX lenses, be sure to wear your sunglasses daily! 1. Consider Your Activity Level • Sports sunglasses or sun-goggles are designed with motion in mind, offering lighter weight materials and a stronger fit for fast-paced activities, including running, biking, hiking and team sports. With grip-enhanced nose and temple pads, they’ll stay up even when you sweat. Wraparound options and interchangeable lenses are two sought-after features for sports glasses. • Casual sunglasses. If you’re not training or competing, casual sunglasses are the right choice for everyday use whether you’re outside walking, socializing, driving, beaching or boating. They’ll protect your eyes from UV damage in style! 1. Consider your Lens Choices The lenses of your sunglasses work hard to protect your eyes and offer features that enhance your vision. A few of these include: • This lens coating will nearly eliminate glare, that blinding aspect of light reflection off of horizontal surfaces into your eyes. • Scratch-resistance. Be honest with yourself: Are you the type who drops your sunglasses often? If you are, scratch-resistant lenses are an ideal option for you! • Photochromic lenses. These “smart lenses” automatically adjust to changing light conditions when you walk from a sunny outside café to the inside, or when you’re in your house and walk outside into the daylight. For people who dislike juggling two pairs of sunglasses when going from inside to outside and vice versa, photochromic lenses simplify that transition. 1. Consider Your Lens Materials • Ophthalmic-quality plastic. Plastic lenses offer great clarity and pair well with non-glare coatings and polarization. They are not as shatter-resistant as polycarbonate, though. • With strong impact-resistance and optical clarity, this lens material is a lightweight and affordable choice. • Acrylic is on the low-end of sunglass lens materials. Though inexpensive, it offers less optical clarity and durability than other options and may distort vision. 1. Consider Your Frame Materials • Lightweight, inexpensive and durable, many nylon frames aren’t adjustable (unless they have a wire core) but often feature high impact-resistance for active lifestyles. • Easy to adjust for fit, metal frames—titanium, aluminum or stainless steel—can be expensive and aren’t highly durable. One downside for summer: metal frames get hot in the sun! • Acetate (Plastic). With nearly endless color and shape options, these frames aren’t intended for high-impact sports but look great in almost every other scenario. 1. Consider Your Face Shape Now we’re getting to the crux of the matter. Your sunglasses frames do just that – frame your face, so it’s critical to choose a pair that look great. Remember: Opposites attract. What does that mean when it comes to frame shape? In general, round sunglasses look good on a square-shaped face, and square sunglasses look good on a rounder face. Here are some good-looking choices for every face shape: • Square-shaped face: Round, curved or oval frames. • Round-shaped face: More angular, rectangular or squared-off frames. • Oval-shaped face: Be sure the size of the frame is proportional to your face, but almost every frame shape will look good on an oval face. • Heart-shaped face: To minimize a wider forehead, classic round frames (such as aviators), rimless options or butterfly-shaped styles work well. • Oblong face: To reduce the perception of face length, oversized styles or wraparounds often work well. When you visit our optical department, we’ll make sure that choosing your new sunglasses is an educational, positive experience. Our optical department staff is experienced in helping you pick the right frame shape, material and lenses to complement your face and lifestyle. And we even bet you’ll have fun doing so! --- ## 5 Signs of Cataract Formation URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/5-signs-of-cataract-formation/ If you live long enough, there’s a good chance you’ll get cataracts. Your risk for developing cataracts increases as you age, beginning around age 40. By age 65, more than 90% of the population will have at least one cataract, though it may or may not be affecting their vision. Yes, that’s right. You can have a cataract developing in one or both eyes, but it may not yet be affecting your vision. Your eye doctor will monitor the cataract and advise you when it’s time to have a procedure to address the condition. What signs will I notice if I’m developing cataracts? Some people function well with very little vision loss in the early stages of cataracts, while others may notice significant vision loss and need to have them corrected. Here are 5 signs that you’re developing cataracts: 1. Increased Glare A cataract is an opaque growth on the lens of your eye. Before cataracts develop, your eye’s natural lens is transparent so that light can go through it. The cataract blocks light from going through the lens, causing light to scatter around the eye. This leads to increased glare and light sensitivity. Patients with cataracts often notice this phenomenon and tell us that they’re much more sensitive to light because of the condition. That’s one good reason to move forward with your cataract procedure. 1. Blurred or Double Vision The cataract in your eye’s lens blocks a portion of the light moving through the eye and can cause blurred, distorted or double vision. You may first notice that you can’t see very clearly at a distance, but eventually, as the cataract continues to grow, you may not be able to read street signs when driving or see well enough to read or watch television. When the condition affects your lifestyle and you have a lower quality of life, it’s time to schedule your procedure. 1. Not Able To See Well at Night For many cataract patients, the first vision change they notice is that it becomes more challenging to drive at night. That’s a dangerous aspect of the condition! Cataracts make it harder for your eyes to focus and see your best at night. Other activities can become more difficult at night, including reading, sewing or other close work. If you do not see as well as you’d like to see at night, that’s another sign it could be time for you to have your vision corrected. 1. Color Recognition Here’s a story we often share (with permission) about one of our cataract patients: The morning of his cataract procedure, he noticed that his wife was wearing a rust-colored sweater. Later, after his cataract procedure, he noticed that she had changed into a bright pink sweater. When he commented on her new sweater, his wife said, “I didn’t change clothes―this is the same sweater I was wearing earlier.” And yet—according to his color perception before and after the cataract procedure—it seemed like the color changed from rust to bright pink. What a difference! That’s how amazingly different color recognition may be due to cataracts. Because the cataract growth itself is cloudy and yellow, it distorts your color perception. Bright colors may look dull, brownish or yellow. While this may not impact your daily life, it’s a telltale sign that cataracts are affecting your vision. 1. Light Halos Halos are bright circles that surround light sources—such as oncoming car headlights. While angels wear their halos on purpose, you shouldn’t see halos around lights otherwise. However, because cataracts may block a portion of the light going into your eye, they can cause you to see halos. Cataract patients often see halos at night around streetlights or the oncoming headlights of cars. When you combine halos with the difficulty cataracts often cause with night vision, it can make you feel unsafe driving after dark. That’s a significant quality of life issue that can be solved by having a corrective cataract procedure. Make an Appointment With Your Optometrist Your optometrist can diagnose cataracts during your annual comprehensive eye exam. He or she may have mentioned that you are developing cataracts in one or both eyes. If you experience any of the above changes or vision distortions, these are signs that the time for your cataract procedure is nearing. Make an appointment with your eye doctor to discuss vision changes, and he or she will recommend the next steps to take to have your cataracts corrected. The procedure has an extremely high 98% success rate, and is performed on an outpatient basis. Fortunately, cataracts are one of the few age-related conditions that can be corrected with minimal interruption to your schedule. You’ll be seeing as clearly as you used to see 20 years ago in just a few days! --- ## 5 Benefits of Cataract Removal URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/5-benefits-of-cataract-removal/ As we age, our cells and tissues start to break down in predictable ways. Some of these familiar age-related ailments include arthritis of the joints, osteoporosis of the bones, and atherosclerosis of the arteries. Changes that occur in the eye as we get older cause proteins to break down and stick together on the eye’s lens, causing cloudy or blurred vision. That’s a cataract. Cataracts are a common condition that people confront as they age. Cataracts are estimated to be detectable in more than 90% of people by age 65. Each year, more than 2 million people undergo a routine procedure to correct the vision challenges associated with them. Cataracts often develop slowly. If you are over age 40, you may already have an early-stage cataract but not yet realize it. Symptoms of cataract formation include heightened sensitivity to glare, blurred or cloudy vision, seeing halos around lights (especially at night), double vision, and seeing colors as faded or yellowed. Your optometrist will monitor the progression of your cataract and help you decide when to schedule the procedure to correct the vision challenges it causes. The process involves removing the eye’s clouded, natural lens and replacing it with an implant that will enable you to see clearly once again. Cataract correction is a safe, common and highly effective outpatient procedure. Typically, patients visit an outpatient facility for the procedure and go home afterward with a patch over the eye. The benefits of having this procedure are many: 1. Improves Clouded or Blurry Vision The new lens implant your doctor inserts into the eye during cataract correction will give you high visual acuity. It’s a dramatic improvement that happens quickly: A few days after the procedure, you can often see better than you’ve seen in decades. No more clouded, blurred vision—you’re seeing through a fresh, clear lens as you did in your youth. The difference can be remarkable. 1. Glasses May Be Optional After cataracts are removed and replaced with an artificial lens, you may not need prescription glasses anymore. It depends on the type of artificial lens implant you and your doctor decide best fits your eye’s anatomy and your lifestyle. Thanks to the continually advancing technology of intraocular lens implants, it’s possible for your eyesight to be corrected so that you can perform up-close tasks, see well at a distance, and drive at night—all without corrective lenses. Many patients no longer need to wear glasses and can see quite sharply and clearly. Depending on the type of intraocular implants your doctor recommends, some people may need to continue wearing reading glasses after the procedure, for up-close tasks. 1. Improves Quality of Life Over many years, your cataracts grew and developed, causing your vision to slowly degrade to the point where you may have changed your lifestyle without realizing it. For example, maybe you stopped playing golf or tennis. Or you stopped doing needlework or reading. Perhaps you no longer drive at night. Once the cataract procedure corrects that diminished vision, you’ll be able to resume the activities you once enjoyed so much! 1. Lower Risk of Falls and Accidents When vision is poor, you have an increased risk for falls or injuries caused by not seeing well. However, when vision is restored after cataract surgery, your risk for such accidents decreases significantly. You can see obstacles and trip hazards and are more visually aware of your surroundings. • A study from Australia found that people who have cataract procedures enjoy a 40% lower mortality rate than people who leave their cataracts untreated. • The chance of being in a car accident after cataract correction is 13% lower. • The cataract procedure decreases your risk of hip fracture by 16%. 1. Seeing a Beautiful New World Because cataracts develop slowly over time, most patients don’t realize how significantly the condition impairs their vision. However, after cataract correction, patients tell us they’ve enjoyed childlike wonder in seeing their world through fresh, clear lenses. It’s like wiping away years of dirt and build-up on a window and letting the sunshine in again. You’ll enjoy seeing things “for the first time, again” with your new and improved vision, including leaves on the trees, sunsets, the ocean, and of course the smiles on loved ones’ faces as you experience a new lease on life because of your corrected vision. Call us today to make an appointment to discuss how your cataracts are impacting your vision and how that can be corrected. --- ## 10 Fun Facts About Sunglasses URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/10-fun-facts-about-sunglasses/ July is UV Safety Month. In our optometry practice, eye safety is always top-of-mind. Did you know that the sun’s harmful rays can damage your eyes if you don’t protect them? You slather on the sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn before you go outside, right? In addition, you need to protect your eyes—and those of your children and loved ones―with a high-quality pair of sunglasses that block 100% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Here are 10 fun facts about sunglasses: 1. The term “sunglasses” isn’t correct —at least, not anymore. While the lenses of sunglasses were once made from glass, today’s high-performance plastic lenses add various improvements, including lighter weight and shatterproof lenses. However, “sunplastics” just doesn’t sound as cool, so let’s keep calling them sunglasses. 2. Sunglasses have history … They were first seen around 2,000 years ago in a very snowy climate. The Inuit Eskimos fashioned crude snow goggles from animal bone, wood and leather. The resulting eye covers featured small slits that they could see through—and which minimized the blinding glare of the sun’s rays reflecting off the snow. 3. … A long history! Roman Emperor Nero, around 50 CE, reportedly wore polished emeralds to watch the epic Gladiator fights in the colosseum. This helped him see more comfortably on sunny days under the bright Mediterranean sun! 4. Who’s behind those Foster Grants? The first “modern” sunglasses were Foster Grants. They were sold in 1929 in Atlantic City, NJ, by Sam Foster, who initially went into business to make combs. He soon found out that his sunglasses were far more popular than combs! 5. Eyebrows or not? What do you think: Should eyebrows be visible above the top of your sunglasses, or should sunglasses hide them? It’s an ongoing debate in the sunglasses world. It likely depends on your face shape and personal preference. But The Great Eyebrow Debate continues without a definitive conclusion. 6. Ever broken a pair? We’re not sure who’s keeping the tally, but it is estimated that an American breaks, sits on, or loses a pair of sunglasses every 14 minutes! Yikes. That’s a great reason to keep sunglasses in their case when you’re not using them. And don’t put them on top of your head or you’ll risk stretching them out and compromising their snug fit on your fabulous face! 7. Pilot program. Year after year, one classic shape of sunglasses remains incredibly popular: Ray-Ban’s Aviator frames. They were originally invented in the 1930s to protect military pilots’ eyes from the harmful high-altitude rays of the sun. The designers even added a slightly droopy lens shape to protect pilots when they glanced down at the instrument panels in their planes. Though originally tinted dark green to absorb light in the yellow spectrum, today’s aviators come in all different tints and often have mirrored lenses. Have you ever worn a pair? 8. Wayfarers rule. The other classic frame shape that’s wildly popular is the Wayfarer, also from Ray-Ban. Popularized by appearing in movies including The Blues Brothers and Risky Business , the Wayfarer made its debut in 1953. Wayfarers are known as the world’s best-selling sunglasses of all time. 9. Quick quiz: Name three songs that feature sunglasses: • 10. Sunglasses at Night by Corey Hart (1983) • 11. Cheap Sunglasses by ZZ Top (1979) • 12. The Future’s so Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades by Timbuk 3 (1986) 13. Get a spare pair. Sir Elton John, the English songwriter and singer, is reported to have the world’s most extensive collection of sunglasses. He reportedly has more than 1,000 pairs ! And most of them are outrageous: Some have “awnings” to cover the eyes, some are bejeweled with rhinestones, others have feathers and different shapes for each lens. He has them in every imaginable color, frame size, and shape to accessorize his creative stage outfits. When you’re ready to update your collection of sunglasses or treat yourself to a pair of prescription sunnies, visit our optical department. We’ll help you find the right pair that fits your face and helps you see your best in the bright sun! --- ## 6 Benefits of Wearing Sunglasses Every Day URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/6-benefits-of-wearing-sunglasses-every-day/ Sunglasses are an essential part of summer! You’ve probably been wearing them since you were a kid when mom or dad would remind you to put them on before going outside to play. Then, as a teenager they became a cool accessory. And as an adult, you may wonder: What are the benefits of wearing sunglasses? There are many benefits to wearing your sunglasses 365 days a year, rain or shine. The sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays are present in our atmosphere every day, so protecting your eyes from those rays every day is a priority. Here are 6 reasons to wear your sunglasses more often: 1. Protect eyes from UV and other elements Though you’ll wear different clothes whether you’re sitting on the beach, lounging by a pool, out for a run, biking, waterskiing, or snow skiing―the one item you should wear in every one of those scenarios is your sunglasses! A pair of high-quality sunglasses that blocks 100% of the sun’s harmful UV rays is the one item that makes the difference between enjoying a pleasant outdoor activity and damaging your eyes. And it’s not just the sun’s intense rays that sunglasses protect your eyes from. As a physical barrier, sunglasses protect from wind, blowing dust, sand, and other airborne debris that could irritate your eyes and even scratch the cornea, which could cause permanent damage. 1. See better, be safer The sun’s rays give life to our planet, but they can be blinding to your eyes. If your eyes are sensitive to light, you may need to squint or hold your hand up to block sunlight. That’s not “seeing your best” and could be a safety hazard while driving, riding a bike, or participating in any activity where you’re moving fast and making quick decisions. Wear sunglasses to help you see your best and navigate more safely. You could prevent a severe injury to yourself or others. (And you’ll even look cool while doing so.) 1. Help your “future self” prevent sun-related eye disease While we can’t see into the future, we do have a lot of evidence that supports this statement: Daily exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays over the course of years will significantly increase your risk for developing cataracts, macular degeneration, or other eye conditions that can steal your vision. Cataracts are a yellowish clouding of the eye’s natural lens that can cause light sensitivity and blurred vision. Macular degeneration is a deterioration of the macula—the central part of the retina responsible for your detailed, up-close vision, such as seeing people’s faces, reading or watching tv. The sun’s rays can also cause eye cancer and a condition called pterygium, a growth of excess tissue on the eyeball. Once again, there’s one common way to lower your risk: Wear sunglasses every day, every time you’re outside to help your eyes stay healthier, longer. 1. Better vision to see your best outside Sure they keep your eyes safe and prevent disease, but sunglasses have an immediate benefit the moment you put them on: instant relief from the sun’s brightness and glare. It’s uncomfortable to be outside in bright, blaring sun without shielding your eyes from that intense light! Whether you’re watching your child’s sporting event, skiing down a snowy mountain, or enjoying a walk through the park, sunglasses enable you to see more and better. Polarized lenses improve vision dramatically by cutting down on the sun’s glare that bounces off horizontal surfaces such as the ocean, sand, sidewalks or snow. Without glare, you can better see color and contrast. That improves vision and raises your level of enjoyment. Sunglasses enable you both to enjoy being outside more and to perform better if you’re playing a sport. 1. Protect eyes as they heal Corrective eye surgery is a common occurrence, whether it’s a corrective procedure for cataracts or LASIK surgery to improve vision. These procedures require proper time for the eyes to heal. As eyes recover, it’s essential to keep them out of the sun’s harmful rays so they can heal completely. Sunglasses are the ideal way to keep your precious eyesight safe and give your body the time it needs to heal. 1. Avoid headaches or migraines As anyone who suffers from migraines or intense headaches knows, the sun’s bright light can be a trigger that causes these painful events. And—you guessed it—the best way to prevent that from happening is to wear a high-quality pair of sunglasses that blocks out the sun’s light and protects your eyes. If bright light is a trigger for you, you may be able to avoid the pain and discomfort of a migraine by wearing sunglasses more often. When purchasing sunglasses, opt for dark lenses if you’re prone to such headaches. And, be sure they are high-quality lenses like the ones we sell in our optical department. That way, you can be assured that your eyes are protected from UV rays. If you need a new pair of sunglasses that block 100% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, our optical department will help you choose a pair that looks great on you and offers all of the protective elements you need to keep seeing your best for years to come! --- ## Back to School: Beware of Computer Vision Syndrome URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/back-to-school-beware-of-computer-vision-syndrome/ August is Vision & Learning Month. The goal of Vision & Learning Month is to increase awareness among parents and teachers about the prevalence of undiagnosed or misdiagnosed vision problems. Vision problems can often present as learning challenges, and should be top-of-mind when parents or teachers see a child struggling in the classroom. One often undiagnosed vision challenge is Computer Vision Syndrome, also called digital eye strain, and it’s becoming more and more common. If there’s one thing we’ve all done in excess this past year, it’s staring into screens more often and for longer amounts of time. Staring at your phone, tablet, e-reader or computer screen for work, school or personal Zoom meetings takes a toll on your eyes. That’s because the human eye wasn’t meant to stare at any object 12 to 24 inches from our eyes for hours at a time. So much screen-gazing can result in a group of eye and vision-related issues known as Computer Vision Syndrome or digital eye strain. What is Computer Vision Syndrome? If you’ve experienced eye discomfort or vision issues after viewing your screen for lengthy periods—including headaches, eyestrain, dry eye, blurred vision, redness, or neck and shoulder pain—you’ve likely had a bout of digital eye strain. And, if your symptoms get worse the longer you’re staring into a screen, you’ve almost certainly experience this uncomfortable condition. What causes Computer Vision Syndrome? While the time you spend staring into screens is a significant factor, there are a few other conditions that contribute to digital eye strain: • Poor lighting • Screen glare from your digital screen • Ergonomics: not viewing screens from the proper distance • Poor neck or sitting posture • Uncorrected vision problems • A combination of some or all of the above Time on screens is a major factor in computer vision syndrome, but your individual visual ability can compound that. If you are farsighted, have astigmatism, have difficulty focusing, or if you’re over 40 and have or are developing presbyopia—those conditions all contribute to how your eyes respond when staring at digital devices. Why are screens harder to read than books? Printed books feature letters and figures in dense, black print with crisp borders against the strong contrast of the page they’re printed on. However, a computer screen doesn’t offer that same level of contrast or sharp edges—so, your eyes have to work harder to focus and read them effectively. Screens also emit glare and reflections, which makes the challenge for your eyes even more complex. In short: Screen time makes your eyes work harder, and in a way human evolution hasn’t yet addressed. How is Computer Vision Syndrome treated? While taking a break from screens is a great start, for some people, that’s not enough to solve the visual and physical symptoms of digital eye strain. A visit to your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye examination is the ultimate best way to address the headaches or blurred vision resulting from computer vision syndrome. If you don’t address it, your vision problems may continue to worsen. So what can you do? Give your eyes some help with the following recommendations: • Computer glasses made specifically for use while you’re working at your computer or other screen are a smart way to address computer vision syndrome. Even people who don’t wear prescription glasses or contact lenses may benefit from a pair of glasses made to address the specific visual demands of your eyes when viewing screens. These glasses may have special lenses and coatings to help you see your best on the computer or other digital screen. Our goal is for you to achieve comfortable, unstrained vision in all settings—whether that’s in the classroom, at work, on the computer, driving, reading or playing sports. • Your computer set-up is another significant factor. The distance from the screen to your eyes should be about 24 inches—that’s two feet! And when looking at the screen, your gaze should be positioned slightly downward, meaning that the center of the screen should be about 5 inches lower than your eyes. Minimize bright overhead light and opt for a desk lamp instead, and make sure any windows are to the side to minimize glare. Finally, increase the contrast of your screen to a comfortable level to reduce the strain on your eyes. • Finally, practice The 20-20-20 Rule : Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and gaze at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. And don’t forget to blink! Taking frequent breaks can help rest your eyes and minimize the effects of digital eye strain from screen use. If you suspect you or your student may have computer vision syndrome symptoms, make an appointment with your optometrist for an eye exam as soon as possible. We will conduct a comprehensive exam and ask about your symptoms, test your visual acuity and determine the ideal lens power to address your unique situation. Call us today! With proper vision correction and attention to your screen-viewing behaviors and habits, you can give your eyes the tools they need to see comfortably and clearly again. --- ## 6 Tips to Enhance Vision in Learning URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/6-tips-to-enhance-vision-in-learning/ It’s back-to-school season! And while everyone hopes that students will be able to attend class in person this year, computers and other digital screens will likely still play a significant role in your student’s education. Here’s the challenge digital learning presents for our eyes: The human eye wasn’t mean to stare at screens all day long. Staring at a screen for 6 to 8 (or more!) hours per day is like asking your eyes to run a marathon. And although your student’s eyes are young and vibrant, it’s important to act now to take excellent care of their vision so they can keep seeing their best for decades to come. Good habits learned in youth can last a lifetime! Beware of Digital Eye Strain, a.k.a. Computer Vision Syndrome Students and their parents should be aware of the combination of problems known as Digital Eye Strain, and also called Computer Vision Syndrome. It’s the (unfortunate!) result of gazing into a digital screen for hours on end. Since screens aren’t likely to go away, it’s critical to teach your children best practices to help their eyes cope with the ocular challenges of digital learning. The symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome/Digital Eye Strain include: • Dry, irritated or red eyes • Eye fatigue and strain • Blurred or double vision • Increase in nearsightedness • Headaches, neck or shoulder pain If your student is experiencing any of the above symptoms, learning effectively becomes even more difficult. But there are strategies you can adopt to help minimize or eliminate these eye challenges. Here are 6 optometric tips to help maintain good eye health and make digital learning as smooth as it can be: 1. Ergonomics for the Win Whether sitting or standing at a workstation or computer, the neck, shoulder and head position you’re in should be comfortable and ergonomically correct. The American Optometric Association recommends the following setup: Your eyes are most comfortable when gazing slightly downward, so position your body and screen accordingly. Screens should be between 20 and 28 inches in front of your eyes (centered—not off to the side). Eyes should be positioned about 5 inches above the center of the screen, so you’re looking slightly downward. These guidelines apply to every screen you use: laptops, e-readers, tablets and cell phones. Laptop or tablet not at the proper height? Get creative: Stack books, shoeboxes or magazines under it to bring it to the right height. It’s much better to raise the height of your screen than strain your neck and eyes to see it. 1. Un-Glare Your Gaze Glare from screens and overhead lighting (especially fluorescent bulbs) can fatigue the eyes and brain--fast! Position your screen away from any window, or close the curtains to prevent glare. Minimize overhead light use with a desk lamp with a lower wattage bulb to supply comfortable, ambient light. Anti-glare screen matte covers and anti-glare screens can also contribute to a lower-glare environment that makes vision more comfortable. 1. Major in Magnification Though reading from a screen is harder for your eyes because the contrast isn’t as strong as printed texts, you have the advantage of magnification—so use it with abandon! Magnify text to fill the entire screen. Change phone, tablet and e-reader settings to larger text and enlarge the text block to fit the screen you’re using. These small tweaks can make a big difference in minimizing eye strain. 1. The 20-20-20 Rule Staring at screens all day is a big ask for your eyes, so apply the 20-20-20 rule to give them a much-needed and well-deserved break. Here’s what the rule says: • Every 20 minutes, give your eyes a break • Focus on something (not a screen!) that’s about 20 feet away from you • Look at that object for 20 seconds Set a timer for every 20 minutes if it helps remind you as you adjust to this new strategy. Soon, giving your eyes a welcome break will become just like clockwork. 1. Blink, Blink, Blink The human eye typically blinks every 3 seconds—about 20 times per minute. However, when staring at screens, we forget to blink and therefore blink significantly less! Sometimes as few blinks as only 1 to 3 times per minute. The reason: We tend to blink less when we’re highly focused, and screens demand focus from the eyes and brain. Blinking is the way your eyes distribute their natural tear film lubricant, so blinking less can lead to dry eye, one of the symptoms of digital eye strain. Remember to blink more, and make it count—close eyes purposefully for a few seconds and make sure upper and lower eyelids are touching to stimulate the glands that make your eyes’ tear film. Artificial tears and moisturizing eye drops—available over the counter—can also ease the discomfort of dry eye. 1. Update your Prescription Our demanding digital world impacts your eyes. You may have noticed it yourself, or heard your kids complaining about eye strain and fatigue. Your student’s eyes can change rapidly as they grow. By making an annual appointment for a comprehensive eye exam, you’re taking charge and making sure that your student has the right prescription to support his or her vision while learning and growing. Your optometrist will recommend the right prescription and lens coatings to support good student vision and digital learning. The best defense against Computer Vision Syndrome is a good offense. Call us today to make an appointment for your annual eye exam so we can help prevent problems and promote comfortable, school-friendly vision. Your best school year ever is within sight! --- ## Why Depth Perception is Critical for Student Athletes URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/why-depth-perception-is-critical-for-student-athletes/ Back to school season often means back to sports—so it’s a smart move for parents to bring their student athletes in for a comprehensive eye exam before sports seasons begin. This exam may be a game-changer for your student athlete. Young eyes grow and change rapidly, and we often see significant changes in students’ eyes from year to year as they mature. Good eyesight is the key to good grades, too: An estimated 80 percent of your student’s ability to learn is tied to their eyes and visual ability. In addition, here’s why it’s critical to find out if your student athlete’s eyes are ready for the 2021 sports season: Depth Perception for the Win! Whether it’s a tennis ball zooming across the court at warp speed toward your student athlete, or a lacrosse ball coming at them across the field, depth perception is the key to judging how far away or close an object is. The eyes must work together (which we call “eye teaming”) to correctly evaluate how fast the ball is moving so your student’s brain can determine when to react to hit, catch or kick that speeding ball. It’s an incredibly intricate process, and there are multiple working parts and fine motor skills involved. The one thing all of the aspects in this process have in common is the human eye. With two eyes, people enjoy binocular vision, and thus the ability to perceive depth perception. Depth perception simply means we can see an object in three dimensions—width, length and depth. In sports, this gives us the ability to see an object (even a moving one) and make a judgment about its distance from us and the speed at which it is moving away from or toward us. Depth perception is key for multiple life skills, including walking, climbing stairs, balance and driving, to name just a few. It’s also critical to your student’s athletic performance. Therefore, it’s a parenting “best practice” to bring them in for an eye exam so your optometrist can be sure they see their best in the classroom and on the field or court. Depth Perception Helps Athletes Excel Sports that involve a ball—baseball, tennis, lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, football, dodgeball, badminton, hockey (ok, a puck), golf or ping pong and many others—require athletes to have a sharp ability to track that moving ball or puck through space. Then, at the appropriate time, they can choose to catch it, hit it, or pass it. These sports-related visual abilities rely on depth perception, which is why that visual skill is absolutely crucial to perform your best in sports. In addition to strong athletic performance, depth perception increases your student athlete’s safety on the field or court. Balls, birdies and pucks accelerate at high speed. If your student isn’t able to perceive the distance of that oncoming object and move appropriately out of the way, it could result in injury. Your optometrist will also check your child’s peripheral vision and eye teaming skills, which provide additional athletic ability and safety during the game. Finally, sports goggles are a must-have item for all student athletes. You protect their head, elbows, knees and shins—it’s arguably much more critical to protect their eyes! What Causes Poor Depth Perception? To enjoy good depth perception, your two eyes must be able to focus accurately and perceive both distant and up-close objects clearly. In addition, you need good eye teaming skills so that the information each eye provides to the brain about those distant and up-close objects is accurate and interpreted correctly by the brain. The brain analyzes and merges the input each individual eye provides and blends them together so that you see one single image in three dimensions―which is what you “see” as your field of vision. Unfortunately, if one eye underperforms and doesn’t send accurate nerve impulses, the brain doesn’t receive sufficient information to form an accurate visual field. This can result in low depth perception and sub-par athletic performance. When one eye enjoys strong visual acuity while the other doesn’t, depth perception can suffer significantly. The good news is, your optometrist will ensure that both eyes are performing at their best, which can cause a dramatic improvement in depth perception. Two common conditions that contribute to depth perception challenges are: 1. Strabismus . This condition is a misalignment of the eyes in which one eye “points” or looks in a different direction from the other. It could be pointing to the right, left, down, up—or even diagonally. 2. Amblyopia . This condition is sometimes known as “lazy eye.” It refers to the inability of one of the eyes to perceive a clear image to share with the brain. In response, the brain ignores the signals from that eye. The key to reversing depth perception challenges due to either of these two conditions is early diagnosis! That’s why an annual eye exam during childhood is so important. During your student’s annual comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist will check for signs of these potentially challenging conditions, in addition to many other eye-teaming skill issues that could impact athletic performance. Our goal is to ensure that your student’s vision is at its best to achieve excellent performance both while playing sports and in the classroom. --- ## Sunwear is Good Eye Health Care: Six reasons you should wear sunglasses more often. URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/sunwear-is-good-eye-health-care-six-reasons-you-should-wear-sunglasses-more-often/ ### According to a 2016 UV protection report by the Vision Council 75% of Americans are concerned about UV eye exposure yet only 31% wear sunglasses when they go outside. ### There are six main reasons why you should wear sunglasses more often, especially when you are enjoying the outdoors this summer: 1. Prevent Sun-Related Health Problems • Skin Cancer – 90% of all skin cancer occurs from the neck up and because UV damage is cumulative and irreversible, it is important to begin protection at an early age – research shows that young eyes are even more susceptible to UV-related damage. • Cataracts & Glaucoma – the most common cause of vision loss in people over 40. The World Health Organization estimates that up to 20% of all cataract cases in the U.S. are attributed to UV radiation and are preventable. • Macular Degeneration – another cause of vision loss in adults 60 and older – higher UV exposure at an early age has been shown to be a factor associated with early AMD (Age-related macular degeneration) 1. Protection from the Elements –especially UV reflected from surfaces • Snow – reflects up to 85% • Sand and concrete – reflects up to 25% • Water – reflects up to 100% 1. You’ll Enjoy the Outdoors More • The improvement and enhancement of colors provides the opportunity to enjoy all the beauty that surrounds us 1. Fewer headaches & Migraines • The constant effort by your vision system to limit the exposure to sunlight when not wearing sunglasses promotes a tremendous amount of eye strain to your system leading to an increase of fatigue, headaches and possibly migraines. 1. For Safer driving • Your additional reaction time to recognize potential danger is greatly improved by wearing polarized sunglasses. Studies have shown that while driving at 50 mph you gain an additional 23 feet of stopping distance if wearing polarized sunglasses. 1. Sunglasses are stylish! • Sunglasses are fun! There are so many stylish frames that having just one pair is not enough! --- ## How Adopting an Attitude of Gratitude Can Help You Through The COVID-19 Crisis URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/how-adopting-an-attitude-of-gratitude-can-help-you-through-the-covid-19-crisis/ We’re all in this together. There’s a global pandemic in our midst. Businesses are closed, sporting events have been canceled, kids are home from school for the foreseeable future, and we’re all facing difficulties: financially, socially and psychologically. With the added anxiety, stress and worry, it’s natural to wonder how to get through this crisis with our mental health intact. Is there something we can do to help us feel better about the state of the world? What’s the answer? In a word: Gratitude. What is gratitude? What is gratitude, exactly? Besides being the focal point of Thanksgiving? It’s been described as a moral virtue, an attitude, a way of life, a habit, a personality trait and a coping mechanism. It can be all of those at once. And though it may not come naturally during this crisis, it might be one of the most important things you can do to protect your mental health and relationships amid so much uncertainty. It can be challenging to be grateful when you find yourself newly unemployed, facing stay-at-home mandates from your state’s governor, or trying to entertain energetic kids who are accustomed to going places and seeing friends. But focusing on the limitations of the quarantine lifestyle is only going to draw your attention to what you don’t have. Focus on what you DO have It’s not intuitive, but you have the ability and the willpower to change how you’re feeling about this crisis. Yes, that’s right, you have the power to decide what you focus your attention on. Instead of concentrating your energy on everything that has changed because of this crisis and all of the conveniences you don’t have, gratitude puts your focus on the abundance of what you do have. Harvard Health confirms that a gratitude practice is consistently and highly associated with feelings of greater happiness. Doesn’t that sound good right about now? Harvard Health also states that gratitude can help you to “feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.” If there’s ever been a time to consider starting a gratitude practice, now is that time! How to start a gratitude practice This isn’t rocket science. Anyone can do it. And everyone should do it. It’s also a great practice to teach your kids, which can set them up for a lifetime of focusing on everything they do have rather than anything they might not have. It’s easy to do: Just think about what you’re grateful for, and make a list of those things. Did you have breakfast this morning? Be grateful for that! Was it accompanied by your favorite beverage – whether it was coffee or orange juice or tea? Lucky you! And what do you see when you look outside? Are there flowers in bloom? Is it a sunny, beautiful day? Can you hear a bird chirping? And how about in your own home? If you have kids, do you relish the sound of their laughter? If you have pets, is it comforting to pet them or see their furry faces? And do you have a television that empowers you to be informed and entertained? And an internet connection that helps you stay connected with friends? And you probably have a phone so you can call loved ones, right? Speaking of loved ones, do you have friends and family members you care for, and who care about you? Did someone reach out to you today to make you laugh or share a thoughtful text message conversation? All of these examples are significant, positive things you can focus on in your gratitude practice. Start your gratitude practice If you’re old school, grab a pen and paper. If you’re new school, get your fingers ready on the keyboard. If you’re doing this on a text message thread, get those thumbs loosened up. Write down three simple things you’re grateful for. If you’re in the mood to be social (from a safe, 6-foot distance, of course!), then share your gratitude list with some friends and ask them what they’re grateful for. We’ll start: 1. We are grateful for patients and friends like you, who trust us with your eye care and visual health. 2. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our patients and help you see your best—even though we’ve had to scale back services during this crisis to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. 3. We are grateful for our health care workers on the front lines of this pandemic, who are saving lives at considerable personal risk to themselves and their families. Now it’s your turn. Please, share with us on our Facebook page: What are you grateful for? --- ## The Curious Case of an Eye Cancer Cluster URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/the-curious-case-of-an-eye-cancer-cluster/ In our most recent post, we explored the rare diagnosis of eye cancer—specifically ocular melanoma, which occurs in about 5 people out of a million. That’s around 2,000-2,500 cases diagnosed per year in the US. Risk Cancers for Eye Cancer Eye cancer is very rare. It’s not unheard of for an optometrist to see thousands of patients per year for decades without diagnosing a case. However, there are risk factors that raise the likelihood of developing this uncommon type of cancer. These include: • People age 50 or older have a higher than average chance of being diagnosed with eye cancer. The most common age of diagnosis is 55. Interestingly, people tend to “age out” of this diagnosis--it’s even more rarely diagnosed in those over age 70. • It’s slightly more likely that you’ll develop ocular melanoma if you’re male than female. • People of Caucasian descent have a higher risk for ocular melanoma than African American or Hispanic people. • Individual medical history. If you have spots or moles in the eye, or pigmentation of the skin in or around the eye, you may be at higher risk for ocular melanoma. • Family history of the disease. If others in your family have been diagnosed, you could be at a higher risk due to your genetic profile. Uncovering an Eye Cancer Cluster The rarity of this specific type of cancer is why it’s incredibly unusual that 22 people have been diagnosed with ocular melanoma in the Huntersville, NC area—a suburb of Charlotte—since 2009. And, while the majority of people diagnosed with ocular melanoma skew male and over age 50, a high percentage of the cancers diagnosed in the Huntersville, NC area have been discovered in young women. Nine of the first 12 victims were female, with 6 of those being under the age of 30 when they were diagnosed. At least four of the 22 have died. Local authorities have made concerted efforts to discover a common thread among the victims, in hopes of pinpointing an environmental factor that may have played a role in their development of this serious form of cancer. At least four of the patients lived near or attended the same high school: Hopewell High School. However, ocular melanoma doesn’t currently have a proven environmental cause and there has not been a common cause found despite years of research and investigation. The town’s commissioners have performed in-depth studies, including a formal GeoSpatial Investigation ,  in an attempt to discover a common cause. This study explored the victim’s lives to look for common occurrences of specific exposures across time and location—perhaps where they lived or worked. They’ve also conducted genetic testing in an attempt to discover whether the victims were genetically predisposed to the cancer. So far there aren’t any answers. The results of soil and water tests in the areas where the patients lived and worked were inconclusive. While there were some toxic materials released into the air and water in the Huntersville area, none were discovered to be correlated with ocular melanoma. An Additional “Cluster” Discovered in Alabama In addition to the unusually high occurrence of ocular melanoma diagnoses in Huntersville, NC, another area of the country is suffering a similar situation around Auburn University in Alabama . In the Auburn area, as many as 38 people who either attended the university or worked at the university between 1983 and 2001 were diagnosed. Once again, many were young women when they discovered they had the disease—which is not the typical patient profile for ocular melanoma. “There’s one patient in particular -- the first time she told us her two college roommates also had this rare cancer, that piqued our interest,” said Dr. Marlana Orloff, Medical Oncologist, in a WLTZ news report from February 2018.  “If she had said my two college roommates had breast cancer, that’s a more common cancer. When you’re talking about Ocular Melanoma, especially because the median age for that cancer is 60 and this is affecting younger women, it causes you to think twice about what’s going on.” The Alabama Department of Public Health made a determination that the number of cases related to the Auburn area did not constitute an official “cancer cluster.” Regardless of this official determination, Auburn is continuing to support research and efforts made to identify the cause of this unusually high number of diagnosed ocular melanoma cases in former employees and students. While the lack of answers around the unusually high numbers of ocular melanoma cases diagnosed in both Huntersville, NC and Auburn, AL, is frustrating, investigations are continuing and hopefully, in the future, answers will emerge. Until then, the most important step people can take to diagnose this aggressive type of cancer early is to visit your optometrist annually for a comprehensive eye exam that includes dilation so that your optometrist can thoroughly examine your eyes for signs of ocular melanoma. --- ## How an Annual Exam Can Help You URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/why-an-annual-eye-exam-is-important/ Did you know that over 11 million Americans over the age of 12 need vision correction? And, in some cases, those people don't even know it! But not everyone takes the time for their eye exam. If you're wondering why you need an annual eye exam, you're in the right place. In this article, we'll break down a few of the reasons these exams should be on your priority list. Keep reading for more! ## Changes in Prescription The most obvious reason to have your annual eye exam is to check for changes in your prescription. Changes can happen at any age, and they can be big or small. It's possible that you haven't noticed any changes, but an updated prescription can make sure that you're seeing your best. Plus, making sure you go every year will help avoid drastic changes when you do go back. ## Check for Eye Health Eye health doesn't take a lot to track. In fact, going to your annual eye exam is often enough for many people. Avoiding the check up may have detrimental causes though. Common diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration can develop without your knowing. In serious cases, these diseases can lead to blindness or permanent vision loss. Your eye doctor will be able to catch these issues long before they become serious if you visit at least once a year. Many eye diseases call for a simple procedure or medicine, so don't let them become more damaging than they have to be! ## Watch Your Health Eye health is connected to the rest of your body's health more than most people know. For some, like those with diabetes, eyes can be a very easy way to make sure the rest of your body is in check. Diabetic retinopathy is a common disease in people with diabetes. About a third of the 285 million people with diabetes show signs of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes attacks the blood vessels in our bodies, and in our eyes, we have smaller, weaker blood vessels. If diabetic retinopathy is able to mature, the vessels may leak in your eyes and cause blurry vision or blindness. Many people who know they have diabetes may have this disease and not be aware of it, but early prevention is key. For some who don't yet know they have diabetes, an eye doctor can detect it for them. Making sure you see your general practitioner for your regular check ups is important, and seeing your eye doctor is just as vital to your health. ## Refresh Your Style An annual eye exam isn't limited to serious talk and health concerns! It's also an opportunity to refresh your style with a new pair of glasses. Between now and last year, chances are your prescription and style have both changed. Take the opportunity to grab a new pair of glasses the next time you see your eye doctor. If you don't want new glasses, you can always check out prescription eyeglasses as well, or consider picking up contacts for more flexibility! ## Schedule Your Annual Eye Exam Today! Now that you've learned about the benefits of an annual eye exam, you're ready to schedule yours! Please call us at 1-877-VOL-EYES or schedule an eye exam in Knoxville with us online. Exam schedules fill up fast, so make sure to schedule with us today! --- ## Why Do I Need an Annual Eye Exam? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/why-do-i-need-an-annual-eye-exam/ Is your annual eye exam coming up soon? If so, that's great! Between all the hustle and bustle, making time to go to an eye appointment can be hard. Whether you're on the books or not, you might be wondering why you need to go. Each year you go, and if you haven't had anything drastic happen to your vision, you might feel like it's a waste of time. But actually, it's one of the best things you can do for your health, and in this article, we're going to show you why. Read on to learn more! ## Prescription Changes The most obvious reason for annual eye exams is to make sure that your prescription hasn't changed. Although you may not have noticed a difference in your vision, your eyesight still might have changed enough to warrant new glasses or contacts. Children and older adults will see more changes than teenagers to 40-year-olds, but that doesn't mean your prescription can't change at those ages. If you have a job that requires you to look at a computer all day, you may start to experience eye strain from the blue light computers emit. Even using your phone can cause damage to your eyes over time. Those over the age of 40 may start to experience presbyopia, a symptom that makes it harder for you to see objects that are close up. While it might not make a big difference at first, you'll eventually need to see an optometrist for help. Keep in mind that presbyopia can worsen over time, giving you more reason to have an eye exam on an annual basis. A common myth is that wearing the wrong prescription can damage your eyes permanently. While not true, having glasses that are too weak or strong can make objects blurry, which can give you headaches or eye strain. Avoid this by seeing your eye doctor at least once a year or more if your vision starts to seem off. ## Early Prevention Having an annual eye exam keeps you from living with a bad prescription, but it can also keep you from living with an eye disease. Many eye issues don't have obvious symptoms at first, but an experienced optometrist will be able to spot these problems for you. Eye exams check for diseases like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. They also help you identify and cure less critical issues like dry eye. As we age, eye problems become increasingly prevalent, meaning that an annual eye exam is even more important for those over the age 0f 60. Believe it or not, over half of all Americans have cataracts by age 75.  Some optometrists might even recommend that you visit more than once a year depending on your situation. Your eyes can also be an indicator of other health problems. For example, blurred vision can sometimes be a sign of diabetes. Even if your eyes seem fine, a disease or issue could be under the radar now, and having your eye doctor catch it before you do may make all the difference. ## Eye Exams for Children Children and babies are a special case when it comes to eye exams. While the previous points apply to them as well, there's more on the line when it comes to their eye exams. One out of every 4 kids have undiagnosed vision problems, and they might not even know it. Even if they are having trouble seeing, they could not be saying anything, which can be a detrimental problem at school. Kids who can't see a whiteboard from the back of the class or read a book in their hand will have trouble keeping up. Their vision doesn't have to be too bad to stifle their ability to learn though. A small vision problem can slow their reading or playing ability. ## Eye Exams for Babies Eye exams for babies are often overlooked, but they're just as important. Babies should see an optometrist at six months old, 3-years-old, and right before kindergarten. The reason for this is that 80 percent of what a baby learns is through their eyes. If a baby has bad vision, it might hurt their ability to learn, harming their development process. Regular visits with an eye doctor will ensure that your baby will grow up happy and healthy. ## Schedule Your Annual Eye Exam Today! Now that you've read this article, you should have an idea of the importance of scheduling your annual eye exam. Although it may not seem like a big deal, these exams are necessary for finding any eye issues before they get out of hand. Plus, they can give you the peace of mind of knowing that your health is in check. If you're looking to schedule an appointment, look no further. Schedule an eye exam in Knoxville with us today. --- ## Diabetes and Your Eyes URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/diabetes-and-your-eyes/ November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, an ideal time to take a deeper dive into the disease we hear so much about. As eye care professionals, one of our areas of concern is that uncontrolled diabetes can affect your vision, and is a leading cause of blindness for individuals under the age of 74. What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by high levels of sugar, or glucose, in your blood. Having low levels of glucose in your bloodstream is normal, as sugar is the nutrient that provides energy to your body on a cellular level. Your pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that enables cells to convert the glucose in your bloodstream into energy. However, if your pancreas isn’t making enough insulin or your cells resist the effect of insulin—or if both conditions are present— you’re at high risk for diabetes. Without enough insulin working in your body, you’ll end up with an excess of glucose in your bloodstream, a condition that can cause serious problems. Diabetes is a chronic, progressive disease. There is no cure, but it can be treated with careful monitoring of your diet, regular testing of blood glucose levels, and medications. What are the Two Types of Diabetes? There are two different kinds of diabetes: • Type 1 Diabetes Sometimes called juvenile-onset or insulin-dependent diabetes, Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed before age 30 and impacts 5-10% of diabetics. The primary cause of Type 1 diabetes is low or no insulin production. It’s not clear why some people don’t produce adequate amounts of insulin—it could be genetic or an autoimmune defect. Type 1 diabetics require regular insulin injections throughout their lifetimes. • Type 2 Diabetes Known as adult-onset, or non-insulin dependent diabetes, Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed after age 30, typically, and is the more prevalent form of the disease. Between 90-95% of all diabetics are Type 2 diabetics. The cause of this type of diabetes is that the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the cells in your body can’t use it efficiently—or both. This results in glucose levels rising uncontrollably in the bloodstream. What is Pre-Diabetes? If you’re among the 86 million Americans classified as pre-diabetic, your blood sugar levels are higher than usual but aren’t quite high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. If you fall into this category, it’s important to take significant steps to prevent the condition from progressing into diabetes. These steps include increasing exercise and activity, losing weight, and altering your diet to focus on foods with a low glycemic index. Obesity and living a sedentary lifestyle are primary risk factors for diabetes, so lowering body weight and increasing activity level are smart strategies for decreasing your risk. Some symptoms of diabetes include being overly thirsty, urinating frequently, increased appetite and unexplained weight loss. Having a blood glucose level over 200mg/dL is the diagnostic level for diabetes. How Does Diabetes Impact the Body? Too much blood sugar in the bloodstream creates a problem for your body’s blood vessels, causing damage and complications. Diabetes can cause severe damage to your eyes, nerves, kidneys and almost every system in the body. Diabetes also impacts the cardiovascular system, doubling your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. How Does Diabetes Affect Your Eyes? Uncontrolled high blood sugar from diabetes can cause vision loss and blindness – either temporarily or permanently. Temporary blurriness is often experienced when a diabetic patient is changing medications. Having high blood sugar changes the fluid levels in the tissues of your eyes, causing swelling. This can hinder your eyes’ ability to focus, causing blurry vision. When glucose levels are back under control, such temporary blurred vision often goes away. However, if your body remains in a state of high blood sugar levels consistently, it causes damage to the tiny capillaries and other blood vessels that feed the tissues in the back of the eyes. Damage to your eyes can begin during pre-diabetes, where your blood sugar is higher than it should be but not yet high enough for a full diabetes diagnosis. When your optometrist examines the back of your eyes during a dilated eye exam, he or she can see whether your eyes’ blood vessels are functioning normally or have been leaking fluid into the back of the eye and causing swelling. This swelling can lead to high pressure inside the eye, which is dangerous and can cause vision loss. How do Optometrists Detect Undiagnosed Diabetes? Optometrists are often the first line of defense in diagnosing pre-diabetes and diabetes, as the sensitive tissues in the eye can show damage early in patients suffering from high blood sugar. These vascular changes in the eye that cause the blood vessels in the back of the eye to leak and damage tissue are a hallmark of diabetes—and can cause blindness. In 2014, optometrists diagnosed 401,000 cases of diabetes in patients who didn’t know they were suffering from the disease, likely helping to prevent many of these patients from experiencing further health challenges. This is one of many reasons why it’s important to see your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam regularly! --- ## How to Avoid Lens Fog... URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/how-to-avoid-lens-fog/ ## How to Avoid Lens Fog while Wearing a Mask with Glasses The White House coronavirus task force has confirmed that there is clear scientific evidence that wearing face masks is an effective way to limit the spread of coronavirus. People should wear face masks if they can’t maintain a proper social distance of 6 feet even when outside. For those of us who wear glasses, this creates a new challenge: How to keep your eyeglasses from fogging up while wearing a face mask to slow the spread. It’s a frustrating new dilemma to solve. Is it even possible? We say yes, with a few simple tweaks and some preparation. First, let’s explore why glasses tend to fog up in the first place. Why do glasses fog up while wearing a mask? It’s a scientific fact: When warm air hits a cool surface, condensation is the result. It’s similar to how your glasses fog up when you open a hot oven, or in the summertime when you walk outside from an air-conditioned building into the heat. Your face mask causes a similar set of circumstances. Your warm breath rises through the top of your mask and hits your eyeglass lenses, causing them to fog up. How can you prevent this unwanted circumstance? 5 Tips to Eliminate the Fog It’s yet another challenge to confront in these days of coronavirus, but it’s one that can be overcome. Here are a few tips and tricks to keep your lenses from fogging up and obscuring your vision while you’re doing the right thing to slow the spread of this dangerous virus: 1. Check the Fit of Your mask. To prevent foggy vision, make sure your mask fits correctly. Ideally, your face cover should fit snugly and securely over your nose. Try to find a mask with a bendable, shapeable fit on the nose bridge so you can secure it without airspace between your nose and the mask. That prevents the warm air you exhale from drifting up under the mask and fogging up those spectacles. You can find shops online selling masks with this feature, or you can make your own. When sewing your own mask, insert a pipe cleaner, twist tie or thin wire into the nose bridge area of the mask so you can bend it to conform to the bridge of your nose. This can go a long way toward preventing that foggy feeling. 1. Seal it With Your Specs Depending on the size of your mask, you might be able to seal your mask from emitting your breath from the top by using your glasses on top of the mask when it’s pulled up high on your nose. If your mask will reach the bridge of your nose, this trick may work for you. Just pull the mask up as high as it will go and rest your glasses on top of it, doing your best to secure the fit. It’s similar to the results you’ll see when wearing a mask with a moldable nose bridge. 1. Soapy Water to the Rescue Much like how scuba divers use saliva on their masks to prevent fogging of the glass, you can use a thin film of soap residue to cut through the fog. Here’s how to try this one: Take a clean soft cloth and dip it into mild, soapy water. Wash your lenses gently, and then shake them carefully to remove the excess liquid. Either let your lenses air dry or gently wipe them with a dry soft cloth. The soapy water will leave a thin film behind that can act as a barrier to fog formation. 1. A Sticky Solution Don’t forget about good old tape! Using low-stick tape that is forgiving to skin--such as sports tape or medical tape--simply tape your mask to your nose and cheeks around the bridge of your nose so that it maintains contact with your skin at all times to prevent fogging of your lenses. Duct tape is not a good alternative for this, as it will stick to skin and may injure your skin when you peel it off. If your skin is sensitive or thin, conduct a short duration “tape test” before you wear your mask taped to your skin for long periods of time. Or, explore tape alternatives for sensitive skin. 1. Shop the Internet If you’ve tried all of these techniques without success, search online for a product that provides a workable solution for you. There are sprays and wipes available to eliminate lens fogging. Be sure to double-check that the ingredients in them won’t compromise the protective coating (if any) on your lenses. And be sure you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients, since you’ll be spraying them on your glasses and they’ll be close to both your nose and eyes. Before purchasing, check the reviews to see how other consumers fared with the product you’re considering. We hope our suggestions help to eliminate one of the annoyances of wearing a mask as we all do our part to limit the spread of this dangerous virus. --- ## How To Prevent Pink Eye URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/how-to-prevent-pink-eye/ Back-to-school can mean back-to-germs. And while you’ve likely coached your kids on proper handwashing techniques this year, it’s also critically important to teach them not to touch their eyes without washing their hands first. Viruses and bacteria—including the ones that cause conjunctivitis—can live on the common, everyday objects kids touch. These include but are not limited to keyboards, tablets, door handles, grab bars, railings, restroom doors and handles, playground equipment, desks, writing tools and art supplies. When your student touches one of these objects and then touches their face or eyes, they’re at risk for contracting a virus or bacteria. Conjunctivitis or “pink eye” as it’s often known, is one of the more common eye infections that school-age kids pass around the classroom and playground. Here’s what it is and how to help your student avoid contracting it. What is Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)?   The word conjunctivitis is a combination of the “conjunctiva” and “itis.” • The conjunctiva is the eye’s mucous membrane. The conjunctiva, a transparent and thin tissue, covers both the front of the eye and inside of your eyelids. Its function is to keep the eye protected and lubricated by producing tears and mucus. • The suffix “itis” added to the end of a word means a swelling or inflammation of that part of the body. So, for example, laryngitis is a swelling or inflammation of the larynx. So—conjunctivitis is the swelling or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent tissue that covers the inside of your eye. What Causes Pink Eye? When your student gets conjunctivitis, it can be caused by either bacteria or a virus, and it can affect one or both eyes. Unfortunately, conjunctivitis is highly contagious and spreads very easily from student to student. However, when caught early and treated appropriately, it is typically a minor (though uncomfortable) infection that responds well to treatment. If it’s not caught and treated in a timely manner, it may develop into a more serious condition. 1. Bacterial conjunctivitis. The bacterial form of the infection is the result of a strep or staph bacteria infecting the eye. Sometimes this bacteria comes from the person’s respiratory system, for example if they have strep throat. It can also result from contact lenses that aren’t cleaned properly, or from reusing a contact lens case without cleaning it properly. It can jump from person to person if there is physical contact or through sharing contaminated makeup including mascara, eyeshadow or eyeliner. 2. Viral conjunctivitis. The viral form of pink eye can be caused by the common cold virus and is highly contagious—just like the common cold. It can spread quickly through coughing, sneezing, or touching the face or eyes with unwashed hands. 3. Allergic conjunctivitis. Of the three forms, this is the only non-contagious one. If your student is exposed to chemicals or other allergens that irritate the eye tissues, they can develop conjunctivitis. And while allergic conjunctivitis is irritating to the individual who has it, it is not contagious to others.   What are Conjunctivitis Symptoms? We call it Pink Eye for a good reason: If you or your student contracts and develops conjunctivitis, the result is an irritated, itchy, pink discoloration of the whites of the eye in one or both eyes. Following are some of the telltale symptoms of pink eye: • Itching or burning sensation in the eye (or eyes) • Discharge or thick puss coming out of the affected eye(s) • Feeling like a piece of dust or grit is in the eye • Swollen eyelids • Weepy eyes, excessive tearing • Light sensitivity (more than usual) What’s the Treatment for Conjunctivitis? If another student in your child’s class gets pink eye, or if you suspect your student may have contracted it, call us immediately to schedule an appointment with your optometrist. When diagnosed and treated quickly, the condition typically responds very well. When we treat pink eye, we have two goals: 1. Ease the discomfort and irritation 2. Reduce the length of infection to prevent spreading If the condition is bacterial in origin, an antibiotic eye drop or ointment is very effective. If the condition is due to a virus, the condition must run its course. Your optometrist will recommend steps to relieve the irritation and painfulness such as cool or warm eye compresses, artificial tears and sometimes even steroid eye drops to combat inflammation. If your student wears contact lenses, they shouldn’t wear them while they have pink eye. Your optometrist will recommend a contact lens protocol for when the infection clears. How can you Prevent Conjunctivitis? 1. Wash your hands—thoroughly and often. 2. Don’t touch the face or eyes with your hands. 3. Never share eye drops or eye makeup. 4. Use only your own pillowcases, washcloths and towels. 5. Never share your contact lenses, cases or solutions with others. 6. Wear your safety goggles in places where you’ll be exposed to chemicals. 7. Protect eyes on dusty, windy days. Think you might have pink eye? Call us so your optometrist can properly diagnose the condition and prescribe immediate treatment to help you feel better and prevent complications. --- ## 7 Diseases Your Eye Doctor May See in Your Eyes URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/7-diseases-your-eye-doctor-may-see-in-your-eyes/ We hear a lot about early detection when it comes to successfully treating diseases and health conditions. Did you know that your annual visit for a comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist also serves as an early detection checkup for a variety of health conditions? The eyes are the single place in the human body where there’s an accessible, unobstructed view of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue—without the need for surgery. During a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist can gain an overall understanding of your health and see the beginning stages of many health concerns before they manifest in painful symptoms. Early detection of health concerns is a big benefit to optometric patients because knowledge is power. Knowing about a health condition early gives more time for effective treatment. Following are 7 health conditions your optometrist can detect during your annual comprehensive eye exam. 1. Diabetes Blurry vision is an early sign of diabetes. As the tiny blood vessels in the eye react to high blood sugar levels, they can leak and bulge, resulting in blurred vision. In a typical year, U.S. optometrists diagnose more than 300,000 patients who didn’t yet know they had diabetes or were pre-diabetic. This information can save lives and help patients by giving them an early diagnosis so they can stabilize their blood glucose levels and prevent further vision problems and other health challenges associated with diabetes. 1. Cancer Many forms of cancer metastasize to the eye. During an annual eye exam, your optometrist will examine your eyes for signs indicating this. The two most common cancers that show signs of metastasis to the eyes are lung and breast cancer. Tumors from brain cancers may press on the optic nerves and show signs of their presence that way. Other cancers, such as leukemia, might show signs in the eyes as well—such as unusual retinal bleeding. 1. High blood pressure According to the US Centers for Disease Control, nearly half of American adults – 47 percent –have high blood pressure, but approximately 20 percent don’t know that they have the condition. Uncontrolled high blood pressure puts people at increased risk for stroke and heart disease. By examining the blood vessels that supply the eyes, your optometrist can identify the warning signs of hypertension so you can take steps to get your blood pressure under control and avoid the health problems uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause. 1. Thyroid disease The thyroid gland is small in size but mighty in function. The hormones it produces regulate many critical bodily functions. If the thyroid gland is overactive – a condition called hyperthyroidism – it can affect the eyes and even result in vision loss. Graves’ disease is an overactivity of the thyroid due to an abnormal immune response that targets the connective tissues of the eyes. The symptoms include eyes that are painful, puffy, bulging, red, dry and light-sensitive. If such swelling goes untreated, it can compress the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. 1. Myasthenia gravis An autoimmune disease that attacks the neuromuscular system, myasthenia gravis can impact any muscle in the body. However, the muscles responsible for eye and eyelid function, facial expressions, and swallowing are often the first impacted. About 75 percent of patients with this disease experience ocular manifestations. Often, the first symptom patients notice is a drooping of the eyelid or eyelids, caused by weakness of the eye muscles. 1. Multiple sclerosis About 400,000 people in the U.S. are affected by multiple sclerosis, which is often first detectable in the eyes. Patients sometimes suffer from a condition called optic neuritis, in which one or both eyes experience a painful loss of vision that lasts from a few days to a few weeks. After an acute episode of optic neuritis, about 70% of people recover, but it’s often a sign of the early stages of multiple sclerosis and must be monitored closely. 1. Alzheimer’s Disease Though it’s early in the clinical study of the connection between the eyes and Alzheimer’s, there is evidence to indicate that retinal eye scans may be able to detect specific changes in blood vessels that indicate early stages of Alzheimer’s. Specifically, a reduced density in the capillaries supplying the eyes is a telltale sign of the condition. With early detection and early treatment, it may be possible to slow the progression of this devastating disease. Is it time to schedule your or your loved one’s annual comprehensive eye exam? Call us today! --- ## Protect Your Eyes From Costume Contact Lenses URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/protect-your-eyes-from-costume-contact-lenses/ It’s Halloween season! It’s also the time of year when optometrists worry about their patients risking eye safety and injury from using illegal medical devices during Halloween celebrations. Which illegal medical devices are we talking about? Contact lenses. Specifically, the large array of costume contact lenses that make eyes look incredibly creepy and spooky—but that can also leave you with life-changing damage to your eyesight. Beware of Halloween Contact Lenses These cosmetic contact lenses are all over the internet and in local stores. They claim to be legal and FDA approved—but when they’re sold without a prescription, they’re illegal. Such lenses go by a variety of names, including: • Costume Contact Lenses • Cosmetic Contact Lenses • Decorative Contact Lenses • Theatrical Contact Lenses • Color Contact Lenses • Halloween Contact Lenses The lenses themselves are indeed creepy. Wearing them can make it look like you don’t have a pupil, change your iris color, or make it seem like your eyes are a total blackout or total whiteout. But at what cost? Though these contact lenses don’t correct vision impairment, they are medical devices. By law in the United States, all medical devices require a prescription to ensure that they are dispensed with the oversight of a doctor or eye care professional. Put Eye Safety First For your own safety and to protect your precious vision, costume contact lenses should not be dispensed without the supervision of your optometrist. Buying costume contact lenses on the internet, or from a flea market, or in a Halloween costume store puts you at risk for a variety of eye infections and injuries that could permanently damage your eyes and cause partial or total blindness. The American Optometric Association (AOA) puts patient safety at the top of its priority list by exposing   “illegal retailers and counterfeiters sidestepping legal requirements that protect patients’ eyes.” The AOA is taking steps to help the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) protect patients from the dangers of costume contacts . Risks of Costume Contact Lenses Last year, in the fall season of 2020, there were multiple reports of patients visiting their optometrists after wearing Halloween contact lenses. These patients suffered from infections, corneal scratches, keratitis, conjunctivitis, and were at risk for permanent vision loss— despite having practiced good contact lens hygiene . Because they do not adhere to FDA regulations and therefore may contain harmful contaminants and may not fit your eye’s surface smoothly, costume contact lenses can put your eyes at risk for: • Corneal abrasions and corneal scratches • Infection • Red, irritated, itchy, watery eyes • Decreased vision • Partial or total blindness Remember: it is illegal to dispense contact lenses without a prescription in the United States—a law that was enacted to protect your eye health and vision. It’s simply not worth risking a lifetime of good vision to look creepy at one Halloween party or event. As your eye doctor, we strongly advise you to say no to costume contact lenses obtained without a prescription. Contact lenses are medical devices, and can be an effective and safe way to correct vision when used under the care and guidance of your optometrist or other eye care professional. However, when sold without a prescription by retailers who don’t hold a patient’s eye health as their number one concern, costume contact lenses can be dangerous and have the potential to inflict long-term damage to your vision. Always follow your optometrist’s advice for the care, wearing, cleaning, and disinfecting of your contact lenses. If you experience redness, pain, or have discharge from your eyes, call your optometrist immediately or seek medical care. --- ## 6 Eye Care Tips for People Living With Diabetes URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/6-eye-care-tips-for-people-living-with-diabetes/ November is National Diabetes Awareness month. If you or someone you love are living with diabetes, you likely understand the importance of controlling blood sugar levels to stay within the target range your doctor sets. When blood sugar levels are well-controlled, it can help prevent or delay serious, long-term health issues including vision loss, heart disease, and kidney disease. Diabetes can have a severe impact on your eyes, resulting in vision changes, vision loss, and even blindness. That’s because high blood sugar damages the tiny capillaries in the eye’s most sensitive tissues that relay information to your brain to produce good vision. Once high blood sugar levels cause damage to the retina, the vision loss you suffer is irreversible. But there’s hope! By following your doctor’s advice, monitoring blood glucose levels, and keeping blood sugar levels under control, you can prevent or delay serious eye damage. Here are 6 action steps people with diabetes can take to protect their vision: 1. Know Your Numbers The sensitive blood vessels that supply the most vulnerable parts of your eye are often the first to suffer damage when blood sugar levels spike. Specifically, high blood sugar affects the retina. The retina is the thin tissue covering about 65% of the back of your eye. It’s home to millions of light-sensitive cells that enable your eyes to relay information about what you’re seeing to your brain through the optic nerve. When blood sugar spikes, it damages the blood vessels that supply your retina. This can cause blurry vision—which may be temporary or permanent. People with diabetes are at high risk for three specific eye diseases: diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. By knowing your blood sugar numbers and keeping them in target range, you can reduce your risk for these sight-stealing conditions. 1. Quit Smoking According to the CDC , in 2019, over 34 million adults were daily smokers—that’s 14% of the population. Smoking kills 480,000 Americans each year. It’s the No.1 cause of preventable death in the US. With the stress of the pandemic, it’s likely those numbers have increased. Smoking harms every single bodily system, and is particularly harmful for diabetics. Smoking damages the body’s veins, arteries and capillaries, which further irritates the damage to the eyes associated with diabetes. If you’re a smoker, stop smoking—today! If you’re a smoker with diabetes, stop smoking—yesterday! 1. Move It Just as smoking is bad for every bodily system, exercise is good for every bodily system—so get moving! Walk around the block a few times at lunch. Park at the far end of the parking lot and take some extra steps. Work out with a friend at the gym or on Zoom. Regular exercise helps control blood sugar levels, and can therefore lower your risk for developing diabetic-related eye disease. So put it on your calendar each week to make sure you save time for this life-enhancing appointment with yourself. Talk with your doctor before starting any exercise program to find out which exercises they recommend for you. 1. Rock Your Sunglasses While you’re outside walking around the block for exercise, don’t forget your sunglasses! Even when it’s cloudy, the sun’s UVA and UVB rays penetrate cloud cover and damage your eyes, contributing to eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. So grab your sunglasses on your way out the door to protect your vision in style. 1. Focus on Healthy Eating We’ve heard it since childhood: You are what you eat. Healthy eyes start with healthy meals. To protect diabetic eyes, eat a well-balanced diet that includes foods that give your body healthy nutrients. These include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Beta-Carotene, Lutein, Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and zeaxanthin. You can achieve this by eating a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, fatty fish such as salmon, tuna or mackerel, nuts including walnuts and almonds, plus beans, lentils, and mushrooms. 1. Annual Dilated Eye Exam We saved the best for last: To ensure that your efforts to keep blood glucose in check are helping to keep your vision healthy, visit your eye doctor each year—or more often if recommended—for a dilated comprehensive eye exam. This visit will include a screening for diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. When your eyes dilate, the pupil widens so that your optometrist can clearly see the back of your eye to examine the retina, the macula, and optic nerve. By examining these delicate tissues, your eye doctor can detect early stages of diabetic retinopathy long before you notice any symptoms. This early diagnosis combined with preventive action can mean the difference between losing vision permanently and maintaining your ability to see clearly. If you notice any blurred vision or changes to your vision between regularly scheduled appointments, it’s critical that you call your optometrist to discuss these changes. Don’t wait until your next appointment—your vision could be at risk if you do. --- ## 15 Facts About Diabetic Retinopathy URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/15-facts-about-diabetic-retinopathy/ Diabetes is a disease that affects approximately 25 million American adults and children. For anyone diagnosed with diabetes, one very real concern is vision loss from the onset of diabetic retinopathy. What is Diabetic Retinopathy? So what is diabetic retinopathy? It’s a condition brought about by high blood sugar, the hallmark of uncontrolled diabetes. When blood sugar is high, it damages the tiny blood vessels that supply the retina, the light-sensitive tissue layer in the back of your eye. This in turn causes vision changes that—left untreated—can cause vision loss or even blindness. Early Diabetic Retinopathy The first signs of diabetic retinopathy are weak and bulging blood vessels in the retina. This is painless, and most people don’t notice any change in their vision until damage is already done. As the tiny blood vessels leak, it causes vision changes as fluid builds up behind the lens of your eye and changes its shape enough that it can’t focus as it usually does. That’s the first stage of diabetic retinopathy. Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy If you don’t get blood sugar levels under control, the disease will progress. As your body senses damage to the blood supply of the eye, it tries to counter the damage by growing new blood vessels. Unfortunately, these fragile new blood vessels are weak and prone to leaking. They leak fluid and blood into the back of your eye. That causes swelling, which results in clouded or blurry vision. This stage of the disease is called proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Here are 15 facts about diabetic retinopathy: 1. Everyone with diabetes is at risk for diabetic retinopathy. The longer you have diabetes, the more likely you are to develop diabetic retinopathy. 2. If not treated, diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness. It’s one of the leading causes of blindness and vision loss, impacting more than 7.6 million people. 3. In most patients, diabetic retinopathy affects both eyes at the same time. 4. Of the 25 million adults and children living with diabetes in the US, approximately 75% of them will develop diabetic retinopathy within 10 years of their diagnosis. 5. Diabetic retinopathy is not painful, and you may not notice symptoms until your vision has been damaged permanently. That’s why it’s critical for all diabetic patients to have a dilated comprehensive eye exam at least every 12 months. 6. Optometrists diagnose more than 400,000 new cases of diabetes each year in patients who weren’t aware they had the condition. How? Diabetes causes changes to the blood vessels in the back of the eye that your optometrist can see during your annual dilated eye exam. 7. When you experience long periods of high blood sugar, blood and other fluids accumulate behind the natural lens of your eye, causing it to swell and change shape, resulting in blurred vision. When you get your blood sugar back into target range, the swelling goes down, and vision often improves. 8. Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy may include: • 9. Cloudy, blurred vision • 10. Changes to your central vision, including a dark spot or blind spot • 11. Floaters or floating spots • 12. Difficulty seeing well at night • 13. Sudden vision loss 1. Diabetic retinopathy puts you at risk for a retinal detachment, which means the retina floats away from the back of the eye and loses blood flow. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency that must be treated immediately, or you risk serious and permanent vision loss or blindness. 2. Smoking may increase your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. If you stop smoking now, you may lower your risk for this sight-stealing disease. 3. Patients who control blood glucose levels carefully can delay or prevent the onset of diabetic retinopathy and other diabetic-related eye diseases. 4. The best treatment for diabetic retinopathy is prevention, achieved by closely controlling your blood sugar levels through proper medication, diet, exercise, not smoking, and avoiding alcohol. 5. If you are diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, in 90 percent of cases, your vision can be preserved with early detection and treatment. 6. Treatment for diabetic retinopathy includes laser surgery and injectable medications, which reduce the growth of the weak, leaky blood vessels your body tries to grow. 7. Whether you have diabetes or not, if you experience a sudden onset of extreme vision loss, such as a dark spot in your vision, or it seems like a curtain has closed over your visual field, seek emergency medical attention immediately . These are symptoms of a retinal detachment, which can cause permanent vision loss or blindness. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, it’s critical to schedule a comprehensive eye exam at least every 12 months or more often if your optometrist advises it. Call us today to make your appointment—it could put you on the path to preserving your vision for life! --- ## 5 Questions About Vision Care and Flex Spending Accounts URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/5-questions-about-vision-care-and-flex-spending-accounts/ With just a couple of weeks remaining in 2021, time is running out to spend your designated “Flex” funds from your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) on eligible healthcare costs. If you or your spouse have an FSA account through an employer, now’s the perfect time to double-check when your benefits expire. If it’s a calendar year plan, your benefits likely expire on December 31 – which means it’s time to “use it or lose it.” Essentially, if you’ve saved money from each paycheck into an FSA plan but don’t use it on eligible health care costs by the expiry date, you forfeit those funds and can’t use them at all. Our patients often ask which vision care expenses are reimbursable through an FSA. We address that question and others below in our round-up of questions about Flexible Spending Accounts: Here are 5 questions to help you maximize your flex spending this season: 1. What is a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)? In the 1970s, the US federal government created FSAs as a benefit for citizens to save money for health care costs in a tax-free account. The account is typically set up and maintained by their employer. Companies can choose whether to participate in FSAs as a benefit to their employees. The account accrues pre-tax funds by setting aside a specified amount from each paycheck – maybe $25, $50 or even $100, depending on the employee’s forecast healthcare expenses for the upcoming year. You can use this tax-free money on vision, medical or dental expenses within the plan year. In 2021, employees can save up to $2,750 in an FSA to spend on health care costs that include out-of-pocket expenses such as contact lenses, prescription eyeglasses, prescription sunglasses, eye exams, and deductibles. It’s a significant tax-free benefit —unless you forget to use the dates by the plan’s end date, which is often December 31. Funds that aren’t used by that specified date are often lost. Thus we often say “Use them or lose them!” when referring to Flex dollars. 1. How can I get a Flexible Spending Account? If your employer offers an FSA as a benefit to its employees, it’s as easy as opting in and signing up to participate and electing your total amount to save for the year. All full-time employees of organizations that offer FSAs should be eligible to participate. If you’re wondering whether your company provides this tax advantage as a benefit, reach out to your human resources department or benefits plan administrator to ask. 1. How will a Flexible Spending Account benefit me? In short: An FSA is a tax advantage that helps you pay a lower tax rate overall by deducting part of your income tax-free for use on health care expenses. The amount of income tax you pay varies by your salary, marital status, whether or not you have kids, plus other variables. But there’s one thing we all have in common: We want to pay less of our take-home salaries in taxes. That’s the beauty of an FSA account. The money you save into your FSA is collected before your employer deducts your payroll taxes from your paycheck. You can elect to set aside any amount in your FSA, up to the maximum of $2,750. By doing so, you’ll lower your taxable income by that same amount for the plan year. If you have children, you can contribute more to an FSA for Dependent Care—up to $5,000 a year. By maximizing your participation in the FSA and Dependent Care FSA plans, you can lower your taxable income and increase your tax savings. It’s a smart way to keep more of your take-home pay in your pocket! 1. What vision care expenses qualify for Flexible Spending? The federal government keeps a 21-page list of eligible expenses that you can consult . You, your spouse and children can use these Flex funds for a variety of vision-care expenses in your optometrist’s office, including the following: • Annual eye exams • Insurance deductibles and copays • Prescription eyeglasses • Designer eyewear—with prescription lenses in them • Computer glasses • Reading glasses • Contact lenses – even a year’s supply! • Prescription sunglasses • Dry eye treatment • LASIK eye surgery Other eligible expenses include over-the-counter purchases you need to maintain your healthy vision, including contact lens solution, cleaners, and allergy eye drops. 1. Where can I use FSA funds for vision care expenses? Right here in our office! If you learn that you have FSA funds that expire on December 31, call us immediately to schedule your annual eye exam within 2021. Your remaining Flex funds can be used for a comprehensive eye exam, prescription glasses, a year’s worth of contact lenses, dry eye treatments and even a new pair of prescription sunglasses to keep your eyes safe and seeing your best in the sun. Our vision care team will work with you to help maximize your FSA benefits and provide the proper paperwork necessary for you to gain reimbursement for these expenses. But remember: Time is NOT on your side if your benefits expire on December 31, and our office gets very busy during the holidays with college students at home needing appointments and other FSA users trying to spend their funds. Call us today to schedule your appointment so we can be sure to see you this month! --- ## Flex Spending 2018 URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/flex-spending-2018/ ### Flex Spending: Time to Use it Or Lose it Nothing says “happy holidays” like a brand new pair of designer glasses! If you enjoy holiday shopping but dread the inevitable January credit card bills, treat yourself this year by using your Flexible Spending Account, or FSA. Not only is the list of FSA-eligible items surprisingly long, flex dollars often come with an end-of-year expiration date. Use ‘em or lose ‘em! WHAT IS FLEX SPENDING? A Flexible Spending Account is a tax-free way to pay medically necessary expenses that are not covered by your insurance. FSAs are designed to complement health or vision insurance, and, in the event that an individual does not have health insurance, an FSA can even stand alone. Flex dollars, as the name suggests, offer a wide degree of flexibility when it comes time to use them. FSAs are designed to cover your medically necessary expenses; flex spending funds can be used to cover health insurance costs (including copays, coinsurance and deductibles) and qualified health expenses that fall outside insurance coverage. HOW CAN FLEX SPENDING SAVE YOU MONEY? While the flexible nature of FSAs is attractive, the real value of FSA programs lies in the money-saving tax benefits they offer. Usually, flex accounts are funded by a pre-tax payroll deduction. That means a portion of your total earnings is diverted into your FSA before taxes are calculated and deducted from your paycheck. Because you never pay taxes on the dollars you funnel into your FSA, the total amount of taxes you owe is lowered. Lower taxes equals money saved! FSAs also come with another unexpected perk: immediate access. FSA funds are incrementally deducted from your paycheck over the course of the year, but you don’t have to wait until year-end to access your FSA funds. The full annual contribution is available as soon as the first payroll deduction hits your account. TOP 5 WAYS TO USE YOUR FSA DOLLARS Ready to take advantage of those dollars lingering in your flex account? Here are five fantastic ways to put your allotted funds toward clearer vision and better eye health. 1. A year of contact lenses Ever pulled open the bathroom drawer only to realize you’re completely out of contact lenses? Solve that problem for a whole year by ordering prescription contacts in bulk and paying with flex funds. 2. Prescription sunglasses While regular sunglasses are not FSA-eligible, sunglasses that include vision correction can be purchased using a flexible spending account. Protect your eyes and see more clearly with a pair of FSA-funded prescription shades. 3. A second pair of glasses Variety is the spice of life, so why not put your extra flex dollars toward a second pair of glasses? If you’re currently sporting casual frames, consider treating yourself to a dressy or designer pair.  4. LASIK While it’s not a good idea to rush into elective surgery just to empty out your flexible spending account, FSA and HSA dollars can be put toward LASIK procedures. If the timing doesn’t work out for LASIK this year, you can schedule a visit with your optometrist to determine whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure. If you are, you’ll have plenty of time to plan for flex-funded LASIK in 2019. 5. A guide dog In cases of severe vision impairment or blindness, flexible spending dollars can even be used for a guide dog! The National Federation of the Blind offers a list of guide dog schools that can connect those in need with the right service animal. The bottom line is that there are multiple ways to support good vision using your FSA funds, so head over to your optometrist’s office if you find yourself with flex funds that you need to use or you’ll lose. Your eyes will thank you! --- ## Contacts or Glasses: Which is Right For You? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/contacts-or-glasses-which-is-right-for-you/ According to the Vision Council , more than 194 million people in the U.S. wear prescription lenses – either contact lenses or eyeglasses. If you’re one of them, and you’re trying to decide which type of corrective lenses are right for you, read on. There are four main reasons people need prescription eyewear to see clearly: • Nearsightedness (Myopia). People with myopia have difficulty focusing on objects that are far away. • Farsightedness (Hyperopia). People with hyperopia find it hard to see close-up objects sharply. • This age-related condition typically begins after age 40 and causes a loss of “near vision” as the eye’s natural lens ages and becomes less flexible, making it impossible to focus on close-up tasks. • This condition describes an eye that is not perfectly round, but rather it has an asymmetric curve to the cornea, causing difficulty for your eye’s lens to focus. How Prescription Lenses Work Whether you are nearsighted, farsighted, have an astigmatism or presbyopia, the lenses of your prescription eyeglasses are shaped specifically to counteract these conditions and help your eye focus sharply while wearing them. These conditions cause the incoming light and images your eyes perceive to bend a specific way. The goal of prescription eyewear is for the lenses prescribed to bend the light in just the right way to help your eyes focus clearly. • To correct farsightedness, convex lenses are used. Convex lenses are thicker in the center, similar to a magnifying glass. They bend the incoming light toward the top and bottom of your eye’s lens. This serves to extend the focal point to your retina. • To correct nearsightedness, concave lenses are used. Concave lenses are thinner in the center than on the edges, so they spread the light more toward the center of the lens, helping your eyes focus sharply. You may have noticed that your eyeglass prescription has either a “minus” or a “plus” before the numbers on it. In optometry, we use a minus to indicate concave lenses and a plus to indicate convex lenses. When our optician reads your prescription, if it indicates “minus,” they’re for nearsightedness, and if it indicates “plus,” they’re for farsightedness. Differences Between Contact Lenses and Glasses The U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates that 45 million people in the U.S. wear contact lenses. Contact lenses operate much the same way as glasses do to correct your vision impairment. But instead of frames worn externally, the lenses sit atop the tear film of your eye – in “contact” with your eye. That’s why they’re called contact lenses. Whether you prefer to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses to achieve your highest visual acuity is typically a personal choice. However, there are specific conditions that prevent a person from being able to wear contact lenses. Advantages of wearing contact lenses include: • Unobstructed peripheral vision • Lower risk of visual distortion (because the lens adheres to your eye) • Don’t fall off during sports or other activities • Contacts don’t fog up from temperature changes Disadvantages of contact lenses include: • More expensive than glasses • Some people find them difficult to put in and take out • More stringent lens care regimen than glasses • Can irritate dry eye symptoms • May feel dry and gritty if you accidentally fall asleep wearing them Benefits of eyeglasses include: • Optional lens coatings including blue light reduction, UV protection, anti-reflective, polarization and scratch-resistant. • Cost less than contact lenses over the long-term, because they won’t need replacing as often • Won’t irritate sensitive or dry eyes • Offer protection from wind and blowing debris • Fashionable and fun frames to showcase your personality Disadvantages of eyeglasses include: • Some peripheral vision distortion • Rain or snow may impact your vision when droplets get on glasses • Glasses may fog up when going from cold to warm conditions • Compared with contact lenses, glasses are easier to clean and maintain, and lower your risk of an eye infection because you don’t have to touch your eyes when putting them on. Still not sure which is right for you? Our vision care team is knowledgeable about the benefits of both contact lenses and glasses, and will be happy to discuss them with you to determine the best fit for you and your lifestyle. Many of our patients have adopted a hybrid style in which they wear contact lenses on some days and glasses on others. Wherever you land in the contact lenses versus glasses debate, the most important thing is to keep your eyes healthy and your vision optimal. Call us today to schedule your annual eye exam! --- ## 6 Tips For Living With Glaucoma URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/6-tips-for-living-with-glaucoma/ January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time to draw attention to one of the leading causes of blindness and vision loss in the United States. Glaucoma is known as the “silent thief of sight” because it doesn’t have any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. It’s not painful or uncomfortable—but if you have glaucoma and don’t know it, it can cause permanent vision loss. Glaucoma can only be diagnosed through a dilated eye exam. That’s one reason why it’s critical to schedule a comprehensive, dilated eye exam with your optometrist each year after age 40. While there isn’t a cure for glaucoma, when caught early, proper treatment can often stop the disease from progressing and help people with glaucoma preserve what vision they still have. A glaucoma diagnosis can be discouraging and a bit scary. However, more than 80 million people worldwide and 3 million people in the U.S. are living with glaucoma. People at high risk for the condition include: • People over the age of 60, especially those of Latin American or Hispanic descent • People of African American descent over the age of 40 • Anyone with a family history of glaucoma Here are 6 tips for living a fulfilling life after a glaucoma diagnosis so you can prevent or slow its progression and maintain your sight: 1. Take Your Medication On Time, Every Day. Once diagnosed, your eye doctor will help you establish a glaucoma treatment regimen. You may need to take oral medication and/or use eye drops each day. It’s critical to adhere strictly to your medication regimen. Set a timer or a daily alert on your digital device to help you remember when to take your prescription medications. Taking your medication daily on a regular schedule is important in slowing the progression of the disease. 2. Get Smart About Glaucoma. Knowledge is power. The more you know about glaucoma, its progression and various outcomes, the better you’ll be able to manage it. Google glaucoma and read all about the condition. Talk to your family members who also have the condition and ask how they’re managing it. If you come across any questions, write them down so you can ask your eye doctor at your next appointment. 3. Commit To a Healthy Lifestyle. It’s important to do everything you can to promote overall good health when you have glaucoma—every step toward improved health can also affect the health of your eyes. If you are a smoker, become a non-smoker—and do it today. If you regularly make unhealthy meal choices, start making healthier choices. Focus on fresh, whole foods, fruits and vegetables instead of fast food, processed snacks and frozen meals. Make an effort to include dark leafy green vegetables and healthy proteins in your diet each day. Exercise is critical to good health, but be sure to consult your optometrist about which specific exercises you plan to do, as intense exercise can increase the intraocular pressure of your eyes. 4. Find a Support Group. After a glaucoma diagnosis, it can be helpful to speak with others who are in the same position. Millions of people are living with glaucoma, so reach out and find them. In addition to local support groups both online and in-person, talk to friends and neighbors to find other people living with the disease who can share their best practices, tips and ways to lead a fulfilling life. There are also private Facebook groups, including the Glaucoma Eyes group, where people share their experiences. 5. Befriend Your Optometrist and Their Team. Be proactive about keeping your regular appointments with your optometrist. Your eye care team needs to see you regularly to closely monitor your condition and any changes. Talk candidly with them about your experience with your treatment plan and how it’s working for you. Your optometrist can recommend good ideas and resources, such as vision rehabilitation, low-vision therapy, or specialists that may benefit your specific condition. 6. Adopt Smart Practices at Home. Depending on your severity of vision loss from glaucoma, it may be helpful to adopt some best practices for living with low vision: • 7. Remove trip hazards, such as area rugs • 8. Install extra lighting to increase visibility in dark hallways, pantries or closets • 9. Mark stairs and handrails with brightly colored tape or paint to increase contrast and minimize the risk for falls • 10. Make a habit of reaching your hand 12 inches in front of your head before bending down or standing up. This will ensure you don’t hit your forehead on a countertop, piece of furniture, or cabinet edge. While there is no cure for glaucoma, people experiencing the condition can enjoy a normal, active, and fulfilling life by keeping the condition under control to slow or prevent vision loss. If you’re living with glaucoma or suspect you or a loved one may be at risk, call today to make an appointment for your annual comprehensive eye exam. --- ## Say Goodbye to These 6 Poor Eye Health Habits URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/say-goodbye-to-these-6-poor-eye-health-habits/ Are you doing everything within your power to protect your vision and maintain good eye health? Studies show that many Americans aren’t. But it’s not too late to turn things around and adopt good eye health practices that will benefit you now and help you see your best this year and into the future. Here are 6 poor eye health habits to focus on correcting in 2022: 1. Skipping Your Annual Comprehensive Eye Exam. It’s easy to take good vision for granted. Still, many eye conditions and diseases that can negatively impact your vision are impossible to detect without a comprehensive, dilated eye exam with your optometrist. Did you know that nearly 10% of people haven’t had an eye exam in more than five years? Yes, the pandemic played a role in that. But it’s now 2022: Time to get back on track by scheduling your wellness exams! 2. Wearing Daily Contact Lenses Overnight. Your daily, disposable contact lenses are meant to be just that: Changed daily for a new pair, and never worn overnight. Yet, about two in three patients (that’s 66%) are guilty of this poor eye health habit. Leaving disposable lenses in the eye overnight can cause pain, eye fatigue, redness, dry eyes, irritation, mucus discharge, or even an eye infection. Stop the madness! Remove those daily disposable lenses each night before bedtime, then insert a fresh new pair in the morning. 3. Reusing Daily Contact Lenses. One benefit of daily contact lenses is that you enjoy the feeling of fresh, new lenses each morning. The practice of discarding worn lenses significantly reduces eye infection rates. When you go against medical advice and reuse your dailies, the risk of infection skyrockets. That’s because daily lenses are thinner than long-wear lenses and don’t hold up well during the disinfection process. Reusing these lenses is simply not worth the risk of an eye infection that could result in permanent lost vision. Need more lenses? Call our offices today! 4. Neglecting to Disinfect Contact Lenses. If you wear monthly lenses, don’t forget the critical step of cleaning and disinfecting them. To do so, gently rub them around in your palm and rinse with a multi-purpose cleaning solution before storing in a properly cleaned and rinsed case. Think of it like this: When you take a shower, you don’t just stand there in the water hoping you’ll get clean, do you? No—you scrub your skin with a washcloth to get clean. It’s similar with contact lenses: Gentle friction removes contaminants and microorganisms from your lenses. Never use tap water to clean or store your contact lenses. Tap water contains microorganisms and contaminants that can cause itchy, red, irritated eyes--or even a bacterial or fungal infection. 5. Not Cleaning Glasses and Sunglasses Daily. Even though they don’t go into your eyes, eyeglasses need to be washed often, ideally on a daily basis. In addition to harboring bacteria that could result in staph infections, they also collect oils, makeup, and skin cells which can lead to acne and blackheads. And remember to wash your sunglasses, too! To clean glasses properly, use a drop of mild soap such as dish soap, gently rub the lenses under running water, rinse, and dry carefully with a clean, soft cloth. 6. Ignoring the 20-20-20 Rule. Spending too much time staring into screens and digital devices without giving your eyes a break can lead to Digital Eye Strain. The condition is characterized by headaches, blurred vision, and tired, dry, irritated eyes. Avoid eye strain by taking a break every 20 minutes or so when you’re looking at a screen. Change your focus by looking at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds or so. And remember to blink! Make it your New Year’s Resolution to adopt these good eye health habits in 2022! --- ## 5 Reasons To Wear Sunglasses in Winter URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/5-reasons-to-wear-sunglasses-in-winter/ It’s February! This most misspelled month is the shortest of the year and the final month of meteorological winter. It’s also Low Vision Awareness Month and National Cancer Prevention Month. Are you aware that protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV rays can impact your long-term eye health? One easy habit you can adopt to protect your healthy vision is to wear sunglasses every time you go outside. Did you know that you should wear your sunglasses not only in summer — when the sun is at its highest and brightest — but 365 days a year? Yes, even when the sun isn’t very bright! While that may seem counterintuitive, there is mounting evidence to support wearing sunglasses every day to protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging UV light. Years of UV light exposure can contribute to conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration that cause low vision, and may even contribute to cancer in or around the eye. Here are 5 reasons to wear your sunglasses in winter—and every day, all year. 1. Cut the Glare Though it’s not hot outside, it sure is bright! Have you noticed the sun’s glare seems more irritating to your eyes in the wintertime? Some refer to winter—when the sun sits lower in the sky than in summer—as “sun glare season.” Because of the sun’s relative position to Earth during winter, the sun’s rays hit Earth at a lower angle, causing increased glare. In many cases, the sun’s glare can be blinding and very dangerous when driving early in the morning or late in the afternoon. It can also cause accidents on the ski slopes, with the sun reflecting off snow and decreasing visibility. In sun-glare situations, a pair of polarized sunglasses will significantly increase your ability to see clearly despite the sun’s glare, so that you can navigate safely. 1. Protect Eyes from UV Damage Though the sun’s rays don’t feel as intense in the winter, its damaging UV rays are still present. The clock is always ticking on the cumulative damage that UV exposure can do to your eyes over a lifetime. In winter, trees have dropped their leaves, so there isn’t as much shade to shield you from the sun’s rays. And because of the sun’s lower angle, your eyes get more direct sun exposure during the winter than in the summer. A high-quality pair of sunglasses that completely block 100% of the sun’s UV-A and UV-B rays are mandatory when you spend time outside in winter! 1. Protect from Wind, Dust and Debris When winter winds whip, they carry eye discomfort with them. The dry winter air whisks moisture out of your eyes, but sunglasses provide a protective barrier from drying wind. Contact lens wearers may be especially grateful for a good pair of wrap-around sunglasses that keep winter winds from drying out their eyes while lenses are in. Sunglasses are the first line of defense against dust and other windblown particles that may get into your eyes and cause irritation or even painful corneal abrasions. 1. Avoid Snow Blindness When you’re outside during the winter, frozen surfaces including snow and ice act like mirrors, reflecting up to 85 percent of the sun’s damaging rays upward from the surface and into your eyes. After a long day outside playing in the snow, skiing, snowmobiling, or ice skating without sunglasses, that super-intense level of UV exposure can cause temporary snow blindness. Snow blindness—called photokeratitis—occurs when the eyes suffer an overexposure to UV rays and get sunburned. The cornea swells, and it hurts! The short-term condition typically lasts for about a week. It can be managed with cold compresses, artificial tears, and over-the-counter pain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, in the long-term, bouts of snow blindness increase the cumulative damage of the sun’s rays. This can lead to more serious eye conditions such as cataracts, which are accelerated by lifelong sun exposure. Preventing sun exposure for your eyes is simple: Wear high-quality, UV-blocking sunglasses. 1. Enhance Winter Visual Acuity The intense winter glare from the sun’s rays bouncing off of snow, cement, a car’s hood, or any other horizontal surface can cause headaches, eyestrain, and decreased visual acuity. Your eyes need just the right amount of light to function at their best. When there’s not enough light to see well—you know it. And, when there’s too much light to see well—you know it. Too much light causes squinting because your pupil can’t constrict enough to block the excess light. Sunglasses can help you find that sweet spot of just the right amount of light during the winter “sun glare season” to increase your visual comfort. Sunnies can help you navigate more safely in vehicles, on bikes, on skis, or while enjoying sporting activities. They protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them from UV damage, and let’s face it – they look great! If you’re ready for a new health-enhancing pair of sunglasses to wear 365 days a year, visit our optical department. We will help you find a high-quality pair of UV-blocking sunglasses that look great on your unique face shape. Call us today—we look forward to seeing you! --- ## 5 Questions About Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/5-questions-about-age-related-macular-degeneration-amd/ February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Low Vision Month, a time to promote awareness of these conditions that impact millions of Americans in their daily lives. You may know someone who has been diagnosed with or is experiencing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The condition—currently considered incurable—is the prevailing cause of blindness for people over the age of 55 in the United States. Up to 16 million Americans are living with the condition in one of its various stages. So, what is macular degeneration, and who’s at risk? Here are 5 frequently asked questions about macular degeneration: 1. What is macular degeneration? Macular degeneration is a condition of your eye’s retina. Specifically, the condition is a degeneration of the cells and function of the macula. What is the macula? The macula is a small cluster of highly specialized cells in your retina measuring about 5 millimeters in size—about the diameter of a pencil eraser. The macula is responsible for very fine, detailed, central vision and color vision. When the macula degenerates, it leads to a loss of detailed central vision and can impact a person’s ability to read, write, drive, watch tv, see your cell phone screen, and perform other daily activities. People diagnosed with macular degeneration often experience strong emotions about their condition at first, fearing they will lose their independence and ability to enjoy life. 1. Who’s at risk for age-related macular degeneration? AMD has genetic, race, age, and lifestyle components. As you can tell from the name of the disease, AMD is an age-related condition. While it typically impacts people age 55 or older, there are people much younger who have been diagnosed in their 30s or 40s. The typical patient is white, over age 50, and may have a family history of the disease. Additional risk factors include smoking, overweight, high blood pressure, and a diet high in saturated fat (meat, cheese and butter). 1. What are the early symptoms of AMD? While the condition isn’t painful in a physical sense, people with early symptoms of macular degeneration might start to experience blurred central vision. Straight lines such as text on a page might look distorted or wavy. Seeing well in low-light situations is difficult, and they may have increased sensitivity to glare. As the condition progresses, patients describe it as a black hole in the center of their vision. The condition is diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam with dilation so that your optometrist can clearly see into the back of your eye and examine the retina. Your optometrist might also take a picture of your eye with an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) machine. This gives a detailed image of your retina in cross-sections of its layers to more accurately assess the condition. 1. What is the treatment for AMD? Because there isn’t a cure for AMD, the condition must be carefully managed. Any vision loss is likely gone forever, so treatment focuses on slowing the progression of the condition and preventing further deterioration of the macula. A healthy lifestyle is key. If you’re a smoker, stop smoking immediately. Start making healthy choices including a whole-foods-based diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, avoiding smoking or second-hand smoke, and wearing sunglasses to protect eyes from the sun’s damaging UV rays. These are all important steps toward managing AMD. Your optometrist may prescribe vitamins to support your eyes and their cell structures. Depending on the specific type of AMD you have – wet or dry – there are additional therapies that may help slow the disease progression. These include laser photocoagulation treatment to seal off leaky vessels, and injections with medicine that prohibit the growth of new, weak blood vessels behind the retina. Advancements in AMD treatment are made each year, and there is reason for optimism in managing the condition moving forward. 1. What is life like for people with AMD? A diagnosis with AMD is significant in the lives of our patients. Many experience depression at the likelihood that their vision loss is progressing and may eventually result in becoming legally blind. Losing your central vision can significantly impact quality of life;  there is a big lifestyle adjustment to be made. First, closely following your optometrist’s treatment plan is extremely important to slow the progression of your vision loss. Lifestyle adjustments that may benefit patients living with AMD include: • Install additional under-cabinet and overhead lighting to brighten spaces • Use contrasting colors to increase visibility in areas such as the kitchen, stairs, or bathroom • Remove throw rugs or tape them down securely • Install secure handrails along stairwells and in bathrooms • Organize frequently used items so you’ll always know where to find them • Use assistive devices that read text aloud • Use magnifiers with lights attached • Switch to large-print books • Choose enhanced text options on phones and devices If you have difficulty reading this text or notice any changes in your visual field or visual acuity, call our office today to schedule your annual comprehensive eye exam. As with so many health challenges, early detection of age-related macular degeneration is the best path to slowing its progression and preserving your vision. --- ## Why the FDA Pulled Online Vision Testing URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/why-the-fda-pulled-online-vision-testing/ The internet provides fantastic access to information and professionals—just think about all of the things you can learn through watching YouTube videos alone! Technology’s many uses to promote human health—information sharing, video conferencing and health monitoring—are just now beginning to make an impact. However, one area in which the internet is not beneficial to human health is online vision testing. In August, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalled online vision testing from the market. The reason: Impersonal “video” eye testing represents an incomplete method for conducting a complete vision exam that can miss critical components that impact both your overall and optical health--and therefore, it represents a potential health risk to the public. The American Optometric Association has issued a Public Health Advisory that informs patients about the recall of the online vision test from a provider called Visibly, and details the potential health risks posed by any remaining online vision testing products that may still be on the market. This FDA ruling represents a “win” for both patients and eye health in general. When an optometrist performs your annual comprehensive eye exam, the process of refraction—the part of the exam that determines whether or not you need glasses or contact lenses to see your best—is just one aspect of the valuable information gathered to help keep your eyes healthy. In a comprehensive visual examination, your optometrist checks 12 critical aspects of your eye health, evaluates how your eyes work together, educates you about the best way to continue seeing your best, and notes changes to the overall function and health of your eyes through the following methods: 1. Medical case history 2. Visual acuity 3. Color blindness 4. Binocular vision 5. Cover test to check eye alignment 6. Retinoscopy 7. Refraction 8. Dry-eye assessment 9. Slit-lamp exam 10. Glaucoma test 11. Pupil dilation 12. Lens education The FDA pulled online vision testing in part because it only represents 1/12 of the total care your in-person, optometric exam provides. The importance of an in-person, comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist cannot be understated. Did you know that in 2018, optometrists detected 301,000 cases of diabetes in their patients that had not yet been diagnosed? Comprehensive eye exams by an optometrist are a critical component of general preventive health care. The complex structures of the eye are often where other health concerns can first be detected—including high blood pressure and diabetes. This led the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2018 to state that, “Comprehensive eye exams are relatively low-cost interventions, and early detection of conditions that can be identified through an eye exam may reduce more costly treatment later." The American Optometric Association is dedicated to strengthening the doctor-patient relationship by empowering optometrists who deliver the essential care of in-person, comprehensive eye exams and is opposed to tools or practices that disrupt that care. "Optometrists and other physicians know that eye exams are essential care and that new health technologies must always enhance the doctor-patient relationship and help deliver improved outcomes," said Barbara L. Horn, O.D., American Optometric Association President. "Optometrists will continue to support the highest standard of eye health and vision care.” Your optometrist is committed to upholding the highest standards of eye health and vision care. We look forward to seeing you at your next annual comprehensive eye exam. We’re glad you’ve chosen us to care for your eye health so you can continue to see your best now and for decades to come! --- ## What’s Included in a Comprehensive Eye Exam? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/whats-included-in-a-comprehensive-eye-exam/ The US Food and Drug Administration recently pulled online vision testing, because that method of vision test doesn’t provide the comprehensive eye health care necessary to keep individuals seeing their best now and for years to come. In fact, online vision tests only provide 1 out of the 12 critical factors that your optometrist provides in your annual eye exam. And it’s a public health concern to provide only 1/12 of any health care check. Can you imagine only brushing 1/12 of your teeth or washing 1/12 of your body when you bathe? A comprehensive eye exam is the reliable method to ensure that your eyes―and the eyes of your loved ones―are working well together, so you’re seeing your absolute best. Proper eye care is an important aspect of health care, especially for school-age children and college-age young adults. As children grow and change, their eyes are growing and changing also. It’s not uncommon for a child’s vision to change significantly within a 12-month period, and with up to 80% of learning and socialization occurring through their sense of vision, making sure your kids are seeing their best is critically important to their ability to learn. But how often should you take your kids to the eye doctor? The American Optometric Association recommends the following: 1. Infants age 6-12 months: Babies should have a comprehensive baseline eye exam when they are between 6 and 12 months of age. The human eye is experiencing profound and rapid changes in this timeframe, and your infant’s eyes are at their most vulnerable development point. 2. Toddlers 3 to 5 years old: Young children from ages 3 to 5 should receive at least one comprehensive eye exam in person. This can help to diagnose or prevent any eye or visual condition that may have long-term impact on their visual system if left untreated. 3. School-aged kids 6-18 years old: An annual comprehensive eye exam should be conducted for all children before they start the first grade and each year afterward. The eyes change rapidly as kids grow, and any interference with normal development could result in a visual change that could impact their ability to learn. What’s Involved in a Comprehensive Eye Exam During an annual comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist will ask for both a family and patient health history, and thoroughly check overall eye health through a variety of tests designed to provide a precise evaluation. In addition, your optometrist will evaluate the following vital eye functionality that every child requires to succeed in the classroom, on the sports field or court, and beyond: • Visual acuity: This indicates how well someone is seeing―both close-up and at a distance. • Refraction: Determines whether there is farsightedness, nearsightedness or astigmatism. • Depth perception: This ability enables us to determine how close or far away objects are, and is critical in learning, sports, driving and in occupations such as police, firefighters, pilots and lifeguards. • Peripheral vision: So that we can detect objects that surround us without turning our heads, we need good peripheral vision while our eyes are facing forward. • Color vision and perception: If a child can’t discern colors, they may have challenges in the classroom, including comprehending color-coded charts or other educational materials. • Focusing skills: Your eye doctor will determine if your child’s eyes can change focus quickly and effectively. This is a critical skill for students in the classroom—for example, whether they can look across the room at the teacher and then down at their book on the desk in front of them and focus rapidly in both situations. • Eye teaming skills: Are your child’s eyes working well together and providing the brain with the information needed to learn? It’s critical for skills that include reading words across the page and comprehending their meaning. Is it time to schedule your or your child’s annual comprehensive eye exam? Call us today! --- ## 7 Serious Health Issues An Eye Exam Can Detect URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/7-serious-health-issues-an-eye-exam-can-detect/ The eyes are sometimes called the windows to the soul. That may be true, but for health purposes, they’re also a window that provides a clearer view of your total body health. Did you know that your optometrist can detect 20 or more health conditions that may be in the early stages and not yet detectable by other routine tests during a regular comprehensive eye exam? Because of their delicate structures, including nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues, the eyes can show signs of many significant health risks in the early stages. That can be critically important to patients, because catching diseases early is often the key to preventing severe outcomes. When you visit your optometrist for your annual eye exam, he or she will carefully examine your eyes for telltale signs of disease that may be impacting other areas of the body. Serious health issues an optometrist can detect include: 1. 2. 1. The tiny blood vessels that supply your retina can be a telltale sign of diabetes—often before other symptoms have led to a formal diagnosis of the disease. These blood vessels can leak blood into the retina, which your optometrist can see during a dilated examination. With early detection, it’s possible to stabilize blood sugar levels and avoid loss of vision and other serious complications of the disease. In 2017, optometrists diagnosed more than 400,000 patients with diabetic retinopathy in people who hadn’t yet been diagnosed with diabetes. 3. 2. High Blood Pressure. Once again, the blood vessels of the eye are often the sign that alerts patients to this potentially life-threatening condition. Elevated blood pressure leads to specific changes to the eye’s blood vessels and leaks in the back of the eye, which tell your optometrist that you may be suffering from high blood pressure. By getting your blood pressure under control, you can reduce the risk for related conditions, including cardiovascular damage and other eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. 4. 3. Thyroid disease. If the eyeballs are bulging or protruding from eyelids that seem to be retracting, your optometrist will suspect an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), which is often caused by Grave’s Disease . This condition affects the tissues and muscles around the eye and symptoms may also include blurry vision, vision loss or dry eyes. 5. 4. Rheumatoid Arthritis. Patients who present with red eyes and severe pain may be exhibiting signs of RA – rheumatoid arthritis. Pain and redness are symptoms of scleritis, a painful inflammatory condition of the sclera, the white part of your eye. RA patients often also suffer from dry eye and are typically between the ages of 40 and 70. 6. 5. Brain tumors. When a brain tumor forms and causes swelling and increased pressure in the brain, your optometrist can see its impact in the back of your eye. There may also be pressure on the optic nerve that your eye doctor can detect. As a patient, you may notice double vision, loss of peripheral vision, or a change to your pupil size, sometimes on just one side. 7. 6. High cholesterol. Cholesterol is a naturally occurring waxy substance found in the blood. But too much of it can be a bad thing, especially when it attaches to the inside of blood vessels and blocks proper blood flow through your arteries. That’s when it can lead to heart disease and stroke. Your optometrist can catch the early signs of high cholesterol in two ways: • 8. 7. In patients under 40, one sign of high cholesterol is a blue or yellow ring around the cornea. • 9. 8. In all patients, cholesterol deposits in the retina’s blood vessels can indicate high levels of cholesterol throughout a patient’s body. 1. A comprehensive eye exam can detect multiple types of cancer that may be lurking in a patient. The most common skin cancers – basal cell, squamous cell, or melanoma—may be present on the outer surfaces of the eye or the eyelids. In addition, lymphoma or leukemia can cause changes in the interior of the eye. Breast cancer and other bodily cancers can metastasize and spread to the eye and its structures. With so many potentially life-threatening diseases showing early signs in the structures of the eye, an annual comprehensive eye exam can help detect disease early. This empowers you to take action to prevent further complications that could significantly impact your quality of life. Your optometrist cares for not only your vision health, but also your total body health. Have you scheduled your annual eye exam yet? --- ## Your Optometrist: On the First Line of Defense Against Diabetes URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/your-optometrist-on-the-first-line-of-defense-against-diabetes/ November is American Diabetes Month, an appropriate time to raise awareness of this epidemic that impacts 34 million children and adults in the United States. What is diabetes? Diabetes is a group of diseases that result from blood sugar being too high because of problems involving insulin, the hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. • In Type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar. This type of diabetes is genetic and is often diagnosed in childhood or young adulthood. • Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body either becomes insulin resistant, or the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin to satisfy the body’s needs. The exact reason why this happens isn’t known, but it’s likely involved with genetic and lifestyle factors, such as being inactive and overweight. In the United States, an estimated  12 to 14% of people have diabetes. In 2017, the financial burden of this disease was more than $400 billion. The American Optometric Association (AOA) reports that in 2018,  optometrists diagnosed over 301,000 patients who were experiencing diabetes-related eye problems but were not yet aware that they were prediabetic or were experiencing diabetes. "Doctors of optometry are often the first health care provider to examine people with undiagnosed diabetes,” says optometrist and AOA President Barbara L. Horn. "Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in this country and, as America's eye doctors, we can make an impact on the lives of millions of Americans who have the disease." The three main types of diabetes include: 1. Type 1 Diabetes – About 6% of total diabetes cases, in which the body’s immune system damages the pancreatic cells that produce insulin, resulting in a person being entirely dependent on insulin injections. 2. Type 2 Diabetes – About 91% of total diabetes cases, in which the body can’t produce a high enough level of insulin, or can’t use the insulin it produces effectively. This is the most common form of diabetes and is increasing. 3. Gestational Diabetes – Often diagnosed in the second or third trimester of a woman’s pregnancy, this onset of glucose intolerance is likely due to pregnancy hormones or a shortage of insulin production in the body. Patients with diabetes are at a higher risk for developing specific eye diseases and suffering from a partial or full loss of eyesight because of them. These diseases include diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes, there are specific steps you can take to save your vision and reduce the risk for developing diabetic eye disease. Early treatment and careful control over your blood sugar levels are essential. What is Diabetic Retinopathy? Diabetic retinopathy is a common eye disease in patients with diabetes. The high blood sugar levels of diabetes cause damage to the tiny, delicate blood vessels that supply the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye called the retina. When they’re damaged, these blood vessels can become swollen and leak. Sometimes they close off completely, which prevents blood from getting through. In advanced cases, the body starts growing abnormal new blood vessels in the area of the retina. All of these situations can result in an increasing loss of vision. Once the retina is damaged, that damage is permanent and cannot be reversed. That’s why prevention is the key to preserving your vision. What’s the best defense against diabetic eye disease? The best way to prevent further damage to your eyesight from diabetes is through early detection and treatment. Your optometrist is trained to detect the early signs of diabetes that often show up in the tiny blood vessels of your eye before you even notice any other symptoms. Optometrists detect diabetic eye problems in hundreds of thousands of patients each year who didn’t know they were experiencing the disease. Call to schedule your annual comprehensive eye exam with us today! --- ## Eat Your Way To Better Eye Health URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/eat-your-way-to-better-eye-health/ As your parents always told you: You are what you eat. Science and research studies continue to confirm the fact that with every single bite or sip you put into your body, you’re either feeding or fighting disease. For example, we know that whole foods, fruits, and vegetables are very good for the body while highly processed “junk foods” with additives and high sugar content are not. Scientific research can even tell us which specific nutrients and vitamins support good eye health. This information becomes more and more important to focus on as the birthdays pile up and age becomes a factor in eye health through risk for conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. No matter your age, one way to empower yourself in fighting diseases of the eye is to add the potent vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your diet that are shown to help improve visual acuity and support overall eye health. The vision-friendly powerhouse nutrients—which include zeaxanthin, lutein, vitamins C and E, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc—have even been shown to reduce your risk for developing some specific eye diseases, including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. So when planning your next meal or snack, consider how every bite you take either feeds or fights disease. And aim to choose foods that line up on the “fight disease” side of the equation. For your eyes, these foods include green leafy vegetables, other colorful vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts, and cold-water fish, including salmon and tuna. Here are more specifics on these eye-supporting nutrients and how to incorporate more of them into your diet: #### Zeaxanthin and Lutein Studies show that high levels of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin (which give the orange and green color to veggies such as carrots and spinach) can reduce your risk for developing specific chronic eye diseases, including cataracts and macular degeneration. People who eat a lot of spinach, kale, pumpkin, and Brussels sprouts get high levels of these two nutrients, which have been shown to lower a person’s risk of developing new cataracts. According to My Food Data , the foods highest in lutein and zeaxanthin are: dark leafy green vegetables (spinach), green peas, summer squash, pumpkin, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, Romaine lettuce, carrots, and pistachios. Yum! #### Vitamin C High levels of vitamin C in the eye’s lens are shown to protect the eye from oxidative damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays, a known cause of cataracts. There is evidence to suggest that vitamin C may work to slow the development of cataracts and even lower the risk of developing cataracts. Additionally, when consumed along with other protective essential nutrients such as zeaxanthin and lutein, vitamin C may slow the visual acuity loss associated with age-related macular degeneration. According to Medical News Today , the foods highest in vitamin C include guava, sweet yellow or green peppers, tomato or orange juice, strawberries, papaya, broccoli and pineapple. #### Vitamin E Vitamin E is a protective resource for your eyes, fighting free radicals—the unstable molecules that piggyback their way into our bodies through pollution and toxins to break down and damage healthy tissue. According to My Food Data , the best food sources of vitamin E include sunflower seeds, almonds, avocados, spinach, kiwifruit, butternut squash, olive oil, and shrimp. #### Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for eye health, promoting proper visual development and good retinal function. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids may support a reduced risk of developing high eye pressure associated with glaucoma, and may provide relief of dry eye symptoms. Get more omega-3 fatty acids in your diet by consuming oily, cold-water fish, which includes salmon, anchovies, mackerel, tuna, sardines, and oysters. Not a seafood fan? Good news: nuts and seeds including walnuts, flaxseed, and chia seeds can also provide you with ample omega-3s. #### Zinc Zinc is a key element of good eye health because it plays a role in transporting vitamin A from the liver to your retina so that the eyes can produce melanin. Melanin is a pigment in the eyes that helps protect them from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays. Without enough zinc in your diet, your night vision may suffer, and you may have a higher risk for developing cataracts. According to Healthline , excellent sources of dietary zinc include meat, shellfish, legumes, nuts, seeds, dairy, eggs, and even dark chocolate! Who knew fighting eye disease and protecting your vision with smart food choices could make such a delicious, colorful plate? Whether you eat a rainbow of healthy foods or not, one critical factor in protecting your eye health is your annual comprehensive eye exam. Call us today to schedule yours—and please be sure to share with us how your eating habits are supporting good eye health! --- ## 25 Eye-mazing Eye Facts URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/25-eye-mazing-eye-facts/ The human eye is a fascinating organ, second in complexity only to your brain. That’s why you can see clearly in both the bright, mid-day sunlight and also when you’re awakened suddenly from a deep sleep late at night. Without thinking about how you do it, your eyes focus immediately to show you what’s going on under every imaginable scenario. They’re truly “eye-mazing!” Your eyes are able to focus in high resolution at an incredible range of distances — from mere inches before your face to miles across open water. And they can (and do!) respond incredibly quickly to keep you informed about what’s happening in your surroundings: From the instant a moving object enters your field of vision, it only takes 200 milliseconds for your eyes to perceive it and relay that information to the brain. Wow! Here are 25 “eye-mazing” facts about your eyes: 1. Your eyes are the fastest muscle in the human body—able to adjust and perceive visual changes “in the blink of an eye.” 2. Though newborn babies cry, they can’t actually produce tears until around 6 weeks of age. 3. Approximately half of your brain is dedicated to the task of seeing and vision. 4. You can blink up to five times in a single second! 5. In an average year, you likely blink more than 5 million times (that’s about 17 blinks per minute). 6. Blue eyes look blue because they have less melanin than brown eyes, allowing collagen—which appears blue—to show through. 7. Your eyes are a biological supercomputer, able to perceive and process around 36,000 bits of information each hour. 8. Under the right nighttime conditions, your eyes can perceive the light from a single candle flame up to 14 miles away. 9. It is estimated that up to 80% of human memory is determined by what we’ve seen. 10. Human babies are born color-blind, and color perception begins to develop within about a week. At 6 months of age, a baby can see every color an adult can. 11. Most color-blind adults are male: 1 out of 12 men are color-blind, but only 1 out of 255 women are. 12. The human eye can detect up to 500 different shades of the color gray. 13. A healthy, normal human eye can perceive more than 10 million different colors. 14. A rare 2% of women with a specific genetic mutation of one extra retinal cone allows them to perceive more than 100 million colors. This condition is called tetrachromacy. 15. If a person is born with the ability to see and then goes blind, that person can still “see” their dreams. 16. Human eyelashes have a lifecycle of about 5 months. 17. The purpose of eyelashes is to keep dirt, sand, and other airborne debris from entering and damaging your eyes. 18. One of the most common eye injuries is poking yourself in the eyeball with your mascara wand. (Ouch! Stop doing that.) 19. Eyebrows have an important function: To keep sweat droplets from dripping into your eyes. And yes, they look great perched up there above your eyes, too. 20. Your eyes automatically close to protect you from what your brain perceives to be a danger—think of the last time somebody tossed something to you unexpectedly! 21. When reading on computer, tablet or phone screens, the human eye tends to blink less (which can result in tired, dry eyes). 22. Fewer than 1% of the population have a condition called heterochromia, where their eyes are two different colors. Mila Kunis is one of them. 23. Your eyes have about 7 million “cones” – the cells that enable you to perceive color and detail. 24. Your eyes also contain about 120 million “rods” – light-sensing cells that enable you to see in the dark. For comparison, cats have 6 to 8 times as many rods as humans do, giving them far superior night vision! 25. While your ears and nose continue to grow larger throughout your lifetime, your eyes remain the same size they were at birth. That’s why a baby’s eyes seem so adorably large. Your eyes are truly amazing, aren’t they? We celebrate your eyes every day, and want to help support your vision for a lifetime of seeing your best. Help us help you take great care of your eyes by scheduling your annual comprehensive eye appointment today! --- ## 6 Must-Have Qualities For Kids’ Sunglasses URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/6-must-have-qualities-for-kids-sunglasses/ What’s cuter than a toddler in sunglasses? Not much! But does your toddler really need sunglasses? And if so, how can you get him to wear them consistently? Do toddlers need sunglasses? The answer is yes! Your toddler’s developing eyes will benefit from wearing sunglasses.  In addition to looking great, sunglasses provide a significant health benefit to every wearer by protecting their eyes from the harmful ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) of the sun. These rays rain down on us every day—365 days a year, whether it’s sunny, cloudy, or rainy. And a child’s eyes are much more susceptible to damage from UV rays because their pupils don’t constrict as tightly as adult pupils do. That means more UV rays are absorbed by your child’s eyes, increasing their risk of developing complications from long-term sun exposure later in life such as cataracts, skin cancer, and macular degeneration. From the time your child is 6 months old, they can wear sunglasses. (Before age 6 months, parents should protect their newborn’s eyes and skin from the sun with hats and sun shades.) Here are 6 must-have qualities to look for in kids’ sunglasses: 1. Lenses that block 99% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. This is the top priority for kids’ sunglasses, so don’t compromise on it. You get what you pay for: Those cheap sunglasses at the dollar store are not regulated and may or may not offer UV protection. (Even if they have a little oval sticker on them that says they do.) To be certain you’re giving your child the best possible sun protection, buy high-quality sunglasses from a source you can trust. 2. Scratch-resistant plastic lenses are best. You think adults are hard on sunglasses? Kids take it to the next level. Dropping them on the playground, at the beach, or in your backyard is an everyday occurrence for kids. Plastic, scratch-resistant lenses will go a long way toward maximizing their useful life. 3. Look for lenses that block 75-85% of incoming light. You don’t want super-dark lenses that block too much light, or your child won’t be able to see well enough, but you want the lenses to protect their eyes sufficiently. 4. Check kids’ sunglass lenses for uniform tint. While ombre lens styles may be in fashion, a uniform tint on sunglass lenses offers the most sun protection. 5. Opt for gray-colored lenses. Gray lenses are the standard in sunglasses because they distort colors the least. Gray lenses allow your kids to see the natural color of their surroundings safely. Though there are red, yellow and blue sunglass lenses available, go gray for kids! 6. Beware poor optical quality. Once again, bargain sunglasses probably aren’t a bargain when you consider their quality. Bargain sunnies sometimes have poor optical quality in the lenses that blur or distort vision. Our optician will help you select the best pair of sunglasses for your child that will both look cute and function properly to protect their precious vision! Another important factor in kids’ sunglasses is that they like them and will want to wear them. In our next blog post, we’ll discuss ways to help your toddler become an early adopter of wearing her sunglasses—a healthy habit that will serve her well throughout her life! We look forward to seeing you and your child in our optical department so we can help you find the perfect pair of sassy sunnies for your child! --- ## How to Get Kids To Wear Sunglasses URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/how-to-get-kids-to-wear-sunglasses/ As a parent, you want to do everything in your power to protect your kids and give them the best possible opportunity to thrive and enjoy a healthy, happy life. It’s a tough job—overwhelming at times—but one that provides life’s greatest rewards. You’ve already done a great job by bringing your child to the optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam! Nicely done. When your eye doctor recommends that your child wear sunglasses to protect their growing eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation, you start thinking, “How am I going to get them to wear sunglasses?” You’re smart to think about it and take steps to encourage them. We can help: Here are 5 ways to get your kids to wear their sunglasses every day: 1. Find a pair that fits. And it needs to fit well! Our selection of high-quality plastic kids frames are sturdy and made to stay on active kids’ faces to protect their eyes during outside play time. Our optician will help you by making sure the pint-sized sunnies fit your child’s face and will stay on her head even when she’s turning cartwheels or jumping around on the playground. 2. Let kids choose their frames. This is a big one. If they choose it, they’ll (hopefully!) use it. Yes, you can “guide” their choice by picking a few pairs you like and letting them make the final selection. (And definitely let them choose a colorful case to protect their sunnies when not in use.) If your child selects a bright, festive purple pair of sunglass frames, and loves them so much they’ll wear them, why not? It’s a wise investment in your child’s lifelong eye health. Go for it! 3. Set a strong example. You’ve seen how your mini-me copies your every move—whether it’s a habit you want them to mirror back to you or not. (Right!?) Kids have an innate tendency kids to copy parental behaviors. Use that to your advantage by modeling a healthy habit: Wear your sunglasses whenever you go outside, summer or winter, cloudy or sunny. The sun’s harmful UV rays are present in our atmosphere 365 days a year, so wear your sunglasses every time you leave the house, and then smile as you watch your child develop a lifelong, healthy habit effortlessly. 4. Get attached. Who among us hasn’t misplaced a pair of sunglasses in our own house, car, or handbag!? A simple solution for kids is to attach the sunglasses to their heads with a headband or sunglass strap that will keep them in place throughout rambunctious, active days of play. A benefit of sunglass straps is that they keep sunglasses from falling into dirt or sand where the lenses can get scratched. (Also, we highly recommend scratch-resistant coatings on all sunglass lenses—both for kids and adult sunglasses!) 5. Bring a hat, just in case. We all know the terrible twos are a thing. Sometimes your child is just not going to wear his adorable sunglasses no matter what you do. It’ s a smart parenting tactic to have a backup plan: You can also protect their eyes from bright sunshine with a wide-brimmed hat on days when they’re just not going to cooperate. If you’re having trouble getting your toddler to wear their sunglasses despite deploying all of these strategies, don’t despair! Be patient. Choose your timing wisely, but be consistent. Gently but firmly remind your adorable child that sunglasses are the coolest accessory and are both good-looking and good for you! Need help choosing sunglasses for your baby, toddler, or school-aged child? We’ve got a great selection of kids’ sunglasses in our optical department and our staff will help you choose the right pair of sunglasses for you and your child. Summer vacation is right around the corner, so don’t delay. We can’t wait to see you soon! --- ## 4 Reasons You Need Multiple Pairs of Sunglasses URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/4-reasons-you-need-multiple-pairs-of-sunglasses/ Hooray: It’s sunglasses season! While the educated patients who read this optometric blog know that you should wear your sunglasses 365 days a year, every time you go outside, whether it’s cloudy or sunny (to protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays)—we can’t help but admit that May, June, July, and August do feel more like sunglasses season than the other months. That being said, how many pairs of sunglasses do you own? Chances are, it’s more than one. If you’re like many of our patients, you have several pair, typically somewhere between three and six pairs, to be exact. But, why do we all need—or maybe we just want—multiple pairs of sunglasses? Here are 4 reasons to have more than one pair of sunglasses at your disposal this summer, and all year through: 1. A pair for every job or circumstance. With summer on the horizon, you likely have activities planned that range from working outside in your garden, walking the dog, playing with the kids, or maybe even hiking, rock climbing, or boating. Throw in an outdoor wedding, party, or music festival while you’re planning. While our optical department has a vast array of sunglass frames, lenses, and lens coatings to choose from, we understand how it could be challenging to select a single pair to fit all of those circumstances. So don’t limit yourself. Find a pair or two that are ideal for your favorite outdoor activities—maybe it’s a wrap-around style that protects your peripheral vision, an extra-large pair for an air of mystery, or a sleek, fashionable pair for social engagements. The sky’s the limit! 2. Make a fashion statement. During the pandemic, you may have slipped into the habit of wearing soft pants, bare feet, and going an extra day without washing your hair. But despite all of that, you still want to look good when you go out, right? A pair of sunglasses is the quintessential summer fashion statement. They always fit, no matter how many desserts you ate last week, and they look great with a variety of outfits. Maybe you want both a dressy pair for summer social engagements and a casual pair for days by the pool or on the beach. Variety is the spice of life – and our optical department can help you find several pairs to complement your features and your lifestyle. We’ll help keep you looking, seeing, and feeling great! 3. Because they get lost. One of our patients says that when she gets to heaven, she hopes she’ll learn the truth about what happened to all of the lost umbrellas, socks, and—yes—sunglasses that she misplaced over her lifetime. What happens to all of those “lost” sunnies? Are they somewhere under a car seat? In the “lost and found” at an outdoor restaurant or amusement park? Did someone swipe them while you weren’t looking? Did you drop them in the lake and watch them sink, never to be seen again? (An inexpensive floating sunglasses strap can prevent that!) Whatever the cause behind the heartache and headache of losing your favorite pair, it’s a good reason to have at least one backup pair. And, never wear your best sunglasses in high-risk environments. We’re talking to you, rollercoaster fans! 4. To see your best. Maybe you’ve reached the magical age where you realize first-hand why people over 40 wear glasses more often than those under that age. (It’s called presbyopia. If you don’t know about it yet, you’ll experience it soon enough!) Or you’ve recently had a LASIK or cataract procedure and find that your eyes are more sensitive to sunlight as a result. Or perhaps you’ve just experienced the velvety vision polarized sunglasses provide in the white-hot sun of mid-day. Whatever the reason, sunglasses help you see your best in bright conditions. And it’s the brightest time of the year: In late May and June, we have about 5 more hours of sunlight than we do in December. With sunnier days ahead, you won’t regret buying an extra pair of prescription or non-prescription sunglasses this summer. To keep you seeing your best, visit our optical department and find a pair (or two!) of new sunglasses to celebrate sunglasses season in style! --- ## 8 Do’s and Don’ts for Cleaning Sunglasses URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/8-dos-and-donts-for-cleaning-sunglasses/ It’s sunglasses season! In our optometric practice, it’s always sunglasses season. That’s because we recommend everyone wear their sunglasses 365 days a year, rain or shine. Doing so will protect your eyes from the damaging UV rays of the sun that are present in Earth’s atmosphere daily. But when you put those sunglasses on, is something keeping you from the clean, crisp vision you experienced when you picked those gorgeous sunnies up from our optical department? We’re talking about that greasy, oily film and smudges on your lenses. How does it get there, and how can you remove it safely without damaging your sunglasses? Sunscreen, make-up, hair products, dust, dirt, pollen—a sunglass lens has a lot of enemies! Have you ever dropped yours in the sand? Yikes, that’s always a panic-inducing moment. There’s a human tendency to wipe soiled sunglass lenses on the hem of your shirt, but that’s one of the worst things you can do for the longevity of your lenses. Not only might your shirt have dust or dirt on it when you start trying to rub away those smudges, but the lenses themselves clearly have dirt on them, which can scratch and further smudge glasses. So what’s the best way to clean sunglass lenses so you can see crisply and clearly? Here are 8 Do’s and Don’ts for cleaning sunglasses (and all optical lenses) correctly: 1. DO: Avoid paper products and shirt hems: Paper products, tissues, and napkins are, in their essence, wood pulp. Not only is wood pulp highly abrasive, but many paper products generate dust and leave it on your lenses. Shirt hems are equally problematic, since they’ve been exposed to dust, pollen, and other environmental debris. 2. DO: Use some form of liquid to clean lenses (versus a dry cloth). Even if you have a clean, dry microfiber cloth at your disposal, you need some sort of liquid—either a lens cleaning spray or water—to clean them properly. And no, breathing on lenses up-close to form condensation on the lenses isn’t enough moisture to clean them properly. 3. DO: Rinse glasses in clean, warm water. This is especially critical if you’ve dropped your sunglasses into the dirt, sand, or other debris. Rubbing the sand off them will scratch your lenses and their delicate coatings. If they’re extremely dirty, hold sunglasses under running water to remove the dirt or sand, then fill a clean bowl with water and add a drop or two of mild dishwashing liquid. Dunk the sunglasses several times to remove debris, and gently massage the lenses between your fingers with soapy water until the smudges are gone. Dry them with a clean, microfiber cloth. 4. DON’T start with the lenses. As you start cleaning your glasses, focus on the frame first. That’s where oils, dirt, make-up and sunscreen congregate: On nose rests and any other parts of the frame that touch your face. Tackle these areas first before moving on to the lenses, and you’ve got a better chance to avoid smearing sunscreen and make-up all over the lenses. 5. DO: Stock moistened lens wipes in your beach bag, car, or purse. Since you won’t find a bowl of water at most beaches, parks, or playgrounds (though do look around for a water fountain), use a pre-moistened lens wipe or specially formulated lens cleaner to clean lenses on the go. 6. DON’T get lenses salty. Saltwater is a sunglass lens enemy because its caustic, abrasive quality can scratch lenses. In addition to avoiding saltwater on your lenses, avoid lemon or lime-scented dish soaps to wash lenses. Citric acid in dishwashing soaps contains salt, and in any form, salt can damage your lenses and their coatings. 7. DON’T use vinegar, bleach, or ammonia on lenses. Vinegar, bleach and ammonia are go-to household cleaners, but their powerful cleaning properties can strip away delicate lens coatings. Window and glass cleaners also contain harsh properties that can damage your lenses. In addition, the residue or fumes from these cleaners can irritate the delicate tissues of your eyes. 8. DO: Clean proactively. While we’ve all been lazy and worn truly grimy lenses that haven’t been cleaned in several days, it’s best to clean sunglasses (and all glasses) proactively on a regular basis. Daily cleaning will prevent serious build-up and keep your sunnies looking good. Either in the morning before you leave the house or before bed each evening, dunk glasses in a bowl of water or under running water and clean them with mild soap and your fingers, drying them with a microfiber cloth. And, don’t forget to wash those microfiber cloths each week. Now that you know how to keep your sunglasses clean and scratch-free, visit us to find a new pair that suits your style and mood this summer! We look forward to helping you find the perfect pair to frame your face and protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays. --- ## 8 Facts About Cataracts URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/8-facts-about-cataracts/ June is Cataract Awareness Month, an ideal time to share information about one of the most common vision problems people experience as they age: the formation of cataracts. A cataract is a clouding or yellowing of the eye’s natural lens, which typically occurs in people over age 40, with those over age 60 having the majority of operable cataracts. Around half of all Americans will develop at least one cataract by age 75. In addition, cataracts can form in newborns due to complications in pregnant moms, such as diseases like chickenpox and measles. If you or someone you love suffers from cataracts, don’t despair. While their vision with cataracts will be greatly reduced, the condition is treatable with a common eye procedure that boasts a high 95– 98% success rate. Cataracts, which are a cause of blindness when uncorrected, are one of the most easily treatable vision-impacting eye conditions. Here are 8 facts about cataracts and cataract correction: 1. It’s an increasingly common procedure . An estimated 3 to 4 million cataract correction procedures are performed each year in the U.S., with up to 28 million performed annually worldwide. Since 1995, 500 million cataract surgeries have been performed globally. With the aging of our population and longer lifespans, within the next 24 years, that number should double to 8 million cataract procedures in the U.S. per year. 2. An artificial lens replaces the eye’s clouded natural lens. Because the eye’s natural lens grows thick, cloudy and yellow with time, cataracts can’t be separated from the eye’s lens. The best way to correct the problem is by replacing the entire lens. The cataract procedure involves removal of the eye’s clouded lens and the positioning of an implant called an intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL performs the role of your eye’s natural lens with excellent functionality, essentially becoming a part of your eye. 3. Vision improves significantly after cataract correction. Because the eye’s clouded lens—the reason your vision appears cloudy, blurry or yellow—is removed during the cataract procedure, you will see more clearly after healing from the procedure. Many patients share that driving at night was difficult before cataract correction, but they are able to resume night driving after healing. 4. Cataract correction is an outpatient procedure. Most cataract procedures are performed in an outpatient surgical center or hospital. The patient is able to go home (with someone driving them) the same day. The procedure itself is surprisingly short, taking less than 10 minutes per eye, though the pre-surgical process means you will likely be in the surgical center for several hours. 5. Cataract correction is performed one eye at a time. Most cataract surgeons opt to perform the procedure on one eye at a time, with at least a week between procedures. Typically, cataract correction starts on the eye with the most mature cataract and in the following weeks your surgeon will correct the other eye. 6. Cataract correction involves a small incision in your conjunctiva. Patients are comfortably sedated and won’t feel anything during the procedure. The surgeon makes a small incision to first remove the clouded, natural lens and then insert a folded IOL lens into the lens’ space to unfurl and take its place. The IOL implant will provide you with clear vision once again. 7. Your optometrist will help determine when you need cataract correction and recommend a qualified surgeon in your area. If you’re over age 50, there’s a chance that your optometrist has already identified the beginnings of a cataract forming in at least one of your eyes. Your optometrist will monitor the cataract and keep you informed about its growth. Depending on the position of the cataract, its rate of growth, and the resulting impact it has on your lifestyle, you and your optometrist will discuss the ideal timeframe to have cataract correction. Your optometrist can also provide your post-procedure exam to ensure the healing process is well underway and can answer any questions you may have about the healing timeline. 8. Recovery times vary by individual. While some patients report clearer vision in just a day or two after cataract correction, others take a week or more to enjoy the benefits of this life-changing procedure. In general, you can resume most household activities within a day or so but you shouldn’t exercise vigorously for a week or two. Your surgeon and your optometrist will answer specific questions you may have about resuming your lifestyle activities. While most healing occurs in the first two weeks, the cataract procedure takes about 10 weeks to heal fully. If you’ve noticed that your vision is clouded or blurry, if you see halos around lights, or if you have difficulty with night vision, contrast vision, or color vision, you may be experiencing the symptoms of cataracts. These symptoms can be eliminated with a cataract correction procedure. Call us today to make an appointment so you can discuss with your optometrist the options for a life-changing cataract correction procedure to regain your ability to see clearly. --- ## 7 Comments From Post-Procedure Cataract Patients URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/7-comments-from-post-procedure-cataract-patients/ In our practice, we see a lot of patients in their 60s, 70s, and 80s. Of the eye problems and diseases this age group faces—including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and other inoperable conditions—cataracts are the one eye condition that can be significantly improved. Cataract correction is a common procedure that restores the patient’s vision with minimal downtime. If you are a patient with cataracts, we are monitoring their progression. We will determine when it’s the right time for you to schedule your cataract correction procedure. Meanwhile, you are probably noticing changes in your vision. The vision becomes blurred, clouded, and yellowed. You may see halos around lights at night and feel uncomfortable driving at night due to reduced vision. When these vision changes impact your lifestyle, it’s time for us to discuss when you should schedule your cataract correction. The procedure has a remarkable 95–98% success rate, and most of the patients we see post-procedure are very happy with the results. Here are a few of the comments patients make after they’ve had the benefit of cataract correction: 1. I wish I’d done it sooner. Because of advances in medical technology, it’s no longer critical for a cataract to achieve “maturity” before cataract correction. When you notice the vision impairment that cataracts cause and are ready to have your cataracts corrected, discuss it with your optometrist. Don’t wait any longer than you have to before enjoying clear vision again. 1. It was blurry for a day or two, but now I can see every leaf on the trees! Healing time varies for each individual patient, but most notice a significant difference within a couple of days. And, vision continues to improve over the days and weeks as they heal after cataract correction. Cataracts form slowly, often over multiple years. Because of this, vision is impaired slowly and incrementally as cataracts develop. Most people don’t notice the changes in their vision until it becomes a problem. However, when that clouded lens is replaced with a clear lens, the difference in vision quality is striking. One patient told us, “I didn’t even notice that I couldn’t see the individual leaves on the trees anymore—until after my procedure when I could see every individual leaf again. It’s amazing!” 1. I feel like a kid seeing things for the first time again. Another patient compared his experience to being a kid again: “The year after my cataract correction, it felt like everything I did was another ‘first’ in my life: The first time I saw the ocean and beach through clear eyes again. The first time I looked into my grandchild’s eyes. The first time I played golf and could see the ball land (not where I wanted it to go, but at least I could see it!).” 1. Colors look bright and vibrant again. When the natural lens in your eye becomes clouded and yellowed, it impacts your color vision and contrast vision. Colors begin to take on a yellowish tint, so that white looks like cream and red seems to be maroon. When that yellow veil is removed and replaced with a clear lens, color vision returns. As one patient explained, “We have a white and red striped sofa, which for years looked cream and maroon to me. After my cataract correction, it looked like we had cleaned the white stripes of that sofa with bleach—it was bright white. Not cream. White! And the actual red color of the other stripe was so much lighter than the maroon I had been perceiving. It is incredible to see so many rich, vibrant colors again!” 1. I can drive at night! One of the first effects cataracts have on vision is a reduced ability to see well at night. Contrast vision is impaired, and the cataract diffuses the light entering the eye, making halos appear around streetlights and oncoming headlights. This often leads patients to stop driving at night out of safety concerns. However, after cataract correction, patients are delighted that they can see well at night and are comfortable driving in the dark again. 1. I feel like I’m getting a second chance at life. When you experience the effects of cataracts on vision, it can feel like your life is getting smaller. Maybe you can’t see to read as well as you once could. Maybe you can’t play tennis or golf. Maybe you can’t thread a needle or play games with your grandchild. But after your cataract correction procedure, you can do all of those things and more—with youthful vision restored, it’s as if you’ve been given a second chance at life. Enjoy every moment of it! 1. I’m telling all of my friends how great this is. Patients who are enjoying the benefits of clear vision after cataract correction want to shout it from the rooftops. The change in their vision—from dull and cloudy to sharp and clear—happens literally overnight. It’s so remarkable that they tell all of their friends how great it is. We often see pre-procedure cataract patients who tell us that a close friend or relative recently had a cataract correction procedure, and so they are curious whether that same procedure might restore their ability to see well. If the problem with their vision is caused by a cataract, the answer is likely, “Yes!” If you are experiencing cataract vision symptoms, including blurry, yellowed vision and difficulty seeing or driving at night, make an appointment to discuss your options for cataract correction with your optometrist. You may soon be one of our post-procedure patients sharing your positive experience with others and enjoying a second chance at seeing how beautiful life can be! --- ## Why It’s Smart To Protect Your Eyes From the Sun URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/why-its-smart-to-protect-your-eyes-from-the-sun/ It’s the dog days of summer! If it’s not hot enough for you in July, it never will be. July is National UV Safety Awareness Month. With more than 14 hours of sunlight each day, it’s a great opportunity to learn why you need to protect your eyes from the sun—and more specifically, from the sun’s damaging UV rays. What are UV rays? According to the American Cancer Society, “Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun and man-made sources like tanning beds and welding torches.” Notice we quoted the American Cancer Society for that definition. Why? Because one of the long-term results of accumulated sun exposure is a higher risk for developing cancer of the skin and of the eyes. There are three types of UV rays: 1. UV-C rays: These rays have more potentially damaging energy than UV-A or UV-B rays. Fortunately, that excess energy makes them react with ozone in the Earth’s upper atmosphere, where they are absorbed. They don’t typically reach Earth’s surface. 2. UV-B rays: These are the sunburn rays and the culprit behind skin cancer. With more energy than UV-A rays but less energy than UV-C, these rays can cause DNA damage to human cells. 3. UV-A rays: These are the wrinkle rays. They have the lowest energy of the three types of UV rays, but they can cause indirect damage to the DNA of your cells. UV-A rays are the main cause of photo-aging of the skin, and are a factor in developing skin cancer. UV and Your Eyes The sun’s intense UV rays are present in Earth’s atmosphere 365 days a year. And yes, they are much stronger in the spring and summertime because the sun reaches its highest angle in those months. It’s very common for family members and friends to remind each other to apply sunscreen to their skin when they go outside. Think about it: You wouldn’t let your toddler child or grandchild go outside in the sun without a coating of sunscreen. And if you saw that your brother’s shoulders were getting pink on a beach trip, you’d offer him some sunscreen. But have you ever watched those same loved ones go out in the sun without proper eye protection to protect them from eye damage caused by UV rays? While you may opt to wear sunglasses more often in the spring and summer months, we encourage you to wear them 12 months of the year, whenever you’re going outside. Eye damage from UV rays is cumulative, meaning the UV your eyes absorbed 10 years ago when you lost your sunglasses on a beach vacation can be a factor in your eye health today. But there’s an easy solution: Wear your sunglasses when you go outside. Every time. When you walk the dog, or check the mail, or walk from the parking lot into work. Even while driving. And remind your friends and loved ones to wear their sunglasses to help them protect their precious eye health. 4 Common Sun-Related Eye Conditions 1. Sunburn Sunburn is a familiar result of too much UV ray exposure for most of us. If you’ve never experienced the pain and burning of a sunburn, you are fortunate indeed. Though you’ve likely experienced sunburned skin, what about sunburned eyes? It’s a condition called photokeratitis, and similar to sunburn of the skin, it’s uncomfortable. Symptoms include watery eyes, red or itchy eyes, and light sensitivity. Wear sunglasses to avoid this painful situation. 2. Pterygium A condition called “Surfer’s Eye,” pterygium is a fleshy tissue growth that originates on the conjunctiva (whites of the eye) and can grow onto the cornea, which impacts and distorts vision. Pterygium can be removed with surgery, but the growth often returns after its removal. 3. Cataracts A cataract is the clouding of the natural lens of the eye. When the lens clouds and becomes thick, it is difficult to see through it—sort of like a smeared, dirty car windshield limits your visibility. Though cataracts develop with age, accumulated lifelong sun exposure can hasten the condition and cause it to develop at a younger age. Cataracts require surgical treatment. 4. Macular Degeneration The eye’s macula is a tiny but mighty area in the back of your eye. Just 5mm in size (slightly more than 3/16 inch), the macula drives your central, detailed vision that allows you to read, recognize faces, perform up-close work, and view screens. When the macula begins to break down, it’s called macular degeneration— a slow, progressive, degenerative disease. It may start with blurred vision, but can progress into a total loss of central vision. It can be a devastating disease when it progresses that far, and it can’t be repaired with surgery. Protecting your eyes from UV rays can help to lower your risk of developing macular degeneration. This summer, start a healthy trend in your family and friend group and encourage each other to wear high-quality, UV-blocking sunglasses every time you go outside. Your long-term vision and eye health are at stake. And only you hold the power to protect yourself. If you need a new pair of high-quality sunglasses, our optical team will be happy to assist you in finding a pair that both looks great and protects your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. We look forward to seeing you in our offices soon. Call us today! --- ## 9 Ways To Protect Eyes from UV Damage URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/9-ways-to-protect-eyes-from-uv-damage/ As we continue observing National UV Safety Month throughout July, we want to offer smart strategies to help you minimize the exposure your eyes have to harmful UV rays. Minimizing UV ray exposure can help maintain your healthy vision for as long as possible. UV ray exposure can cause painful short-term damage to your eyes in the form of sunburn. However, UV’s long-term, cumulative effects—cataracts, pterygium and macular degeneration—can dramatically impact your ability to see clearly and enjoy healthy vision in the long term. Here are 9 tips to protect your eyes and safeguard your healthy vision, 1. Wear sunglasses. The easy key to protecting your eyes from the sun? Wear sunglasses that are rated to block 100% of the sun’s UV rays. And wear them every day, even when it looks cloudy outside. Purchase your sunglasses from a reliable source, and double-check that they contain UV protection. 2. Don’t wear cheap sunglasses. It can be tempting to wear those $10 cheap sunglasses (and by all means, wear them as an accessory when you go out at night!). But with sunglasses, you get what you pay for. Though cheap sunglasses might have dark lenses that make you think they protect your eyes from absorbing UV radiation, those dark lenses may actually be worse for your eyes. If the lenses are dark enough to cause pupils to dilate but don’t feature UV protection in the lens, your eyes will absorb more UV light through your enlarged pupils. It’s not a risk worth taking. 3. Wear clear glasses that block UV. Did you know that the lenses of your clear prescription glasses can include a UV blocking layer or coating? Ask our optician about options that protect your eyes from UV rays without switching to sunglasses. 4. Wear UV-blocking contacts: Contact lenses that protect against UV rays are a great option for keeping your eyes sun-safe. Ask our optical team about the best UV-blocking contact lenses for your specific prescription. 5. Wear a hat. As an extra layer of protection, add a hat! A wide-brimmed, UPF-rated hat not only protects eyes from sun damage, it can also protect your face and neck from the sun’s wrinkle rays! 6. Protect children’s eyes. Your toddler’s and children’s eyes absorb more UV light than adult eyes, and UV eye damage accumulates over their lifetime. Did you know that 80% of UV exposure occurs before kids reach age 18? Get them some cute sunglasses and a sassy hat and help kids start the healthy habit of wearing sunglasses every time they go outside. 7. Practice smart sun strategies • 8. Time of day: Avoid the sun between 10 am – 2 pm when it is highest and UV radiation is strongest. • 9. Seasonality: You’re exposed to more intense UV in the spring and summer months. • 10. Latitude  (distance from the equator): The closer you get to the equator, the more intense UV exposure you’ll get. Further from the equator, UV exposure goes down. • 11. Altitude: The higher you go, the more UV radiation you’ll be exposed to. • 12. Cloud cover: Even on a cloudy day, the sun’s UV rays pass through and reach the ground. • 13. Surface reflection: UV rays bounce off of surfaces including water, pavement, sand, snow, concrete and even grass, which can increase your UV exposure. • 14. Medications: If you take diuretics, tranquilizers, birth control pills, antibiotics, antifungals or antihistamines, you may be more sensitive to UV radiation. 15. Avoid man-made sources of UV radiation • 16. Tanning beds, booths or lights: Though the light sources in these devices vary, most emit UV-A rays. Your risk increases with the number of times you use tanning beds and the length of time of each visit. • 17. UV Phototherapy: Some medical conditions respond well to UV treatment. Psoriasis is an example of a skin condition that can be treated with UV light. • 18. Black-light lamps: Black light bulbs give off mostly UV-A rays and have a characteristic purple glow that highlights glow-in-the-dark fluorescent materials. Bug-zapper insect lamps use a similar bulb that also emits UV rays (and the intense UV exposure certainly doesn’t end well for the insect!). • 19. Xenon-mercury and high-pressure xenon arc lamps, welding arcs, and plasma torches: Typically used in a workplace setting where proper eye protection is available, these lights are used for UV “curing” of coatings and inks, disinfection, and for simulating sunlight to test products. 20. Schedule an annual eye exam: Seeing your optometrist every year for a comprehensive, dilated eye exam is a smart strategy for long-term eye health. Your optometrist will identify any problems or conditions in their earliest stages to help you minimize the impact on your healthy vision. Call us today to schedule your—and your family’s—annual eye exam! --- ## Why Parents Must Prioritize Back-To-School Eye Exams For School-Age Kids URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/why-parents-must-prioritize-back-to-school-eye-exams-for-school-age-kids/ August is Vision and Learning Month in the U.S. The goal of observing this vital link between vision and how we learn serves to enhance awareness among both parents and educators about how often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed visual problems impact a student’s ability to learn. Did you know that in our country, there is an epidemic of undiagnosed eye and vision problems? One in five preschool-age children has an existing vision problem. This means that by the time they enter school, 20% of kids will need to wear corrective lenses—though unfortunately, not all will be diagnosed and treated. This can (and will!) significantly affect their ability to learn in the classroom, play sports, and observe their surroundings. Children with a vision impairment fall behind their peers quickly; once they’re behind, it can be difficult to catch back up. School Vision Screening Is Not a Comprehensive Eye Exam Falling behind in school can be the first problem in a domino effect that greatly impacts your child. According to the American Optometric Association , school vision screenings miss up to 75% of vision problems that impact learning. Sometimes the vison-related challenges a student has in school are misdiagnosed as behavioral problems, ADHD, dyslexia, or a learning disability. These labels can follow your child through their entire school career. But when diagnosed and treated early, vision challenges can be corrected and don’t become significant problems. That’s why it’s so critical to give your preschooler or school-aged child the advantage of a comprehensive eye exam. Your preschooler’s eyes develop rapidly during the first six years of life. This time period is critical for establishing good vision skills. Early childhood is a very vulnerable time period during which kids are susceptible to significant vision changes. It is a parenting best practice to make annual comprehensive eye exam appointments with the same urgency as dental care and medical vaccinations. Your child’s eyes account for up to 80% of the information they take in, and therefore 80% of what they are able to learn, both in school and in the world around them. Your optometrist will thoroughly examine your child’s eyes, visual ability, and eye teaming skills during their annual comprehensive eye exam to ensure your student has the best possible learning advantage in and out of the classroom. It’s More Than Visual Acuity that Impacts Learning Here’s the key takeaway for parents: Your child’s ability to learn is not just based on being able to read an eye chart. For example, if your child has one eye with 20/20 visual acuity, but the other eye is much weaker (maybe 20/100), your child will likely have challenges with eye teaming, eye tracking and possibly hand-eye coordination—visual skills necessary for reading, sports, and depth perception. Unfortunately, school eye screenings miss an overwhelming majority of significant eye and vision problems that can contribute to learning challenges in students. If you believe your child is incredibly bright but underperforms in school, an eye or vision problem could be the underlying reason. The solution? Call us today and schedule your student’s annual, comprehensive back-to-school eye exam. Your optometrist will evaluate both your student’s eye health in addition to their whole visual system, which includes learning-related vision problems. We’ll make sure your student has the visual skills he or she needs to learn their best this year! --- ## When—and Why—Your Child Needs A Comprehensive Eye Exam URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/when-and-why-your-child-needs-a-comprehensive-eye-exam/ Vision is one of the most precious of our five senses — its impact on our lives can’t be overstated. Up to 80% of the knowledge we learn and the information we perceive comes in through our eyes. That’s why protecting your vision—and the vision of your child—is so important to overall wellbeing. Early childhood is a time when the entire body grows and changes rapidly. In addition to their muscles and bones, your child’s eyes are growing and developing rapidly in their pre-school years. Depending on how the eyes grow and develop, your child could experience a vision problem. Early Diagnosis Is Key With Childhood Vision Problems Catching a vision problem early is a game-changer. Young eyes are very adaptable and respond incredibly well to treatment. For example, if a child is diagnosed with amblyopia—lazy eye, a condition in which one eye is weaker than the other—when they are 4 or 5 years old, the child will typically respond quickly to treatment within a few weeks as the weaker eye grows stronger. However, if the condition isn’t properly diagnosed until the late teen years or early adulthood, they can suffer from lifelong vision problems and never fully recover good vision in the weaker eye. Diagnosing and providing correction for a vision impairment at a young age gives your student the best possible opportunity to learn—in the classroom, on the playground, and on the sports field—at their optimal pace. Kids Won’t Mention Their Vision Problem One important note: Kids most likely won’t tell you if they are experiencing a vision issue. While there are many underlying reasons behind this (such as not wanting to wear glasses), the most significant reason may be that kids don’t know what good vision “looks like” if they don’t have it. Without years of life experience, kids only know how their own vision “looks” to them. And their individual vision—no matter how impaired—becomes their idea of “normal” vision. So your kids probably don’t realize they are experiencing a vision problem. And while pediatricians and school vision screenings attempt to catch visual impairments, they aren’t highly effective in doing so: School vision screenings miss up to 75% of visual problems that can impact your child’s ability to learn, according to the American Optometric Association . That’s why scheduling a back-to-school eye exam with your optometrist is so critical to your student’s overall development and ability to learn. An optometrist will check your child for a variety of visual skills and abilities, in addition to reading the eye chart. After determining whether a patient may have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, a comprehensive eye exam checks visual acuity, field of vision, peripheral vision, depth and color perception, hand-eye coordination, eye teaming and eye tracking skills, and the ability to focus the eyes. These are all visual skills your student needs to excel in school—and in life. When to Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exams So, when should your child have an eye exam? According to the American Optometric Association : • Age 6 to 12 months: Infants should have a baseline comprehensive eye exam between ages 6 and 12 months. This is a time period when eyes are most vulnerable to developmental challenges. • Age 3 to 5 years: Preschoolers should have at least one (but preferably two or more) in-person, comprehensive eye exams to diagnose any challenges or conditions that may have a long-term impact on their vision development. • Age 6 to 18 years: School-aged children need a comprehensive exam before they enter first grade and then each year thereafter. As your child grows, their eyes grow and change. It’s critical to see your optometrist yearly to catch any small changes that could progress into significant challenges if left untreated. Call us today to schedule your students’ back-to-school eye exams to ensure that your kids are seeing their best, have excellent eye teaming skills, and are in top form to learn their best this school year! --- ## 7 Ways College Students Can Protect Their Eye Health URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/7-ways-college-students-can-protect-their-eye-health/ Are you the parent of a college student or a new college student yourself? It’s a big responsibility! College days are full of excitement and learning. Sometimes you learn in a classroom, and sometimes you learn things from friends in a dorm or other social setting. But what you don’t want is to learn a lesson at the expense of your eye health. We see a lot of college students in our practice who suffer from eye issues or diseases that could be prevented by some good basic practices to maintain eye health. When you develop good eye health habits early in life, they will help you protect your precious sense of vision for decades to come. Here are 7 ways college students—and really, everyone—can protect their eye health. 1. Never Share Your Makeup It’s tempting to try the new eyeliner or mascara that a friend down the hall raves about, and she is happy to loan it to you. But don’t give in to temptation. While it seems like a friendly gesture and is surely intended that way, sharing makeup (or anything that touches your eye) is the most direct, easy way for viral infections such as pink eye to spread. You could also catch other viral or bacterial infections by sharing makeup. If you do develop an infection in your eye, stop wearing eye makeup until the infection clears and throw out your existing eye makeup and replace it with fresh, new cosmetics. 1. Watch Those Screens We mean watch them in the sense of being aware that excess screen time is the No. 1 cause of eye fatigue and digital eye strain! The human eye didn’t evolve to stare intently into a brightly lit screen for hours each day. When we stare at screens so intently, we tend to blink much less often than when not viewing a screen. Blinking serves the important purpose of lubricating your eye. Therefore, blinking less can cause dry eye, which means eyes get tired or itchy, and vision becomes blurry. So what can you do when you’re pulling an all-nighter studying? Practice the 20-20-20 rule. It’s easy to remember: Every 20 minutes (or so), look up and away from your screen, and focus on something about 20 feet away from you for at least 20 seconds—while blinking normally. This will help your eyes rest and reset. 1. Don’t Smoke New social situations can lead to new temptations for college students. Smoking is one to avoid at all costs. If you’re not a smoker, keep it that way. There’s a reason that so many smokers are trying to quit, and often say they wish they’d never smoked that first cigarette. Fact: It’s much easier to not start smoking than to quit smoking. Smoking is an evil antagonist to eye health. It can contribute to conditions that cause blindness as you age, including glaucoma and macular degeneration. Not to mention its negative impact on cardiovascular and lung health. Don’t pick up that bad habit. 1. Practice Good Contact Lens Hygiene Do you know the basics of good contact lens hygiene ? As a good first step, read the instructions on the bottle of contact lens disinfecting solution that your eye doctor recommends. It’s easy to skip a step late at night or when you’re in a hurry, but don’t. Prioritize your eye health above all else, even when you’re exhausted. Don’t wear contacts longer than your optometrist recommends. Whether you wear daily, monthly, or two-week lenses, don’t try to prolong the life of a lens for convenience. Never put contact lenses in your mouth to rewet them; saliva is not sterile and can introduce bacteria to your eye, which can cause an infection. Ensure lenses are properly disinfected before reinserting them. If you have daily wear lenses, never sleep in them! 1. Wear Those Sunglasses Not only are they a fun, cool accessory—sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV radiation contributes to the formation of cataracts, macular degeneration, and eye cancer. Make sure you’re wearing high-quality lenses that protect your eyes from 100% of both the sun’s UV-A and UV-B types of ultraviolet radiation. 1. Prioritize Sleep, Nutrition, and Exercise While getting a good night’s sleep isn’t a college student’s top priority, it should be. Sleep is the critical time when your brain processes what you’ve learned that day and converts it to long-term memory. It’s also important for eye health: Tired eyes feel dry and gritty, and a lack of sleep can even cause annoying eyelid spasms or eyelid twitches. Making good food choices, including leafy green vegetables and a rainbow of fruits and other veggies, gives your eyes the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy. Regular exercise promotes good blood flow to your entire body—even your eyes. That’s important, as your eyes need healthy blood flow so you can see your best. 1. Schedule Your Annual Comprehensive Eye Exam Your college years can put a strain on the entire visual system. It’s a smart practice to schedule an annual comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist. Did you know that optometric exams reveal information about multiple other bodily systems? Your optometrist can help you catch the warning signs of diabetes, potential stroke, high blood pressure, some cancers, and sexually transmitted diseases, often before other signs are noticeable. Call us today to schedule your yearly eye exam. We’ll help to ensure you’re seeing your best so you can enjoy all of the excitement of your college years, and beyond! --- ## Is Your Student At Risk for Progressive Myopia? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/is-your-student-at-risk-for-progressive-myopia/ In our offices and around the country, optometrists are seeing a significant—and disturbing—new trend: more and more patients are presenting with myopia, or nearsightedness. People with myopia can see close-up objects clearly, but objects at a distance appear blurry. According to the National Eye Institute, the prevalence of myopia in the U.S. population is growing quite rapidly: In 1971, the percentage of the U.S. population with myopia was 25%. Now it’s up to 42%. In Asian countries such as Japan, China, South Korea, and Taiwan, the percentage of people with myopia is 80% to 90%. So, what’s behind this nearly doubling of nearsightedness in recent decades? And, are you and your family at risk? What is Myopia? Myopia is an eye condition that affects the eye’s ability to focus clearly. People with myopia—called myopes—can focus on close objects but can’t focus on distant objects. People with myopia may experience symptoms including headaches, eye strain, and squinting the eyes to try to focus on distant objects. For students, myopia can be the root cause of poor grades and disinterest in the classroom. Myopic students can’t see at a distance, so they may not be able to see what the teacher is writing or presenting on the classroom board. The longer a myopic student goes without vision correction, the more their school performance will suffer—both in the classroom and playing sports or games during recess. What Causes Myopia? Myopia is partially a hereditary condition. Children of parents with myopia are more likely to develop it. However, there is evidence that environmental and lifestyle factors are impacting the sharp rise in myopia. While there are other contributing factors, experts agree that the rise in digital screen use plays a significant role in the epidemic of myopia worldwide. When the human eye is “taught” to practice focusing up-close on a screen for hours each day, the eye adapts to being able to do so. What suffers as a result of that adaptation is the ability to focus clearly at a distance. How Eye Shape Impacts Vision Did you know that the length and curvature of your eyeball impact your ability to focus? If your cornea is too curved, the eye’s point of focus shifts, resulting in clear close-up vision and blurred distance vision. Similarly, when the eyeball grows longer from front to back, it becomes pear-shaped rather than round. Because of the excess length, the point of focus moves from being exactly on the light-sensitive retina to being just in front of the retina. That makes objects in the distance seem blurry. It doesn’t take much of an eye elongation to have a big effect on vision. A typical adult eye is 24 millimeters in length from front to back. That size doesn’t vary much, even among age, gender, and racial differences. In the average myopic adult, however, the eye is longer: about 25 millimeters. That small variation causes a big difference in the eye’s focal point. How To Treat Myopia Myopia is a refractive condition. That means it impacts how and where light is focused in relation to the highly sensitive tissue of your eye’s retina, where light should be focused. The retina is located on the back wall of the eye. In myopia, since the eyeball is longer than normal, the light focuses just in front of the retina, causing nearsightedness. Like other refractive conditions, myopia is treatable with corrective lenses. These include contact lenses and prescription glasses that shift the focal point back to the retina and improve distance vision. However, there is concern that children and teens are being diagnosed with myopia at earlier and earlier ages. This condition, progressive myopia, may continue to advance throughout their lives. Some experts believe that slowing down the rate of progressive myopia development may benefit the overall visual system. People with advanced degrees of myopia, called “high myopia,” may be more at risk of developing other eye conditions and diseases, including glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, and myopic macular degeneration. We believe that the early onset of myopia in children is related to excessive digital screen use. To slow the progression of myopia, it’s a best practice to minimize kids’ screen time. If you or your student are myopic, talk with your optometrist about options to correct or treat this potentially progressive refractive eye condition. Taking steps to slow the progression of myopia in your student may benefit his or her overall eye health in the future. One important step in managing myopia is to schedule an annual comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist so we can track its progression and make sure you are seeing your best. Call us today to schedule your annual eye exam! --- ## Why Retinal Detachment is an Eyecare Emergency URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/why-retinal-detachment-is-an-eyecare-emergency/ ### Why Retinal Detachment is an Eyecare Emergency Your retina is the extremely light-sensitive nerve tissue at the back of your eye that enables your eye to focus and see. The retina captures and processes incoming light and images, then passes that information to the brain, which results in your ability to see. A functioning retina is fundamental to being able to see. So, when retinal tissue detaches from the back of the eye and loses blood flow and oxygenation, it is an emergency that requires immediate care. Without surgery to fix the detached retina, the result will be loss of vision in the affected eye. Without immediate treatment, you can lose vision within hours as retinal tissue degenerates and dies. Let’s examine who is at risk for this dangerous condition and the symptoms it presents. ### Who is at Risk for Retinal Detachment? Retinal detachment risk increases with age—you are more likely to have a retinal detachment after age 50. Other factors that increase your risk of developing it include: • Eye injuries. If you’ve had a recent eye injury, it’s a best practice to visit your optometrist to check for early signs of retinal detachment. • Family history. If any member of your family has experienced a retinal detachment, you are more likely to. • Eye surgery. Cataract correction surgery or another eye surgery puts you at higher risk. • Diabetic retinopathy. If you have diabetes and the blood vessels in your eye are affected, your risk increases. • Extreme myopia (nearsightedness). People with significant nearsightedness and/or degenerative myopia are at higher risk. • Other eye diseases and conditions. Thinning of the retina, separating of retinal tissue, or a posterior vitreous detachment put you at higher risk of retinal detachment. ### What are the Types of Retinal Detachment? There are three main categories of retinal detachment: 1. Small tear in the retina (rhegmatogenous). If there is a slight tear in your retinal tissue, the vitreous (eye fluid) might leak through it and collect behind your retinal tissue, pushing it away from the back of your eye and causing detachment. 2. Scar tissue on the retina (tractional). This is a common cause of retinal detachment in diabetic patients who might suffer damage to the tiny blood vessels in the eye. If the resulting scar tissue begins to pull on the retinal tissue, it can detach. 3. Fluid buildup behind the retina (exudative). Even without a retinal tear, fluid can collect behind the eye and push the retina away from the back wall of your eye. ### What are the Symptoms of Retinal Detachment?     Retinal detachment doesn’t hurt, but it often presents with significant, sudden symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your optometrist immediately and seek medical attention: • Flashes of light in your field of vision • A significant, sudden increase in the number of floaters. (Note: a few floaters are normal in the aging eye. But an immediate, big increase in the number of floaters could be a sign of retinal detachment.) • Darkening of your side (peripheral) vision. • Darkening or shadowing of any area of vision, as if a curtain was pulled over it. ### How is Retinal Detachment treated? We cannot stress this fact enough: A retinal detachment is a severe eye emergency that requires immediate treatment. If you suspect you may be experiencing a retinal detachment, it is critical to seek treatment from a healthcare provider right away to reattach the retina and try to prevent vision loss. The specific treatment for a retinal detachment will depend on the type and extent of retinal detachment you are diagnosed with. These include: • Laser therapy. A medical laser can reattach the retinal tissue. • A freezing tool can be used to repair a retinal tear. • Gas bubble (pneumatic retinopexy). A small gas bubble is injected into the eye’s vitreous fluid. It presses against the retina, closing the tear naturally as the fluid that had collected beneath the retina is reabsorbed by the body. • Scleral buckle. A band of silicon (that you can’t see) is surgically positioned around the eye to hold the retina in place. • The vitreous fluid is surgically removed, and a bubble of oil, gas, or air is positioned to push the retina back into its proper place. ### How can you Prevent Retinal Detachment? While aging is inevitable and many retinal detachments are not preventable, there are two main approaches to preventing this medical eye emergency: 1. Wear safety glasses or goggles whenever you play sports or participate in other activities that may risk eye health 2. Schedule an annual eye exam with your optometrist. Have an annual comprehensive eye exam, especially if you are myopic (nearsighted) and more prone to retinal detachment. Retinal detachment is a rare condition that impacts from 10 to 18 per 100,000 people in the U.S. each year. Like many conditions, the earlier you catch a retinal detachment and seek treatment with your optometrist or in the emergency room, the more likely you are to prevent vision loss from this condition. Fortunately, retinal detachment repair has about a 90% success rate. If you have questions about your specific risk for retinal detachment, we look forward to answering them during your annual comprehensive eye exam. Call us today to schedule! --- ## What are Eye Floaters? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/what-are-eye-floaters/ ### What are Eye Floaters? If you haven’t yet experienced floaters in the eye, it’s understandable that you may be puzzled about what they are and what they look like. However, as you age, floaters become more common. You will get used to seeing an oddly shaped shadow or two floating around in your visual field, and then you’ll know what they are. You will likely continue to experience them occasionally throughout your life. Floaters are a normal part of the aging eye, and most often are harmless. Floaters form when the vitreous gel that gives the eye its rounded shape starts to liquify and shrink in size. As this happens, the vitreous forms clumps of stringy cells that float around in your eye, casting shadows onto your retina. These black or gray cobwebs or squiggly shadows in your vision are known as “floaters.” ### Should I Be Concerned About Floaters in my Vision? For the most part, occasional floaters in your visual field are not a concern. The shrinking of the vitreous gel in the eye is a natural part of aging. However, it can be alarming when you see your first floater. Floaters are most noticeable when you’re looking at something bright, light, or white. You might notice them more when you look up at the sky,  stare at a wall or look at a white screen. The contrast between the light background and the shadows across your visual field is stark and noticeable under such conditions. But floaters don’t just stay put so you can get a good look at them. As their name indicates, they float and move around as your eyes blink and focus. As a result, it’s difficult to look right at a floater—though it can be amusing to try. ### Who Develops Floaters? As a part of the eye’s normal aging process, almost everyone will eventually develop floaters in their vision. They are especially common after age 35, though some might see floaters at a younger age. You might also be more likely to develop floaters if you: • Are myopic (nearsighted) • Are diabetic • Have undergone cataract repair surgery ### What Causes Floaters? Seeing floaters now and then is a common occurrence. They appear due to normal, natural changes in your eyes as you age. However, when multiple floaters appear in your vision quite suddenly, it could be a symptom of a serious situation or eye condition, including: • Eye injury or infection • Inflammation of the eye (uveitis) • Bleeding inside the eye • Vitreous detachment • Retinal tear • Retinal detachment If you suddenly notice a significant number of new floaters, call your optometrist. The occasional floater is normal, but multiple new floaters—or a single large floater that impedes vision—are potentially problematic conditions that your optometrist will want to check to ensure your eyesight is not in jeopardy. ### How are Floaters Related to Retinal Detachment? One specific condition that a sudden influx of new floaters can indicate is retinal detachment—that’s when the retina detaches from the back wall of the eye. Retinal detachment is a serious eye emergency that requires immediate treatment, or you risk losing vision in that eye. Symptoms of a retinal detachment include a lot of new floaters, flashes of light, decreasing side vision, and/or a dark shadow or blurred area in your side or central vision that seems like a curtain or veil has come down over your vision. If you experience these symptoms, call your eye doctor or go to the emergency room immediately for treatment. ### How to Live with Floaters Typically, a floater or two in your visual field is not cause for concern. Floaters usually don’t need any treatment. In some very rare cases when floaters interfere with a patient’s daily life, a surgery called a vitrectomy can remove the entire vitreous and the floaters along with it to eliminate them once and for all. Otherwise, your floaters are likely here to stay and will occasionally appear in your line of sight but should not cause you any pain or problem. If you have questions about occasional floaters and your experience with them, we will be happy to discuss them during your annual comprehensive eye exam. --- ## How Does Diabetes Impact Your Eyes? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/how-does-diabetes-impact-your-eyes/ It’s November: Time to shine a light on how diabetes impacts your eyes during Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month. Did you know that diabetes often affects a patient’s vision? And that uncontrolled diabetes is a top cause of blindness for people aged 74 and under? Let’s take a closer look at how diabetes impacts your eyes and, therefore, your ability to see. Diabetes 101 Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects your metabolism. Specifically, it affects how your body turns sugar (glucose) from food into energy the body can use. Diabetes results in a higher-than-normal level of blood sugar. There are three types of diabetes: 1. Type Two Diabetes. In this type, the pancreas doesn’t produce enough of the hormone insulin, which regulates how your body absorbs and uses sugar for fuel. This is by far the most common type of diabetes and is often diagnosed in people with excess body weight who don’t exercise. 2. Type One Diabetes. In Type One diabetes, your body isn’t able to properly use the insulin it produces to regulate the metabolism of glucose (sugar). This type of diabetes represents about 5% of all diabetics and is often diagnosed in childhood or young adulthood. Its cause is unknown. 3. In pregnancy, Gestational Diabetes is a condition in which a woman’s body isn’t able to properly use insulin to metabolize sugar. High blood sugar is the result. Women who have gestational diabetes are at higher risk for pregnancy and delivery complications and also for developing Type Two diabetes in the future. Diabetes symptoms and risk factors According to the World Health Organization , diabetes is a significant cause of other health conditions including blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, and lower limb amputation. Symptoms of diabetes include having to urinate often, especially at night, increased thirst, weight loss without trying, increased hunger, blurred vision, and tingling of extremities, including the hands and feet. Risk factors for Type Two diabetes, which represents 95% of diabetes cases, include being overweight, being over age 45, exercising fewer than 3 times per week, and being of African American, Hispanic, Latino, Pacific Islander or Native American descent. How high blood sugar affects the body A high level of sugar in the blood – called hyperglycemia – can cause significant health problems over time. High blood sugar damages blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood to every cell and major organ in the body, including the heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes. Adult diabetics have a two to three times greater risk for heart attacks and strokes than those without diabetes. Because of a decrease in circulation and nerve damage to the feet, diabetics are at increased risk for developing foot ulcers (open sores that take a long time to heal) and can lead to amputation of the foot, feet, or lower limbs. People living with diabetes have an increased incidence of kidney failure and, as we saw during the Covid pandemic, are more likely to experience poor outcomes and severe disease from Covid and other infectious diseases. And, diabetes can cause blindness. The tiny blood vessels that bring fresh blood to your eyes are some of the first vessels to suffer damage when blood sugar levels surge without being controlled. The World Health Organization estimates that there are 1 million people who have gone totally blind due to the damage caused by uncontrolled diabetes. Optometrists often diagnose diabetes first In the United States, diabetes has reached epidemic proportions. About 34 million adults have the disease, and about 7 million of those are undiagnosed but living with the disease. Since it is a leading cause of preventable blindness, doctors of optometry are trained to notice the small, early signs of diabetes in the tiny capillaries and other structures of the eyes. Because of this training, eye doctors are often a patient’s first healthcare professional to notice early changes caused by uncontrolled blood sugar. In 2018 – the most recent year data is available – optometrists diagnosed more than 300,000 cases of pre-diabetes or full diabetes in patients who did not yet know they had signs of the disease. In many cases, this early diagnosis likely saved the patient’s life. When eye doctors catch the condition in the “pre-diabetes” stage, a patient has the opportunity to make lifestyle changes that can often reverse the disease’s progression. There are many ways to prevent diabetes health complications . Patients with diabetes and pre-diabetes are advised to exercise regularly, lose weight, stop smoking, and eat a healthy diet consisting of lean meats, vegetables, and fruits while cutting out sweets, sugary drinks, and alcohol. By controlling blood sugar to keep it within their target range and making dietary and lifestyle changes, many prediabetic patients can reverse the disease and prevent many of the ill effects of diabetes, including damage to the eyes and loss of vision. If you or someone you love is living with diabetes, it’s critical to schedule an annual comprehensive eye exam. Your optometrist will check your vision and monitor the health of the sensitive structures of the eye that enable you to see. We look forward to answering your questions about diabetes and your eyes during your upcoming annual exam! --- ## What is Diabetic Retinopathy? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/what-is-diabetic-retinopathy/ The US Centers for Disease Control estimate that there are 37.3 million Americans living with diabetes. That’s about 10% of our nation’s population! What’s worse: About one in five of those people are not aware that they have this dangerous chronic health condition. In addition, 96 million more Americans (more than one in three of us) have a condition called prediabetes and have elevated blood sugar levels. In total, that’s 133.3 million people at risk for diabetic eye disease that can cause blindness. People with diabetes are at high risk for eye diseases and conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. Why is this alarming? Because people with diabetes have very high, often uncontrolled sugar levels in their blood. This ongoing level of high blood sugar damages blood vessels in the entire body, putting them at increased risk for heart disease, kidney disease, and potential blindness. High blood sugar levels damage the tiny, sensitive blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the eyes, retinas, and other structures that enable your vision. When those tiny vessels suffer significant damage, the result is a loss of vision. Diabetic Retinopathy Explained One of the most common diabetic eye diseases is diabetic retinopathy. It occurs when high blood sugar damages the tiny, sensitive blood vessels that supply the retina. A healthy retina is critical to good vision. The retina is a highly sensitive layer of cells located in the back of your eye. When blood vessels that supply the eye become damaged, they leak. This limits the blood flow to the sensitive cells in the retina and can cause blurred or wavy vision. That is the essence of diabetic retinopathy. If left untreated, that blurred vision can progress to total blindness. You are at risk for developing this diabetic eye disease if you have any type of diabetes. These include Type 1, Type 2, and even Gestational Diabetes during pregnancy. Unfortunately, the longer you have been living with diabetes, the more likely it is that you will develop retinopathy. Other risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and, of course, uncontrolled blood sugar levels. It’s critical for diabetic patients to keep blood sugar levels in the target range through careful monitoring and lifestyle changes. These efforts can literally save your sight. Diabetic Retinopathy Progression When first diagnosed, you may experience wavy or blurry vision. You may see spots or flashes of light and feel like your vision is distorted. Performing detailed, up-close work such as reading or sewing may become difficult due to the impact on your vision. Diabetic retinopathy typically affects both eyes at the same time. Diabetic retinopathy has two distinct stages: In the early or “non-proliferative” stage , the retina’s blood vessels start to weaken and bulge. They leak blood into the most detail-oriented cells of the retina, called the macula. The macula enables your central vision needed to see faces, read, and watch tv. Blood pooling near the macula causes it to swell, a condition called macular edema — the most typical cause of blindness for people with diabetic retinopathy. Advanced diabetic retinopathy is called the proliferative stage. When the existing blood vessels in your eye have been damaged and aren’t functioning well, the body tries to grow new blood vessels to supply the eye. However, these new blood vessels don’t form well. Their fragile walls bleed into the center of the eye, causing dark spots in mild cases or total vision blockage in severe cases. You might have trouble seeing colors, empty or dark areas in your visual field, or even total vision loss. Treating Diabetic Retinopathy Early detection is key. By having a dilated, comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist every year, you can catch the early stages of diabetic retinopathy when the disease is more treatable. Fortunately, there are ongoing clinical trials testing new medicines and treatments to address diabetic retinopathy. Currently, the treatments for diabetic retinopathy include: • Laser therapy. A laser is used to help seal the blood vessels and create some scar tissue that will slow the growth of new blood vessels in the eye • VEGF inhibitor medications slow the progression of new blood vessel proliferation. • Vitrectomy , a procedure to remove part or all of the vitreous, the clear gel-like tissue that fills the eye. Prevent or Delay the Impact of Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy can be a devastating diagnosis. But patients have the power to impact the outcome of this disease through: 1. Annual Eye Exams. Your first line of defense is to see your eye doctor once a year or more often if he or she recommends it. Regular appointments enable your optometrist to closely monitor your vision and disease progression and recommend treatment. 2. Control blood sugar. Your vision may depend on your ability to keep blood sugar levels in your target range. 3. Control blood pressure and cholesterol levels , which lowers your risk for advanced disease. 4. Quit smoking! Not just for your eyes but for your overall health 5. Get moving. Exercise promotes good circulation and can help you manage your diabetes and protect your vision. When you focus on these best practices for keeping diabetic retinopathy at bay and follow the guidance from your eye doctor about treatment for the condition, you have the best possible chance to protect your vision. --- ## Why It’s Time To Check Your Flex Spending Account Balance URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/why-its-time-to-check-your-flex-spending-account-balance/ Check your calendar: We’ll welcome 2023 in just a few short weeks. It’s time to ask yourself two questions: 1. What do you need to get done before the end of December? 2. What action steps can you take now to make your new year better? It’s Time To Use Your Flexible Spending Account funds The answer to question one is: Before December ends, you need to double-check whether you have unspent funds in your Flexible Spending Account (FSA). An FSA is a benefit many people get through their employer. An FSA allows you to save tax-free money to spend on medical expenses. However, if you have unspent funds, you can lose them if you don’t spend them by the end of the year (or the date your employer designates). So it’s critical to verify the date by which you need to spend those funds or you risk losing them forever. If that date is December 31, now is the time to use your funds—or lose them! The IRS says you can use Flexible Spending funds on many optical expenses. These include copays, insurance deductibles, and over-the-counter products, and of course, prescription lenses, including glasses and contacts. You can even treat yourself to a pair of prescription sunglasses as a holiday gift using your Flex account balance. Our optical department has an incredible selection of frames and sunglasses for you to choose from. Here’s the answer to question two: If you’re a contact lens wearer, we can help you order a year’s worth of contacts. Imagine how great it’ll be throughout 2023 when you don’t have to panic before a business trip or weekend getaway, wondering if you have enough contacts to get you through. You’ll have a year’s worth of peace of mind, knowing you’re stocked up! In addition, there are a lot of optical options for Flex Spending funds, and we’re happy to help you prevent losing the funds you’ve already set aside. 8 Eye Healthcare Expenses that are FSA Approved If you find yourself in a pinch with FSA funds that absolutely must be spent by December 31 or lost forever, stop by and see us. Here are eight expenses that qualify for FSA fund use that will benefit your eye health now and throughout the new year: 1. Copays for your/your family’s comprehensive eye exams 2. Buying a year’s worth of contact lenses 3. An additional pair of prescription eyeglasses to add variety or in case you lose your primary pair 4. Computer glasses that can help relieve symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome 5. Prescription sunglasses to combat winter glare 6. Contact lens solutions (you can buy in advance for next year) 7. Stock up on allergy eye drops or other eye drops 8. Treatment for Dry Eye Disease Much of December is spent focusing on gifts for loved ones. But why not give yourself a gift too? Give us a call or come by. We’ll see you soon! --- ## 8 Ways To Protect Your Gift of Sight This Season URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/8-ways-to-protect-your-gift-of-sight-this-season/ Optometrists often receive “eye-themed” cards and gifts for holidays and birthdays — and we love it. In December, we almost always get something that mentions the movie A Christmas Story . You may remember the film – it’s the one where little Ralphie wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, and everyone—including Santa!—tells him, “ You’ll shoot your eye out, kid !” Ralphie’s mom, teacher, and Santa bring up a good point: The gift of sight is one of the most precious gifts we have. It’s up to us to protect it. And there are unique eye injury threats during the month of December that are worth noting. Here are 8 ways to protect your vision this holiday season: 1. Take care when cutting your own Christmas tree. If you celebrate Christmas and do so by cutting down your own tree, wear safety goggles or glasses while doing so. Flying chunks of wood and sawdust can lodge in your eye and cause an unwanted holiday trip to the emergency room. Take similar care while loading and unloading the tree from your vehicle. 2. Daintily decorate the tree. Pine needles are sharp and dangerous when they’re moving around at eye level, such as when tree branches spring forth as netting is removed. Watch young children closely when they’re around the Christmas tree, so they don’t get poked! And if you have an artificial tree, the same advice holds: those tree limbs have pointy ends to avoid. 3. Beware spray flocking. If you spray artificial snow on the branches of your tree, you are introducing chemicals into the air and should wear safety goggles to prevent eye irritation. Pro tip: Spray flocking is an activity best done outside! 4. Avoid toy-related injuries. In 2019, the Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates that there were 224,000 toy-related injuries, with 46% of those being injuries to the head and neck, which is the most common area affected. Don’t be a statistic! 5. Read the W.A.T.C.H. List. For 50 years, the World Against Toys Causing Harm, a toy safety organization, has published a list of the year’s 10 most dangerous toys. The 2022 list includes Disney Raya’s Action Adventure Sword, Nerf Pro Gelfire Mythic Blasters, and Black Panther Wakanda Battle Claws —which all have potential to cause eye and face injuries. The list also names other toys that present choking, ingestion, or suffocation risks. 6. Consider the safety risk of other gifts. It’s clear that gifts such as guns, darts, swords, and anything with a projectile (yes, even soft projectiles, water guns, and water balloons) pose an eye injury risk and should be avoided. Aerosol “silly string” is a chemical that can irritate your eyes. And be warned that laser pointers or toys with bright flashing lights can cause retinal damage if aimed at the eyes. 7. Give polycarbonate safety glasses. Be proactive and provide your children and other kids in your life with a protective pair of polycarbonate safety glasses or goggles! Safety goggles will protect their eyes when they’re playing sports or enjoying Nerf battles. 8. Watch out for fireworks and champagne corks on New Year’s Eve! That’s right — the final day of the year brings a final eye safety challenge for the year. Sure, it’s funny when it happens on tv, but a champagne cork to the eye can cause a severe eye injury. Champagne corks reach speeds up to 62 mph when they burst out of the bottle! And sparklers burn at up to 2,000° Fireworks cause an estimated 11,500 trips to the hospital each year — with about 1,200 of those being eye-related injuries. Take safety precautions (and skip sparklers altogether) to ensure that you won’t be one of them! If you or a loved one do suffer an eye injury from a tree branch, flying projectile, or sparkler, seek immediate medical attention. As you celebrate this season, we wish you a happy, joyful, and safe holiday with friends and family. We look forward to continuing caring for your precious gift of vision in the New Year! --- ## How Your Eye Doctor Diagnoses Glaucoma URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/how-your-eye-doctor-diagnoses-glaucoma/ Happy 2023! As you start the new year, it’s a common practice to assess what you’re most thankful for and consider goals and resolutions to guide you in the coming 12 months. If you’re fortunate enough to have healthy eyes and good vision, please take a moment to be grateful for your precious gift of sight. One New Year’s resolution we strongly recommend is to continue to take good care of your eyes to maintain eye health and good vision. In January, we recognize Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is a group of diseases known as the silent thief of sight because they damage the optic nerve without pain or symptoms. Glaucoma is a leading cause of both vision loss and blindness in the United States. In glaucoma, it is common for fluid to build up within the eye and increase pressure within the eye, which is what causes damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision. Glaucoma has no early symptoms; it isn’t painful; and by the time you realize you’ve lost part of your field of vision to glaucoma, it’s too late to get that vision back — it’s gone forever. That’s just one reason why we recommend an annual comprehensive eye exam to our patients. During the exam, your optometrist will test for a range of vision problems and concerns, including glaucoma. Tools Your Eye Doctor Uses to Diagnose Glaucoma You may be familiar with some of the tools your optometrist uses to test for glaucoma. These tests are painless but incredibly important. Here are six of them: 1. Tonometer Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve. Often, increased intraocular pressure (IOP) within the eye plays a role in that damage. Therefore, testing eye pressure is an important step in diagnosing glaucoma. Tonometry is the process of measuring the pressure inside of your eye. The test is quick, easy and painless. It provides your optometrist with critical information for diagnosis. 1. Pachymeter Another critical factor in a glaucoma diagnosis is central corneal thickness (CCT). Measuring this is another way your optometrist determines whether you may have — or may be at risk for developing — the early stages of glaucoma. Knowing your CCT helps your optometrist correctly interpret your eye pressure levels. A central corneal thickness measurement can be an indicator of whether you’re likely to develop glaucoma. Often, people with thin CCT and high IOP readings have a higher likelihood of developing glaucoma. 1. Measuring Visual Field When glaucoma damages the optic nerve, the first area of vision to suffer damage is typically the side or peripheral vision. Your eye doctor will measure your side vision to determine if any of it has been lost. This measurement is often done with your chin in a stationary position. Then, lights will flash at the edges of your vision, and you press a buzzer when you see a flash of light. A visual field measurement can set a baseline for your peripheral vision and help your doctor track any changes in the future. 1. Ophthalmoscope Examining the optic nerve is a key diagnostic tool in glaucoma, since glaucoma damages that nerve. An ophthalmoscope allows your optometrist to look through your pupil, deep into the structures of the eye, and see the optic nerve. Your eye doctor will examine the nerve’s appearance, which provides a good indication of the nerve’s health when diagnosing or monitoring glaucoma. 1. Nerve Imaging There are multiple ways to take images of your optic nerve, including photography, laser tomography, and laser polarimetry. While the imaging method may vary, the result is a record of your optic nerve that enables your optometrist to analyze the health of your eye and its structures. Optic nerve images help track the progression of glaucoma over time and are used in conjunction with ophthalmoscopy. 1. Gonioscope A gonioscope enables your eye doctor to examine the area where fluid drains out of your eye to determine its health. If your eye’s drainage function is damaged or clogged, knowing that information can help determine the next steps in your treatment. Your optometrist can also see any abnormal blood vessel growth or excessive pigment through a gonioscope, which might impact your eye’s ability to drain and therefore increase the pressure in the eye. Scheduling your annual comprehensive eye exam is a smart step in protecting your vision. Early detection of glaucoma can help slow or prevent the condition from silently stealing your vision. Call us today to make your appointment! --- ## 9 Strategies to Adapt to Life With Low Vision URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/9-strategies-to-adapt-to-life-with-low-vision/ February is Low Vision Awareness Month , a time to increase awareness of this condition which affects millions of Americans each day. Low vision is the term for a visual impairment that cannot be corrected by standard glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. Symptoms of the condition vary, with different stages of central and/or peripheral vision loss. People with low vision may have difficulty reading, writing, recognizing faces, and performing daily activities such as cooking, grooming, or participating in games or social activities. They may also experience difficulty with mobility and navigation, as well as social isolation and depression. There are many causes of low vision, which affects many older adults. Causes include age-related macular degeneration , diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma , and uncorrected cataracts. In some cases, low vision may be inherited or caused by a traumatic brain injury or stroke. Symptoms of low vision can vary depending on the underlying cause, but may include blurriness, distorted vision, difficulty reading or seeing fine details, and difficulty adjusting to changes in lighting. Some individuals may also experience difficulty with color perception. Low vision can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, but there are many strategies and devices that can help. These include: 1. Magnification devices such as magnifying glasses, handheld magnifiers, and electronic magnifiers can help individuals to read, write, and perform other tasks that require fine visual detail. 2. Electronic magnifiers use a camera to capture an image and then display it on a screen, which can be enlarged and adjusted for contrast. A smart modern hack to replicate this idea is to take a photo with a cell phone or tablet and enlarge the image onscreen. 3. Prescription reading glasses have special lenses that can help people with low vision read more easily by magnifying text and increasing contrast. 4. Adaptive technologies can be used to help individuals with low vision perform tasks such as reading, writing, and using the computer. These technologies include text-to-speech software, electronic magnifiers, and screen readers. 5. Large print materials and audiobooks: Many books, newspapers, and even magazines are available in large print or in audio versions, which makes it easier to enjoy them. 6. Mobility and orientation devices can help people with visual impairments navigate more easily, such as canes, mobility scooters, guide dogs, and GPS devices. 7. Enhanced lighting: Proper lighting can help you see more clearly. This may include adding more light to a room or using special bulbs that increase contrast. 8. Color filters: Special glasses or overlays can help people with low vision see colors more easily. 9. Low vision training and rehabilitation: This specialized type of therapy includes training and education on how to best use the devices and strategies that can help individuals become more independent and confident in their ability to perform daily tasks and improve their quality of life. If you or a loved one have low vision, work with your eye doctor to identify the ideal strategies and devices to help manage your unique condition. It can also be beneficial to educate yourself about the condition and seek support from others who are experiencing similar issues. A great place to start is the Prevent Blindness website, Living Well with Low Vision . Low vision can be challenging and isolating, but with the right strategies and devices, you or your loved one can lead full and productive lives. The goal is to make adjustments with the aim of continuing to live life to the fullest. Finally, it’s crucial to schedule your annual comprehensive eye exam to ensure you are doing everything possible to protect the level of vision that remains. --- ## 10 Ways To Minimize The Progression of Low Vision URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/10-ways-to-minimize-the-progression-of-low-vision/ In February, we recognize Low Vision Awareness Month and the millions of Americans who live with the condition. Low vision is a term used to describe a visual impairment that cannot be corrected by standard glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. It often results in difficulty performing daily tasks that may include cooking, reading, playing games or doing puzzles, recognizing the faces of loved ones, and generally enjoying what we often perceive as a high quality of life. Curious about what that looks like? Check out the National Eye Institute’s Virtual Reality Eye Disease Experience, See What I See . In a series of videos, you can look through the eyes of someone with low vision and understand its impact on their visual field. Low vision causes may include age-related macular degeneration , glaucoma, uncorrected cataracts and diabetic retinopathy . While the progression of low vision cannot always be stopped, there are active steps you can take to minimize its progression and improve overall vision health. Following are 10 action steps to minimize the progression of low vision: 1. Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Annual eye exams are crucial in detecting and managing low vision. Eye exams can detect early signs of vision loss and provide the opportunity for early treatment. We recommend an annual comprehensive eye exam, or sometimes more frequently if you have a history of vision problems or a chronic condition that affects your vision. 2. Control Underlying Conditions: Many causes of low vision, such as diabetes, macular degeneration, and glaucoma, are chronic conditions that require ongoing management. It's critical to work closely with your healthcare provider to control these conditions and prevent them from progressing. This may include taking medications and making — and sticking with —lifestyle changes. 3. Eat a Healthy Diet: We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: You are what you eat! A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids may help to improve vision health and reduce the risk of vision loss. Studies show that foods high in antioxidants (think leafy green vegetables, colorful berries, and fish) may be particularly beneficial for the eyes. 4. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise: Move it! Regular exercise improves circulation and overall health, which can help to protect your eyes from vision loss. Aerobic exercise, in particular, can improve blood flow to the eyes and reduce the risk of vision loss. 5. Be Vigilant About Sun Protection: UV rays from the sun can damage the eyes and increase your risk of vision loss. Always protect your eyes from the sun by wearing UV-protective sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat every time (yes, even in winter!) you spend time outdoors. 6. Quit Smoking: Smoking increases the likelihood for developing age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and other eye diseases that can steal your vision. Quitting smoking can lower your risk of vision loss and improve your overall health. 7. Wear Your Corrective Lenses: If you have a refractive error such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, be sure to wear your corrective lenses as prescribed. This simple action can help to keep your eyes healthy. 8. Low Vision Therapy: For those who are already living with low vision, low vision therapy is a valuable tool in minimizing its progression. It can help you discover new ways to perform daily activities and enhance your quality of life with your remaining vision. 9. Use Assistive Devices: There are many assistive devices available for people with low vision, such as magnifiers, electronic magnifiers, reading glasses, closed-circuit television, talking books and devices, large print materials, mobility and orientation devices, lighting, and color filters. These devices can help people manage low vision and live life more fully. 10. Join a Low Vision Support Group: Joining a support group can provide a sense of community and connect you with others who understand the challenges you face. Not only will you gain emotional support, but also first-hand information, resources, and opportunities to share experiences and strategies for coping with low vision. Low vision is an extremely challenging condition, but if you deploy the right strategies, it is possible to minimize its progression. Regular eye exams, controlling underlying conditions, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, protecting your eyes from the sun, quitting smoking, low vision therapy, using assistive devices, and joining a support group are all steps you can take to better cope with low vision and help to prevent its progression. And right now is a great time to take the first action step: Call us today to schedule your annual comprehensive eye exam. Your eye doctor will provide a thorough exam so that we can continue to monitor your eyes for conditions that may impact your vision now or later in life. --- ## Celebrating the Rise of Women in Optometry URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/celebrating-the-rise-of-women-in-optometry/ In March, we celebrate Women’s History Month. And we’re proud to say that optometry is one place women are making history. Did you know that optometry began as a predominantly male profession in the late 1800s, but today, women make up nearly half of all practicing optometrists in the United States? What a fascinating journey! First, some background basics. Optometry is the science of examining and caring for eye health, diagnosing and treating vision problems, and prescribing vision-correcting glasses and contact lenses. Though the first pair of “prescription” glasses were created in Italy in 1286, the word optometry didn’t appear until 1759 in a book called A Treatise of the Eye by a Scottish doctor, William Porterfield. Modern optometry began to emerge in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Around that same time, women were starting to gain more access to higher education and professional careers. One of the early pioneers of optometry was Dr. Gertrude Stanton , the first woman in the U.S. licensed to practice optometry. Although she received her license “by exemption” in 1901 when Minnesota passed the country’s first licensure law, Dr. Stanton went on to run a successful all-female optical business. Dr. Stanton participated in professional associations, public service projects, and gave back to her community. While that seems natural for women in 2023, it was quite groundbreaking 100 years ago. Dr. Stanton provided an inspiring start for women in optometry! To give you an idea of how the role of women in optometry has grown, let’s look at some statistics. In 1912, there were about 500 women optometrists in the U.S. out of 17,000 total. That means 3% of optometrists were women 100 years ago. Happily, that number has now increased significantly. In 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , there were nearly 39,000 total optometrists in the U.S., and about 47% of practicing optometrists are women . But wait — there’s more: Women are now attending U.S. optometry schools in record numbers. In the Fall of 2021, enrollment for the class of 2025 was 71% female , a 2 percent increase compared with enrollment in 2020. In short: Women are on the rise in the field of optometry. “When I first started going to meetings representing the profession, there were very few female doctors in the room. I remember counting on one hand the number of women in a room of a few hundred. That just isn't the case today,” said Dr. Dori M. Carlson, O.D., the first female president of the American Optometric Association. One factor that has undoubtedly contributed to the rise of women in optometry is the increasing number of women entering healthcare professions in general. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women now make up the majority of healthcare workers in the U.S., and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. As more women pursue careers in healthcare, it makes sense that more would also choose optometry as a specialty. Another factor in the rise of women in optometry is the growing recognition of the importance of diversity and representation in healthcare. Many healthcare organizations and institutions have made a concerted effort to increase diversity, both to better reflect the communities they serve and to bring a broader range of perspectives and experiences to the table. This has created more opportunities for women and other underrepresented groups to enter and succeed in optometry. Diversity in optometric care means better care overall. Diversity in any (and every!) profession is important because it allows for a wider range of perspectives and experiences to be represented. As women bring their unique insights and expertise to the field of optometry, it can help improve patient care and outcomes. In addition, having more women in optometry will inspire and motivate future generations of female optometrists. You’ve likely heard of STEM – referring to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. There is a gender gap in STEM jobs . To close that gap, many organizations encourage young women and girls to explore STEM careers. Optometry is a huge STEM career success story! When young women see successful female optometrists in positions of leadership and influence, it can help them envision themselves in those roles and inspire them to pursue careers in optometry or other healthcare fields. “To be a woman in optometry today is to learn from the women who have paved the way, as well as paving the way for future optometrists,” said Dr. Suzanne Johannes , a 2019 graduate of Southern College of Optometry featured in the American Optometric Association’s article, The Future is Female . We celebrate the fact that women in optometry are a rising force for good in our profession! --- ## 5 Causes and 6 Treatments for Digital Eye Fatigue URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/5-causes-and-6-treatments-for-digital-eye-fatigue/ Do you find yourself staring at digital screens—computer monitors, cell phones, tablets, televisions—for most of the day? Are your eyes tired, red, or itchy? Are they dry or irritated? If you answered yes to these questions, it’s possible that you may have digital eye fatigue. Also known as computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain, digital eye fatigue is a common problem among people who spend a significant amount of time staring at digital screens. And in 2023, isn’t that all or most of us? The symptoms of digital eye fatigue include eye strain, dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. Causes and Symptoms of Digital Eye Fatigue Let’s explore five causes of digital eye fatigue: 1. Prolonged screen time is the main cause of digital eye fatigue. As technology continues to advance, it entices us to spend more and more time on digital devices, whether that’s for work, entertainment, or communication. The resulting prolonged screen time can cause a strain on our eyes. 2. Blinking Less. An unintended consequence of so much screen time is that people tend to blink fewer times per minute while looking at digital screens. And because blinking is your body’s natural way to lubricate and moisten the eye, blinking less means less moisture — which can irritate the eye and can result in digital eye strain. Yikes! 3. Blue Light. Another cause of digital eye fatigue is the blue light emitted by digital screens. Blue light is a type of visible electromagnetic radiation. With a wavelength of 400-495 nanometers, it’s one of the shortest and most energetic types of light. Blue light is found in natural light, but it is also emitted by electronic devices. And you guessed it – blue light can cause a strain on the human eye, leading to digital eye fatigue. 4. Poor Sleep. A tired body means tired eyes. Research shows that too much blue light can interrupt your body’s natural production of the hormone melatonin, which regulates sleep. Here’s how that happens: The retina has special ganglion cells that are sensitive to blue light. When exposed to blue light, ganglion cells signal the brain to suppress melatonin production. That means exposure to blue light from electronic devices in the evening can make it harder to fall asleep or lead to insomnia. And less sleep means tired eyes that are more prone to digital eye fatigue. 5. Poor lighting can also contribute to digital eye fatigue. If the lighting in a room is too bright or too dim, it can cause your eyes to strain and work harder to see well. That’s why it is important that the lighting in your work or living space is optimal for reading, close work, and other eye-intensive tasks. Treatment Options for Digital Eye Fatigue While digital eye fatigue is a common problem among people who spend a significant amount of time staring at digital screens, you can take proactive steps to help reduce the strain on your eyes and alleviate the symptoms. Here are six options to treat the symptoms of digital eye fatigue: 1. Take frequent breaks: Apply the 20/20/20 rule. One of the most effective ways to alleviate digital eye fatigue symptoms is to take frequent breaks from the screen. Take a break every 20 minutes to look at something in the distance, or by using the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. And remember to blink! 2. Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops are available over the counter at most pharmacies. These eye drops help to lubricate the eyes and relieve dryness and discomfort. 3. Blue-light-blocking-glasses. If you can’t limit your screen time, blue-light-blocking glasses can reduce the effects of blue light on the eyes. These glasses have a special lens coating that blocks or filters out the blue light emitted by digital screens. This can help to reduce eye strain and alleviate the symptoms of digital eye fatigue. 4. Adjust task lighting to alleviate the symptoms of digital eye fatigue. Make sure that lighting is not too bright or too dim, and that light is not shining directly on the screen, which can create irritating glare. 5. Leverage technology to help. Another option is to use computer software that reminds you to take breaks every 20 minutes or so. You could also manually set an alarm to go off every 20 minutes. In addition, set your devices to “night shift” in the display and brightness setting, which will adjust the color temperature of your screen to warmer colors that filter out some blue light. 6. Annual comprehensive eye exams. We can’t overemphasize the importance of regular eye exams to ensure that you have the right correction in your glasses or contact lenses, and to rule out any underlying eye conditions or health concerns that may also contribute to digital eye fatigue. Call us today to make your annual comprehensive eye exam appointment, where we can discuss your symptoms and offer additional help to minimize the annoyance of digital eye strain and help you see your best! --- ## How Contact Lenses Are Made URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/how-contact-lenses-are-made/ If you yourself don’t wear them, you almost definitely know someone who does: Contact lenses — those small, curved pieces of plastic that correct vision impairment — are one of the most successful medical device technologies. They are a part of daily life for millions of Americans. But how were these clever lenses developed, and how are they made? Contact lenses are corrective or cosmetic devices worn on the eye, typically made of thin plastic that sits atop a layer of tears over the cornea. For many of our patients, especially athletes and those with an active lifestyle, they are the preferred vision correction method over glasses because they offer convenience and freedom of movement. There are three main types of contact lenses in use today: soft, gas-permeable, and hybrid. Soft lenses are the most comfortable because they have the highest water content. The downside is that the thin plastic can rip very easily. If you wear daily lenses, you wear soft lenses. Hard or gas-permeable lenses are another option that offers the best vision correction for specific eye shapes or vision conditions. While these can last for years (if you don’t lose or crack one), they can "pop" out of the eye, and their rigid nature can require an adjustment period before they feel comfortable. There is a third type – a compromise between hard and soft lenses: Hybrid lenses feature a rigid plastic center surrounded by a softer “skirt” of plastic at the edges. They offer the crisp vision of a hard lens with the increased comfort of a soft lens. History of Contact Lenses Long before today’s plastic technologies existed, the first contact lens was developed by German physiologist Adolf Fick in 1887. It was made of glass and covered the entire white part of the eye, known as the sclera. Other scientists developed corneal and scleral lenses made of Plexiglas and plastic, but fitting them required an uncomfortable process of creating an impression of the eye (ouch!). The first successful soft contact lenses were developed in Czechoslovakia in 1954, made of a hydrophilic gel polymer plastic that was comfortable enough to wear in the eye. Despite initial scorn from the optics community, Czech scientist Otto Wichterle persisted in perfecting soft contact lenses in his kitchen. He and his wife eventually produced thousands of pairs for testing. The raw material for contact lenses is a plastic polymer, with hard lenses typically made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and soft lenses made of poly hydroxyethyl methacrylate (pHEMA) or other hydrophilic materials. Hydrophilic means “water-loving,” so it absorbs and mixes well with water and the tear layer of your eyes. Lens manufacturers continue to make advances in materials that will provide the best vision and comfort. While most contact lenses are worn during the day and removed at night for cleaning, extended-wear and daily wear lenses are also available for added convenience. How contact lenses are made Contact lenses are made from a variety of materials, each with its unique properties. The modern manufacturing process involves 7 steps. 1. Lens Shape and Design. Manufacturers must first design a contact lens that meets the specifications of the prescription. This process is based on factors such as the degree of refractive error, pupil position, and eye shape. Special design software enables precise calculations and adjustments. 2. Lens Material. There are various lens materials available for contact lenses, including soft hydrogels, silicone hydrogels, and rigid gas-permeable materials. The ideal material is selected based on prescription strength, oxygen permeability level, and wearer comfort. 3. Lens Molding. The lens molding process shapes the lens material according to design specifications. Using specialized, automated machinery, manufacturers can produce very precise and intricate shapes to accommodate the unique eye shape of each wearer. 4. Lens Casting. The plastic lens material is heated until it is soft and pliable, then injected into the lens mold, where it is pressed into the correct shape. The lens is then cooled to set its shape. 5. Lens Cutting. The lens-cutting process is a precision, typically automated operation with careful attention to detail to ensure that the lens is cut to the exact design specifications for the prescription. 6. Lens Finishing. Finishing involves smoothing and polishing the lens surface to remove any rough edges or imperfections to ensure it is smooth and comfortable for the wearer. 7. Lens Inspection and Packaging. Contact lenses undergo a rigorous inspection process to ensure they meet the highest optical clarity and precision. Then they are packaged in a sterile container that keeps the lenses clean and safe during shipping and storage. The end result is a high-quality lens that provides the wearer with clear and accurate vision! Are You Contact-Curious? Call Us Today If you or a loved one are curious about contact lens options, call us today to make an appointment. We will discuss and recommend the best contact lens options for your unique eye shape, vision impairment, and lifestyle needs. We’re excited to help you on your journey toward enjoying the freedom of vision that contact lenses can provide for your active lifestyle. --- ## 3 Reasons To Wear Premium Sunglasses This Sun Season URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/3-reasons-to-wear-premium-sunglasses-this-sun-season/ Spring has officially sprung! As we move into the longer days and stronger UV rays, we cannot emphasize enough the importance of wearing premium sunglasses to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. We say it often because it’s important for your visual health: Just as you wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun, you need to wear sunglasses every day to protect your eyes from the sun. Not only do sunglasses provide crucial protection from the sun's damaging effects, but they can also improve your visual acuity, enhance your visual comfort, and even contribute to your overall style and fashion. Sunglasses Help Prevent UV Damage to Eyes UV radiation is a well-known cause of skin cancer, but did you know it can also lead to a number of serious eye conditions, including cataracts, macular degeneration, cancer of the eyelid, and even corneal sunburn? Ouch! These conditions can cause permanent vision damage — for example, macular degeneration (caused by damage to the retina) is a leading cause of blindness. Your eyes are exposed to the sun's UV rays every day, yet many of us don't take the necessary precautions to protect them. The sun’s rays contain two types of UV radiation that reach the earth’s surface and can damage eyes: UVA rays have longer wavelengths that penetrate deeper into the eye, causing long-term damage to the retina, which is responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. UVB rays have shorter wavelengths that cause immediate damage to the cornea and the lens, leading to cataracts and other eye conditions. Be sure you wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection to block both UVA and UVB rays. Sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection are your first line of defense to block both damaging types of solar radiation. We also recommend wearing a wide-brimmed hat to further protect eyes on bright, sunny days. Not All Sunglasses Are Created Equal It's a fact: Not all sunglasses are created equal. While some lower-cost sunglasses may claim to provide UV protection, they may not provide adequate protection or may not be made with high-quality materials. In addition, some lower-cost sunglasses may not offer the same level of durability as higher-quality sunglasses, which can result in scratches and other damage that can reduce their effectiveness over time. Premium sunglasses are an essential investment in your eye health and overall well-being. Here are 3 reasons to wear premium sunglasses this sun season—and all year through! 1. Improve your visual acuity . Don’t squint your eyes or try to cover the sun’s glare by putting your hand up. Instead, choose premium sunglasses with polarized lenses, which provide additional benefits including reduced glare and improved visual acuity in bright sunlight. Polarized lenses contain a special filter that blocks light reflected off of flat surfaces, such as water, pavement, and snow. This can be particularly helpful for athletes or outdoor enthusiasts who require clear vision in bright sunlight. 2. Enhance your visual comfort and reduce eye strain. In addition to protecting your eyes from the sun's harmful rays, premium sunglasses can also improve your visual comfort and reduce eye strain. Spending prolonged periods of time in bright sunlight can cause eye fatigue and strain, which can result in headaches, blurred vision, and other discomforts. Sunglasses with polarized lenses and anti-reflective coatings can reduce glare and improve visual acuity, making it easier to see in bright sunlight and reducing eye strain. Look for sunglasses made with high-quality materials, such as lightweight titanium, which can provide durability and hours of comfort. When you purchase premium sunglasses in our optical department, we will ensure that your sunglasses fit comfortably and securely on your face to provide optimal protection, ideal visual acuity, and maximum comfort. 3. Contribute to your overall style and fashion. The fun thing about sunglasses — dare we call them funglasses? — is that they’re not only beneficial; they’re fashionable. We will help you find and flaunt your style with eyewear that compliments your face shape and fashion sense. When you choose sunglasses that fit your personal style, you are more likely to wear them regularly. You may want to choose a pair for daily wear and another for special occasions. Your eyewear says a lot about you, and we’ll help you choose frames and options that maximize that message. We recommend premium sunglasses to our patients who spend significant amounts of time outdoors, particularly those who engage in outdoor sports or activities. It’s important to wear sunglasses for everyday activities, such as driving or walking outdoors, as even brief exposure to sunlight can have negative long-term effects on your vision. Come in to see us and begin a lifelong, healthy habit with a pair of premium sunglasses made to your exact specifications. Our knowledgeable team is ready to help you select a pair of premium sunglasses that fit your visual needs and lifestyle. You only get one pair of eyes, and your chance to protect them from UV damage starts today! --- ## 5 Eye Conditions You May Inherit from Your Mother URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/5-eye-conditions-you-may-inherit-from-your-mother/ It’s almost Mother’s Day — time to celebrate moms and everything they do. To all of the great moms we see each day in our offices, taking excellent care of their children’s health and wellbeing, in addition to all of the other priorities that come with raising kids in our modern world: We see you, and we appreciate you! We get so many positive things from our mothers! In addition to emotional care and support, sometimes we overlook the genetic and hereditary aspects we get from Mom. If you have brown, blue, or hazel eyes, your mother’s (and father’s) DNA plays a key role in that. Whether you have 20/20 vision, or have worn prescription lenses since you were in fifth grade, your mother (and father) plays a critical role in that, too. One key factor that impacts eye health is your family history. Many eye conditions and diseases can be inherited from your parents, including retinal diseases, glaucoma, and cataracts. Understanding the genetic link between these conditions and your family history can help you take steps to protect your vision and detect any problems early on, when treatment can have the best possible impact. This Mother’s Day, we thought it might be fun to take a look at which eye conditions may be passed down from your mother. And don’t worry, Dad – next month, we’ll focus on the eye conditions that you can pass along to your children. Spoiler alert: Color blindness is passed down from fathers. Here are 5 eye conditions that may be inherited from your mother: 1. Nearsightedness One of the most common eye conditions moms can pass along is nearsightedness, or myopia. It occurs when the eyeball itself is too long or the cornea is too curved. These extreme shapes cause light to focus incorrectly on the retina. This results in blurry vision when looking at distant objects. Myopia is a genetic condition, and if your mother has it, you have a higher risk of developing it. However, both genetics and environmental factors contribute to myopia, and studies show that you are more likely to inherit this condition from your father. 1. Astigmatism Another eye condition that can be inherited from your mother is astigmatism. In an astigmatic eye, the cornea or lens of the eye is somewhat misshapen, causing light to focus unevenly on the retina. This results in blurred or distorted vision. Astigmatism has a genetic component, so if your mother has it, you may be at a higher risk for it. 1. Inherited Glaucoma Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye conditions that can cause damage to the optic nerve, which results in (permanent) vision loss and can lead to blindness. In some cases, glaucoma can be inherited from your mother. Open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of the disease, is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. If either of your parents has glaucoma — or if any of your aunts, uncles, or grandparents do (or did) — it’s critical that you have an annual comprehensive eye exam every year. We want to help you learn the signs and symptoms of inherited glaucoma so we can catch it early and protect your vision. 1. Cataracts Another condition that can be passed down from your mother (and your father) is cataracts. Cataracts are thick, cloudy areas that develop in the natural lens of the eye. They cause blurred vision and sensitivity to light. Cataracts are often an age-related condition in older adults and can be inherited from both parents. But if your mother has cataracts, you may be at a higher risk of developing them as well. 1. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) The fifth and final inherited eye condition that we’ll share here is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Once again, this condition can be passed down by both your mother and father. AMD affects the central portion of the retina, called the macula — which is responsible for your close-up, detailed vision. AMD can cause vision loss and blindness, and it is more common in older adults. If your mother has AMD, you may be at a higher risk of developing it, but environmental factors and lifestyle can also play a role. (Don’t smoke! And if you do: Quit now!) So this Mother’s Day, as we celebrate Mom with flowers and cards, it’s also a great time to talk with your mom about her health and ask questions about your family medical history that may be important to know as you grow older. Another important question to ask: “Mom, have you scheduled your annual comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist this year?” You could even start a new family tradition: Schedule your eye exams on the same day each May so you can help each other pick out the exact right pair of frames that complement your (inherited!) face shape. And remember: Just because a family member has an eye condition, it does not necessarily mean that you will develop it. However, knowing your family history can help you and your eye doctor monitor your eye health more closely and make any necessary lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of developing conditions that you may be genetically more likely to encounter. If it’s time for your annual eye exam, call us today to schedule it. And, we hope you have a very happy, healthy Mother’s Day! --- ## How Prescription Eyewear Is Made URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/how-prescription-eyewear-is-made/ Eyeglasses are an amazing invention, aren’t they? For centuries, prescription lenses have helped to restore people’s vision and protect their eyes from damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet radiation and glare, in addition to blue light that comes from electronic devices. Have you ever wondered where eyeglass lenses originated and how they are made? Today’s fashion eyewear has come a long way from its origins. While their exact origin is a bit blurry (pun intended), there are early Greek texts that reference “reading stones” in the 9 th century. Somewhere around the year 1280 in Italy, the first pair of corrective lenses were worn. They looked quite different from today’s sleek lenses: They were basically two magnifying glasses made from transparent quartz and crystal (reading stones) in a metal frame that connected across the bridge of the nose by a hinge. Eventually, glass lenses replaced quartz and beryl lenses. Scientists (in hindsight, we might call them the world’s first optometrists!) found that a convex lens could help correct farsightedness while concave lenses could help correct nearsightedness. Soon, we discovered even more sophisticated lenses to correct the vision of people with astigmatism. In the early 1950s, plastic polycarbonate lenses were developed, and quickly gained wide acceptance because they were lighter than glass lenses and less likely to break. Although plastic eyeglass lenses are now far more prevalent than glass lenses, both are still used, and the process for making the lenses has remained relatively unchanged. It all starts with getting the right prescription. When you visit your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam and find that you need corrective lenses, your optical prescription will include the following values: • Spherical base strength: Either a positive or negative number that indicates farsightedness or nearsightedness • Cylinder base strength: Either a positive or negative number that measures the degree of astigmatism • Axis: The number from 0 to 180 degrees that indicates the orientation of any astigmatism Your corrective lenses will be made to the exact specifications of your unique optical prescription. The steps to make your prescription eyewear include: Lens Blanks Prefabricated “lens blanks” are round pieces of polycarbonate plastic used to make corrective lenses. High-tech laboratories manufacture lens blanks with every possible optical prescription already “built into” them. The thickness and shape of each lens blank, along with its degree and orientation of curves, combine to achieve its optical power. One side of each lens blank is curved, while the other side is flat. Lens blanks are made with varying amounts of existing curvature that exactly correspond with a patient’s optical prescription. Lens Cutting When making your corrective lenses, a lensometer is used to mark the “optical center” of the lens blank — the exact point of the blank that will sit directly over your pupil. Then each lens is taped to prevent scratches during the grinding and blocking phases. A grinding machine grinds the flat side of the lens into the correct shape to fit the frame. Lens Edging After the lens has been cut, it must be edged to fit into the frame you selected. This involves smoothing and polishing the edges of the lens to ensure a perfect fit. Edging is done using specialized equipment that grinds the edges of the lens to the precise shape required for the frame. Lens Coating Many prescription lenses are coated to improve their durability, clarity, and resistance to scratches and glare. Coatings can include anti-reflective coatings, scratch-resistant coatings, and UV protection coatings. Coatings are applied to the surface of the lens using a vacuum deposition process that involves heating the lens material and applying a thin layer of coating material. Lens Tinting Some prescription lenses are tinted to provide additional protection from the sun or to enhance visual acuity in specific situations. Tinting can be achieved in several ways, including adding colorants to the lens material, applying tinted coatings, or using specialized tints that are integrated into the lens during the manufacturing process. Lens Fitting Once the lens has been cut, edged, coated, and tinted (if necessary), it can be fitted into the frame. The frame must be carefully adjusted to ensure that the lens sits correctly in front of the eye. This involves making adjustments to the nose pads, temple arms, and other parts of the frame to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. Frame Fitting When you come to pick up your glasses in our office, we will provide an optical fitting to ensure that the frame fits your face comfortably and that the center point of the lens is precisely aligned with your pupil. This ensures that you will see your best in your sleek, new eyewear. And you’ll look great, too! Now that you know the process for making corrective eyeglasses, is it time for you to schedule your annual eye exam so we can make a unique pair of prescription eyewear for you? Making you look good and helping you see your best isn’t just our job – it’s our passion! Call us today to book your appointment. We’ll make sure your eyes are properly outfitted to enjoy clear, precise vision in your new prescription glasses and prescription sunglasses. --- ## 5 Eye Conditions You May Inherit from Dear Ole’ Dad URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/5-eye-conditions-you-may-inherit-from-dear-ole-dad/ On the third Sunday each June, we celebrate Father’s Day to acknowledge Dads and the good things they do. Though the origins of Father’s Day are much different than those of Mother’s Day, the idea is the same: Extending gratitude for the role male parents play in our lives. While you celebrate Dad, especially if he is over age 50, take a moment to ask about his eye health. This is a good idea both because we want our Dads to continue seeing their best, and because there are multiple eye conditions and diseases you might inherit from your father. Early detection is critical for successfully treating many eye conditions that could impact your ability (and Dad’s) to see well. Talking about your family’s eye health history is a great place to start. Following are 5 specific eye conditions that you may inherit from your father: 1. Color Blindness. Color blindness is a common inherited eye condition we can get from our fathers. It is caused by a genetic mutation on the X chromosome — and since men have one X and one Y chromosome (while women have two X chromosomes), the gene is more commonly expressed in men. In fact, color blindness affects around 8% of men but only 0.5% of women (1 in 12 men versus 1 in 200 women). For a woman to experience color blindness would mean she inherited a genetic mutation on both of her X chromosomes, which is rare. Men with a genetic mutation on their single X chromosome will be color blind. Women can carry color blindness on one of their two X chromosomes but not experience the condition visually. Curious whether you have color blindness? Take this free online test . 2. Nearsightedness (Myopia). If you read our Mother’s Day post, you know that nearsightedness can be inherited from your mom but is even more likely to be inherited from your dad. While nearsightedness is a result of both genetic and environmental factors, eye shape is inherited. A nearsighted eye can focus clearly on objects up-close but not at a distance. Here’s why: In a myopic eye, the eyeball isn’t perfectly round but is instead elongated, which gives the cornea an extremely curved shape. This curve impacts how light is refracted within the eye, causing the focal point of the light to fall short of the retina (which makes far vision blurry). If you’ve inherited myopia, we have good news: With the right prescription and corrective lenses from our optical department, you’ll most likely be able to see 20/20. 3. Glaucoma can be inherited from fathers. Unlike color blindness and nearsightedness, glaucoma is a disease that can cause blindness. That’s why it is often known as the Silent Thief of Sight. With glaucoma, the key is early detection. Glaucoma doesn’t hurt, and you may not notice that your visual field is shrinking because the vision loss it causes often starts with peripheral vision. Your optometrist can diagnose glaucoma during your annual comprehensive eye exam. We will test the pressure inside of each eye to determine if it is elevated. High intraocular pressure is how glaucoma damages the optic nerve and causes vision loss. Glaucoma runs in families and is more likely to be inherited from fathers than mothers. Once you lose vision to glaucoma, it is gone forever. Don’t let this silent thief sneak up on you, your Dad, or anyone in your family. 4. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is another very serious eye condition that can be inherited from fathers (and also mothers). To understand AMD, it helps to know that the macula is the central area of the eye’s retina that powers your detailed, central vision – so you can focus on things right in front of you. The macula helps you recognize people’s faces, read, watch television, and perform up-close tasks such as cooking or crafts. When the macula starts to degenerate in age-related macular degeneration, that central area of the retina can no longer function properly, and permanent vision loss occurs. AMD is more likely to be inherited from fathers than mothers. There are treatments to slow AMD progression, but early detection is crucial. Your optometrist will carefully monitor the health of your macula during your annual comprehensive eye exam. 5. Genetic Mutations that Increase Risk of Developing Specific Eye Conditions. In addition to these four inherited eye conditions, fathers can also pass down genetic mutations of the X or Y chromosome that make their children more likely to develop certain eye conditions. One is cataracts, a clouding or thickening of the eye’s natural lens that makes vision blurry and dark. Fortunately, cataracts can typically be corrected with cataract surgery. As you celebrate Dad, it’s a great time to discuss your family’s health history. Though you may have inherited a tendency to develop serious eye conditions, many factors play a role in overall health and eye health, including your environment, diet, and lifestyle. If you are at a higher risk for certain eye conditions, smart choices can help protect your eye health and catch potential issues early. These include regular comprehensive eye exams, healthy lifestyle choices, and wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from damaging UV light. If you’re due for your annual eye exam, call us today to schedule it. If your Dad lives nearby, schedule an exam for him, too! We’ll make sure you’re both seeing your best and double-check that you are doing everything possible to maintain good vision throughout your lives. --- ## Do the Sun’s UV Rays Cause Cataracts? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/do-the-suns-uv-rays-cause-cataracts/ June, July, and August are when the sun’s rays are most intense in the US. That’s why June 27 is National Sunglasses Day , reminding us about the importance of protecting your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays by wearing sunglasses every day, every time we go outside. June is also Cataract Awareness Month. It’s no coincidence that National Sunglasses Day comes during Cataract Awareness Month: Sun exposure increases the likelihood for individuals to develop cataracts. While we can’t say for sure that the sun causes cataracts, we know UV exposure over a lifetime contributes to the development of cataracts. The World Health Organization (WHO) blames the sun’s UV rays for two significant public health challenges: skin cancer and cataracts. With the ozone layer thinner now than it was 30 years ago, the sun’s UV rays reach Earth’s surface at a much higher rate than they did when the ozone layer was healthier. (Good news on that front: Earth’s ozone layer is on track to recover to its 1980s-era status within about 40 years.) What are Cataracts? Cataracts are a clouding of the eye's lens that can cause blurry vision, color vision changes, poor night vision, and sensitivity to light. One reason that older people tend to suffer from cataracts is that damage caused by the sun’s UV rays to the eyes is cumulative over a lifetime of unprotected sun exposure. (So, wear your sunglasses!) Cataracts are the No. 1 cause of vision loss in the US and the No. 1 cause of blindness worldwide. The WHO estimates that UV exposure may cause more than 2 million people to go blind worldwide each year. In the US, UV exposure contributes to the fact that more than half of people experience cataracts by age 80. What are the Eye Dangers of UV Rays? Whether you apply sunscreen each day or usually skip it, at some point the sun’s rays find unprotected skin and —Ouch! — sunburn can really hurt. Your eyes can get sunburned, too. If you spend hours in the sun without wearing high-quality sunglasses, your eyes may become red, swollen, painful, blurry, and you may even experience temporary blindness! Here’s why: UV rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation produced by the sun. There are three UV categories: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA rays are the most common and have the longest wavelength; UVB rays have a shorter wavelength and are more intense. UVC rays have the shortest wavelength, making them the most dangerous to skin and eyes, but fortunately, UVC rays are mostly absorbed by the Earth's ozone layer and do not reach us. (Thank you, ozone layer!) UVA and UVB ray exposure is linked to a variety of eye problems, which include cataracts, macular degeneration, and cancer of the eyelid. 3 Ways to Protect Eyes From UV Damage So, how do you protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays? Here are 3 ways: 1. Wear High-Quality Sunglasses Daily The most effective protection is to wear sunglasses that provide you with 100% UV protection. Not all sunglasses provide this level of protection, so it's important to verify that yours offer "100% UV protection" and to purchase your sunglasses from a reputable source. Additionally, a wide-brimmed hat can also help to shield your eyes from the sun. 1. Avoid the Sun at Mid-Day Another way to protect your eyes from UV rays is to be aware that the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. — and avoid those strong rays. Either time your activities to avoid being outside during these hours, spend more time in the shade, or take extra precautions by wearing sunglasses and a hat. 1. Beware of Reflected UV Rays It’s not just the sun’s rays from above that you must avoid — it’s also the UV rays reflected off of surfaces and shining into your eyes. Snow, water, sand, metal, sidewalks, and buildings reflect high levels of UV rays. Sunglasses protect from reflected UV, so wearing them is your best defense. Help Kids Develop the Sunglass Habit You wouldn’t let your child spend hours in the sun without sunscreen, would you? Use that same protective instinct when it comes to sunglasses! Get your child a quality pair of sunglasses and help them develop good sunglasses habits! Kids get more sun exposure than adults each year. In addition, children’s eyes aren’t fully mature, so UV rays cause even more damage to their developing eyes. One smart way to encourage your children to get into the good habit of wearing sunglasses is to wear your own sunglasses every day. Kids will copy your behaviors — both good and bad. So, help your kids develop the healthy habit of wearing sunglasses! It’s much easier than getting them to eat their veggies. UV ray exposure can cause a variety of eye problems, but you can control how much UV your eyes absorb by wearing high-quality sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Your eyes and vision are a precious and irreplaceable gift; protect that gift every day by wearing sunglasses! If you’re unsure whether your sunglasses provide 100% UV protection or if your sunglasses are scratched (which can decrease their UV protection), come in and see us. We have new sunglass styles arriving weekly, and our talented team will help you choose a pair that fits your face, your budget, and your lifestyle! --- ## How to Reduce Your Risk of Eye Injury URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/how-to-reduce-your-risk-of-eye-injury/ July is National Eye Injury Prevention Month. While about half of all eye injuries happen at work (2,000+ eye injuries a day occur at workplaces across the U.S.), you’re just as likely to injure your eyes at home. With that in mind, here’s how to reduce your risk for eye injuries. Be Aware We often feel safe inside our homes, and that feeling can lull us into a false sense that nothing bad can happen. But many eye injuries happen in and around the home. Cleaning, cooking, home improvement, and yard work are the main culprits responsible for about 40% of all eye injuries in the U.S. More than 125,000 eye injuries each year result from common cleaning product use. Only 3 in 10 people wear proper eye protection while they’re doing an activity that could result in a serious eye injury. That’s unfortunate because more than 90% of eye injuries could be prevented just by wearing the proper eye protection while doing these high-risk activities. Be aware that the activities in and around your home can cause serious eye injury. Be Prepared One easy step you can take is to have a quality pair of protective eyewear on hand for each member of your household. Double-check that the safety goggles or safety glasses you choose are approved by the American National Standards Institute ( ANSI). When working outside, make sure your safety eyewear includes proper UV protection to keep eyes safe from the harmful UV rays of the sun. You likely know that activities such as paintball or welding require proper eye protection. But what about attending a public protest? Or mowing the lawn? Or stripping the finish from a piece of furniture? A lot of common activities require protective eyewear in the form of safety goggles, glasses, or a visor. Wear appropriate eye protection when you’re participating in an activity that: 1. Involves hazardous chemicals. If the product label says it can damage eyes on contact, wear safety goggles! These include anything containing ammonia or bleach, such as bathroom cleaners, drain cleaners, and oven cleaners. Similarly, yard chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers can irritate and injure your eyes. 2. May produce flying debris. If you’re dusting, mowing, sanding, leaf-blowing, trimming, clipping, weed-whacking, or playing sports – wear your safety goggles! Small flying particles and debris can lodge in your eyes and cause serious injury or even cause blindness. Always wear your safety goggles! 3. Involves projectiles or loose objects that could fly into eyes. We’re thinking of sports with balls or other flying objects (yes, even the birdie in badminton or that fun beach frisbee game). But also: mulch, nails, gravel or small rocks, paint chips, branches, twigs, glass shards, power tool projectiles, fireworks debris, garden tools, and lawnmower debris. (Have you ever seen a pine cone shoot out from under a lawnmower? Lesson learned!) Be Proactive There are many proactive measures you can take to minimize the risk of eye injury. The No.1 measure is to wear eye protection. But here are a few more tips to help you prevent eye injuries in and around your home: • Stair safety: Make sure you have proper lighting and handrails. • Sharp edges: If furniture or fixtures have sharp edges, install bumpers or corner protectors. • Carbonated drinks: Be careful as you open bottles of soda, champagne, or other carbonated drinks. • Cleaning products: Read labels, wear chemical safety goggles, never mix cleaning agents together, and turn the spray nozzle away from your face before you spray. Always wash hands after using household chemicals to avoid getting them in your eyes from contaminated hands. • Cooking: Hot oil, steam, splattered grease, and bubbling sauces are all potential eye injuries. Use a grease splatter guard and wear your safety goggles! (Check out these onion goggles on Amazon!) • Outside? Wear sunglasses: It’s critical to protect the eyes from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays — even on cloudy days. • Read (and follow!) directions on all equipment and when playing games. • Sports and leisure fun: Wear those safety goggles or glasses. • High-impact sports: Wear a polycarbonate face mask and helmet to protect you from projectiles and collision accidents. • Shooting arrows, pellets, or paintballs? Wear safety goggles – such projectiles can damage both your eyes and the soft tissue and bone around them. • Fireworks? Safety goggles are a must when handling them. Avoid sparklers and never give them to children – they burn at temperatures of more than 1800°F and can easily cause burns and blindness. Despite precautions, accidents do happen. If you or a loved one suffers an eye injury, call our office and seek immediate medical attention. Your eyes and your sense of vision are precious gifts to safeguard in every way. Take proper precautions to protect your vision as you enjoy a safe, happy summer! --- ## Sunglasses 101: Everything You Need to Know to Find Your Favorite Pair URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/sunglasses-101-everything-you-need-to-know-to-find-your-favorite-pair/ It’s summer, and sunglasses are the first accessory you reach for every day. Right!? If not, it’s time to start. Daily exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays can lead to unwanted conditions as you grow older, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and even cancer of the eye or eyelid. You can help prevent these outcomes by wearing a high-quality pair of sunglasses whenever you go outside. Yes, even on cloudy days, the sun’s harmful rays are always present. If you are among the 64% of adults who wear prescription lenses, why not treat yourself to a pair of prescription sunglasses? It’s convenient and safe to see well while shielding your eyes from the sun’s rays and glare. Less squinting, more joy all year! If you are in the eyewear minority and don’t need prescription lenses (yet!), our optical department can outfit you with high-quality sunglasses that look great and are guaranteed to protect your eyes from 100% of the sun’s damaging UV rays. Wherever you get your sunglasses, it’s critical to ensure that they block 100% of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Unfortunately, some “cheap sunglasses” may not block 100% of UV rays. That can be dangerous and cause damage to your eyes. Ready to find your favorite new pair of sunglasses? Come in and “see” us. Whether you need prescription sunnies or non-RX lenses, we have a huge selection of frames and lenses. Our friendly, talented optical department staff are ready to help you choose the perfect pair! These five questions will help you find your next favorite pair of sunglasses: 1. What outside activities do you enjoy? • Sports sunglasses or sun goggles stay put as you move. Made from lightweight materials with a stronger fit, they’re ideal for fast-paced sports and activities. Whether you love biking, boating, tennis, or team sports, their grip-enhanced temple and nose pads won’t slide down your nose when you sweat. • Casual sunglasses. If your outdoor activities are more chill, choose a pair of casual sunglasses. While sitting by the pool with friends, walking, socializing, or beaching, our high-quality sunglass options protect your peepers in style! 1. What lens choice is ideal for you? Sunglass lenses serve to protect your eyes from the sun while offering vision-enhancing features. These include: • Polarized lenses minimize glare, that near-blinding light reflection that bounces off metal, sand, water, and other horizontal surfaces into your eyes. • Scratch-resistant lenses. Don’t be shy about admitting that you often drop your sunnies. We do, too! We recommend scratch-resistant lenses to minimize damage. • Photochromic lenses. These “smart lenses” are the Siri of modern eyewear: They automatically darken as they sense brighter light when you walk outside on a sunny day and get lighter when you go back inside where the light is less bright. Photochromic lenses are a simple, elegant solution if you’re tired of juggling prescription eyewear and sunglasses when transitioning between outside and inside. 1. What lens material is ideal for you? • Ophthalmic-quality plastic. Offering great clarity that pairs well with polarization and non-glare coatings, plastic lenses are a solid choice. They are not as shatter-resistant as polycarbonate, though. • Offering shatter-resistance and impact-resistance plus optical clarity, polycarbonate lenses are a lightweight, affordable choice. • Acrylic is inexpensive, but it can sometimes distort vision. The material is on the lower end of sunglass lens materials. It doesn’t offer the ideal optical clarity or durability that other options do. 1. What frame material is best for your lifestyle? • Featuring high impact-resistance for sporty lifestyles, nylon is inexpensive, lightweight, and durable. Note: Nylon frames are not adjustable unless they feature a wire core. • Metal frames are hot! They feature ease of adjustment for ideal fit; on the downside, they can be expensive and aren’t super durable. But, if you love the sleek look of an aluminum, titanium, or stainless steel frame, we’re here for that. Fair warning: When we say they’re hot, we mean it. Metal frames can heat up in the hot summer sunshine! • Plastic (acetate). The sky’s the limit on shape and color combinations with acetate frames. While they don’t fare well during high-impact sports, they offer the perfect sun protection in low-impact or social situations. 1. What frame fits your unique face shape? Maybe the most exciting part of choosing sunglasses is finding which shape fits your face. We have experience helping you find a comfortable, flattering style and are happy to help. As you try on frames, keep in mind that opposites attract. In other words, square shapes generally look good on a roundish face, and round frames look good on a square-ish face. Some guidelines on frames and face shape: • Heart-shaped face: This gorgeous face shape features a wider forehead. Try aviator frames (or anything round), or consider rimless options and even butterfly-shaped styles. • Oblong face: Oversized frames or wraparounds reduce the visual perception of face length to give you a great look. • Square-shaped face: Curved, rounded, or oval frames are your go-to. • Round-shaped face: Think angular, square, or rectangular frame shapes. • Oval-shaped face: Lucky you: Almost every shape looks good on an oval face. Just make sure the frame size doesn’t overpower your face. Come in soon to see the exciting new frame styles arriving daily in our optical department. Our experienced staff will help you select the best frame, materials, lenses, and coatings to make your next favorite pair of sunglasses – and we’ll have fun while we do it. We can’t wait to help you see your best this summer! --- ## 5 Concerns Parents Voice About Their Student’s Vision URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/5-concerns-parents-voice-about-their-students-vision/ It’s back-to-school season! As a parent, you know that your child needs all of the tools and resources available to be successful in the classroom, on the athletic field, and at social events — as well as to maintain a positive self-image. Did you know that along with their changing bodies, a child’s vision can change as they grow and mature? Scholastically, the demands of learning change as well. Print size grows smaller, assignments lengthen, and the amount of time devoted to screen time, reading, and writing increases. And not just in the classroom; this also extends to homework assignments. Good vision includes not only the ability to see clearly, but also the key that unlocks reading comprehension — understanding the meaning and content of the written word. August is Vision and Learning Month, because there is a strong correlation between scholastic success and healthy vision. In our practice, we ensure that every child we see goes back to class with the advantage of their best possible vision so they can ace the school year ahead. In our optometry practice, we often talk with concerned parents who have questions about the visual behaviors they see in their child. Some of these may correlate with noticeable changes in their student’s comprehension and skills. 5 Concerns Parents Share With Us Following are 5 statements we commonly hear from parents. Do any of these questions sound like the concerns, problems, or behavioral changes you have seen in your children? 1. “I have noticed that my child is squinting, rubbing their eyes, and losing their place on the page when reading — but the school vision screening did not identify any issues.” According to the American Optometric Association , one in four school-age children has a vision disorder. However, school vision screenings miss up to 75% of children with vision problems. This is in part because school screenings do not test all causes of potential vision problems. Parents and educators sometimes assume — incorrectly — that if a child passes a school screening test that the student has no vision issues. However, 20/20 vision is only a measure of visual acuity, which means seeing clearly at varying distances. It does not test your student’s ability to perform the critical functions listed below: • Eye Focusing: Necessary when focusing on a chalkboard, then looking back to the printed page, then back again to the chalkboard • Eye Teaming: Both eyes working smoothly together as they move across a page • Eye Hand Coordination: The visual information and perception that directs hand movement, such as in sports and driving • Visual Perception: Organizing and decoding information into words and ideas and having the ability to comprehend that information 1. “My child was previously an excellent athlete but now struggles to achieve what she was always able to do with great success. It seems she isn’t able to judge the distance of the ball and make contact.” A change in athletic ability could certainly be caused by a change in your child’s visual perception. It could be undiagnosed Eye Hand Coordination or Eye Teaming issues, or any number of eye insufficiencies that may change her ability to perform. A comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist will test for all functional vision issues. Our practice offers student athletes the option of prescription goggles to correct their vision and protect their eyes as they compete. 1. “My child has been identified as being ADHD. Could vision problems contribute to that?” Many children are misdiagnosed with behavioral issues such as ADHD, learning disabilities or dyslexia. Such labels can, unfortunately, stay with your student into adulthood and negatively impact their self-esteem. Learning challenges can have their basis in vision problems. Undetected vision issues sometimes share symptoms of ADHD in students. If a vision issue is the root cause of your child’s issues, it’s quite possible that it can be addressed with proper diagnosis and corrective eyewear. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam for your student today to diagnose any visual issues that may be masquerading as other challenges. The sooner your child is correctly diagnosed, the less likely that an incorrect behavioral diagnosis will impact them for years to come. 1. “I’m not sure my child will wear her glasses. How do I get her to wear them?” We understand your concern! In our practice, we find that children who choose their favorite color, shape, or style of frame do quite well with wearing their corrective lenses. Our opticians are great with kids and can help them make a choice that you’ll like, too. Once your child wears his or her glasses a few times and no longer struggles with their vision, they will be more likely to wear their glasses regularly. 1. “My child doesn’t complain about not being able to see clearly.” Children grow accustomed to the only vision they “know.” They don’t realize that they have a vision problem because they have had no other vision for comparison. In other words, “They don’t know what they don’t know.” Lacking such an integral skill as good vision will force your student to work harder in school, and they may lose interest or become so frustrated that they give up altogether. This may adversely affect their self-esteem because they will see themselves as unable to grasp what other children are learning with ease. Bottom line? As a parent, you rightly have concerns about how well your child will do in school. While some things are beyond your control, scheduling a comprehensive eye exam is a relatively easy way to gain peace of mind. Call our office today to schedule a back-to-school appointment. We’ll make sure your student is seeing their best to give them the best possible chance for a successful school year! --- ## 9 Student Behaviors That May Indicate A Misdiagnosed Vision Issue URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/9-student-behaviors-that-may-indicate-a-misdiagnosed-vision-issue/ Proper eye care in school-age children is invaluable to their overall health and well-being. Just look at the statistics: 1 in 5 American preschool-age children have an uncorrected vision issue. An estimated 10 million children under age 10 have vision problems. Difficulty seeing can affect their ability to learn, and in some cases, lead to a behavioral misdiagnosis. That’s a sobering fact when you consider that 80% of what children learn in their first 12 years comes through visual learning — vision is our dominant sense! School vision screenings miss 75% of vision problems If you are the parent of a child who struggles with learning or whose behavior is causing problems in the classroom, we recommend a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist to determine whether your child’s visual system is performing at its best. Your school’s annual eye screening is insufficient in identifying all the factors that contribute to good vision. School visual screenings miss up to 75% of children with vision problems that could negatively impact learning. Did you know that being able to read the 20/20 line on the eye chart is only one of 17 visual skills needed for optimal vision? A child with 20/20 vision can still have problems focusing, tracking or coordinating. You may be shocked to learn that an estimated 40% of children diagnosed with learning disabilities have uncorrected vision problems — not a learning disability! Uncorrected Vision Problems Are Often Misdiagnosed Because learning and vision are so interconnected, uncorrected visual challenges may be mistakenly diagnosed as behavioral or learning disabilities. Children with significant vision problems and those with ADHD exhibit similar behaviors, and children with vision problems are two times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. A child experiencing vision problems may exhibit restless behavior that can be disruptive in a classroom setting. These children are unable to communicate that they are having difficulty seeing because they have never experienced good vision . One common eye condition that can exhibit symptoms similar to ADHD is Convergence Insufficiency (CI) — which causes blurred or double vision when the eyes work together to view up-close objects such as a book or phone screen. Any child with ADHD symptoms should be evaluated for CI, which may be the root cause of the problem. Children with CI are three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. Unfortunately, a child with poor eyesight may be branded a “problem kid” because they act out in the classroom and exhibit inappropriate behavior in social settings. 9 Behaviors That Suggest Undiagnosed Vision Issues in Children Following are nine behaviors that teachers and parents should watch for, as they may indicate that a student is struggling due to a vision problem: 1. Disruptive talking. The child may talk while the teacher instructs the class, because she is asking a fellow student what the teacher is writing on the board. She may be hesitant to speak up or read aloud. 2. Clumsiness. The student may bump into desks, furniture, or trip over things. A possible depth perception problem could be the culprit. 3. Acting out. If a child acts out in the classroom, is it because they don’t know the rules or because when kids can’t see, they miss the subtle behaviors and rules that are part of classroom etiquette? 4. Disinterest in school work. A student with a vision issue can become disinterested in school work because it takes them longer to complete assignments — so they find alternative activities that may disrupt the classroom. 5. Headaches and squinting. The child may consistently complain of headaches, put their head down, squint, or close their eyes. 6. Can’t maintain focus. A student who can’t maintain focus on any activity for any length of time may be impulsive or distracted. It’s critical to explore whether the cause is ADHD or a vision problem. 7. Holding things too closely. The student holds objects close to their face to be more involved in an action like cutting with scissors or writing. Or maybe they hold a book too close to see the words clearly. 8. Self-isolation. A child who self-isolates during recess may be avoiding the embarrassment of missing balls or stumbling during play. 9. Social awkwardness. A child who can’t see facial cues may feel socially awkward and hang back from participating in groups, isolating themselves from interacting and playing. Children can be easily misdiagnosed with a behavioral disorder when, in fact, it just doesn’t exist. As a parent, it’s a smart strategy to ensure that your child has good visual acuity, eye teaming, and functional vision skills first — before exploring other potential causes of behavioral issues. Visual problems left untreated or misdiagnosed as behavioral issues may lead to life-long struggles coupled with the stress of trying to compensate for these insufficiencies. If you are a parent who suspects that your child may have a vision problem that is contributing to their behavioral or learning problems, call our office today! Our goal is to find and correct the root cause of your child’s vision problems. A comprehensive eye exam will determine whether their visual system is functioning ideally. Good vision will give your child the start to the new school year that they deserve! --- ## Is Your Student at Risk for Digital Eye Strain? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/is-your-student-at-risk-for-digital-eye-strain/ Technology today offers your student so many good things, but Digital Eye Strain isn’t one of them. Also called Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), this condition is the result of prolonged use of tablets, computers, e-readers, and cell phones — every type of screen device that your student uses hour after hour in a long school day and at home for homework. Extended periods of digital screen time can lead to eye discomfort, and that discomfort increases proportionally with screen use time. The more time spent staring into these devices, the greater the strain on the eyes. This high visual demand makes many students susceptible to vision-related problems. We’ve listed some of the symptoms to watch for below. Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain include: • Eyestrain • Neck and Shoulder Pain • Blurred Vision • Dry Eyes • Headaches These symptoms may be caused by: • Glare on the digital screen • Improper viewing distance • Uncorrected vision problems • Poor lighting • Poor seating and/or forward slouching posture Students may experience varying degrees of visual symptoms depending on their level of use of digital screens. The time logged in front of those screens may contribute to one or more of the symptoms listed above. Additionally, uncorrected vision problems such as farsightedness, nearsightedness, astigmatism, eye focusing issues, and eye coordination can add to the problems associated with CVS. Some students may experience temporary symptoms that resolve when they stop using their digital device, while others may experience symptoms such as blurred distance vision after stopping work on the digital screen. Some people experience symptoms that continue and even worsen with prolonged screen use. Diagnosing Digital Eye Strain Digital eye strain can be diagnosed with a comprehensive eye exam, which may include the following: • A patient history to determine any type of eye strain symptom being experienced by the student, along with a review of general and overall health • Measurements of the ability of the eyes to discern letters and numbers at a given distance • Correction of any refractive problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism • Testing to determine if both eyes are focusing effectively to move and work in unison to create a clear, single image Using the results from these tests, your optometrist will determine whether you or your student may be experiencing computer vision syndrome and advise appropriate intervention. Treating Digital Eye Strain We have various treatment modalities to alleviate the eye strain associated with digital screen use. By scheduling a comprehensive eye exam along with making some simple changes in how the screen is viewed, your student can be successfully treated for the symptoms resulting from CVS. Here are a few examples of how we may treat digital eye strain to improve visual comfort while using screens: • Computer glasses: Even though your student may not need corrective glasses or contact lenses for other daily activities, they may benefit from eyeglasses used specifically for screen use. Eyeglasses or contact lenses for general use may not provide adequate correction for the unique demands of prolonged digital screen use. Computer glasses with special lens tints that block specific wavelengths of light, lens powers, and anti-reflective coatings may maximize visual comfort and ability. • Proper body position and environmental conditions for screen viewing: Encourage your student to be “body aware” of these healthy habits when using digital screens: • • Avoid bright overhead lighting, and don’t sit by windows without shades or blinds. Also, use desk lamps with lower-wattage bulbs to reduce glare and use anti-glare screen filters that decrease reflected light and make reading easier with less eye strain. • • Chair comfort. Use comfortably padded chairs with armrests to support arms and wrists when typing. • • Placement of computer screen and reference materials. It’s more comfortable to view the screen when eyes are looking downward from the top of the screen and about 20-30 inches in front of the eyes. Reference materials should be aligned with the screen to prevent neck strain and to prevent repositioning the head as the student looks from the screen to the reference material. Keep the screen free of dirt, dust, and fingerprints to decrease glare and improve clarity. • • Rest breaks. After 2 hours of continuous screen use, rest the eyes for 15 minutes. During extended screen time, use the 20-20-20- Rule: Take a break after 20 minutes and focus on something 20 feet in the distance for 20 seconds before continuing. Taking frequent breaks and giving your eyes a chance to rest and focus on distant objects after so much intense close-up work can help lower your student’s risk for developing computer visual syndrome. • • Blinking keeps the surface of the eyes moist and can help minimize dry eyes. However, the normal rate of blinking tends to slow down significantly when we’re staring at a bright screen. Remember to blink! As we kick off the new school year, now is a smart time to become CVS-aware. Talk to your student about best practices when using digital devices, and schedule a comprehensive eye exam today to discuss any symptoms or concerns with your optometrist. Make sure your student starts this academic year with the best tool for academic success — clear, comfortable vision! --- ## Help Your Student Avoid Pink Eye This School Year URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/help-your-student-avoid-pink-eye-this-school-year/ In the U.S. alone, students miss an average of 3 million school days a year due to symptoms of conjunctivitis or “pink eye” as it is commonly known. Pink eye is highly contagious and can spread rapidly in areas of close contact, such as schools, daycares, and athletic facilities. This is due in part to shared use of digital devices, books, toys, athletic equipment, and restrooms where kids touch door knobs, bathroom faucets, and toilet handles. There are several contagious and non-contagious ways to contract conjunctivitis. Below are some important facts to remember about pink eye – its causes, symptoms, how to avoid it, and when to contact your optometrist. Common Causes and Symptoms of Pink Eye There are four common causes of pink eye: • A number of viruses, including adenoviruses, can result in large outbreaks of pink eye. These viruses are very contagious . • Pink eye can be caused by numerous types of bacteria that spread very easily. We see bacterial conjunctivitis more often in kids than adults. It is highly contagious as soon as symptoms appear and for as long as the eye is producing discharge. We see it more frequently from December through April. • This type can occur year-round and is not contagious . We see it seasonally (when pollen counts are high) in individuals who have other allergic conditions such as hay fever, eczema and asthma. • This type of pink eye results from exposure to pollen, smoke, dust, fumes or chemicals and is not contagious . It can also occur when contact lenses are not properly cleaned or are worn longer than recommended. Symptoms of pink eye can include: • Red or pink coloration in the whites of the eye. • Increased tear production • Crusting of eyelashes or lids, particularly in the morning — sometimes accompanied by pus, mucus, or watery secretions. • Swelling of the eyelids or the white part of the eye. • Irritation, burning, itching, or an urge to rub the eye. Also, a feeling that “there is something in my eye” like sand or a grittiness. How to Avoid Contracting Pink Eye Practice good “eye hygiene” to avoid contracting pink eye. Implement the following tips in your household to maintain good eye health in every member of your family — school age and adult! 1. Soap and water are your family’s best and easiest protection in preventing the spread of any communicable condition — especially pink eye. Encourage family members to wash hands frequently using soap and warm water as a matter of habit. It’s even more important to hand wash when someone in your household has been exposed to pink eye. 1. If someone in your family has conjunctivitis, remind them that hand washing is especially important before and after cleaning the affected eye. This minimizes the chance of re-infection and reduces the possibility of infecting a family member. 1. Let your student and family members choose a special towel and washcloth just for their use. Assign a color or pattern to each family member in order to keep everyone using their own towel and cloth and avoid cross-contamination. 1. If you have young children, “lend them a hand” with hand washing to ensure a thorough job. It also gives you the opportunity to remind them to use their designated hand towel to wipe their hands or face. 1. Wash towels and linens in hot water to decrease bacterial or viral growth. This includes pillow cases and every towel that comes in contact with the face and hands. 1. It’s always smart to keep paper towels and boxes of tissues handy . Just give them a toss after wiping a “runny eye.” Remind your family that they do need to wash their hands after using tissues and paper towels. 1. Stop wearing contact lenses while you have pink eye symptoms. Follow your optometrist’s instructions on cleaning, storing, or replacing contacts, and when it’s appropriate to resume wearing them. 1. Do not use swimming pools when you have pink eye! When to Contact Your Optometrist About Pink Eye Contact your optometrist if your child has conjunctivitis and is experiencing any of these symptoms: • Blurred vision that does not clear after cleaning discharge from the eye(s) • Pain in the eye(s) • Intense redness in the eye(s) • Symptoms that worsen or don’t improve, especially after 24 hours of antibiotic use if the conjunctivitis has been diagnosed as bacterial • A weakened immune system —such as HIV infection, cancer treatment, or other medical conditions or treatments that can affect the body’s ability to fight infection • Pre-existing eye conditions Your optometrist will determine the best treatment option for your student’s pink eye. The good news is that in most cases, the infection will clear without any complications within two weeks! --- ## How to Care for Your New Baby’s Vision Development URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/how-to-care-for-your-new-babys-vision-development/ ## A New Parent’s Guide to Your Baby’s Vision Development We get it: Having a baby can feel overwhelming. Caring for an adorable new life is a big job, and there’s a lot to learn. One important area of focus new parents sometimes overlook is your baby’s vision development. Many new parents are unaware that an optometric vision exam for their new baby is as important as those pre-scheduled pediatric exams. Ideally, at about 6 months of age, a baby should have their vision evaluated by an optometrist to ensure their eyes and vision are developing properly. An infant’s eye and vision health are directly connected to their motor, speech, and social development. The sense of sight  is a critical aspect in your baby’s development. Babies aren’t born with the ability to “see” as we adults perceive our sense of sight. Instead, they “learn to see” over a period of time. Just as they learn to roll over, sit up, crawl, and walk, their eyes must learn to focus, track, and pinpoint objects to help them explore, interact, and understand their world. A baby’s eyes are the tool that leads them forward in their development – sight is their window to the world! As a new parent, it’s crucial for you to be aware of the vision developmental milestones below. Remember, however, that every child is unique, and these are general guidelines. ### Birth to 4 Months Newborns can focus on objects approximately 8 to 10 inches from their faces. However, they can’t yet move their eyes to track an image or object. For her first two months of life, your baby may appear to have crossed eyes or eyes that wander, which is usually normal. However, if this happens constantly, an eye evaluation is warranted. At approximately three months, a baby should begin to visually track objects and reach for them as eye-hand coordination develops. Things parents can do to assist with visual development: • Alternate left and right sides when feeding to give the baby a different reference point • Talk to your baby as you walk around the room to help him with tracking • Change the crib position and the baby’s position in that crib • Keep toys within 8 – 12 inches from the baby’s reach to help with focus • Use low-wattage lamps or dimmers in the baby’s room ### Age 5 to 8 Months Around 5 months of age, eye-hand and eye-body movements improve as the baby’s eyes begin working together. At this point in development, your baby can form three-dimensional images, and it is generally believed a baby’s color vision is developing. At 8 months, most babies are crawling and developing a greater ability to utilize eye-hand and body coordination. Parents should encourage their baby to crawl more (rather than walk early) as it may help their eyes “learn” to work together. Things parents can do to assist with visual development: • Give the baby plenty of “floor time” • Give the baby hand-size blocks to hold • Hang mobiles or other objects across the crib for the baby to reach for, kick, or grab • Play games holding the baby’s hands and go through the motions with them – like “Patty Cake” and sing or say the words to them ### Age 9 to 12 Months At 9 months, a baby should be using the thumb and forefinger to grasp objects— indicating good depth perception and eye tracking. As the baby approaches 12 months of life, they begin to walk and judge distance fairly well. They also begin throwing objects at a desired location. Things parents can do to assist with visual development: • Hold objects within the baby’s line of sight and name the object to encourage word association and vocabulary • Help visual memory by playing Peek-a-Boo or Hide-N-Seek with toys • Encourage scooting, crawling, and walking by holding out a desired toy ### Age 1 – 2 Years A child’s depth perception and eye-hand coordination should be well developed. They recognize and respond to pictures, books, and toys. Activities to assist with visual development: • To help with fine motor skills and small muscle development, give the child small blocks and toys to play with • Read books and tell stories to help the child visualize and build vocabulary • Roll or pitch a soft ball to the child to help them with tracking ability ### Early Signs of Eye and Vision Problems Though rare, vision or eye problems in a baby can develop, or sometimes babies are born with vision issues. Vision problems can lead to delayed development due to the lack of visual information being sent to the brain. An early eye exam can identify vision concerns and enable correction or treatment so that your child can develop appropriately. As a parent, be alert to these signs that could indicate vision or eye problems: • Encrusted or red eyelids, discharge or pus coming from the eye (indicating infection) • Extreme sensitivity to light (may be related to elevated eye pressure) • Constant eye turning (indicating a muscle control issue) • Excessive tearing (which may be a clogged or blocked tear duct) • Appearance of a white pupil (which can be an indication of a malignancy) Babies born with a medical condition such as prematurity, Down syndrome, or neurofibromatosis, among others, are especially susceptible to vision problems and should be screened early. Additionally, parents should inform their optometrist if there is a family history of lazy eye, misaligned or crossed eyes, refractive errors, retinoblastoma, congenital glaucoma, or congenital cataracts. A baby whose siblings have vision problems will have a significantly higher risk of developing eye issues and should be monitored by your optometrist. ### Baby’s First Eye Exam Parents play an integral role in their infant’s visual development. One smart way to ensure your baby’s vision is developing well is to schedule your baby’s first eye exam. Your optometrist will check for farsightedness, astigmatism, and nearsightedness as well as eye alignment and tracking ability. Early detection and treatment offer the best options for normal development and to give your child the best possible quality of life. --- ## 9 Surprising Health Conditions an Eye Exam Can Uncover URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/9-surprising-health-conditions-an-eye-exam-can-uncover/ Did you know that an annual eye exam goes far beyond making sure that you are seeing your best? It is one of the few ways to uncover possible health concerns without imaging, surgery, or blood draws. Your optometrist is actually looking inside of your body as they examine your optic nerve, retina, and lens of the eye. This “insider information” can reveal abnormalities that indicate systemic disorders and diseases before symptoms appear. Following are 9 significant health conditions that your optometrist may uncover during your annual eye exam: 1. High Blood Pressure High blood pressure (HBP) impacts one in three American adults. During a comprehensive, dilated eye exam, your optometrist may notice signs of HBP, like unusual bends or kinks in the blood vessels in the back of the eye. HBP can also cause tiny blood vessels to rupture and leak blood into the whites of the eye. HBP is a risk factor associated with the onset or progression of other ocular diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. 1. Diabetes In 2017, optometrists discovered more than 400,000 cases of diabetic retinopathy in patients who had never been diagnosed with diabetes! Those diagnoses empowered the patients to take control of and manage their condition to live healthier lives. Diabetes targets the small vessels of the retina. Your doctor will look for swollen blood vessels and dilated capillaries that can block blood flow to the eye. Another sign of diabetes is the appearance of fluffy white patches on the retina, which can disappear without treatment but are an indicator of diabetes. Early diagnosis can catch retina damage in its early stages and prevent vision loss and other serious complications. 1. Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease The health of your heart is directly connected to the health of your eyes. Clogged arteries are one of several cardiovascular conditions that eye exams can detect. Clogged arteries cause decreased blood flow or ischemia to the eye, and this disruption can lead to the death of retina cells. These blockages or clots can cause a patient to feel like a curtain is closing over their vision, or they can experience sudden blind spots in their vision. Sometimes your eye doctor can see small plaque deposits in the eye that have broken away from the carotid artery (that’s the artery that supplies most of the blood to the brain). These plaques can cause a stroke if they break away and travel through blood vessels to reach the brain. A loss of peripheral vision can indicate brain damage from a previous stroke. 1. High Cholesterol If your doctor sees a blue or yellow ring around the cornea of the eye, that can indicate high cholesterol — particularly in patients under the age of 40. Yellowing of the skin or small yellow fatty bumps around the eyes are also indicators of high cholesterol. These deposits are most often seen on the inner part of the eyelid closest to the nose. 1. Thyroid Disease Thyroid disease can be characterized by blurry vision, vision loss, and dry eyes. Graves’ Disease, the most common eye disease associated with a dysfunctional thyroid, is typified by protruding eyeballs or retracting eyelids. This occurs when there is too much or too little thyroid hormone. 1. Cancers of the blood, tissue or skin Skin cancers affect the outer surface of the eye and the eyelids. The lower eyelids are one of the most common places for skin cancer to occur. Melanoma, though rare, can affect the iris or muscle fibers surrounding the lens of the eye. Leukemia and lymphoma can cause changes to the inside of the eye. Cancers affecting other areas of the body, including breast cancer, can spread to the ocular structures and sinus cavities. A detailed eye exam can reveal early indicators of many types of these cancers. 1. Rheumatoid Arthritis Dry eye, caused by reduced production of tears or eye film, is the most common symptom of Rheumatoid Arthritis ( RA). Another prevalent symptom of RA is inflammation of connective tissue and the sclera, the thin white outer layer of the eye. This can lead to red eyes accompanied by severe pain. The main component of connective tissue and sclera is collagen and inflammation increases collagen production beyond normal values. 1. Lyme disease Lyme disease is a tick-borne inflammatory infection that can affect the entire body. Inflammation of the optic nerve and increased floaters at the onset of infection are two Lyme symptoms associated with the eyes. 1. Multiple Sclerosis For people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the body’s overactive immune system attacks and damages healthy nerve fibers. The optic nerve is particularly susceptible. During a routine eye exam, your optometrist can see the retina and optic nerve. A healthy optic nerve has visible nerve fibers and blood vessels. A pale optic nerve indicates damage and inflammation. MS patients often experience pain and sudden vision loss in one or both eyes. Schedule your annual eye exam today An annual comprehensive eye exam is a smart way to be your own best health advocate. As the eye-related symptoms to these 9 significant medical conditions above show, your optometrist can be the first to detect indicators of a larger medical problem. Early detection can be key for successful treatment! If they notice any of these symptoms, your optometrist will recommend further medical testing. A complete eye exam, along with early intervention and treatment, can help successfully treat many diseases that affect the eye. So don’t delay: Schedule your annual eye exam today. --- ## 5 Questions about Diabetes and Your Eye Health URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/5-questions-about-diabetes-and-your-eye-health/ In the last 20 years, the number of American adults diagnosed with diabetes has doubled . Did you know that 37 million Americans have diabetes, and approximately 21% of those are unaware that they have it? Couple that statistic with the 96 million people considered “pre-diabetic,” and the number of individuals whose vision potentially could be affected by the disease is staggering. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in patients under age 74; with early detection and treatment, diabetics can reduce their risk of going blind by 95%! Did you know that 20% of people first learn of their diabetic condition through a comprehensive eye exam? That’s one reason why an annual eye exam is so crucial to the health of your eyes. 1. What is diabetes, and how does it impact vision? Diabetes is a progressive, chronic disease that occurs when there is too much glucose, or sugar, in the blood. When blood sugar is elevated, the pancreas releases the hormone insulin, which turns blood sugar into energy that your cells can use. When the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or the cells don’t respond to it (a condition called insulin resistance), glucose stays in the body’s bloodstream. Over time, this elevated sugar in the blood can cause serious health issues, including vision loss, cardiovascular issues, and kidney disease. When blood sugar stays elevated over time, it damages the tiny, sensitive blood vessels in the back of the eye, causing swelling, scarring and high pressure within the eye. These changes can cause eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. Your optometrist examines the back of your eyes for vascular changes that can damage tissue and lead to Diabetic Eye Disease , which includes 4 conditions that can threaten your sight: • Diabetic retinopathy impacts blood vessels in the retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of the eye). Some blood vessels close off, causing new vessels to form on the retina — a condition called proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Associated symptoms include floaters, poor night vision, shadowy areas in the visual field, and double vision. • Diabetic macular edema is a swelling of the macula — the small, sensitive area of the retina responsible for up-close and central vision. We need the macula in order to read, drive, and see people’s faces. Diabetes can destroy the sharp vision in this part of the eye. • Glaucoma often damages the optic nerve, resulting in a slow loss of side vision and blindness if not treated early. • Cataracts , a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, can be caused by deposit buildup from high glucose levels. 1. What are the signs and symptoms of Diabetic Eye Disease? Often, individuals with Diabetic Eye Disease do not feel any pain or notice a change in vision. That’s why it’s critical to schedule an annual eye exam with your optometrist. Call your eye doctor right away if you notice one or more of the following symptoms: • a significant increase in floaters – spots or dark strings • dark, shadowy areas in the visual field or areas of vision loss • wavy or blurry vision • flashes of light • frequent day-to-day changes in vision • poor color vision 1. Who is at high risk for Diabetic Eye Disease? Anyone — and everyone — with diabetes is at risk for developing Diabetic Eye Disease. If your high blood sugar is not well-controlled, your risk increases. Also, the longer you have diabetes, the greater your risk for vision problems. More than half of patients experiencing diabetes will develop diabetic retinopathy. 1. How does my optometrist diagnose Diabetic Eye Disease? Your optometrist may place dilation drops in your eyes to expand the pupils of the eyes. This gives them a better window to examine a larger portion of the back of your eye with a magnifying lens to look for blood vessel damage. Your doctor will check both your vision and the pressure in your eyes. Patients experiencing diabetes are at a higher risk of developing eye diseases that can cause permanent vision loss and should see their optometrist regularly. Annual eye exams are a general best practice, but based on changes in your eyes, your optometrist may recommend more frequent eye exams. Follow your optometrist’s guidance on how often your eyes should be examined, and if you notice changes in your vision, call your eye doctor. 1. How can you prevent Diabetic Eye Disease from progressing? Controlling blood glucose levels is the key to managing diabetic eye disease. In short, concentrate on the ABCs of diabetic disease management: A: Normalize your A1C and keep blood sugar under control B: Monitor and manage Blood Pressure C: Lower your Cholesterol —and quit smoking if you smoke. Commit to getting more physical activity. Ask yourself: How can I get more steps today? And, monitor your diet. Choose low glycemic index foods and drink water instead of sugary beverages. Take prescribed medications, and monitor blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Your optometrist may prescribe medications to inhibit new blood vessel growth in the eye or stop fluid leaks. Additionally, laser treatments for leaky blood vessels can aid in slowing the progression of diabetic eye disease. It’s never too late to begin taking better care of your health in general and to protect the health of your eyes. Start today! Your eye doctor is your partner in helping you protect and maintain optimal eye health. Call us today to schedule your comprehensive eye exam. --- ## 6 Great Options To Use Your FSA Funds By End-of-Year URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/six-great-options-to-use-your-fsa-funds-by-end-of-year/ It’s that time again – the “use it or lose it” end-of-year push to make your pre-tax Flexible Spending Account (FSA) dollars count! There are a number of qualifying optometric products and services to keep in mind when caring for your eye health and that of your family. You can use your FSA plan contributions to cover your spouse, children, or covered dependents listed on this year’s tax return. It’s always best to confirm any large expenses with your plan’s administrator due to differences in employers’ coverage. Here are 6 smart ways to protect eye health with your FSA funds: 1. Annual Comprehensive Eye Exam If you’ve put off this important exam all year, now is the time to do it — even if you think your vision is perfect. A standard eye exam consists of vision tests, a glaucoma test, and a comprehensive eye exam. Your eye doctor can even discover many underlying health problems by testing not only the sharpness of your vision but also by examining other parts of the eye during your annual exam. 1. Prescription Glasses If your optometrist recommends prescription eyewear, your FSA funds will cover multiple types of lenses, including progressive and bifocal lenses, as well as the scratch-resistant and anti-reflective coatings preferred by some patients. If you have an athlete in your family, specialty prescription sports goggles are included in the coverage, as are prescription safety goggles . Items such as eyeglass repair kits, cleaning cloths, and sprays to protect and prolong the life of your eyeglasses are covered items as well. Even if you wear contact lenses, it’s always wise to have a backup pair of prescription eyeglasses for times when you are unable to wear your contact lenses (Hello, pinkeye!). Or, how about a second pair of glasses with those designer frames you’ve had your “eye” on? Give yourself permission to have multiple pairs for the convenience of keeping a pair at home, in the car, or at the office. 1. Contact Lenses Whether you wear daily, monthly, or extended-wear lenses, all are eligible for FSA fund use. Bifocal, multifocal, and toric lenses for astigmatism correction are also covered by FSA. Consider buying an extra 6-month supply, so there won’t be a panic to reorder when you realize you have just used the last of your prescription contact lenses. 1. Prescription Sunglasses Sunglasses are essential to eye health. The sun’s damaging UV rays contribute to the development of eye disease over time, and the sun’s rays, UV exposure, and damage to the eyes occur year-round. Years of sun exposure, even under cloudy conditions, can contribute to cataracts and other eye problems, including macular degeneration and cancer of the eyelids or surrounding skin. UV rays bombard the planet through sun, clouds, and rain 365 days a year, but luckily, sunglasses block 100% of those damaging rays. 1. Dry Eye Treatment People experiencing dry eye either do not produce enough tears, or their tears are not plentiful enough or of high enough quality to lubricate the eye. There are several reasons that patients develop Dry Eye Disease, including medications, age, medical conditions, environmental factors,  or extended use of contact lenses. Dry Eye is characterized by dry, stinging, burning, gritty, or itchy eyes that can be very uncomfortable or even painful. There are several FSA-approved treatments for patients suffering from Dry Eye, including prescription medications and eye drops that increase tear production or reduce eyelid and corneal inflammation. More severe cases may require interventional procedures such as duct punctal plugs or meibomian gland expression to relieve symptoms. Your optometrist may also recommend an omega-3 fatty acid nutritional supplement to help treat this condition. 1. Computer glasses People who sit in front of computer screens for hours on a daily basis may develop Computer Screen Syndrome. This disorder manifests as dry eyes, headaches, eye twitching, and fuzzy or distorted vision. Specially coated computer glasses can help alleviate the problems associated with too much screen time by blocking the blue light emitted by computers, tablets, and phones. Your optometrist can customize prescription computer glasses to help prevent symptoms of eye strain associated with Computer Screen Syndrome. And they’re an approved FSA fund item. The bottom line? You can use your FSA contributions to improve and protect the health of your eyes. There isn’t a lot of time left in this calendar year to plan how to spend those hard-earned dollars you’ve already put aside, so it’s time to make it happen. Your eyes are your window to the world – they deserve the best care possible. That’s what we provide! Pick up the phone and call us today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist. --- ## 5 Flex Facts Around Vision Care and Flexible Spending Accounts URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/5-flex-facts-around-vision-care-and-flexible-spending-accounts/ Have you enjoyed a great 2023? We hope so! The year is coming to a close in just a couple of weeks, and that means you need to act fast to use any Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds you may have already designated for eligible health care costs.   ‘Tis the season for our patients to ask if their vision-related expenses are eligible for reimbursement through their company’s FSA. These so-called “Flex Funds” are yours to spend, but the U.S. Internal Revenue Service puts specific rules around the different types of products and services that qualify. So, we’re providing answers to some common questions about FSA accounts and how to use them to your advantage. If you are fortunate enough to have a Flex Fund account through your employer, today is a good day to do a bit of double-checking. Find out what the “expiration date” is when you need to use your funds or risk losing them. For many, that date is December 31. And since you contribute your hard-earned money to this fund all year, you don’t want to let that date pass without using every tax-free penny you’ve saved. Here are 5 Flex Fact Q&As to make sure you maximize your flex spending in what’s left of 2023: 1. Why does my employer offer a Flexible Spending Account? In the 1970s, the U.S. federal government created Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to help hard-working people save part of their paychecks before taxes are taken out—for the purpose of using that money on healthcare expenses. As an employee, you’re in the driver’s seat on your FSA: You get to decide if you want to participate or not. It’s a good idea to participate, since FSA plans help you save money by spending pre-tax money on things like vision care. The list of out-of-pocket healthcare expenses that qualify for reimbursement under your FSA grows each year. It includes eye exams, deductibles, contact lenses, prescription glasses, and even prescription sunglasses. And the limit you can contribute to your plan also increases each year: The 2023 contributions cap for Flex Fund monies is $3,050 and is anticipated to be $3,200 for 2024. But as with most things, there are rules around how and when you can use those specific funds, and often there’s a date – December 31 – by which you either need to spend those funds on qualifying products and services or you lose them and never get them back. That’s why the term “use it or lose it” is used around flex spending account dollars.   1. How can an FSA benefit me? The FSA is all about putting more money in your pocket to spend on healthcare. The special thing about Flex Funds is that they are tax-free. Meaning, your employer puts the amount you specify as Flex Funds into your Flex 125 account before they calculate your payroll taxes. This means the amount you pay taxes on overall is lower. If you maximize your personal Flex Fund limit and have $3,050 deducted little by little from each of your paychecks over the entire year, you will pay taxes on $3,050 less than your annual take-home salary. And if you have children, the tax savings can be even higher: Check with your human resources manager to ask if you are eligible to participate in a Dependent Care FSA, which has a $5,000 maximum contribution cap per taxable year per household. When you maximize your annual contributions to FSA savings plans, you pay less in taxes and have more money available to spend on healthcare items and services tax-free. Bottom line: If your employer offers a Flex 125 account, participating in it can lower your tax burden while essentially increasing your take-home pay.   1. Do I qualify for a Flexible Spending Account? You don’t have to qualify with a specific income level. If your employer offers an FSA benefit to its employees, then you are eligible to participate. But once again, it’s a choice you make, not something that is forced upon you. Your HR manager will share the details of your FSA benefit, and you must “opt in” to participate. If you don’t know whether your employer offers this type of benefit, ask! It’s worth exploring, because it can save you money in the long run. 1. What expenses qualify for Flexible Spending funds? Many healthcare expenses that you now pay “out-of-pocket” qualify for reimbursement with FSA funds. For example, when you visit your optometrist for vision care during your annual comprehensive eye exam, you can spend Flex Funds on the following expenses: • Annual eye exam • Deductibles and co-pays • Prescription glasses • Computer glasses • Reading glasses • Contact lenses • Prescription sunnies • Dry eye treatments • Designer frames (but only if they have prescription lenses in them) • Prescription medications And, when you go to the pharmacy, your Flex Funds can be used for over-the-counter expenses related to eye health. These include eye drops, contact lens solutions, cases and cleaners, many types of vitamins — even products that can help you quit smoking (which benefits your eyes and overall vision health). 1. Where can I go to use FSA funds on vision-related expenses? We’re glad you asked: It’s as easy as visiting our office! Each member of our vision care team is knowledgeable about our wide selection of frames for your new prescription glasses or prescription sunglasses, and they can also help you order a year’s worth of contact lenses. There are many vision-related expenses that qualify for using your outstanding FSA funds. It’s a busy season in our office – you’re not the only one who just realized that it’s time to “use it or lose it” where Flex Funds are concerned. Call us today to schedule an appointment to come in and explore the possibilities. Don’t wait until it’s too late – time is on your side today, and we want to make sure you don’t lose your FSA funds when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. --- ## 5 Flex Facts Around Vision Care and Flexible Spending Accounts URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/5-flex-facts-around-vision-care-and-flexible-spending-accounts-2/ Have you enjoyed a great 2023? We hope so! The year is coming to a close in just a couple of weeks, and that means you need to act fast to use any Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds you may have already designated for eligible health care costs. ‘Tis the season for our patients to ask if their vision-related expenses are eligible for reimbursement through their company’s FSA. These so-called “Flex Funds” are yours to spend, but the U.S. Internal Revenue Service puts specific rules around the different types of products and services that qualify. So, we’re providing answers to some common questions about FSA accounts and how to use them to your advantage. If you are fortunate enough to have a Flex Fund account through your employer, today is a good day to do a bit of double-checking. Find out what the “expiration date” is when you need to use your funds or risk losing them. For many, that date is December 31. And since you contribute your hard-earned money to this fund all year, you don’t want to let that date pass without using every tax-free penny you’ve saved. Here are 5 Flex Fact Q&As to make sure you maximize your flex spending in what’s left of 2023: 1. Why does my employer offer a Flexible Spending Account? In the 1970s, the U.S. federal government created Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to help hard-working people save part of their paychecks before taxes are taken out—for the purpose of using that money on healthcare expenses. As an employee, you’re in the driver’s seat on your FSA: You get to decide if you want to participate or not. It’s a good idea to participate, since FSA plans help you save money by spending pre-tax money on things like vision care. The list of out-of-pocket healthcare expenses that qualify for reimbursement under your FSA grows each year. It includes eye exams, deductibles, contact lenses, prescription glasses, and even prescription sunglasses. And the limit you can contribute to your plan also increases each year: The 2023 contributions cap for Flex Fund monies is $3,050 and is anticipated to be $3,200 for 2024. But as with most things, there are rules around how and when you can use those specific funds, and often there’s a date – December 31 – by which you either need to spend those funds on qualifying products and services or you lose them and never get them back. That’s why the term “use it or lose it” is used around flex spending account dollars. 1. How can an FSA benefit me? The FSA is all about putting more money in your pocket to spend on healthcare. The special thing about Flex Funds is that they are tax-free. Meaning, your employer puts the amount you specify as Flex Funds into your Flex 125 account before they calculate your payroll taxes. This means the amount you pay taxes on overall is lower. If you maximize your personal Flex Fund limit and have $3,050 deducted little by little from each of your paychecks over the entire year, you will pay taxes on $3,050 less than your annual take-home salary. And if you have children, the tax savings can be even higher: Check with your human resources manager to ask if you are eligible to participate in a Dependent Care FSA, which has a $5,000 maximum contribution cap per taxable year per household. When you maximize your annual contributions to FSA savings plans, you pay less in taxes and have more money available to spend on healthcare items and services tax-free. Bottom line: If your employer offers a Flex 125 account, participating in it can lower your tax burden while essentially increasing your take-home pay. 1. Do I qualify for a Flexible Spending Account? You don’t have to qualify with a specific income level. If your employer offers an FSA benefit to its employees, then you are eligible to participate. But once again, it’s a choice you make, not something that is forced upon you. Your HR manager will share the details of your FSA benefit, and you must “opt in” to participate. If you don’t know whether your employer offers this type of benefit, ask! It’s worth exploring, because it can save you money in the long run. 1. What expenses qualify for Flexible Spending funds? Many healthcare expenses that you now pay “out-of-pocket” qualify for reimbursement with FSA funds. For example, when you visit your optometrist for vision care during your annual comprehensive eye exam, you can spend Flex Funds on the following expenses: • Annual eye exam • Deductibles and co-pays • Prescription glasses • Computer glasses • Reading glasses • Contact lenses • Prescription sunnies • Dry eye treatments • Designer frames (but only if they have prescription lenses in them) • Prescription medications And, when you go to the pharmacy, your Flex Funds can be used for over-the-counter expenses related to eye health. These include eye drops, contact lens solutions, cases and cleaners, many types of vitamins — even products that can help you quit smoking (which benefits your eyes and overall vision health). 1. Where can I go to use FSA funds on vision-related expenses? We’re glad you asked: It’s as easy as visiting our office! Each member of our vision care team is knowledgeable about our wide selection of frames for your new prescription glasses or prescription sunglasses, and they can also help you order a year’s worth of contact lenses. There are many vision-related expenses that qualify for using your outstanding FSA funds. It’s a busy season in our office – you’re not the only one who just realized that it’s time to “use it or lose it” where Flex Funds are concerned. Call us today to schedule an appointment to come in and explore the possibilities. Don’t wait until it’s too late – time is on your side today, and we want to make sure you don’t lose your FSA funds when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. --- ## Red-Green Color Vision Deficiency Explained: Just in Time for the Holidays URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/red-green-color-vision-deficiency-explained-just-in-time-for-the-holidays/ Your ability to see color adds so much to life! Think of seeing a rainbow, or the bloom on a rose, or looking into your child’s or loved one’s eyes. Color helps us form memories, make decisions,  and can spark emotions. An average person can see about 1 million colors thanks to three different types of “cone” cells in your retina that distinguish red, blue, and green. The rest of the colors you perceive are a combination of those three. The holiday season is upon us, and everywhere you look you’ll see lights and decorations that often include the colors red and green. However, for those with red-green color deficiency (sometimes referred to as “color blindness”) the holiday season may look completely different. Color Blindness: 3 Types There are an estimated 300 million color blind people in the world. One in every 12 men — but only one in 200 women — are color blind to some extent. This visual perception condition affects everyone differently, but it boils down to the fact that these individuals perceive color differently from the majority of the population. Color-vision deficiency — the correct name for what is often called color blindness — stems from individual differences in the photoreceptor “cones” in your retina, which help you see different colors and also to see in the dark. Though there are individuals who truly cannot see any colors, most “colorblind” people can still perceive most colors. But, since their photoreceptors aren’t working properly, these individuals often have difficulty distinguishing between some colors or hues of color. That’s why color blindness is more correctly called “color deficiency.” There are three main types of color vision deficiency: 1. Red/green color vision deficiency. About 98% of the color blind population fits in this category. People with red/green color vision deficiency may be unable to distinguish between some shares of red and green. They may look grayish, some reds may appear a bit greener, or green may appear more red, or yellowish Luckily those with this type of color vision challenge can typically see most other colors in the spectrum fairly well. Fun fact: many people with this type of color vision deficiency are surprised when the discover that peanut butter is not green! 1. Blue/yellow color deficiency. This type of color blindness is more rare than red/green. For people with this color vision deficiency, yellow may take on a reddish, gray or violet hue, and the color blue may appear to be green. We have to admit, it would be very interesting if the sky appeared green! 1. Total color blindness. This level of color deficiency is extremely rare — only 0.0003% of the US population has it — and is often accompanied by other visual struggles. While people with the first two types of color blindness can see at least some colors, those with true color blindness cannot see any color whatsoever. They may also have difficulty with visual acuity and clarity. How to live with color blindness The bad news is, there is not a cure for color blindness or color vision deficiency. The good news is, it is not a life-threatening condition. People with this condition are not impacted by it significantly for the most part. In fact, a lot of people don’t even realize they are color vision deficient. Curious whether you may be? Try this free online color blind test. However, it’s interesting to note that there are a lot of areas in our lives where color plays a significant role. Those with normal color acuity wouldn’t notice the difference, but those without definitely would. For example, certain careers have a restriction on hiring people with color vision deficiency. These careers include the military, firefighters, and law enforcement. While it sounds discriminatory, when a job depends on your ability to distinguish colors to some extent, a color-deficient person may not be able to perform it well. Examples include electricians, who must be able to see color-coded wires, and pilots, who need to correctly interpret color-specific safety signals. Color-blind people would also not likely succeed in the fields of interior or fashion design, and school teachers often use learning tools that use colors as a basis. Aside from these specific examples, a colorblind person can do pretty much anything and everything the rest of the population can do. Can we correct color vision deficiency? Color vision deficiency often runs in families and treatments for it are only given if the patient chooses to pursue them. Some feel that the treatment hinders them more than not being able to perceive color well. The treatments include colored filters worn either in the lenses of a pair of glasses or incorporated into a single contact lens worn in one eye. This treatment works by creating a difference between the wavelengths of light each eye perceives, and helps people tell the difference between two colors that may typically look the same to them. This serves as a workaround when needed, but doesn’t really enable someone with color blindness to perceive the actual color they can’t discern. Interested in learning more? EnChroma sells glasses that claim to make colors visible for those with color blindness. But human beings are smart, and most people with color deficiency learn ways to guide them about which color is which. Stoplights, for example, are always arranged in the same red-yellow-green order, whether vertically or horizontally. And it’s fairly easy to remember that the sky is blue, grass is green, bananas are yellow, and oranges are – well, orange. Technological advances and apps can help individuals who need assistance with color-specific activities, whether that’s matching the clothes they wear or determining if a fruit is ripe enough to eat. This holiday season, whether you have color vision deficiency or not, focus on the fact that we all have a unique way to view the world. Let’s celebrate our differences as we head toward a happy and healthy new year! --- ## 7 New Year’s Resolutions for “Seeing” a Bright 2024! URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/7-new-years-resolutions-for-seeing-a-bright-2024/ Who doesn’t love a good New Year’s resolution? Many people begin the New Year with a strategy of being more aware of their health and well-being. Some plan to eat healthier, exercise regularly or quit smoking – which are a great start. But there are other simple habits that can enhance the well-being of your eyes. Following are seven eye-healthy resolutions to consider implementing in 2024. These best practices will protect your “windows on the world” – those amazing eyes that enable you to enjoy the world around you. 1. Wear UV Protective Sunglasses Year-Round The result of cumulative UV-A and UV-B rays over the years can contribute to developing cataracts. Serious eye conditions including macular degeneration and rare eye cancers are also linked to prolonged exposure to the sun’s damaging rays. Wear a high-quality pair of sunglasses to reduce these risks and protect your eyes from dryness and irritation caused by blowing debris, dust, sand, snow and wind. Get a good pair of UV-protective sunglasses or treat yourself to a new pair of prescription sunglasses to protect your eyes! 1. Practice Good Contact Lens Hygiene We all get lazy sometimes, but when it comes to contact lens hygiene, carelessness has some serious consequences. Follow your optometrist’s instructions for the care and use of your contacts to reduce your chances of an unwanted eye infection. Also, keep track of the amount of time that you wear your contacts. In recent years, lens technology has improved, making contacts thinner, microbe-resistant and more comfortable to wear -- which can tempt you to wear them longer than is healthy. Follow your optometrist’s guidance on how many hours per day to wear them. 1. Remove Eye Makeup Before Going to Bed Blepharitis – the term for clogged oil glands at the base of your eyelashes -- is a common condition that affects everyone whether or not you wear makeup. However, when you don’t wash your makeup off at night, it contributes to a crusty buildup at the base of the lashes that can block glands and cause a painful stye. Removing eye makeup each night can help loosen oil that may cause a stye to develop. 1. Reduce Screen Time When you’re working at a computer or looking at a phone screen for hours and hours, your eyes are focusing intently. The muscles in your eyes get exhausted from focusing! Plus, when you stare at screens, you don’t blink as frequently as you would normally. This can cause eye strain and dry eyes. To help reduce eye strain, adopt the 20/20/20 rule – every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to stare at something 20 feet away. At night, do your eyes a favor and decrease the device’s brightness by using “dark mode” to help reduce eye strain. Minimizing screen time helps prevent eye strain, but stepping away from the screen altogether is a much better option for your eye health. 1. Eat More Eye-Healthy Leafy Green Vegetables and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Eat your veggies! Your mother was right! Beta carotene and antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin found in carrots and dark green leafy vegetables are good for the health of your retinas. A National Eye Institute study showed that a specific mix of antioxidant vitamins and minerals improved long-term outcomes of macular degeneration. Take a plant-based multivitamin and eat more brightly colored vegetables and leafy greens to keep your eyes healthy. To gain the dietary advantage of Omega-3 fatty acids, include cold-water fish (like salmon and tuna) on your plate, and balance your diet with fresh fruits. What you eat directly affects your vision. 1. Wear Protective Eyewear Only about 3 out of 10 people wear protective eyewear, which is shocking when you realize that a pair of goggles can literally reduce your risk of eye injury by 90%! • Do you use power tools or mechanical devices? Are you a do-it-yourselfer? Screws, nails and hand tools can fly through the air and cause catastrophic injury to the eye. • Do you love to landscape? Trimmers, wood chippers, lawnmowers and even shovels can throw thorns, twigs, dirt and debris into the air and potentially damage your eyes. • Spring cleaning your home or just doing a weekly cleaning? Put on those goggles! Every year there are 125,000+ reported eye injuries from cleaning. Strong household chemicals (like oven cleaner and bleach) can damage the sensitive tissue of the eyes. Never mix chemicals and always wear protective eyewear -- it can save your sight! 1. Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam Yearly eye exams are essential to your eye health -- and the older you are the more critical eye exams can be in monitoring your eyes and catching issues early when they’re more easily treated. If you have diabetes or other medical conditions that affect your eyesight, it is even more important to see your optometrist on an annual basis. Diagnosing “silent” conditions like glaucoma that can steal your sight before you notice it is just one good reason to schedule an annual comprehensive eye exam as one of your new healthy habits. Call us today to make an appointment with your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam. It’s a great start to stepping into 2024 with healthy eyes! --- ## Guard Your Vision: It’s Glaucoma Awareness Month URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/guard-your-vision-its-glaucoma-awareness-month/ January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, which encourages us to start the year thinking about our precious sense of vision and how to safeguard it. Glaucoma is a thief – a silent “sight thief” associated with gradual and permanent vision loss caused by damage to the optic nerve. It is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Over 3 million people in the United States have glaucoma. That number, according to the National Eye Institute , is expected to increase to 4.2 million by the year 2030. The World Health Organization says that more than 2 million people are blind due to glaucoma worldwide (about 120,000 of those are in the U.S.) and that 80 million people worldwide currently have glaucoma. Many of those individuals are unaware of their condition because glaucoma steals vision so gradually, over time. A person can lose as much as 40% of their vision without noticing a change! Due to our aging population, lack of awareness of symptoms, and failure to get regular eye exams, an epidemic of glaucoma-mediated blindness is a real possibility. What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that cause injury to the optic nerve due to high intra-ocular pressure (the pressure inside of the eye). The fluid that moves through the eye can become blocked off, causing a strain on the optic nerve. The optic nerve is unable to send the appropriate messages to the brain, causing vision to blur or get darker, typically starting with peripheral vision. As the condition progresses, the optic nerve deteriorates, and blind spots occur. Most forms of glaucoma are seen in middle-aged and elderly individuals. Who is at risk for Glaucoma? Those at highest risk include: • Age 55 and over • Black, Asian or Hispanic • Family history of glaucoma • Medical conditions including diabetes, migraines, high blood pressure and sickle cell anemia • High intra-ocular pressure • Corneas that are thin in the center • Extreme farsightedness or nearsightedness • Eye injuries or specific types of eye surgery • Extended use of corticosteroid medications, especially eye drops • Siblings of persons diagnosed with glaucoma The Two Types of Primary Glaucoma 1. Open-angle glaucoma: The most common form of glaucoma, it is caused by a blockage in the porous tissue around the eye. The primary drainage angle in the eye remains open but is unable to drain the fluid due to the blockage, and therefore the fluid build-up exerts pressure on the optic nerve. The only way to know if you have this type of glaucoma is by examination during your regular eye exam, which can be pivotal in saving your eyesight and preventing total vision loss. Symptoms: • No symptoms in early stages • Patchy blind spots in peripheral vision or side vision • Central vision affected in later stages 1. Angle-closure glaucoma: This type of glaucoma is rarer and happens suddenly when the iris bulges, blocking or partially cutting off the drainage angle between the cornea and iris. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Symptoms: • Severe headache • Severe eye pain • Nausea or vomiting • Blurred vision • Halos or colored rings around lights • Eye redness How to Manage Glaucoma Detecting and managing glaucoma in its early stages may help slow its progression and prevent total vision loss. While there is no cure, glaucoma is highly treatable. Here are some important points to remember. • Regular comprehensive eye examinations are the key. If you are 55 years old or over, be sure to see your optometrist at least once a year. If you are an at-risk patient with a family history, you may need screenings more frequently. Ask your optometrist how often you should be screened. • Be aware of your family’s eye health history. Glaucoma can be seen in families from generation to generation. While glaucoma can be hereditary, many people without a family history of the condition are diagnosed every year. Keep in mind: It’s possible that a family member had the condition but was undiagnosed. • Wear eye protection. Always wear eye protection when participating in sports or using power machinery or tools. Serious eye injuries can lead to glaucoma. • If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma, use your prescription eye drops regularly. These drops can significantly reduce the progress of intraocular eye pressure that causes glaucoma. Even if you have no symptoms, continue to use the drops as prescribed by your optometrist. There is no cure for glaucoma, but comprehensive eye exams can identify your risks, and early intervention can prevent progressive damage to the optic nerve. The earlier glaucoma is diagnosed, the sooner you can begin a treatment plan to save your sight. Call our office today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Knowledge is power: Know your risks and be proactive in protecting your eyesight. --- ## Low Vision: Who’s at Risk? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/low-vision-whos-at-risk/ February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Low Vision Month. Many people aren’t sure what the definition of low vision is or how it manifests in patients’ lives. Let’s dive into low vision, explore its causes and symptoms, and discuss how patients can learn to navigate the challenge of not seeing clearly even while wearing corrective lenses. What is the definition of Low Vision? Low vision is the term for impaired vision that cannot be corrected by conventional eyeglasses, medications, or surgical treatments. About 4 million adults in the U.S. live with low vision, and nearly 500,000 will be diagnosed this year alone. That number is expected to increase to more than 9.5 million living with low vision in the next 30 years. Although it is permanent and incurable, low vision can be monitored to help you accomplish your everyday tasks and slow the progression of vision loss. Characterized by different degrees of sight loss, low vision can cause difficulties in accomplishing everyday tasks such as reading, driving, distinguishing colors, recognizing faces, and seeing your computer or television screen. These problems can vary in severity from mild or moderate to an almost complete loss of sight. Ideal visual acuity is 20/20 vision. While many people need prescription correction to attain 20/20 vision, when vision can be corrected to 20/20, it is incredibly beneficial. According to the World Health Organization, low vision is a level of visual acuity rated from 20/70 to 20/400 while wearing the best possible prescription correction; or a visual field of 20 degrees of less. So even with prescription lenses, a person with low vision cannot attain better than 20/70 vision. Sharpness of vision or visual acuity is a ratio of measurement describing vision 20 feet from an object. For example, a measurement of 20/70 means that you must be 20 feet from an object or image to see what a person with optimal vision sees at 70 feet. There are two categories of low vision as defined by The American Optometric Association: • Partially sighted: Visual acuity between 20/70 and 20/200 with conventional corrective prescription lenses. • Legally blind: Visual acuity that can’t be improved beyond 20/200 with conventional correction or a restricted field of vision less than 20 degrees wide. Who is most at risk for Low Vision? Anyone can have low vision because of many eye conditions and injuries that contribute to it. However, the two most common causes of low vision in adults ages 45 to 75 are glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. One in six adults over age 45 have low vision, and one in four over age 75 live with low vision. Low vision impacts every patient differently, so effective treatment requires an individualized action plan that your optometrist can help you with. What are the different types of low vision? • Blurry vision: Objects both far away and up-close appear to be out of focus • Hazy vision: The entire field of vision seems to be covered with a film or glare • Night blindness: Affects the ability to drive at night • Trouble seeing in low light: Inability to see in limited or poorly lit areas such as restaurants or theaters • Peripheral vision loss: Not being able to see things on the outer edges of your vision field, above or below eye level. You can have 20/20 vision but have limited peripheral vision that negatively impacts your life. • Central vision loss: Not being able to see images in the direct center of your line of sight What causes Low Vision? Several disorders of the eye can cause low vision. It is more common in people age 60 and over because many conditions contributing to low vision are more common in older individuals. Other factors contributing to low vision include brain and eye injuries and certain genetic disorders. The following conditions can cause or contribute to low vision: • Age-Related Macular Degeneration • Cataracts • Diabetic retinopathy • Glaucoma • Cancer of the eye • Brain injury • Albinism • Retinitis pigmentosa – an inherited disorder Diagnosis and Treatment Your optometrist can diagnose low vision during a comprehensive eye exam. Your eye doctor will work with you to find the best treatment options. Some disorders can be treated to maintain vision, and several vision aids may help patients with permanent low vision. Non-optical aids that can help include talking watches, clocks, and phones. Clocks and watches with high-contrast or enlarged numbers, magnifiers, text-reading software, and large-print publications can help improve the quality of life for patients with low vision. Remember: A comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist is the best way to ensure your vision is screened, diagnosed, and corrected. Your doctor will formulate a plan to keep your eyes as healthy as possible. Make an appointment today to protect the health of your eyes. --- ## 4 Questions About Age-Related Macular Degeneration URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/4-questions-about-age-related-macular-degeneration/ What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)? Age-Related Macular Degeneration — called AMD for short — is an all-too-common eye disease that blurs central vision and can make it harder to drive, read, see faces or do “up-close” work. It is the most common cause of severe vision loss in people over 60. More than 200,000 cases of AMD are diagnosed yearly in the U.S., which translates to almost 20 million adults living with AMD. Globally, that number will rise to approximately 288 million by 2040. There is no cure for AMD, which is a life-long complication once it develops. However, with early detection, the condition can often be treated and managed. The aging process damages the retina of the eye, specifically the macula – the part of the eye that controls straight-ahead, central vision and the sharpness or fine details of everything you see. It doesn’t, however, affect peripheral vision. As an example, if you were a person with AMD looking at a clock, you could see the numbers on the face of the clock but not the hands. It rarely causes complete blindness, but it can severely diminish your quality of life. In some individuals, AMD progresses rapidly, while in others, it can occur slowly over time. Some patients don’t notice the vision loss it causes at first, due to the slow progression. That’s why it’s so important to have an annual comprehensive dilated eye exam. Your eye doctor can watch for and detect vision changes and other early signs, such as the presence of drusen – tiny yellow deposits in the retina that may indicate the eye is at higher risk for developing more severe AMD. Macular degeneration may develop in only one eye or in both eyes, and the level of severity can differ in each eye. If you are diagnosed as being at risk for AMD, your optometrist will recommend a protocol to minimize and manage the vision loss associated with the condition. What are the symptoms of AMD? • Fuzzy or blurry vision • Difficulty recognizing faces, reading fine print, and driving • Blurry, dark or empty spots in the center of your vision • Different (worse or less) color perception • Visual distortions: straight lines that appear wavy • Central vision that is reduced in one or both eyes • Difficulty adapting to low levels of light Who is at risk for AMD? No one knows the precise cause of Age-Related Macular Degeneration, but research indicates that it may be a combination of family history, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Here are some indicators and risk factors that may mean you are more likely to develop AMD: • Risk for AMD increases as you age. People age 60 and older are more likely to have AMD, and women develop AMD at an earlier age than men. • If you are Caucasian, you are at higher risk. • If you are a smoker, that habit dramatically increases your risk of developing AMD. • Having a family history of macular degeneration; researchers have identified several genes linked to AMD. • Being overweight • High blood pressure or hypertension • Diabetes • Poor nutrition; a diet high in saturated fats like meat, butter, and cheese • Heart disease • High cholesterol levels • Accumulated UV light exposure over your lifetime How can I prevent AMD? You can take steps to lower your risk of developing AMD. Risk factors such as your age and family history are beyond your control, but your lifestyle, activity levels, and eating habits are all within your control ! Lifestyle factors to reduce your individual risk of developing AMD include: • Maintain a healthy weight • Stay physically active • Eat eye-healthy foods like dark, leafy greens, yellow fruits and vegetables (kale, spinach, broccoli, and squash) – these foods are high in antioxidants and vitamins that reduce your risk of developing AMD. Choose fish like salmon and tuna, which are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, and snack on walnuts. Make it a habit to eat a balanced nutrient-rich diet. One good option? The Mediterranean Diet. • Always wear UV protective glasses or sunglasses – 365 days a year. • Schedule your annual eye exam. See your optometrist regularly for a comprehensive eye exam to look for early signs and symptoms of AMD. Early detection is the key to treating this disease and preventing or slowing the rate of vision loss. If you are at high risk for developing AMD or other debilitating eye conditions, ask your eye doctor how often you should be examined to monitor your eyes for early signs. Your eyes are your window to the world. Be proactive with your visual health: Call us today to schedule your annual eye exam. --- ## 6 Eye Makeup Safety Tips For Healthy Eyes URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/6-eye-makeup-safety-tips-for-healthy-eyes/ March is “Save Your Vision” month, encompassing every aspect of eye health. On a daily basis, you must protect your eyes from various potential hazards – UV rays from the sun, eyestrain from digital screens, and environmental hazards such as projectiles and dust. But there’s another potential culprit that many of us apply to our delicate eye area every day. That’s right: We’re talking about eye makeup. Most cosmetics from reputable manufacturers are safe when properly applied, but be aware of application injury (ouch!), color additives, and the increased risk of eye infections. Let’s have a “look-see” at some of the “Do’s and Don’ts” of wearing makeup and keeping your eyes healthy. Makeup trends come and go, but protecting your precious sense of vision is forever. 1. Clean Up Your Act Misuse of eye cosmetics can be dangerous – plus there’s an “ick factor” to nasty bacterial or fungal eye infections. Not a good look for your wedding, job interview, or family photo! Remember these safety tips to help reduce the risk of contamination and injury. • Never share eye cosmetics with anyone – including “testers” in department stores. Sharing another person’s bacteria is never a good idea. Having a makeup salesperson give you a new look may take on a whole new meaning when they use the same products they used on their last makeover client. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or random cosmetic shopper, it is hazardous to swap or share makeup. • Don’t use old or outdated mascara. After three months of use, pitch it. And don’t ever attempt to remoisten dried-out mascara with water or saliva. That’s a bacterial disaster waiting to happen! • Store cosmetics at room temperature. Higher temps cause deterioration of the preservatives, so leaving cosmetics in your hot car or beach bag is a definite no-no! • Your hands are a playground for bacteria. Always wash your hands with soap and water (not hand sanitizer) before applying cosmetics. It’s a good idea to cleanse your face as well. Transfer of bacteria from hand to eye is one of the most common avenues of inflammation, injury, and infection. • Liquid or creamy eye makeup is especially susceptible to bacterial growth. Be extra-careful with such formulations. • Use cosmetics for their intended purpose. While it can be tempting to use a lip liner as an eyeliner, you risk cross-contamination. Also, color additives not intended for the eye area can cause inflammation or irritation. 1. Don’t Move As convenient as applying makeup “on the go” may be – don’t risk it! On the bus, in the car, or on a subway is not the ideal scenario to hold a pointy mascara wand near your eyes. A pothole, sudden stop, or rear-end collision could cause you to scratch your cornea, causing a painful injury or infection. Even a grazing scratch with a mascara wand, eyeliner, or tweezer can cause eye injury. It’s not worth the risk. 1. False Eyelashes and Extensions False eyelashes and extensions are trendy but can affect your vision when misused. The FDA considers these products, including lash adhesives, as cosmetic products. Therefore, they must adhere to FDA labeling and safety requirements. However, adhesives can be properly labeled and still cause problems with the eyes and the delicate skin surrounding them. After all, it’s glorified glue! Reactions may be allergic in nature, or the glue may cause irritation that can be very uncomfortable. If you experience a particularly bad reaction — one that causes blurry vision, intense itching, or cracked skin — contact your optometrist for evaluation. 1. Dying and Tinting Eyelashes and Brows Want dramatic dark lashes and brows that accent your eyes? Lash and brow dying or tinting should be done by a licensed professional using FDA-approved products. Serious eye injury, including blindness, has been reported from the use of non-FDA-approved products. 1. Avoid Glitter Makeup Corneal irritation and infection can be caused by sparkle powder, glitter or metallic eye makeup. These relatively large particles act like sand or dirt in the eye, irritating and damaging your eye. Contact lens wearers are especially susceptible to this type of eye makeup injury because the glittery flakes can lodge between the eye and the lens, causing prolonged abrasion and injury. 1. Take it Off The cardinal rule of wearing makeup? Always (always!) remove all makeup before going to sleep. It’s that simple. If not removed, eye makeup can cause follicular conjunctivitis and styes, eyelid cysts, and blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid that affects eyelashes and tear production). To avoid an eye infection, try these gentle eye makeup removers: • Vaseline is a soothing and lubricating makeup remover, since it prevents pulling and scrubbing as the makeup slides off gently. • Tear-free baby shampoos are another great choice because of their hypoallergenic, gentle-to-the-eye formulation. Put a small dab on a cotton ball, close your eyes, and gently wipe. • Out of eye makeup remover? Baby oil, olive oil, almond oil, or coconut oil are great natural options. • Makeup removers designed specifically for the eyes are a smart choice, too. Be careful to keep the remover from getting into your eyes. After use, thoroughly rinse any remover off your eye and wipe with a clean cotton pad. Be gentle with those delicate eyelashes – they serve the vital purpose of protecting your eyes from dirt and dust. Now go out and wow the world with those beautiful, healthy eyes! --- ## Eye Safety at Home: Keep Your Family’s Vision Intact URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/eye-safety-at-home-keep-your-familys-vision-intact/ Your home is your safe haven — or is it? About half of all eye injuries happen in and around your home! The good news? You can reduce your risk of eye injury by 90% by wearing protective eyewear. The bad news? Only three in ten people wear eye protection, even during high-risk activities. Blunt force injuries are the most common eye injury and can damage both the eye itself and also the bone and surrounding tissue. Other types of eye injuries include scratches, abrasions, cuts, chemical burns, foreign or penetrating bodies, and radiation or UV exposure from the sun or sun lamps. Be aware of the activities most likely to cause eye injury and where those injuries occur most often in and around your home. In the Yard • Home improvement projects. Power tools can create flying debris like sawdust, tree branches, nails, or metal. Drilling and hammering can fragment brick and concrete, causing it to chip off and fly into the air, posing a danger to your eyes. Always use the protective guard on your tools and keep them in good working condition. Replace tools that are worn beyond repair. • Yard work. Lawnmowers, weed-eaters, clippers, and leaf blowers can dislodge rocks, grass, twigs, and dirt, causing eye injury. Remember to wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from yard debris. Also, take precautions when you use lawn chemicals: wear protective goggles and check the weather forecast. A windy, blustery day isn’t a good day to spread chemicals that can blow right back into your face and eyes. • Bungee cords can pose a danger to your eyes. When securing equipment or loads with bungee cords, do so in a way that they don’t snap back into your face. Because – ouch! • Firepits are a fun place to make S’mores or share an evening beverage, but beware of fire embers and smoke drifting into your face and eyes. • Bottom line: Leave pyrotechnics to the professionals. Even legal fireworks like sparklers can burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter — hot enough to melt some metals! Eye injuries caused by fireworks are devastating and generally unrecoverable. It’s not worth the risk. But if you just can’t resist the urge to set off fireworks, always wear safety glasses. • Each year, hospitals treat nearly 40,000 victims of sports eye injuries. Any sport involving a fast-moving ball (basketball, racquetball, tennis, baseball, etc.) puts you at risk. To protect your eyes, wear safety goggles or glasses during sporting activities. Eye protection is particularly critical when using crossbows, air guns, or any device that shoots pellets, arrows, or other projectiles. For high-impact sports like hockey and lacrosse, wear a polycarbonate face mask or shield to protect your eyes. In the House • Household cleaning products cause at least 125,000 eye injuries each year. Chemicals like bleach, oven cleaners, and bathroom cleaners can splash or spray into your eyes. Check that the nozzle is facing away from you when using a spray. Read and comply with labels, and never mix or combine cleaning products! That may cause a chemical reaction, resulting in chemicals that erupt into your face and eyes. And remember to wash your hands after using household cleaning products — even if you wear rubber gloves to clean. • Cooking oils can splatter hot oil, so use a grease shield on frying pans to prevent injury. Boiling liquids also pose a danger. Children love to watch and learn how to cook, so always be aware if they are near the stove and place boiling pots on the back burners. • Opening champagne and carbonated drinks. When opening champagne, catch the cork by wrapping the bottle with a towel before uncorking it. Be careful when opening carbonated drinks as well – hold the can or bottle away from the face to open. Never point a bottle or can in the direction of another person. • Hot objects. Curling irons pose a danger to your eyes because they are used in close proximity to the eyes. Use with care and caution. • Furniture and rugs. Place padding on furniture with sharp edges or corners — especially if there are children or elderly in the home. And it’s always a good idea to install handrails and lights in stairwells and low-light areas. Secure loose rugs with non-slip pads underneath to prevent falls and subsequent injury. By anticipating the eye injury risks in any activity, chore, or sport — even in your home and yard —you can protect your precious windows on the world! --- ## 8 Eye-Healthy Tips For Viewing The April 8 Solar Eclipse URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/8-eye-healthy-tips-for-viewing-the-april-8-solar-eclipse/ As an optometric practice, we understand the excitement around the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Many major U.S. cities will be in total darkness when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun that day, including Dallas, Little Rock, Indianapolis and Cleveland. It’s a relatively rare event – with totality and its view of the wispy corona of the sun occurring only once every 400 years or so in any given location on Earth. So you don’t want to miss it! In most of the U.S., at least a partial eclipse will be visible on the afternoon of Monday, April 8. To explore what your view of the eclipse will look like, check out Eclipse Central and enter your city name. For example, here’s how the eclipse will appear in Charlotte, NC . Witnessing this celestial event can be a breathtaking experience, but it's crucial to prioritize eye safety while doing so. Here are 8 tips to guide you in viewing the eclipse with your eye safety as the priority: 1. Use Certified Eclipse Viewing Glasses – Not Regular Sunglasses While your regular sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays on a daily basis, viewing an eclipse requires next-level eye protection. If you want to look directly at the sun as the moon eclipses it, invest in a pair of eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standards. These glasses are specially designed to filter out harmful ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation, allowing you to look safely at the sun during the eclipse. Avoid using regular sunglasses or homemade filters, as they do not offer adequate protection. 1. Inspect Your Certified Eclipse Glasses for Damage Before using eclipse glasses that you may have stored after viewing previous eclipses, carefully inspect them for any signs of damage, such as scratches, cracks, or punctures. Even minor imperfections can compromise their effectiveness and pose a risk to your eyesight. If you notice any damage, discard the glasses immediately. It’s not worth risking any damage to your vision! 1. Keep Glasses On at All Times During The Eclipse When viewing the solar eclipse, keep your eclipse glasses on at all times while looking directly at the sun. Resist the temptation to remove them, even for a brief moment, as this can result in severe eye damage. And, parents: Supervise your kids closely to ensure they keep their glasses on properly. Their young eyes are more susceptible to UV damage than your adult eyes. 1. Practice Proper Viewing Technique To safely view the eclipse, put on your eclipse glasses before you walk outside, or put them on with your back to the sun while outside. You can look directly at the sun through the glasses, but don’t look at the sun through any unfiltered devices such as cameras, binoculars, or telescopes. These devices can magnify the sun's rays and cause irreversible eye damage if not equipped with appropriate solar filters. 1. Use Pinhole Projection or Optical Projection If you don't have access to certified eclipse glasses, consider using the pinhole projection or optical projection methods as safe alternatives. These can be a fun project to do with your kids . For pinhole projection, poke a small hole in an index card or piece of cardboard and hold it between the sun and a second piece of cardboard or a flat surface. This will project an image of the eclipsed sun onto the surface, allowing you to view it indirectly. Remember to always keep your back to the sun when using a pinhole projector, and never look at the sun directly through the pinhole. 1. Watch Live Streams or Broadcasts If it’s cloudy in your city, or if you don’t have the proper viewing glasses or methods, don’t lose hope! You can still enjoy the celestial show through eclipse live streams or broadcasts, and you may even get a better view of it that way. Many organizations will offer high-quality broadcasts of the eclipse, allowing you to enjoy the spectacle from the safety of your home. 1. Educate Friends and Family About Eye Safety Share these tips about the importance of eye safety during the solar eclipse among your friends, family, and community. Encourage them to use certified eclipse glasses or alternative viewing methods to protect their eyesight. The April 8 total solar eclipse will be visible to about 32 million people in 15 states in a 115-mile-wide path in the U.S., plus millions more who will be able to see varying percentages of partial eclipse. Let’s help ensure that everyone enjoys the eclipse safely. 1. Schedule a Post-Eclipse Eye Exam Now that you’re focused on eye safety, why not take it to the next level and schedule your annual eye exam with us this month? After you take all of the precautions to view the eclipse safely, you want to make sure your eyes stay healthy to enjoy all of life’s exciting future events, too. Enjoy the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse – we hope it is a memorable and safe experience for you and your family. --- ## Learn How to Use Eye Drops in the “Blink of an Eye” URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/learn-how-to-use-eye-drops-in-the-blink-of-an-eye/ When it comes to eye drops, the “blink” of an eye is the problem – right? It sounds easy enough, but it’s not always as simple as following the recommended steps: Tilt your head back, look up, open your eye wide, and squeeze one tiny drop from the bottle into your eye. And voila — it’s done! Knowing how to administer eye drops properly is a life skill that takes practice. Eye drops are often used to treat ocular ailments and diseases. You may use them to moisturize your eyes, relieve redness and irritation, or treat eye conditions, including glaucoma, pink eye, allergies, dry eye, or eye infections. Improper use of eye drops may lead to insufficient treatment, so it’s important to learn how to use them effectively. About 20% of people have difficulty putting drops into their eyes because of fear, tremors, poor vision, poor circulation, or problems with the eye-hand coordination necessary to dispense them. Some people may even need assistance from a friend or family member. No matter your situation, the following tips will help improve your eye drop skill level. We also offer some reminders for using eye drops correctly. Before You Eye-Drop: Be Prepared First, read the instructions on the box or bottle carefully to double-check the correct number of drops. Also, check the expiration date, and do not use expired medication. Pro tip: Consider refrigerating your eye drops, which will enable you to “feel” the cool drop as it makes contact with your eye — confirmation that your eye drop hit its intended target. Commercially produced eye drop containers vary in size and shape. They typically deliver a drop larger than your eye can contain, so a small amount may spill over onto your cheek even after a triumphant eye drop moment. Also, some containers may be more challenging to squeeze than others, so be careful to deliver only the recommended number of drops per eye. If your optometrist prescribed more than one type of drop, wait at least 5 minutes between applications of different drops. Using a second type of eye medication immediately after the first may wash out the first eye drop, and reduce the efficacy of both. If you wear contact lenses, don’t use over-the-counter drops for dry eyes without consulting your optometrist. You need specific formulations without preservatives that won’t cause problems or damage your contacts. One size does not fit all where eye drops are concerned! Now that you’re prepared, let’s dive into how to eye-drop properly. Tip 1: Wash Those Hands Your hands are a playground for microorganisms, which can transfer bacteria or viruses to your eyes, potentially causing an eye infection. Nobody wants that! So, soap up those hands, rinse them and dry with a clean towel — then use that towel to turn off the faucet. Remove all eye makeup before using eye drops, and if you wear contact lenses, take them out. Tip 2: Master the Technique Either sit or lie down flat to help you remain steady as you squeeze a droplet into your eye. You don’t want to risk losing your balance and stumbling backward while standing! That could cause you to injure your eye with the application tip of the bottle. Lightly shake the bottle and remove the cap. With your index finger, gently pull your lower lid down to form a pocket. With the other hand, hold the bottle upside down about an inch over your eye and aim for the outer corner of the eye. Look up toward the ceiling and squeeze the bottle, being careful not to touch the eye with the tip. Blinking is a natural response when something is coming towards your eye, so practice makes all the difference. Give yourself time to master the technique. Don’t get discouraged if you initially struggle or miss a drop. Tip 3: Prevent Blinking and Overflow Because excessive blinking can cause problems with absorption, leave your eyelid closed for 30 seconds to two minutes after administering the eye drop. Place your finger lightly on your tear duct (at the inner corner of your eye). That will keep the eye drop from draining into your nose and allow for more complete absorption of the drop on the surface of the eye. Tip 4: Use Drops Only as Prescribed Your optometrist has prescribed your drops to be used as directed. Don’t stop using prescription drops simply because your eye feels better, and don’t use more than is recommended on the label. More is not better! Stopping use before the recommended length of time may cause your eye problem to return. Similarly, if you develop a new eye problem, don’t self-medicate with old leftover eye drops in the medicine cabinet. See your eye doctor for a diagnosis. Remember, some eye drops that treat ocular diseases like glaucoma can save your vision. If you don’t use them correctly, it could adversely affect your ability to see. Other eye drops treat infections or protect your eyes from vision loss. Still others treat conditions such as dry eye and help your eyes feel more lubricated and less irritated. Mastering the eye drop technique is not always easy, but with practice, you can become a pro! If you are experiencing an eye disease, infection, or condition, consult your optometrist for an evaluation and follow their instructions for eye drop use. We’ll do everything we can to make sure you’ll be feeling better in “the blink of an eye!” --- ## Why Children Need High-Quality Sunglasses URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/why-children-need-high-quality-sunglasses-3/ May is Healthy Vision Month . A lifetime of healthy vision starts in childhood, by protecting your eyes from injury and damage and developing good eye health habits. Did you know that by the time your child turns 18, they have received 80% of their lifetime exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation? You likely recognize the importance of protecting your children’s skin from UV light, but most people aren’t aware that kids’ eyes need protection from UV as well. Overexposure to UV rays can cause severe damage to children’s eyes, and only about 5% of parents report that their child always wears sunglasses when outside. Kids spend hours outside — riding bikes, school recess, playing, participating in sports — enjoying “fun in the sun.” The result is that their annual exposure to the sun’s damaging UV rays is three times more than for adults! Why are UV rays a risk to kid’s eyes? The lens of the eye acts as a natural defense barrier against harmful UV rays, but the lenses in children’s eyes are not yet fully mature. Therefore, they are at greater risk for UV overexposure because their “filter” is not fully functional. For children, less natural filtering of UV light, as well as having larger pupils, means that harmful UV rays penetrate more deeply into their eyes. Additionally, the skin and eyelids of children are more easily harmed by UV light. The resulting damage of unprotected UV exposure to the delicate tissues in and around the eye can accumulate over a lifetime and cause eye disease in adulthood. What is UV light? UV light is the invisible electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. UVA, UVB and UVC are the three types of UV light. The difference in these types of UV rays is how they are absorbed by Earth’s atmosphere and to what degree they are absorbed. • UVA rays are (unfortunately) not absorbed by Earth’s atmosphere, and therefore pose the greatest danger to eye health. • UVB rays are only partially absorbed, and overexposure can cause sunburn to the skin and eyes. • UVC rays, which are completely absorbed by Earth’s atmosphere, cause no risk of injury to the skin or eyes. What happens to the eyes when exposed to excessive UV light? There are both short-term and long-term outcomes to a day of excessive UV light exposure: 1.Short-term UV exposure can cause sunburn to the eye, called photokeratitis. Ouch! While this type of short-term sunburn to the eye doesn’t necessarily cause long-term ocular damage, it can cause painful symptoms like excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and gritty eyes. What do we mean by short-term exposure? One example would be a day at the beach when you or your children forget to wear their sunglasses. The beach presents a unique challenge for UV and the eyes, because UV rays come at you both from above and below (since rays are reflected up from the sand and water). Reflected UV light is responsible for 50% of your UV radiation exposure. That’s why a wide-brimmed hat isn’t enough UV protection for your kids’ eyes at the beach. Snow skiers: It’s out-of-season right now, but next winter, don’t forget to protect your eyes and those of your child with sunglasses or sun goggles on those beautiful snow-covered slopes: Up to 94% of UVB rays are reflected off of snow and ice as compared to 8% that reflects off of water! 2.Long-term UV Exposure . Cumulative UVA and UVB exposure over the years can cause partial or even total loss of vision. Children (and adults) can develop growths called pterygium, a non-cancerous lesion that forms in the eye tissue from prolonged, excessive UV exposure. Macular degeneration, cataracts, and other eye diseases are often a result of the UVA and UVB rays absorbed by the eye. UVA rays penetrate deeply into the eye, causing retinal damage, while UVB rays damage the cornea and lens. Wear Sunglasses Even on Overcast Days Another critical point: Both adults and children need to wear sunglasses on overcast days. Why? Because the sun’s damaging UV rays penetrate our atmosphere and reach the Earth even when there is cloud cover. For example, have you ever spent an entire day on the beach with an overcast sky only to find yourself quite sunburned by the end of the day? Yep, that’s what we’re talking about. The UV index is just as high on overcast days when high clouds are present as when the sky is clear. So, protect your children’s eyes! Remind your kids to wear their sunglasses every day. And one great way to get kids to wear their sunnies is by wearing yours. Because – although they won’t likely admit it once the teen years commence – your kids are watching you and soaking up cues from everything you do, subconsciously forming their adult behaviors and habits. So wear your sunglasses every day, whether it’s sunny or cloudy! If you or your child needs new sunglasses, your timing is perfect because our optical department is getting new styles in every week. Our team is wonderfully skilled in helping you choose a pair that will flatter your face shape and fit your lifestyle. And we can help your kids choose great styles that work with their active lifestyles. We look forward to helping you look great while protecting your eyes and your kids’ eyes from the sun’s UV rays all year long! --- ## 5 Proven Ways To Get Kids To Wear Sunglasses URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/5-proven-ways-to-get-kids-to-wear-sunglasses/ If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you may already know that by the time your son or daughter reaches age 18, they’ve already received up to 80% of their entire lifetime’s worth of exposure to the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays! It’s a shocking statistic. That’s because kids spend so much time outside – which is healthy – but means parents must protect them from the damage that UV rays can cause to their developing eyes and tender skin. One game-changing advantage parents like you can provide their kids with is high-quality sunglasses that block 100% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. And encourage them to wear their sunnies whenever they spend time outside. Yes, even on cloudy or overcast days. But -- how do you get your kids to wear their sunglasses? Here are five proven methods: 1. Let Kids Choose Their Own Sunglasses A little child psychology goes a long way: If you want your kids to wear sunglasses regularly (and you do!), simply allow them to choose their own sunnies . And why not make a big deal out of it? It’s a unique treat for a child to get to choose the frames that make their heart sing and express their budding fashion sense. Encourage them to pick the style, color, frame, and tint of their sunglasses, because what child doesn’t love the ability to be a little independent with their “look?” 1. Beware of Cheap Sunglasses Our optical department is well-stocked with high-quality kids’ sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection. Your eye health and the eye health of your kids are our No.1 priority. We want to ensure that the sunglasses you wear protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation. As a precaution: Beware of cheap sunglasses at the dollar store – those heart and cat-shaped frames are very cute, but without regulation on the lenses the manufacturers use, it’s quite possible that those $2 “funglasses” don’t offer 100% UV protection. Sunglasses without proper UV protection are particularly dangerous for kids. To explain why, it’s important to understand that the tint on a lens doesn’t indicate that it includes UV protection. Darker does not mean better where UV protection is concerned -- we can put a 100% UV protection coating on a clear lens. Some dark lenses offer no UV protection. If you remember just one fact from this article, let it be this: Sunglass lens tint does not indicate its level of UV protection. Darker tints on sunglass lenses allow the pupils to open a bit wider. But if those dark sunglass lenses don’t offer UV protection, wider pupils will allow your eyes (or your kids’ eyes) to absorb even more damaging UV rays into the deep structures of the eye, where they can do long-term damage. Cumulative UV damage over a lifetime can contribute to your child developing cataracts, macular degeneration, or even cancer of the eye in adulthood. That’s why it’s critical to provide your child with high-quality sunglasses that protect them from 100% of UVA and UVB rays in a style that they love and will wear every day. 1. Keep An Eye on Comfort and Durability It’s important that your child’s sunglasses are both comfortable and durable: • Comfort is key because heavy or bulky sunglasses will make it an uphill battle when trying to get your child to wear them, so choose lightweight, impact-resistant eyewear. Our scratchproof polycarbonate lenses are one great option. You might also consider wraparound-style glasses that protect a larger portion of their face. • Durability is necessary because – kids, right? Frames that flex and bend but don’t break are the best choice for active kids. If your child participates in sports, choose a close-fitting frame that offers increased protection. Amber or green lenses can increase contrast, which can be a positive for young athletes. 1. Model Good Behavior It’s a smart strategy to set a good example by wearing your sunglasses consistently . Kids watch and emulate much of what their parents do. Most kids understand why it’s important to wear sunscreen on their skin, so have a discussion with them about protecting their eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. When you wear your sunglasses -- which we encourage you to do every time you go outside -- make a verbal note of it if your kids are in earshot. Maybe say something like, “Now that I’ve applied sunscreen, I’m also going to put on my sunglasses so I can protect my eyes and look like a rockstar for our day at the park!” They might roll their eyes, but they’re listening -- and they will likely do exactly what you do. (Because, after all, you’re their hero, and they want to be just like you!) 1. Start Early When should your child start to wear sunglasses? Experts say 6 months of age! And if your child needs prescription glasses, we can also fit them for prescription sunglasses. Spring has sprung, and summer is coming up fast. If your child’s sunglasses are scratched, bent, or dollar-store-cheapies that may not offer full UV protection, come visit us today. We’ll outfit your child with a pair of high-quality sunglasses that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection to protect their precious sense of vision now so they can continue to see their best for decades to come. --- ## 5 Questions About Cataracts URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/5-questions-about-cataracts/ June is Cataract Awareness Month, a great opportunity to educate yourself on this eye condition that so many of us will experience in our lifetimes. By age 65, as many as 90% of people have at least one cataract forming. We’ve all heard the term cataract, but what exactly is a cataract? A cataract is simply when the natural lens of your eye becomes thick and cloudy. The lens of your eye is typically clear and easy to see through, but when proteins in the lens break down, symptoms occur – like cloudy, foggy, blurry, hazy, or even “less colorful” vision. Though they are often a natural part of aging, cataracts can negatively impact not only your vision but, ultimately, your quality of life – how you work, play, and interact with the world. 1. What causes cataracts, and when do they start? As your eye health professionals, we encourage you to become familiar with the causes of cataracts in order to be proactive with your vision health. Typically, people begin to notice symptoms as they approach their 60s or 70s. However, some people experience symptoms as early as their 40s or 50s. Age-related cataracts are a result of the normal aging process and form gradually over time. Sometimes cataracts develop more rapidly, and age is not the only factor in the changes to the lens of the eye. Other contributing factors in early formation of cataracts can include: • Genetics – if you have family members who have cataracts • Smoking • Medical conditions, such as diabetes • Radiation treatments of the upper body • Eye injury • Failure to wear sunglasses or UV-protective eyeglasses • Medications, like corticosteroids 1. What are the signs and symptoms of cataracts? One typical early symptom of a cataract is that you begin to have difficulty seeing at night – particularly when driving, due to “halos” around the headlights of oncoming cars. But be aware of other symptoms or changes that may indicate the formation of cataracts: • Blurry vision • Colors that appear faded • Double vision • Difficulty reading small print • More frequent changes in your prescription lenses Your optometrist can definitively detect cataracts in your annual comprehensive eye exam. Because patients “adapt” to the slow changes in the lens of the eye, they are not always aware of the formation of a cataract. That’s yet another good reason to stay on top of scheduling your annual eye exam with your optometrist! 1. What is involved in cataract correction? The only treatment for cataracts is to remove the clouded lens and replace it with a new, clear lens. In general, younger patients tend to heal more quickly and resume their normal routines more rapidly. The procedure is common and very safe, so even older patients do quite well and enjoy dramatic vision benefits. Cataract correction takes about 30-45 minutes or less per eye, and patients go home the same day. If you have cataracts in both eyes, you will have two separate procedures, allowing one eye to heal before the second cataract is removed. Keep in mind that you will need to avoid driving for a couple of days after the procedure, so you will need someone drive you home the day of the procedure. Things to remember as you heal at home: • Avoid strenuous exercise. • No lifting of objects heavier than five pounds. • If you are a side sleeper, sleep on the opposite side of the healing eye. This will minimize pressure on the eye as it heals, and can shorten recovery time. Most patients experience very little pain or discomfort after cataract correction. Eye drops will be prescribed to prevent infection. You may experience some blurred vision, minor pain, or itching as you recover but your vision will improve daily and symptoms should subside within a few days or weeks. Within a couple of days of the procedure, you will be able to return to work and your normal daily routine. 1. Can a cataract re-grow after surgery? No. The implanted lens, called an intraocular lens, does not need to be replaced or have any ongoing maintenance unless complications arise. Generally, the earlier a cataract is removed, the better. Untreated cataracts are more difficult to remove and complications can result. 1. Can I prevent cataracts? There are many causes of cataract formation that are simply out of your hands but some preventative care can help slow the formation of cataracts. Protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV radiation that can hasten cataract formation by wearing UV-blocking sunglasses or regular eyeglasses with an anti-UV coating. And since smoking increases the rate of cataract formation, make a commitment to quit. Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss worldwide. Fortunately, they can be corrected effectively with a very high success rate, estimated between 95-98%. Schedule an appointment with your optometrist if you recognize any of the signs associated with cataracts, and we’ll discuss your symptoms and treatment. Your vision depends on it! --- ## 8 Tips To Protect Eye Health All Summer URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/8-tips-to-protect-eye-health-all-summer/ Summer fun and summer chores are in full swing – school is out, vacations are planned, weekend events are on your calendar, and yard work is a weekly activity! Summer poses a number of threats to eye health and vision. You may have noticed itchy, red, or irritated eyes from summer allergens or maybe burning, red or gritty eyes from chlorinated pools or ocean water? Plus, fans and air conditioning can contribute to dry eyes. To avoid the uncomfortable “summertime threats” to your eyes, remember these 8 tips to help you navigate summer with your healthy, comfortable vision: 1. Shield Your Eyes You know that the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin, but did you know those same rays can also negatively affect your eyes? According to the World Health Organization, UV exposure is responsible for up to 20% of cataracts worldwide. UV rays can increase your risk for macular degeneration, cause photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye), and even increase your risk for skin cancer surrounding the eye. Bottom line? Wear 100% UV-blocking sunglasses that block UVA, UVB and UVC ultraviolet rays – the entire alphabet of UV rays! Buy properly fitted sunglasses with a design and shape to cover a larger area of your face to maximize effectiveness. And don’t forget your hat! A hat with a 3-inch brim can block up to half of UVB rays that typically damage eyes and eyelids. 1. Protect Your Eyes in the Water When swimming, water skiing, or enjoying your favorite water park, wear protective water goggles. Always remove contact lenses to prevent infections from bacteria and microorganisms that inhabit the pool, lake or river. If you simply cannot go without your corrective lenses, we recommended prescription goggles. 1. Apply Sunscreen Carefully We’ve all had the unpleasant experience of a wayward spray of sunscreen or insect repellent in or around the eyes. Ouch! Try mineral-based sunscreens that are less likely to run into your eyes. When you apply spray sunscreen on a child, have them cup their hands over their eyes. And if you use a lotion-type sunscreen, be very careful in applying it delicately around the eyes but not too close to your eyes – let your sunglasses and hat do the work of protecting your eyes and eyelids. If sunscreen gets into your eyes, simply flush with fresh water. If you wear contact lenses, remove them and then flush with water. 1. Protect Your Eyes When Working Outside Yard work and DIY projects increase during the summer months -- and so do eye injuries! Wearing wrap-around protective eyewear or goggles can reduce your risk of eye injury by 90%! Before starting yard work, clear overhanging or fallen limbs, sticks, pinecones or other loose debris. And, check for loose gravel, sand, or anything else that could become a projectile and injure the eye. 1. Moisturize Your Eyes Summer heat and irritated eyes often go together. You can experience a condition called dry eye due to heat, wind, fans or even when the air conditioning vents in your car point directly at your face. When the tear film that keeps your eyes moist evaporates, the surface of the eye can feel gritty, itchy and uncomfortable. If you have allergies or wear contact lenses, your likelihood of getting dry eye is higher, so use artificial tears to bring relief to your eyes. We’ll gladly recommend the type of drops best suited for your lifestyle and needs during your next comprehensive eye exam. 1. Eat Your Veggies and Hydrate It’s easier to eat healthily in the summer months with the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables available. The red, green, yellow, and orange produce is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy nutrients for your eyes. And … hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to take a sip — thirst indicates that dehydration is already occurring. Lack of moisture in the eye can cause eyestrain, which can result in blurry vision and headaches, which nobody wants when there’s summer fun to be had! 1. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes It’s hard to resist itching your eyes with summer allergens in full swing. It’s a natural reflex to rub itchy eyes, but rubbing releases histamines that can cause more inflammation and more itching and then more inflammation. It’s a vicious cycle! And if your hands aren’t clean, there is the possibility of introducing bacteria into the eye, which can lead to conjunctivitis, styes, or infection. If allergies are getting you down, ask us to recommend allergy eye drops or artificial tears to help bring relief to your itchy eyes. 1. Get Quality Sleep Researchers have found that lack of quality sleep and dry eye disease go hand-in-hand. You may have experienced itchy, red, dry eyes the morning after a poor night’s sleep. You’re more likely to rub your eyes when tired, and there is a greater risk for other eye problems as well — like that irritating eye twitching, bloodshot eyes, and under-eye puffiness. So, get into a consistent sleep routine, every single night if possible. Make your bedroom dark, quiet, and technology-free! Go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time seven days a week. And remember -- no caffeine at least eight hours before bedtime. And the best advice of all? Schedule your regular eye exam to keep your eyes healthy – don’t skip an exam even during busy summer months. It’s important for your optometrist to monitor your eyes for vision changes and identify any problems early, when treatment is most effective. Summer fun is on the calendar, so put on your sunglasses and keep those beautiful eyes in tip-top summer shape! --- ## 5 Ways to Enhance How Sunglasses Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/5-ways-to-enhance-how-sunglasses-protect-your-eyes-from-uv-rays/ Are you aware that your eyes can get sunburned? Yes, just like your skin, your eyes can be burned by direct or reflected ultraviolet (UV) rays. As the summer weather gets hotter and you enjoy the season’s outdoor activities, your eyes are exposed to greater amounts of the sun’s intense and damaging UV rays. Increased outdoor activity such as yard work, warm weather sports, or a day at the beach can pose a threat to your eyes and to the sensitive skin surrounding them. Nobody wants a case of photokeratitis to slow down the summer fun. What is photokeratitis, you ask? It’s literally a sunburn to the eye that causes inflammation of the cornea — the clear, rounded structure that covers the iris and pupil. This painful sunburn can lead to redness, blurred vision, itchy, watery eyes, sensitivity to light, gritty eyes, or a headache. Additionally, ongoing exposure to the sun’s harmful rays over the years can cause cataracts, macular degeneration, and pterygium (a fleshy growth on the surface of the eye). So, what’s the solution to protecting your eyes from those damaging ultraviolet rays? SUNGLASSES! A very simple yet very effective solution that protects your eyes. Everyone wants to look stylish and cool in their sunglasses but there are some important points to remember when selecting a pair to ensure the best protection for your eyes. 1. Insist on 100% UVA and UVB Protection. UV Coating is the most important feature of a good pair of sunglasses. Just as you apply sunscreen to your skin to protect it from ultraviolet rays, a UV coating applied to your sunglasses lenses blocks UV rays from harming your eyes. And remember to wear those sunglasses not only throughout the long days of summer but year-round, and even on cloudy days. 1. Get Coated: Coating Options for Sunglasses • 2. Anti-reflective (AR) coating: Eliminates reflections on the surface of your sunglasses, which allows for clearer vision. Some sunglasses even offer AR coating on both the front and back of the lenses, for extra visual comfort in bright conditions. • 3. Mirror coating: Applied to the front of your lenses, it is the first line of defense for reflecting harmful UV light away from your eyes, just like a mirror! The coating is applied to the front of your lenses to deflect sunlight. Not only does it prevent UV rays from damaging your eyes but it can also help you avoid squinting and the eyestrain associated with intense or direct sunlight. Bonus: Friends and loved ones will enjoy checking out their reflection in your mirrored lenses. • 4. Polarized lenses: Polarization filters out the reflected light from water, snow, sand, and pavement to help reduce glare and eyestrain. It’s all about visual comfort plus the added safety feature that polarized lenses offer when you’re participating in outdoor activities, driving, or just relaxing by the pool. 1. Bigger is Better : Go big! Choose a comfortably fitting larger frame that contours to your face to protect even more of the delicate skin around your eyes. Also consider wrap-around frames that offer extra protection from UV rays by reducing the amount of UV on the top, sides, and bottom of your face. 1. Darker Lenses Are Not Better: Wearing very darkly tinted sunglasses doesn't guarantee better protection from the sun’s UV rays. The effectiveness of your lenses in blocking harmful rays depends solely on their UV coating. The color and tint of lenses is a personal preference based on where you wear your sunglasses and the activities you participate in. Consider these colorful choices: • 2. Gray tints block the most light, so if you have light-sensitive eyes, go with gray. Gray is also best for driving since colors appear the most accurate. • 3. Green or dark brown tints elevate depth perception and are a favorite of people who play tennis, baseball, or golf because the tints balance UV light without altering the landscape light. • 4. Yellow or orange tints increase contrast and allow you to see more detail in the landscape when you participate in snow sports. • 5. Blue tint helps block out bluer lights and reduce light glare – if you are a boater or fisherman, blue is for you! 1. Double-Up Protection: Do you wear UV-blocking contact lenses? Then why not double-up your eye protection? While UV-blocking contact lenses can protect the cornea, iris, and pupil, they leave the conjunctiva, eyelid, and surrounding skin exposed. When you add 100% UV protective sunglasses, you gain comprehensive protection against the harmful rays of the sun. The bottom line where sunglasses are concerned: Consider all of the options and elements of a good pair of sunglasses, and choose wisely. Yes you can have it all — both style and UV protection. Come in and ask our optical department team members which sunglasses they recommend for your unique lifestyle and visual challenges. Our team members are knowledgeable and experienced, and will help you choose the right coatings and frames so you can enjoy summer while seeing your best and protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV rays. Enjoy the long, lazy days of summer! --- ## 5 Questions About Dry Eye Symptoms and Care URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/5-questions-about-dry-eye-symptoms-and-care/ July is National Dry Eye Awareness Month. It is estimated that at least 17 million and up to 50 million Americans suffer moderate to severe symptoms from Dry Eye. Twice as many women as men experience the pain and discomfort of Dry Eye. A significant percentage of diagnoses in women can be attributed to certain types of birth control, pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy, and menopause. Misdiagnosis of Dry Eye can cause damage to the tissues of the eye, so it’s important that you visit your optometrist for a thorough eye exam to get a proper diagnosis, determine the contributing causes of your condition, and treat your symptoms effectively. What is Dry Eye? Your eyes constantly produce tears, creating a “tear film” to lubricate the eyes, maintain a smooth surface for light refraction, and preserve the health of the conjunctiva and cornea. This tear film is made up of an outside fat-based oily layer, a watery middle layer, and an inner mucus layer that keeps the surface of the eyes lubricated. If any of these layers are lacking, the blinking that distributes tear film can’t occur smoothly and discomfort results. Not only is Dry Eye uncomfortable, but it can also, in some instances, negatively impact your vision. What are the two types of Dry Eye? 1. Evaporative Dry Eye: This type of Dry Eye is the most common and is caused by not having enough of the oil that prevents evaporation in the tear film. This condition is termed MGD (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction). It is defined as eyelid glands that don’t produce enough oil or produce oil of poor quality. 2. Aqueous-Deficient Dry Eye: This type occurs when the lacrimal glands don’t make enough of the watery component of the tear film. It can be attributed to specific autoimmune conditions, hormonal changes, certain medications, and aging. What are risk factors of Dry Eye? There are many and varied risk factors associated with Dry Eye, many of which you can’t control but some that you can control: • You’re at greater risk if you are over age 50. • Hormonal changes or medications that affect hormones are a risk factor — which is the reason why a greater percentage of women suffer from Dry Eye. • Certain medications, including meds used to treat glaucoma. • Medical conditions like thyroid disorders, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Lupus, and others. • Decreased blink rate that can be caused by frequent or prolonged screen use or by diseases such as Parkinson’s. • Inflammation of the eyelids or eyelid conditions that prevent eyelids from closing completely. • Lasik or other refractive surgery • Contact lenses • Poor make-up hygiene • Allergies, dry climate, exposure to smoke, or other environmental conditions What are the symptoms of Dry Eye? Just because you have some of the Dry Eye symptoms listed below doesn’t mean that you have Dry Eye. Your optometrist will review your symptoms along with your medical history to diagnose your condition properly. Following are the common symptoms of Dry Eye: • Increased sensitivity to light • Extreme sensitivity – particularly to cigarette, cigar, or vape smoke • Blurry vision • Stinging or burning • Inflammation or redness • Itchiness • Sandy or gritty feeling • Stringy mucus or particles in the eye How can I get relief from Dry Eye? • Use a Humidifier: In living areas that use heaters or air conditioning, a humidifier can help keep natural moisture in the air. If you live in a dry, arid climate, a humidifier can keep your eyes more comfortable. • Avoid low humidity conditions: Limit forced air heating, air conditioning, hair dryers, and even windy conditions if possible. Be especially aware of airflow in cars and airplanes where vents blow directly in your face and eyes. Avoid cigarette, cigar, pipe, or vape smoke. • Take frequent screen breaks: Take a screen break every 20 minutes and remember to blink frequently to lubricate your eyes. • Hydrate: Drink water to keep your eyes and body fully hydrated. • Consult your optometrist: Your Dry Eye symptoms may be related to wearing contacts or using glaucoma eye drops. Your optometrist can discuss the options available to help with your symptoms – which may include taking specific vitamins or Omega-3 supplements. • Over-the-counter treatment options: Artificial tears that replace the natural tear film of the eye are available over-the-counter and can provide symptom relief, but they are not a treatment for Dry Eye. There are many formulations and brands with different ingredients, including ones with preservatives and preservative-free. Frequent and prolonged use of artificial tears, particularly those with preservatives, can cause irritation or allergic reactions. So, it’s important to discuss their use with your optometrist. Ointments may also be used before bedtime to help eyes stay moisturized during the night. • Eyelid Care: If eyelid irritation is causing your Dry Eye symptoms, your optometrist may recommend massaging your eyelids, and using eyelid cleanser or warm compresses to help reduce inflammation. • Prescription Medications: Your optometrist may suggest oral medications, nasal spray, or eye drops in more serious cases of Dry Eye. • Dry Eye Treatments: Tear duct plugs, Meibomian gland procedures that release clogged oil glands, and surgery to tighten your eyelids and keep tears in your eyes are options in the most severe cases of Dry Eye. Dry Eye is a treatable condition, and your optometrist can answer your questions and discuss a treatment plan to help you achieve healthier eyes. Your eyes are your “windows on the world” and deserve the best of care. Call us to schedule your annual comprehensive eye exam today to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear. Let's work together to ensure you enjoy great vision for years to come! --- ## 5 Tips Your College Student Needs To Know About Healthy Vision URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/5-tips-your-college-student-needs-to-know-about-healthy-vision/ Are you a parent with a child gearing up for their first year of college? Or are you a student ready to embark on the excitement of university life? As you navigate the transition between the carefree days of childhood and full-on adulting, it’s easy to overlook some essential details. That’s why now is the ideal time for you and your college-bound student to have a vital conversation with your optometrist. Before you pack up the minivan with “Go State” pennants, clothes, furniture, sports gear, and every sort of technology -- don’t forget those chargers! – talk with your soon-to-be college student about a key to their academic success: maintaining good eye health. You’ve always been there to caution, cajole, and monitor your child to keep them safe and healthy. You’ve been the one who scheduled their annual eye exam and was quick to notice the signs of an eye infection. But now that they will be on their own, making decisions about their health, they need some basic tips about how to protect and care for their eyes. College kids have been known to push the limits of a healthy lifestyle by overeating junk food, not getting enough sleep, or spending too much time looking at screens. Let’s address some of those potential challenges. Here are 5 things to share with college students to help them maintain healthy eyes and keep their vision the very best that it can be. 1. Beware Digital Eye Strain Technology is a threat to your student’s eye health. While the average American spends 6-8 hours a day looking at screens, college students spend 10 hours or more (yikes!) gazing into their laptops, cell phones, and monitors. According to the National Eye Institute , nearsightedness is on the rise – 42% of Americans are now nearsighted, up from 25% in 1971 – and the increase correlates strongly with the rise in screen use. Plain and simple: Too much time spent staring at screens can contribute to nearsightedness and cause Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) due to the prolonged use of near focus and exposure to blue LED light. Help your student recognize the symptoms of CVS: • Dry, gritty-feeling eyes • Red, watery eyes • Headaches • Neck and shoulder pain due to poor posture • Stinging or burning eyes There are two main ways to help protect their eyes from digital eye strain: Proper computer workstation set-up and taking frequent breaks from staring at the screen. • A. Set up computer workstations to promote visual ease . • Use a desk or table and sit in a chair with back support (don’t hunch over your screen on the coffee table). • Position yourself an arm’s length away from the monitor. • Tilt the screen slightly upward and keep your feet on the floor to reduce strain on the neck and shoulders. • Adjust screen brightness down and color to be more yellow than blue. • Make the font size larger. • Reduce screen glare by working in rooms with lots of natural light – try not to work in a darkened room at night. • B. Take frequent breaks during extended periods of looking at a screen. • Make the 20-20-20 rule a mantra: For every 20 minutes you look at a screen, look away for 20 seconds at something 20 feet away. And remember to blink! • For every hour on the computer, take a 10-minute break. Stand up, stretch your legs, clear your mind, get a snack, or do some deep breathing exercises. Short breaks increase productivity, so it’s a win-win! 1. Wear prescription computer glasses. Spending hours each day at a computer screen can make your eyes feel exhausted and cause trouble focusing. Counteract that with prescription computer glasses made especially for focusing on that screen an arm’s length away. In addition, consider a blue-light protective coating on computer glasses, because some studies have found that long-term exposure to blue light can cause chronic eye damage. While the evidence isn’t definitive, wearing blue light glasses won’t cause any harm and could keep eyes from tiring out so quickly. 2. Study Outside. Encourage your student to take every opportunity to get outside in natural light. Being outside provides a multitude of positive benefits – lower levels of depression and anxiety, boosted immunity, and a greater degree of happiness. Plus, being outside is good for your eyes ! As your student adjusts to their crazy college schedule, encourage them to find a quiet bench or sit on a blanket under a tree. Soak up some fresh air and natural light to make their work more enjoyable and give their eyes a break. 3. Wear Protective Eyewear. Protective goggles for chemistry, biology, and science labs are a must! The National Institutes of Health states that 45% of lab workers have had accidents in a lab, and you don’t want your student to be one of them! Wearing proper eye protection in the form of safety goggles, glasses, face shields, or side shields will help protect their eyes from dangerous fumes, chemical droplets, or potential projectiles such as shattering glass. And sports are no different! Whether they play team or individual sports, wearing protective eyewear is simply part of the gear. According to Prevent Blindness , more than 32,000 sports-related eye injuries were treated in U.S. emergency rooms in 2022, and 90% could have been prevented with protective eyewear. 1. Schedule an Annual Eye Exam. Because prolonged and excessive use of technology can age the eyes prematurely and increase the risks of developing age-related eye disease later in life, younger patients need to be examined annually to monitor their eye health. When your young adult comes home for the holidays or summer break, schedule their annual comprehensive eye exam. There are relatively few things you can control in your college kid’s life, so have a conversation about healthy eyes before they leave -- and the next time they roll their eyes at you, you can be confident in the knowledge that those are healthy eyes! --- ## Why School Vision Screenings Fall Short: The Importance of a Full Eye Exam URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/why-school-vision-screenings-fall-short-the-importance-of-a-full-eye-exam/ It’s that time again — August means back-to-school for many children. Parents are busy buying the perfect backpack, notebooks, writing utensils, and school clothes so students have everything they need for a successful school year. But did you know that August is also Vision and Learning Month? It makes perfect sense because 80% of everything you – and your kids — learn comes through the visual pathway! The American Optometric Association states that 25% of all school-age children have a vision problem that is significant enough to impact their ability to learn. That’s why it’s essential to get a comprehensive visual exam before your child begins the school year. Notice we didn’t say they need a “vision screening” – a comprehensive eye exam is the standard. Why Does my Child Need a Comprehensive Eye Exam? Let’s go over some facts about school vision screenings and eye health to underscore the importance of a comprehensive eye exam by your optometrist — and why it can give your student a leg up on the new school year! Most states require schools to conduct a vision screening, but this screening is only a partial eye exam at best. In fact, it is typically only a visual acuity check that asks your student to read a standardized eye chart with 11 rows of random capital letters, one large letter at the top, and letters that become smaller as you move down the chart. A row near the bottom represents the 20/20 visual acuity line, which means that a person standing 20 feet away who can read that specific line accurately has 20/20 vision. This test measures visual acuity, or the student’s ability to see objects or images clearly at a given distance. And that’s a very important measurement. However, a visual acuity test provides less than 4% of the information gathered by your optometrist in a comprehensive eye exam! Why 20/20 Does Not Mean Your Child Has No Vision Problems Visual acuity is not the whole story; other factors affect your student’s visual perception. Remember: A child who sees 20/20 can still have a vision problem that will impact their ability to learn. There are numerous visual skills necessary for functional vision that a school screening simply does not measure. For example, it’s critical that your child’s eyes work well together as a team – a skill called eye teaming – in order to read, learn, and perceive their world accurately. During a comprehensive eye exam, an optometrist will evaluate your child’s eyes for acuity (visual clarity) in addition to checking for any potential problems that may affect their visual skills, learning, development, and even their social interactions and self-esteem. When vision problems go undetected or misdiagnosed, children are often diagnosed with ADHD or a learning or behavioral problem that can affect the child for life. A single eye chart exam administered by the school nurse or other volunteer in a school screening simply cannot identify the complex range of skills that might potentially minimize your child’s ability to learn. Essential Visual Skills for Student Success Following are 17 visual skills your student needs to be successful in reading, writing, sports, and daily classroom activities: 1. Eye Movement Control. Each eye has six muscles that work together to control the ability to move both eyes together to focus on an image. 2. The ability of both eyes to turn inward toward the nose to focus on a book or computer screen. 3. Side (Peripheral) Vision. The ability to see images off to the side without turning the head. 4. Binocular Coordination (Eye Teaming). When both eyes work together in unison; if one eye is weaker, the student may have “lazy eye.” 5. Quick, small, simultaneous movement of both eyes between two or more focal points. This skill is essential in tracking sentences and words across a page. 6. Smooth, slow movements of both eyes, required to hold the focus on a slow-moving object. 7. Accommodation Flexibility. The ability to continuously change focus between near and far objects, required to move the eyes from a blackboard to a book or class notes. 8. Accommodation Endurance. The ability to maintain visual focus over extended periods of time. 9. Visual Memory. Poor short-term visual memory can make it difficult to copy notes from the board and spell. 10. Visual Thinking or “Picture Thinking.” The ability to analyze what you have seen, needed for comprehension and math. 11. Central Vision Acuity. The ideal is 20/20 vision, as detected from reading an eye chart. 12. Color Perception. Important for accurate understanding of colored graphs and charts. 13. Fine Visual Motor Skills. The ability to accurately work on close-up activities like reading, writing and texting. 14. Gross Visual Motor Skills. The ability to move using visual information to guide you. It prevents you from bumping into objects – an essential skill for student athletes. 15. Visual Perception. Encompasses the total field of vision; it is your awareness of what is going on around you. 16. Visual Integration. Combining vision with the other senses to perform complex tasks. 17. Depth Perception. Discerning whether objects are close or far away. Clearly, the range of visual skills required for a healthy sense of vision that can empower your child to succeed in the classroom and in sports is far more complex than a 20/20 visual acuity rating. Bottom line? The start of every school year is the perfect time to call your optometrist and schedule that eye exam to give your child the opportunity to excel academically, in a sport, or just in “growing up!” Their eyes are the key to success, so help them take good care of them. Call us today! --- ## How to Recognize Signs of Vision Problems in School-Age Children URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/how-to-recognize-signs-of-vision-problems-in-school-age-children/ Your eyes are more than just windows to the world. The eyes are a complex and powerful tool that enable us to experience life in vivid detail. From the moment you wake up and see the morning light to the time you close your eyes at bedtime, your vision impacts how you connect and interact with everything in your environment. It’s your eyes that capture the smile of a loved one, the beauty of a flower in bloom, and the words on a page that entertain, inform, and inspire. Your visual system doesn’t just help you see the world—it empowers you to connect, learn, and hopefully, thrive within it. For school-age children, the necessity of having a healthy, functioning visual system cannot be overstated. As kids start their education in preschool or kindergarten, they rely on their eyes as the primary way to absorb knowledge, learn, and socialize. As they grow and advance into grade school and beyond, they use their visual system more and more to learn and digest knowledge. Their eyes and visual skills must grow and advance along with them. The text size in the books they read goes from large text with few words on a page to more advanced books with fewer pictures to college textbooks in the span of about 12 years. Can your student’s eyes meet that challenge? Healthy Vision is Critical to Student Success Whether students are reading a textbook, observing a science experiment, or solving math problems on a whiteboard, they rely on their eyes to provide information that is crucial for learning. That’s why clear and healthy vision is critical to student success. The American Optometric Association states that 80% of what we learn comes through our visual system. Without excellent vision and visual skills – where the eyes work together to inform the brain and body about what they see – even the smartest kids can struggle and fail to reach their full potential. One in Four Students Have Vision Problems Did you know that approximately 25% of school-age kids – one in four students – have a vision problem that is significant enough to negatively impact their success in the classroom (and on the sports field, for that matter)? It’s an alarming statistic! As a parent, you may be thinking something like, “But our school conducts a visual screening every year to make sure students can see 20/20.” That may be true, but unfortunately, most school visual screenings don’t provide a comprehensive and thorough evaluation of a student’s entire visual system, which includes eye teaming, focusing, and tracking skills. School Vision Screenings Miss 33% of Visual Disorders A school visual screening is a diagnostic tool used to determine if your student’s eyes and visual system need further evaluation by an optometrist. But unfortunately, according to the American Optometric Association , “Even the most sophisticated vision screening tools, administered by the most highly trained screeners, miss one-third of children with eye or vision disorders.” The reason? School vision screenings concentrate mainly on visual acuity, which is the ability to read a line of letters from a distance of 20 feet and, therefore, attain what is known as 20/20 vision. While visual acuity is an essential measure of vision, it is not the only essential measure of a well-functioning visual system that will get your student where they want to go in life. It’s a fact that school vision screenings can miss visual system challenges that will hold your child back from their peak performance. Ensuring your children have the best possible vision is not just about helping them see the board; it’s about giving them the tools they need to succeed in life. Signs That Your Student May Have a Vision Challenge To complicate matters, students with vision challenges may not realize they aren’t seeing well. If you notice any of the following behaviors in your child, make an appointment with your optometrist, as they are symptoms your child may be experiencing visual skill insufficiency: • Short attention span or difficulty organizing and prioritizing work • Frequent eye rubbing or blinking • Covering one eye or seeing double • Losing their place when reading • Unusual clumsiness in sports or bumping into objects • Holding reading materials too close to the eyes • Headaches or feeling tired • Discomfort or dizziness after watching 3D content Look for behavioral signs that may also indicate poor vision, such as your child becoming easily frustrated, disruptive, or inattentive in class. A short attention span, difficulty organizing or prioritizing work, or refusing to do homework (or making excuses for not completing assignments) may also indicate that they need a visit to our offices. Your child’s eyes and visual system grow and change as they grow. It’s not unusual for a school-age child to experience visual changes. And when they do, remember that early intervention is the key! Many eye conditions are treatable when caught early in life. Most children make significant improvements or fully regain use of their visual system with proper treatment. However, without treatment, eye problems such as a lazy eye, poor focusing, or weak eye teaming skills become increasingly more difficult to treat when diagnosed later in a child’s life, and can lead to lifelong problems. Your child’s eyes are a wonder to behold! Help them take good care of their visual system for a lifetime of good vision and learning. Call us today to schedule your student’s comprehensive eye exam and give them the solid foundation they need for lifelong learning through good vision. --- ## 9 Critical Visual Skills for Student Athlete Success URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/9-critical-visual-skills-for-student-athlete-success/ 9 Critical Visual Skills Student Athletes Need to Perform Their Best It’s that time of year again! Back-to-school means back-to sports—and competition is ramping up for exciting seasons of football, soccer, baseball, basketball, golf, and tennis, plus any number of other individual and team sports that require talent AND good vision! Most sports are fast-moving, and the pace of action requires multiple demands on the eyes. Each of the visual skills listed below play an essential role in enabling your student athlete to enjoy and perform their chosen sport to the very best of their ability. 9 Visual Skills Needed in Sports 1. Wide field of vision : The area of space an athlete sees when gazing in one direction – with both eyes combined, it is nearly 180 degrees! 2. Effective eye-hand-foot coordination : Informs body movements using the eyes to measure optimal timing and body control. 3. Clear distance vision : Allows perception and visual processing in order to react swiftly and accurately to objects at a distance. 4. Good depth perception : Aids your athlete in judging the distance between themselves and an object, opponent, or teammate. 5. Visual acuity : How sharp and clear an athlete’s distance and up-close vision is. 6. Dynamic visual acuity : Maintaining visual clarity when an object is in motion – like a tennis ball or football. 7. Eye tracking : The ability of the eyes to locate and follow a moving object – like a basketball or hockey puck. 8. Peripheral vision : Clear vision at the far corners of the visual field enables athletes to be aware of other athletes on the move, changes on the field, and to their surroundings. 9. Accommodation : The ability to change focus from distant to closer targets. As you can see, it’s not only 20/20 visual acuity that athletes require. There are a variety of eye teaming and functional visual skills that must all work well together for an athlete to perform their best. Changes in Your Child’s Visual Ability If your athlete is a tween or young teenager, they will soon experience puberty — the second phase of development in their young lives when almost every aspect of their body and its functions change. With puberty comes a surge in hormones that causes rapid growth. This growth affects every system in the body — including the eyes and visual system! During growth spurts, the shape of the eyeball can lengthen, causing the cornea or lens to become misshapen. That makes light bend differently as it enters the eye and causes it to miss its ideal target on the retina. The result? A visual change called  myopia  or “nearsightedness.” That’s when objects in the distance become fuzzy or difficult to see. Approximately 50% of the global population will experience nearsightedness at some point in their life! A lengthening of the eyeball can also cause  astigmatism , resulting in blurred vision that can make it difficult to see both up-close objects as well as those at a distance. Both of these conditions are called refractive errors and are the most common visual problems students experience. They can even have both conditions simultaneously. The good news is that your optometrist can successfully treat both conditions with prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, or protective eyewear. Prescription lenses correct refractive errors by focusing light directly onto the retina. This correction allows your athlete to see well and react accordingly when participating in their sport. How to Spot a Visual Challenge in Your Student Athlete So, what can tip you off that your athlete is having vision issues? Ask yourself these questions: • Are they underperforming compared with previous seasons? • Do they consistently swing late at pitches? • Are they hitting the front rim of the basketball hoop almost every time? • Do they miss thrown balls, or miss their target when throwing balls? Visual changes can occur without your child noticing because the change is so gradual. As a parent, grandparent, relative, or close friend, you could be the first to realize that a change in performance may be vision-related. Even though your child passed a school visual screening and has 20/20 visual acuity, it does not mean that no vision problem is present! School vision screenings are not the same as a comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist. Vision challenges such as eye focusing, eye tracking, and eye coordination can also significantly affect a student’s performance in sports as well as in the classroom. A comprehensive eye exam by your optometrist can detect these vision issues. Signs Your Student Athlete May Have a Visual Problem Be on the “lookout” for vision problems and symptoms that your child may experience that can impact athletic performance: • Difficulty seeing objects at a distance • Squinting • Frequent headaches • Eyestrain characterized by redness, itching, rubbing, or blinking • Difficulty seeing at night under outdoor stadium light glare • Being less excited about playing their favored sport • Over or underestimating the distance of balls or players on the field • Shies away from thrown balls or consistently misses hitting, catching, or kicking balls If you notice some of these signs, there’s an easy way to address them: Call us to schedule your student athlete’s comprehensive eye exam. Your optometrist will thoroughly examine and diagnose any eye problems your child may be experiencing to ensure that their vision is optimal to achieve excellence both on the playing field and in the classroom. That’s the “goal” -- right? We’re here to help, support, and cheer your athlete on to their top level of performance! --- ## 9 Fun Eye Facts in Observance of World Sight Day URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/9-fun-eye-facts-in-observance-of-world-sight-day/ October 10 marks World Sight Day , a global event dedicated to raising awareness about eye health, preventing blindness, the various diseases that affect our vision, and the effects those conditions can have on everyday life. The global observance day was launched by the Lions Club International Foundation’s Sight First Campaign in 2000 and is observed every year on the second Thursday of October. It was established to highlight the importance of regular eye exams, early detection and treatment, and to promote access to eye care for people around the world. World Sight Day highlights the global effort to eliminate preventable blindness and improve the quality of life for those who face living with vision loss and the difficulties associated with diminished vision. Here are five questions about blindness worldwide in observance of World Sight Day: 1. What is the most common cause of blindness worldwide? Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world. In the United States, cataracts are a leading cause of vision loss, but because the cataract correction procedure is widely available, cataracts don’t cause blindness as often in the U.S. as they do globally. 1. What are the different types of blindness? • Partial blindness: Also referred to as “low vision” • Complete blindness: An inability to detect any light whatsoever • Congenital blindness: Poor vision at birth caused by a birth defect such as an inherited eye or retinal condition • Legal blindness: This condition occurs when the corrected vision in the best eye (with glasses or contact lenses) can only reach visual acuity of 20/200, or when peripheral vision is less than 20 degrees, which is considered severely reduced • Nutritional blindness: Damage to the front surface of the eye due to Vitamin A deficiency, which causes difficulty seeing at night or in dim light due to malfunctioning retinal cells. 1. What countries have the largest number of blind people? • India: 275 million. India is the world’s second-largest country by population, but has the greatest number of blind or visually impaired citizens • China: 274.3 million. China has the world’s largest population of 1.42 billion people. • Indonesia: 34.9 million • Russia: 28.6million According to the San Diego Center for the Blind , the United States ranks 9 th on this list, with 16.4 million blind people. 1. What are the most common causes of blindness in people over 50 and under 50? Vision loss happens to people of all ages but individuals over age 50 are at greatest risk. Conditions such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (the leading cause of blindness in those over 50 in developed countries), glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy are responsible for vision loss and need to be treated and monitored on a regular basis. Vision loss in adults under age 50 (between 19 and 49 years of age) is most often caused by eye injuries, brain injuries, genetic disorders, tumors, retinal detachment, severe eye infections, or retinitis pigmentosa. 1. What can I do to prevent blindness? That’s an easy one: Take good care of your eyes and your vision. One smart step is to schedule a regular annual comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist. And, if you notice any change in vision or have any problems between your annual exams, call us immediately.  9 Amazing Eye Facts 1. The fastest muscle in the body? The eye. That’s where the expression “in the blink of an eye” originates. A blink takes place in just 100 – 150 milliseconds! 2. The most common eye color worldwide is brown (70% to 80% of the population), then blue (8% to 10%), hazel or amber comprises 10% of eye color, and the rarest of all: Green eyes appear in a mere 2% of the population. 3. About two weeks after conception, an embryo’s eyes start to develop. However, babies don’t produce tears until 6 weeks of age, even though they can cry at birth. 4. Eyelashes have a 5-month lifespan and are primarily there to keep dirt out of your eyes (but they look nice, too!) 5. The human body has only one area of tissue that has no blood vessels – the cornea. 6. Each of your eyes has over 2 million working parts that can process 36,000 pieces of information in a single hour. 7. What do you do 5.2 million times a year? Blink. 8. You will see 24 million images in the course of an average lifetime. 9. The eyeball weighs 28 grams or 1 ounce – about the same weight as a pencil or a single slice of bread. Your eyes are amazing in so many ways; they are truly your windows on the world. We want to be your partner in helping you protect and care for your eyes! Call us today to make an appointment with your optometrist so you can keep enjoying healthy vision for years to come. --- ## How Guide Dogs Empower the Blind and Visually Impaired URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/how-guide-dogs-empower-the-blind-and-visually-impaired/ Earlier in October, we observed World Sight Day , a global event dedicated to raising awareness about eye health and preventing blindness. For people who have the gift of sight, navigating daily activities like crossing streets, shopping, and reading signs is second nature. But what if you or a loved one experiences a total loss of vision? For people who are either blind or severely visually impaired, a trained guide dog for the blind can literally transform their lives. Guide dogs empower the non-sighted population with dignity, independence, and renewed confidence by providing a reliable way that they can navigate the world safely. Though we don't have an exact count, an estimated 10,000 guide dog “teams” — a guide dog plus their visually impaired handler — are operating today in the United States. Guide dogs offer not only companionship but also a vital lifeline to independence and mobility. How do these incredible service animals support their handlers, which breeds are best suited to be guide dogs, and how are they trained? Here are five frequently asked questions about guide dogs for the blind: 1. Where are guide dogs trained? There are 14 guide dog training centers in the U.S. that are accredited members of the International Guide Dog Federation , an organization that makes sure the schools provide their dogs with the best possible care and training. The U.S. training centers include Guide Dogs for the Blind (the largest), Guide Dogs of America , and The Seeing Eye (the oldest, and the reason guide dogs are sometimes called “seeing eye dogs”). Guide dog training centers are typically non-profit organizations that operate a network of breeders, instructors, donors, and volunteers who help prepare and train highly qualified guide dogs to assist both children and adults. 1. What breeds are best for this work? It is critical that the dogs have the right temperament, intelligence, and size to do the work of guiding a visually impaired person around city streets, inside buildings, and in their home. The most popular breeds of guide dogs are Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds. These skilled canines typically work for 6 to 8 years and then retire between the ages of 8 and 10. 1. How much do guide dogs cost? A fully trained guide dog represents a lot of work, time, and effort. For that reason, they can be very expensive. Though most guide dogs are provided without charge to blind or visually impaired people who need them, the cost for a trained dog would be $40,000 to $60,000 each, with approximately $180 - $220 a month for its care. Fortunately, volunteers, fundraising, and donations help to cover most or all of those expenses. 1. What does guide dog training entail? Guide dogs undergo a rigorous training process to teach them the skills and behaviors needed to assist their handlers safely in a variety of real-world situations. The intense training takes many months. First, the dogs are introduced to basic commands like sit, stay, and lay down, and familiarized with wearing their service harness. Next, dogs learn to navigate obstacles and stay focused despite the many distractions they will most definitely encounter. As their training progresses, dogs are tested in new environments and learn "intelligent disobedience," where they are trained to disobey unsafe commands—such as refusing to cross the street if a car is coming or there is another unsafe scenario their handler can’t sense. As the dogs continue their training, they are taken into complex settings such as elevators, escalators, and busy outdoor areas. They must learn extremely high levels of obedience and are taught to refuse food offered to them by anyone except their handler. Guide dogs ride on public transportation and undergo vehicle interaction training, which are necessary skills to ensure they can help their handler safely navigate in any situation. A guide dog’s final exam includes obedience, traffic, sidewalk travel, buildings, and guide work. After the dog passes all of these tests, the instructor speaks with the dog’s potential match about their particular lifestyle: Do they live in a city or on a country road? Commute by train or bus? Frequent stores or sports arenas? After the interview, extra time is spent training the dog on these specific environments and tasks so the dog is well-suited to succeed in their new home with their new handler. 1. What is proper etiquette when interacting with a guide dog? A guide dog provides more than just assistance for their handler—having a guide dog can mean a blind person’s return to an active, independent, and fulfilling life. Once fully trained, these incredible dogs are able to navigate almost every environment, assisting their handlers in moving safely and confidently through life. So, how should you act around a guide dog and its handler? When in doubt, just ask the dog owner — most are willing to educate the public on how to interact with their guide dog. But as a general rule: • Don’t call out the dog’s name or give any commands • Don’t allow children or pets to interact with the dog • Don’t feed the dog anything without the handler’s permission • Don’t attempt to steer, hold, or guide the person navigating the dog • Do ask permission to pet the dog if it is out of its harness • Do walk on the handler’s right side—and stay a few paces behind them For those of us who are sighted, it's important to remember how much we rely on our vision to experience the world around us every day. Prioritizing eye health through regular checkups with your optometrist is essential to maintaining your independence and quality of life. If you’re due – or overdue – for your annual eye exam, call us today! --- ## What is Diabetic Eye Disease? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/what-is-diabetic-eye-disease-2/ 6 Questions (and Answers!) About Diabetic Eye Disease November is American Diabetes Month. With more than 38 million Americans – 15% of our country’s adult population – experiencing diabetes, it’s an important time to bring awareness to this serious condition and its many consequences. For example, diabetes affects your eyes and can cause your vision to deteriorate. Diabetic Eye Disease is not just a singular disease – it encompasses several diseases of the eye, including diabetic retinopathy (which is the leading cause of blindness in middle-aged Americans), diabetic macular edema, glaucoma, and cataracts. These eye diseases are directly connected to poor blood sugar control over a long period of time. How does diabetes impact the eye? High blood sugar causes damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina, and this damage leads to a cascade of conditions that affect your vision. Poorly controlled diabetes increases your risk – the higher your A1C reading, the higher your risk of developing Diabetic Eye Disease. • Diabetic Retinopathy begins as bleeding into the retina. As the disease progresses to its most advanced stage, abnormal blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. Retinal scarring and permanent loss of cell function marks the end-stage of this condition. About one in three people with diabetes who are over the age of 40 have some signs of diabetic retinopathy. Diagnosing and treating Diabetic Retinopathy in its early stages can reduce the risk of blindness by 95%! • As the disease worsens, some blood vessels close off, which can cause an abnormal growth of vessels that may bulge, weaken, and cause fluid to leak into the retina. This leads to dangerously high pressure inside the eye and also swelling (called edema) of the macula and the tissue surrounding the macula – a condition known as Diabetic Macular Edema . This edema can cause retinal detachment and vision distortion — and even vision loss as the disease progresses. • Cataracts cause the eye’s lens to cloud and are fairly common in older adults. People with diabetes are two to five times more likely to not only develop cataracts but to develop them at an earlier age than the general population. • Glaucoma risk doubles in individuals with diabetes. The disease affects the optic nerve, which carries electrical impulses to the brain. This silent thief of sight can cause you to lose your vision so slowly that you don’t notice it, until one day – you notice decreased vision. But unfortunately, it’s too late – vision loss from glaucoma is not reversible. It’s gone forever. Early detection and treatment can help save your vision! What are the symptoms of Diabetic Eye Disease? Often, there are no symptoms at the beginning or even in the middle stages of diabetic eye disease, which highlights the importance of an annual comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist and the importance of managing blood sugar levels. As Diabetic Eye Disease advances, decreased vision is the primary complaint. Additional symptoms include: • Difficult distance vision • Difficulty reading or with “up close” work • Difficulty driving – particularly at night • Floaters – dark strings or spots in your visual field • Blurry or wavy vision • Vision that changes frequently – sometimes day-to-day • Dark areas in your visual field • Poor color vision • Flashes of light How is Diabetic Eye Disease diagnosed? During your annual comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist will use a variety of testing methods to check the overall health of your eyes – including the retina. • Visual acuity – this is the eye chart that measures your ability to see at various distances. • Tonometry – the “puff” of air that your optometrist or their technician directs onto your eye to measure the intraocular pressure inside the eye. • Pupil dilation – to enable your optometrist to see the retina and optic nerve clearly. A dilated eye exam can help to identify and treat eye problems early – before vision loss occurs. How often should diabetic patients see their optometrist? Simply put: Often and very regularly. Follow your optometrist’s guidance on how often you should have an eye exam. Keep in mind that early diagnosis and treatment of Diabetic Eye Disease is the key to slowing its progress and, as much as possible, maintaining your good vision. In general, people with diabetes should have a yearly comprehensive eye exam at a minimum, and some people who have been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy or diabetic macular edema may need exams as often as every 2 to 4 months. What are the treatments for Diabetic Eye Disease? Treatments vary depending on how severe your case is. If a patient is diagnosed and the stage of the disease has been determined, your optometrist will decide the course of treatment. With macular edema, the treatment may include laser treatments or steroid injections to reduce swelling. If the disease has progressed to the advanced stage, a same-day surgical procedure may be the best course of treatment. If you develop cataracts, the cloudy lens can be removed surgically and replaced with an artificial lens. You may need a new prescription for eyeglasses after removal of cataracts. How can Diabetic Eye Disease progression be slowed? • The ABCs of diabetes management: A1C — manage your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol • Stop smoking!! Need help? Quit Assist or SmokeFree.gov or Heart.org can help. • Have a dilated eye exam once a year • Eat healthfully • Exercise regularly • Take your medications as prescribed The sooner you manage your diabetes symptoms and blood sugar levels, the better. Even if you have struggled in the past, you may be able to slow the progression of Diabetic Eye Disease by making better choices now. Be proactive; as your optometry office, we are here to help. Call today and make an appointment for your annual exam: Protecting your eye health is worth the effort! --- ## 10 Ways to Safeguard Diabetic Eyes URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/10-ways-to-safeguard-diabetic-eyes/ Protect Your Vision: 10 Essential Tips to Safeguard Diabetic Eyes It’s a fact: Living with diabetes means that you are more likely to experience vision problems. But here’s another fact: You can help prevent diabetic eye disease or slow its progression by being diligent in keeping your blood sugar levels down! High blood sugar causes damaged blood vessels, which leads to diabetic neuropathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. These conditions can then cause vision loss and other health problems. After 15 years of living with diabetes, 98% of Type 1 diabetics will have some degree of damage to the retina, while 78% of Type 2 diabetics will experience irreversible problems of the retina that could threaten their ability to see. Here are 10 ways to help safeguard your eyes from the impact of Diabetic Eye Disease: 1. Exercise regularly. This is not a 2 for 1 but rather a 3 for 1 ! Just 30 minutes of exercise each day lowers your blood sugar, lowers your blood pressure, and raises your “good” cholesterol. Win, win, win! 2. Lower your stress level. Stress not only raises your blood pressure, but it can also raise your blood sugar. Explore the variety of ways to reduce your stress level, and choose the methods that best suit your lifestyle. These may include: • 3. Meditation can downplay obsessive thoughts and worries. And, it helps to stop those nagging thoughts that make you anxious. Download a meditation app or take a yoga class and feel the “calm.” • 4. Talk with a therapist. Get some tips from a professional on how to de-stress your life. • 5. Try a group meditation or exercise class. Talk with people who may be dealing with the same stressful situations you are. They may share new and creative ways to help you bypass the stressors that elevate your blood pressure and blood sugar. 6. Eat your greens. Nutrients including lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants found in romaine lettuce, collard and turnip greens, kale, spinach, broccoli and other dark, leafy greens. Along with vitamin E, they help to protect the cells of your retina and may lower your risk for forming cataracts. 7. Enjoy fish and seafood. The Omega-3 healthy fats in fatty fish are linked to a lower risk of diabetic retinopathy. Think salmon, halibut, sardines, albacore tuna, or mackerel twice a week on your dinner plate! Scientific evidence shows that Omega-3s help guard against inflammation and abnormal growth of blood vessels in the retina. As a bonus, they help reduce cholesterol, which affects blood vessels throughout the body. Another 2 for 1 ! 8. Hydrate – Drink more water! Dehydration can raise blood sugar levels. Avoid sodas and fruit juices that tend to be loaded with added sugars and will raise your glucose levels. Don’t like the taste of plain water? Add slices of citrus fruit, berries, mint, or herbs to boost flavor. 9. Grab your sunglasses. Make sure that they block at least 99% of UVA and UVB rays. Powerful UV rays from the sun can damage your eyes even on cloudy days, so wear those sunnies year-round! Wearing “shades” can help reduce your chance of developing numerous eye problems, including cataracts. 10. Take medications as prescribed, and test blood sugar regularly. Remember to take your meds at the right time, the right way, and in the exact amount prescribed by your doctor. Medications can’t help your condition improve if you don’t take them correctly. Be sure that insulin is stored at the proper temperature, away from sunlight. Notify your physician if your blood sugar levels soar too high or dip too low so that the dosage can be adjusted. 11. Bulk up the fiber in your diet. Why? Because fiber slows down the release of glucose into your system and helps keep blood sugar levels from spiking. Fiber also helps lower your LDL (the bad type of cholesterol) — another 2 for 1 ! Start your day with steel-cut oatmeal or a bran muffin. Choose beans and lentils, nuts, whole grains, okra, eggplant, apples, strawberries, grapes, and citrus fruits to bulk up your diet with fiber. 12. “Can” the smokes. For your eyes and for your overall general health, stop smoking . Your risk for cataracts doubles if you are a smoker, and that combines with an already higher risk of vision problems if you are diabetic. If you are a smoker, your diabetic retinopathy risk increases, and the disease will progress faster. 13. See your optometrist for an annual comprehensive eye exam. Your eye doctor can detect eye problems in a very early stage, before you are aware of a problem or have any symptoms. Your optometrist will provide a treatment strategy to prevent your vision from worsening. If you notice changes to your vision, don’t wait for your yearly exam. Call your optometrist immediately, since a change in how you see may indicate a serious problem or issue that requires emergency attention. You have the power to help preserve your precious sense of vision by actively managing your diabetes to reduce your risk of eye disease. As your optometrist, we are ready to help you maintain the best vision possible. Call us today to make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam where you can discuss your journey with diabetes and its effect on your eyes with your optometrist. --- ## Flex 125 Spending Account Funds: Time to Use it Or Lose It URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/flex-125-spending-account-funds-time-to-use-it-or-lose-it/ ### 5 Scenarios To Avoid Next Year By Using Your Flex 125 Funds Today Why Your Flex Savings Account is a Tax Savings Superhero for Eyewear It’s the Holiday Season! Everywhere you look, there are decorations, lights, and people in good spirits! What a wonderful time of the year. And if you’re like most of us, it’s also a season when you try to make the most of every single one of your hard-won dollars. With holiday gifts to buy, parties to attend, and celebrations to plan, making the most of your money can be hard to do. However, if your employer offers a Flex 125 Spending Account or FSA as they are often called, that is one smart way to stretch your income to the maximum. It just takes a little bit of pre-planning. Why A Flex Spending Account Is a Tax-Saving Superhero Why is it so smart to participate in a Flex Spending Account plan? A Flex Plan is like a tax-saving superhero, without the cape. It can help you keep more of your hard-earned dollars in your pocket and away from the IRS. Here’s how a Flex 125 Plan works: When you sign up, you designate a chosen amount of your salary to be taken out of each paycheck throughout the year before taxes are calculated. That pre-tax amount is saved for you in a Flex 125 fund. As the year goes on, those funds grow as you contribute more with each paycheck. You can spend those Flex Funds on eligible healthcare expenses, including -- drumroll, please -- a sassy new pair of eyeglasses, a year’s worth of contact lenses, or even a pair of prescription sunglasses! And, since you are paying for these items with pre-tax dollars, it’s like getting a discount on your new eyewear! At its core, a Flex Spending Plan basically gives you a discount on life’s unavoidable healthcare expenses. Pretty cool, right? How Flex Plans Increase Your Take-Home Pay For example, here is how you can increase your take-home pay with a Flexible Spending Account plan. In this scenario, the employee makes $30,000 a year: Without a Flex 125 Plan With a Flex 125 Plan Gross pay (Annual) $30,000 $30,000 Flex 125 contribution $0 $  1,000 Taxable Income $30,000 $29,000 Income tax paid (25%) $7,500 $  7,250 TOTAL Take-Home Pay $21,500 $21,750 Increase in Take-Home Pay $0 $      250 And, the more money you contribute to your Flex 125 Plan, the more your take-home pay increases. For tax year 2025, the IRS has increased the individual contribution limit to Flexible Spending Accounts to $3,300. For married couples, a joint household can contribute up to $6,600 pre-tax. Use It or Lose It: Now is the Time to Spend Flex Funds While Flexible Spending Accounts can put more money in your pocket, there are some rules involved. For example, you are required to spend those pre-tax funds on healthcare expenses in a timely manner. Many FSAs require you to spend your funds accrued by December 31 of the year you contribute them. If you are unsure whether your Flex Funds must be spent within 2024, now is a great time to double-check with your human resources manager. Flex spending is one reason why we get so many patients in our optical department this time of year. Many of our patients like to choose an attractive new pair of frames, treat themselves to a year’s worth of contact lenses for next year, select a pair of computer glasses, or find a new pair of prescription sunglasses for an upcoming vacation. Whatever you decide to spend your Flex Funds on, we’re here to help. Our optical department has new frame styles arriving daily, and our expert staff will help you select a frame and lenses that complement your lifestyle. 5 Scenarios You’ll Avoid Next Year by Using Flex Funds Today 1. Running out of contact lenses before an important job interview, big date, trip of a lifetime, class reunion, or long-awaited concert. Stock up now, and you won’t have to worry! 2. Looking cool or cute at the dog park. When you see that cute guy or gal across the dog park and your pups start to frolic together, you don’t want them to see you squinting into the sunlight as a first impression. Use your Flex 125 funds now to get a pair of prescription sunglasses, and you’ll make a stunning first impression. 3. Suffering a headache from too much screentime and missing out on fun after work. Select a pair of computer glasses today to prevent the headaches of tomorrow. 4. Being unable to spy on your kids without them knowing. If you find yourself at a school event with your tweens and teens, but they wander off, you can relax! You will still be able to see who they’re hanging with across the gym or soccer field with updated prescription eyewear that looks great on you! 5. Ordering the wrong dinner entrée because you can’t read the small-print menu. With the right pair of progressive lenses, you will be able to read the small print on menus even in the dim atmosphere of a high-end restaurant and choose the most delicious entrée ever! When it comes to Flexible Spending Funds, December is the prime time to use them or lose them. Whatever you decide to spend your Flex Funds on, we’re here to help. Stop by and see us today, or call to make an appointment for later in the month. But remember, it’s a busy time of year, and our appointments are filling up fast! --- ## How to Protect Your Eyes and Celebrate Safely This Holiday URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/how-to-protect-your-eyes-and-celebrate-safely-this-holiday/ It’s the MOST wonderful time of the year (cue the music) -- and it’s all about the hustle and bustle of getting a lot of things done in a short period of time! Unfortunately, most of us don’t take the time to think about the potential hazards to our eyes and vision when preparing for the holiday season. As a helpful reminder, here are some things to be mindful of during this busy (and fun) time of year. Take Precautions while Decorating • If you’re cutting down your own tree, wear safety goggles to prevent flying wood chips and sawdust from lodging in your eyes. • As you’re placing lights, ornaments, and other decorations on the tree, be alert to needles that can poke your eye or branches that can spring out when netting is cut away from a fresh Christmas tree. Children are always excited and eager to help and are at “eye level” with the lower branches, so caution them to be careful. Keep a watchful eye on the decorating crew! • Glass ornaments need special handling – especially if younger children are helping. Pointed ornaments and metal ornament hangers can also pose a danger to the eyes. • Flameless or battery-operated candles are a safer choice than real candles. A true flame from a wax candle can cause burns to the eye, and hot wax can cause painful blistering burns to the skin. • Like artificial snow on your tree and wreath? It’s best to apply it outside. Always wear goggles when spraying artificial snow due to the chemicals and small “snow particles” that can cause eye irritation. A Word on Gifts We’ve all watched A Christmas Story and chuckled at Ralphie’s dilemma of wanting that Red Ryder BB gun and how his mother, teacher, and even Santa cautions him about “shooting his eye out!” Well, that’s actually good advice. • BB guns and pellet guns are particularly hazardous because of their ability to shoot a projectile that can lodge in the eyeball, causing serious damage to the eye or even loss of eyesight. Nerf guns might appear to be safe because of their soft foam projectiles, but they can cause injury to the eye and surrounding tissue. Paintball guns shoot a paintball at 180 mph, which could do serious damage to an eye. Provide protective eyewear for kids when playing with these kinds of toys, and remind them never to aim for the face. Always provide adult supervision when the kids are “pointing and shooting!” • Statistically speaking, 96% of parents don’t follow age recommendations for toys! No judgment, just facts. However, not heeding these guidelines can lead to misuse of the toy and potential injury. In 2019, the Consumer Products Safety Commission estimated there were 224,000 toy-related injuries -- 46% of those were head and neck and eye injuries. Remember Your UV Protection Protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun whether you are traveling, participating in outdoor activities, or taking a walk after that “over the top” holiday dinner. Snow sports pose an even greater risk of UV damage to your eyes because snow reflection can double UV radiation exposure. Use proper eye protection year-round with a high-quality pair of UV-blocking sunglasses in sun, rain, or snow! Need a new pair of high-quality sunglasses? Our optical has a wide array of fashionable frames for you to select from. Consider Eye Drops You can enhance eye comfort this winter by using lubricating eye drops to soothe your dry, gritty eyes. Being inside during the colder months with hot, dry air from your heating system can take a toll on your eyes. Add in a warm, cozy (possibly smokey) fire in the fireplace or the traditional S’mores firepit experience, and you’ve got eyes that are red, blurry, and burning. Ouch! Consult your optometrist during your annual eye exam for a suggestion to determine the best drops for you. Remember: Not all lubricating eye drops are the same, especially if you wear contact lenses. Eat, Drink and Be Merry (Cautiously) • Keep an “eye” on your holiday alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol use can lead to headaches, dry eyes, and distorted vision. Moderation is the key. Drink lots of water! Staying hydrated helps keep your eyes lubricated. With low temperatures and humidity, windy weather, and heat turned up in the home our bodies need extra water – especially if you are indulging in Uncle Joe’s holiday rum-punch. • Try to eat healthily. In between the eggnog, fudge, your grandmother’s pecan pie, and the never-ending supply of Christmas cookies, try to work in a good portion of sunflower seeds, walnuts, lean protein, sweet potatoes, spinach, leafy greens, carrots, and salmon. It’s a good way to boost your eye health as well as your general well-being. Celebrate Safely 1. “Popping the Cork” is the traditional start to any celebration, and who doesn’t love that sound? But be aware that a champagne cork can release at speeds upwards of 60 mph! That kind of force can cause major damage to the eye. Always point the bottle away from your eyes or anyone nearby. 2. Fireworks are less common in winter, but some people usher in the New Year with a bang. Practice proper eye safety when using any kind of fireworks. And skip the sparklers altogether: They burn at up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and can be a danger to the eyes! As you celebrate the holiday season, we wish you a happy, joyful, and safe experience with family and friends. We look forward to the opportunity to continue caring for your precious gift of sight in the New Year! --- ## Glaucoma Myths vs. Reality: 10 Things You Need to Know URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/glaucoma-myths-vs-reality-10-things-you-need-to-know/ January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is a serious eye condition, but it isn’t widely understood. Called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma is a group of diseases that raise eye pressure and slowly damage the optic nerve, causing permanent vision loss. The challenge with glaucoma is that there aren’t any noticeable symptoms. Glaucoma doesn’t hurt, and there aren’t any telltale signs. But your vision is being damaged and lost, usually starting with peripheral vision loss. Once you lose vision to glaucoma, it is gone forever. That’s why it is critical to raise awareness about glaucoma. The best defense against glaucoma is a good offense: Visit your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam. If caught early, glaucoma is treatable and vision loss can be minimized. Glaucoma ranks as the second-leading cause of blindness worldwide. An estimated 3 million Americans have glaucoma – but 50% don’t even know they have it (yet). Sadly, people often lose vision to glaucoma before diagnosis, and they can’t get that vision back. Let’s debunk 10 myths and misconceptions around this serious eye disease: Myth 1: Glaucoma Is For Old People Risk goes up with age, but glaucoma is not exclusively an older person’s disease. It can affect people from infancy -- babies can be born with congenital glaucoma -- to young adulthood. In adults, the most common form is primary open-angle glaucoma, which starts as early as age 40. The key to eye health is regular eye exams. Don’t wait, especially if you have risk factors such as a family history of glaucoma or diabetes. Two notable higher-risk populations are African Americans over age 40 and Hispanics or Latinos over age 60. Myth 2: Glaucoma Has Symptoms It’s called the silent thief of sight for a reason: Glaucoma does not cause noticeable symptoms. It progresses silently. Most people do not notice any warning signs until they have lost a significant level of peripheral vision. By the time you notice, the damage is irreversible. That’s why it’s so important to visit your optometrist regularly. We will examine your optic nerve and measure your eye pressure. When diagnosed early and controlled with medicine or treatments, we can help limit vision loss. Myth 3: Vision Loss from Glaucoma Is Inevitable It is not inevitable that you will lose vision with this disease. If untreated, glaucoma will lead to permanent vision loss, but if diagnosed early, treatment can slow down or even stop its progression. Treatments include eye drops, laser therapy, and procedures to minimize the disease’s impact. Early detection is the key. Myth 4: If I Don’t Have High Eye Pressure, I Don’t Have Glaucoma Glaucoma can be complex. High eye pressure increases your risk of developing glaucoma, but it is not the only cause. Some people have normal eye pressure but develop “normal-tension glaucoma.” Yet, some patients with high eye pressure never develop glaucoma. The strong connection between eye pressure and glaucoma is one reason regular eye exams are so essential to eye health. Your optometrist will help you evaluate risk factors to keep your vision as healthy as possible. Myth 5: Glaucoma Is Preventable You can’t prevent glaucoma, but you may be able to lower your risk for it. Leading a healthy lifestyle – regular exercise, a healthy weight, balanced diet, and quitting smoking – all support your overall health and eye health. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, manage those conditions closely. Your eyes will thank you for it! Myth 6: Only People with a Family History of Glaucoma Need to Worry If your parent, aunt, uncle, or grandparent has or had glaucoma, it increases your risk level, but it is not the only factor. Even without a family history, age is a risk factor for glaucoma. Latinos and African Americans are at higher risk. If you have high intraocular (inside the eye) pressure, thin corneas, or diabetes, you are also at higher risk. Myth 7: Glaucoma Is Rare Glaucoma affects 80 million people globally – and that number is rising, making it far more common than most people realize. It is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Knowing your risk can help minimize the impact of this widespread disease. Myth 8: Diet Does Not Impact Glaucoma You are what you eat! Glaucoma patients can help keep their eye pressure in check and the optic nerve healthy by avoiding certain foods, including: • Avoid Caffeine. It raises intraocular pressure. • Minimize Saturated Fats. Fatty meats, beef, cheese, and milk can cause weight gain, which increases eye pressure and cholesterol levels. • Avoid Trans Fats. Fried foods and heavily processed foods like potato chips, French fries, and frozen foods can raise cholesterol and harm blood vessels. • Salt Only in Moderation. It can raise blood pressure, which can raise eye pressure. Myth 9: I Can Do Any Activity I Want Despite Having Glaucoma People with glaucoma should exercise, but go easy. Heavy exercise raises your heart rate and also raises eye pressure. A brisk walk is your best bet. Be careful when weightlifting, which can increase eye pressure if you don’t breathe correctly during the process. Yoga poses that put your head below your heart are not ideal, because they can raise eye pressure. Avoid hanging by gravity boots or using inversion tables. Don’t scuba dive or bungee jump if you have glaucoma, as both can raise eye pressure. Myth 10: There’s Nothing I Can Do About Glaucoma Yes, there is: Contact us today to schedule your annual eye exam. By far, the most important thing you can do to protect your vision is to visit your optometrist and discuss your risk factors and lifestyle. Glaucoma is a complex condition, but with the right care from your optometrist, it can be managed. Remember: Early detection is your strongest ally in the fight against glaucoma. --- ## 6 Winter Eye Wellness Tips URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/6-winter-eye-wellness-tips/ With winter comes dropping temperatures, cold winds, and low humidity — all of which bring unique challenges to caring for your eyes and vision. Though you might be tempted to ignore cold weather eye symptoms, don’t! Be aware of symptoms including eye mucus, sensitivity to light, redness, dry or itchy eyes, burning, a gritty feeling, a sensation of something in the eye, and/or irritation when wearing contact lenses. Enhance the joys of winter — whether you are working, playing, or just relaxing — by learning what can agitate your eyes and how to treat any resulting discomfort. Environmentally Induced Dry Eyes In winter months, humidity plummets and there is less moisture in the air … and in your eyes! Add to that the dry air inside as we ramp up the heat pumps, oil furnaces, and space heaters. Winter air is simply parched and it affects the health of your eyes. One key to preventing environmentally induced dry eyes can be found in hydration: • Try not to sit or stand directly in front of a heat source • Aim car air vents away from your face • Drink the appropriate amount of water daily (you may need more than you think) • Use a humidifier • Lower the temperature in your home or office space • Cut back on screentime. You blink less when doing anything that requires a lot of visual attention. Less blinking = fewer tears = drier eyes! This type of dry eye discussed above is strictly environmentally induced . The medical condition known as “Dry Eye” is a hormonal, age-related or medication-induced condition that should be managed by your optometrist. Red, Itchy Eyes Itchy eyes can be caused by environmental factors like dry air, bitter winds, and blowing snow. That annoying eye-itch can also be caused by allergies. Try over-the-counter (OTC) hydrating eye drops to help your itchy eyes but consult your optometrist about the appropriate type of eye drops for your specific needs. If you wear contact lenses, note that there are specific types of eye drops especially formulated for contact users. If you don’t get enough relief from OTC eye drops, ask your optometrist about drops specifically formulated to relieve allergies. Excessive Tearing Cold temperatures, blowing snow, and blustery winds can sometimes cause your eyes to tear and water … it’s like the opposite of dry eyes. Excessive tearing is a normal response to the elements, but it can be an annoying one. Help protect your eyes from tearing by wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from chilly winds and snow. Excessive tearing can also be caused by infection, dry eye, or a blocked tear duct — so it is important to consult your optometrist if symptoms persist. Sensitivity to Light The sun sits low in the sky in wintertime, and the angle of its rays can cause painful light sensitivity. If it’s snowy in your neighborhood, the light reflected off of snow and ice can also cause light sensitivity. The solution for both scenarios? Polarized sunglasses! Polarization is a special coating that reduces glare by filtering out the sun’s horizontal rays (like the ones that bounce off the snow and ice). Wear them daily, especially during winter sports such as snow skiing, snowmobiling, or hiking snowy mountain trails. The sun’s UV rays are present in our atmosphere 365 days a year and can damage your vision over time, so make it a healthy habit to keep those sunglasses on year-round! Need a new pair? Winter is a great time to visit our optical department and find the exact right pair that fits your face and your lifestyle. Winter Sunburn and UV Damage Yes, eyes can get sunburned — just like skin! The condition is called photokeratitis, and symptoms include increased irritation, eye fatigue, sensitivity, and pain. To relieve the discomfort, place a cold washcloth over your closed eyes, use artificial tears, take an OTC pain reliever, and avoid rubbing your eyes. Symptoms should subside in a day or two, but call our office if your symptoms persist. Photokeratitis is especially common at higher altitudes where you are closer to the sun. Snow blindness is a common form of photokeratitis. It is a painful condition that affects the thin surface layer of the cornea, which is like the clear front window of the eye. It also affects the conjunctiva, the clear covering on the white part of the eye and inside the eyelids. Snow blindness can also refer to freezing or severe drying of the corneal surface. The simple solution? Wear your 100% UVA- and UVB-blocking sunglasses or polarized sports goggles when participating in winter sports — even on overcast days. Blurry Vision The blood vessels in your eyes constrict as temperatures plummet, which can cause blurry vision. In severe cases, double vision can occur — usually only after spending several hours in freezing temperatures. It can be treated by allowing the eyes to return to a normal temperature. Winter can be hard on the sensitive tissue of the eyes and skin surrounding the eyes. Be mindful of how you care for your “windows on the world.” Make eye care a priority. In fact, it’s still January, so you can make it a resolution! We wish you health and happiness in this New Year! --- ## How To Reduce Your Risk for Eye Cancer URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/how-to-reduce-your-risk-for-eye-cancer/ ### How To Reduce Your Risk for Eye Cancer (And All Cancers) February is National Cancer Prevention Month: A great time to review practical ways to reduce your risk for becoming a cancer statistic. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 2 million Americans were diagnosed with cancer in 2024. That is a sobering statistic, especially because 600,000 people did not survive that diagnosis. Over 40% of people diagnosed with cancer and nearly half of the deaths associated with cancer were linked to preventable causes. That is almost half. It is eye-opening to realize that 40% of cancer diagnoses are considered preventable. Let’s take a closer look at some of cancer’s most common and preventable causes, because being armed with the right information can help you reduce your risk. 5 Preventable Causes of Cancer Our modern lifestyle often contributes to creating the conditions in our bodies where cancer can grow and thrive. But by committing to a few lifestyle changes, you can significantly lower your risk. • Though there has been a marked decline in smoking in recent decades, the American Cancer Society says that nearly 20% of all cancers can be linked to smoking, and 30% of all cancer deaths are attributable to the habit. At least 17 different types of cancer are associated with smoking, and it is estimated that smokers die 10 years younger than those who have never smoked. Additionally, secondhand smoke is estimated to cause 41,000 deaths per year among adults in the U.S. The solution is simple: Put down the cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes and STOP SMOKING! • Excess Body Weight. Globally, rates of obesity doubled between 1990 and 2022, as confirmed by the World Health Organization . Obesity in American adults and children is increasing at an alarming rate, with 7.6% of all cancers attributable to excessive body weight. A healthy diet can reduce the risk of developing or dying from obesity-associated cancers. To adopt a healthier diet, nix the fast food, red meat, processed food, and sugars — and jump on the bandwagon of fish, chicken, fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. • Physical Inactivity. Did you know that regular exercise and physical activity can reduce your risk for 9 different types of cancer? One study found a 50% lower rate of all-cause cancer and cancer deaths in individuals who exercised regularly. Go out for a walk ­­— even for just 10 minutes at lunch! Take the stairs instead of the elevator! Sign up for a dance class or meet a friend at the gym twice a week. Get moving! • Alcohol Intake. Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of 6 different types of cancer , including colorectal cancer. And here’s a sobering fact: 51% of Americans aren’t aware that alcohol increases the risk of certain types of cancer. Make a concerted effort to cut back or refrain from alcohol consumption, and you can decrease your risk of developing alcohol-related cancers by 8% and all cancers by 4%. Cutting back on alcoholic drinks is now easier than ever with the wide array of mocktails available in restaurants and grocery stores. • UV Exposure. Exposure to the sun and artificial sources of UV radiation, such as tanning beds, damages cellular DNA and can lead to the development of skin cancers. UV exposure accounts for 4.6% of all cancers and 95% of skin cancers. If you are light-skinned or easily sunburned, you’re at an even higher risk. So, here’s the plan: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher before you go outside — even on cloudy days. Reapply if you’re in the water at a pool, lake, or the ocean. Remember, sand reflects the rays of the sun, so wear a hat and protective clothing when you’re outside and limit your time in direct sunlight by seeking some shade. Eye Cancer Specifics Now that we have examined causes and prevention for all-cause cancers, what about eye cancer specifically? What can you do to reduce your risk for eye cancer? The good news is, eye cancer is rare. According to the Cleveland Clinic , about 3,400 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with eye cancer each year. There are often no early warning signs. Eye cancer is most treatable when discovered in its early stages, which is why an annual comprehensive eye exam is so important. As eye cancer progresses, symptoms can include: • Blurred, double, or loss of vision • Flashing lights • Dark spots on the iris • Changes in pupil size • A bulging eye The most common type of eye cancer is melanoma. There are also secondary intraocular cancers that start somewhere else in the body, such as the breast or lung, and then spread to the eye. While the exact cause of most eye cancers is unknown, there are actions that you can take to potentially lower your risk: • Wear wrap-around 100% UVA/UVB-protective sunglasses every day — rain or shine — to protect your eyes and the sensitive skin around them. Consider dark or tinted lenses for optimal protection, especially if you have light-colored eyes. • Wear a wide-brimmed hat. • Limit your exposure to intense sunlight. • Schedule an annual comprehensive eye exam. No time like the present: Take action on starting your cancer prevention strategy today. Call us to schedule your annual eye exam to keep your eyes healthy and focused on the best that life has to offer! --- ## 5 Tips for My Younger Self to Prevent AMD URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/5-tips-for-my-younger-self-to-prevent-amd/ ### 5 Tips for My Younger Self to Prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration Who among us doesn’t wish we could step back in time and change things we did when we were younger? Maybe you bought a cool but cheap car that turned out to be a lemon, caused an accident that could’ve been avoided, or made an unfortunate career choice. We all have memories that make us shake our heads: What were we thinking? While it would be great to correct mistakes, what about more serious matters? For example, where your health is impacted? One of our patients, a 68-year-old man living with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), recently shared how much he wished he could go back in time and change some of the behaviors that increased his risk of developing the sight-stealing condition. We asked him what he wished he could tell his younger self about AMD. Here’s what he shared: Ever since my diagnosis with Age-Related Macular Degeneration, a condition that has affected almost every aspect of my life, I wish I had made better life choices about my eye health. There are simple, everyday things that I could have done to make a difference in my vision now if I had done a better job caring for my eyes when I was younger. I didn’t even know about AMD when I was 25 years old, but I wish I had. Do you know anything about it? AMD is an eye disease that has blurred my central vision. It impacts your macula. I never even knew what the macula was! Your macula is a small but critical area at the center of your retina, which provides the clear, detailed vision required to do up-close tasks like apply make-up, read, watch TV, or check your Instagram. AMD has severely affected my quality of life and compromised many of the activities I previously enjoyed: • I can no longer drive because straight lines appear wavy, and my vision is blurry and gray. • I sometimes have difficulty recognizing faces , which can make social events awkward. It’s heartbreaking when I can’t tell which grandchild is standing right in front of me. • I find it hard to read the fine print of newspapers and books because there’s a big blur in the middle of my field of vision. Large print books helped for a few years, but even those are too small for me to read now. • I can’t cook for myself anymore because it requires close-up vision to read a recipe and prep ingredients. I know that being over 50 is a risk factor for AMD, and I can’t change my age. However, there are things that I could have done as a younger adult to avoid or at least slow the progression of this challenging disease. Here are 5 things I would tell my younger self to reduce my risk or slow the progression of AMD: 1. Prioritize a Healthy Diet Early On When I was in my 20s and 30s, I would tell myself, “I’ll just pull into this fast-food drive-thru and order my usual double cheeseburger, large fries, and milkshake. It’s only my third time here this week.” Well, I can tell you from experience: That is not a good diet plan for your eye health or overall health. A diet high in saturated fat is a risk factor for AMD. I wish I had eaten more nutritious meals that nourished my body with whole foods. It’s as simple as eating the colors of the rainbow! Leafy greens, vegetables, and colorful fruits are packed with nutrients like lutein, zeaxanthin, and antioxidants — all excellent for eye health. Whole grains and cold-water fish, like salmon, are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that support macular health. 1. Protect Your Eyes from UV Damage How many times did I say, “I’m in a hurry, and I forgot my sunglasses. Oh well, one more day of squinting all day in the sun won’t hurt anything. I’ll try to remember to put an extra pair in my car tomorrow.” I didn’t realize how damaging the sun’s rays are to your eyes. I wish I had worn those 100% UV protection sunglasses year-round — even on cloudy days. Cumulative UV radiation exposure over a lifetime can contribute to retinal damage and increase your risk of AMD. 1. Quit Smoking (Or Never Start) I thought I was SO cool with a cigarette hanging off of my lip. I wish I had known that smoking could rob me of my vision and affect my overall health in so many ways. Everybody was doing it, so I thought it was safe. Looking back, I would have quit sooner or avoided smoking entirely. Smoking is the No. 1 controllable risk factor for AMD. 1. Schedule Regular Annual Eye Exams I admit it: I thought my eyes were fine, so I skipped a few annual eye exams because I was too busy with work or life and couldn’t fit it into my schedule, especially as I got older. That’s on me, because my optometrist could have detected the early signs of AMD before I experienced symptoms. But now that I’ve lost a lot of my central vision to AMD, it’s gone forever. 1. Know Your Health Numbers I wish I had kept a close watch on my health numbers. I just assumed they were good. Were my blood pressure and cholesterol higher than last year or two years ago? I didn’t know, because I didn’t think it was that important to keep track when I was younger. But you can start now: Monitor your numbers and compare them year to year, watch your weight, and know your body mass index. If I had incorporated these good habits — and really, how hard would it be? — I might have avoided AMD altogether. I might even still be able to do Wordle or read text messages on my phone. Please learn from my regrets. If you are in your 20s or 30s — or even your 40s or 50s or 60s — it’s never too late to adopt healthy habits that will improve not only eye health but your overall health. Call today to schedule your annual eye exam and put yourself on the path to seeing your best for your entire lifetime. You’ll feel like you won the “I’m feeling great and protecting my vision” lottery. It’s a win-win! --- ## Digital Eye Strain URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/digital-eye-strain/ ### Digital Eye Strain: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention In an age of digital overload, you demand a lot from your amazing eyes. Let’s take a good look at how prolonged screen time is affecting your eyes, and how you can protect your vision. You can’t remove yourself from the digital world – it’s a large and pervasive part of daily life. Work, education, and leisure time all involve screen time but you do need to be aware of just how much digital time you log and its implications to your physical and mental health. Screen Time is Steadily Increasing Global daily average screen time is 6 hours and 40 minutes, but did you know that Americans log in slightly more time – about 7 hours and 4 minutes? Device usage breaks down into about 3 hours of looking at computer screens and approximately 4 hours on mobile devices per day. Screen time is increasing across all age groups and currently accounts for more than 40% of our waking hours! And screen use increased significantly during the pandemic but hasn’t decreased to pre-pandemic levels. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than half of teens aged 12 to 17 spend at least four hours per day in front of a screens, likely including time on social media. Teens, in particular, report experiencing anxiety, depression, and general mental health concerns associated with high screen usage. Research reports that young children who exceed two hours of screen time daily are more likely to develop negative effects like risks associated with autism spectrum disorder, cognitive development, language delays, and lower academic performance. Millennials, Gen X, and Gen Z all report spending 8-9 hours of screen time per day. According to the Washington Post , the group logging the least amount of screen time is the Baby Boomers, who spend “only” about 3 hours and 31 minutes on digital engagement, which reflects a tendency of decreased digital use with age. How Screen Use Impacts Your Vision What do rising screen use statistics mean when it comes to your vision? There is a likelihood of experiencing vision issues associated with increased screen time. Not only does excessive screen time affect mental and general health, specifically, it affects your eyes. Computer Vision Syndrome, also known as Digital Eye Strain, is a group of vision problems with symptoms that include: • Tired, red, dry, teary or itchy eyes • Blurred vision • Headaches • Neck and shoulder pain • Double vision • Difficulty focusing The Causes of Digital Eye Strain The causes of digital eye strain include: • Screen glare • Uncorrected vision problems • Prolonged viewing of the screen • Viewing too close, too far away, or at the wrong angle • Bad posture when viewing screens • Poor lighting • Reduced eye blinking • Not enough breaks from the screen How to Reduce Your Risk for Digital Eye Strain So, what can you do for yourself and your family to reduce the risks of digital eye strain? • Rest your eyes for at least 15 minutes for every two hours of device use. • Every 20 minutes, focus on something 20 feet away -- for at least 20 seconds. • Reduce glare by adjusting light sources and consider using a glare filter. • Don’t slump over the computer screen -- place the screen below eye level and an arm’s length away. • Enlarge your text size. • See your optometrist on a regular basis – the major cause of eye strain is uncorrected vision problems – even minor ones can cause eye strain. • Consider a pair of “computer glasses” – task-specific spectacles made to enhance your focus on the computer screen and ease your workday vision. Tips to Reduce Your Screen Usage Another great way to reduce your risk for Digital Eye Strain is to reduce your screen time in general by: • Scheduling screen time: To balance time between the screen and family, schedule specific times for screen use. • Screen-free meals: Turn off your phones during meals! This can give your family time to have conversations, discuss family activities, and interact IRL (in real life). • Encourage outdoor activities: Playing outside and participating in sports can reduce reliance on devices. • Promote hobbies: Reading, arts and crafts, and volunteering all offer opportunities to step away from the digital world. Making these changes can help most people eliminate or lessen digital eye strain. During your annual eye exam, your optometrist will examine your eyes for vision changes and for other hidden health problems that could be causing eye strain. That’s why it’s so important to schedule and keep your annual comprehensive exams! And don’t wait for your yearly exam if you’re having vision issues between yearly appointments. Call our office so we can help you work through any issues and enjoy the healthiest eyes that you can have. --- ## 16 Eye-Healthy Meal and Snack Ideas URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/16-eye-healthy-meal-and-snack-ideas/ ### Meal and Snack Ideas That Promote Good Vision Did you know that March is both Save Your Vision Month and National Nutrition Month? The combination makes it a good time to talk about healthy foods that are not only good for your general health but also good for your eye and vision health. The nutrients in healthy foods keep the eyes healthy and help to reduce the risk of some eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Eating a diet low in fat and rich in whole grains, fruits, fish, and vegetables is one way to help maintain healthy eyes and better vision. Let’s look at some specific nutrients and how they can affect your eyes through the foods that you eat. Vitamin A It’s one of the best-known nutrients for healthy eyes. The retina, specifically, needs lots of vitamin A to help turn light rays into the images that you see. It also helps your eyes maintain the proper levels of moisture content to prevent dry eye and is essential for night vision. The best sources of Vitamin A are: • Sweet potatoes • Carrots • Cantaloupe • Apricots and mangos • Pistachios Vitamin C and E Vitamin C and E are antioxidants that help protect the body from damage caused by environmental factors like pollutants and ultraviolet rays as well as unhealthy habits like smoking and eating fried foods. Molecules that can damage and kill cells are called free radicals, and vitamin C helps damaged cells to repair and grow new tissue cells. To get enough Vitamin C and E, think citrus fruits, colorful veggies, nuts and seeds, such as: • Oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, and lemons • Red bell peppers, carrots, tomatoes, peaches, avocados, and strawberries • Almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Zinc Include lots of leafy green vegetables on your plate to protect the macula, that area of the eye that gives you the most detailed central vision and protects your eyes from damage caused by blue light. • Kale and spinach • Romaine lettuce, collards, turnip greens, broccoli, and peas • Eggs Zinc helps keep the retina healthy and may protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays of the sun while it supports the immune system. It is essential in producing melanin, the pigment that protects the eyes and keeps the retina healthy. • Beans – Black-eyed peas, kidney and lima beans • Oysters and red meat • Poultry • Fortified cereals Omega-3 Fatty Acids These molecules reduce inflammation – the culprit in most vascular disease. They also protect the eyes by improving blood flow to the eyes. Great sources include fatty fishes: • Salmon • Tuna • Mackerel 16 Eye-Healthy Meal and Snack Ideas Now that we have detailed the smart food choices for eye health, let’s put them together in some eye-healthy meals. Because who doesn’t love to eat something good during these blustery March days? Let’s eat! Eye-healthy breakfast ideas: 1. Banana, Blueberry, and Pomegranate Smoothie 2. Kale and Spinach Omelette 3. Peanut Butter and High-Protein Waffles 4. Avocado Toast with Smoked Salmon Let’s do lunch: 1. Arugula Salad with Apple, Cranberries & Pistachios 2. Vegetable Soup 3. Sesame Noodle Bowls Pro-vision dinner delights: 1. Multi-grain Pasta with Kale and Cannellini Beans 2. Pistachio-Crusted Salmon with Kiwi Salsa 3. Tuna Salad with Red Onion, Avocado, and Cherry Tomatoes Eye-healthy Snacks: What do you do while you’re watching March Madness and the munchies hit? You need something yummy and healthy without processed snack food guilt. Try these eye-healthy options (and you’ll be able to see clearly what the referee missed): 1. Veggie tray – Pro Tip: Keep celery and carrots cut and ready to eat in the fridge, then just grab and dip in sour cream, yogurt, or your favorite salad dressing 2. Boiled eggs – Boil several at a time; keep in a tightly sealed container for a quick, satisfying snack 3. Roasted pumpkin seeds or almonds toasted with various seasonings – BBQ, Dill Pickle, Garlic Parmesan, Honey Cinnamon, Ranch or Buffalo 4. Fruit tray – Red or white grapes, blueberries, cranberries, citrus fruits, apples, and plums 5. Popcorn – Pop it fresh to avoid the processed butter and salt varieties 6. Dark Chocolate and dark chocolate covered almonds – what healthy snack could be better? The philosophy of “Eat Well – See Well” is true: You are what you eat. If you focus on eating the right kinds of foods, you’ll be healthier and help preserve your good vision and quality of life! --- ## The Power of OCT Imaging for Protecting Eye Health URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/the-power-of-oct-imaging-for-protecting-eye-health/ Your eyes are your window on the world, empowering you with knowledge, indulging you with beauty, and warning you of danger. Your eyesight is invaluable, which is why, as your eye doctor, we take the responsibility of diagnosing and managing eye diseases that could affect your vision very seriously. Common eye diseases in the United States include glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. These conditions can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe, but all have one thing in common: The sooner you catch them, the sooner you can start treating them for the best possible outcome. That’s where diagnostic testing shines; it is the key to early detection. It can give you the rare gift of time: A head-start on treating eye disease successfully. ### Diagnosis Focus: Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) If you are at high risk or your optometrist suspects you may have early-stage eye disease, he or she may recommend a diagnostic imaging test called Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).   Good news here: OCT is a non-invasive imaging technique that basically uses light to create cross-sectional images of the back of your eye -- where the magic of sight happens. OCT images allow your eye doctor to see many different parts of the eye in vivid detail. An OCT test maps and measures the thickness and structure of different parts of your eye, including the retina, optic nerve, cornea, and other critical eye structures. ### OCT Imaging Can Detect Glaucoma in Early Stages Your retina is the thin layer of tissue at the back of your eye that captures light and converts it to electrical signals that form images in your brain. Retinal tissue thins and deteriorates as you develop certain eye conditions.   OCT imaging enables your optometrist to measure the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer. By knowing its thickness and overall health, your optometrist can tell whether the tissue is in the normal, healthy range or if your eyes have early symptoms of diseases such as glaucoma.   Using OCT imagery, your optometrist can typically identify a problem or condition before symptoms appear. Since glaucoma is known as the Silent Thief of Sight because it rarely has symptoms before vision loss occurs, OCT imaging provides incredibly valuable information. Early detection is the ideal time to start treating any potential eye condition before you even notice a change in your vision. ### OCT Imaging Can Detect Macular Degeneration in Early Stages OCT can also measure the thickness of your macula. The macula is a small area of the retina that provides your sharp, central vision -- like you use when reading or watching TV.   Macular thickness correlates directly with your ability to see clearly. If the macula is thinner than normal, deteriorating in areas, or shows yellowish deposits called Drusen, these are all early signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).   Once again, early detection is key for the best treatment and outcome for AMD. ### OCT Imaging Can Detect Neurodegenerative Disease in Early Stages The OCT can also provide your optometrist with a good picture of your optic nerve and the thickness of your ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layers -- parts of the retina that interconnect with the optical nerve. The optic nerve is the pathway that takes visual signals provided by the retina and transmits them to the brain to form a visual picture so you can see. If these nerves are damaged or their layers are thinning, it may indicate early signs of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and even neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and Multiple Sclerosis. ### How OCT Imaging Benefits Patient Outcomes If you are a patient with a family history of glaucoma, macular degeneration, or at high risk for diabetic retinopathy or neurodegenerative disease, OCT imaging is of great benefit to you.   By taking OCT images each year at your comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist can track changes in the structures of your eye over time. Each time a new OCT image is taken, your optometrist will compare the new images with your images from previous years. If they notice a change that trends toward an eye condition that could impact your visual system, they will be able to treat it early before you notice any deterioration in your vision. Is it time for your annual comprehensive eye exam? Call us today to schedule it, and ask us whether OCT imagery may help monitor any eye health conditions that run in your family. --- ## The Power of OCT Imaging for Protecting Eye Health URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/the-power-of-oct-imaging-for-protecting-eye-health-2/ Your eyes are your window on the world, empowering you with knowledge, indulging you with beauty, and warning you of danger. Your eyesight is invaluable, which is why, as your eye doctor, we take the responsibility of diagnosing and managing eye diseases that could affect your vision very seriously. Common eye diseases in the United States include glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. These conditions can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe, but all have one thing in common: The sooner you catch them, the sooner you can start treating them for the best possible outcome. That’s where diagnostic testing shines; it is the key to early detection. It can give you the rare gift of time: A head-start on treating eye disease successfully. Diagnosis Focus: Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) If you are at high risk or your optometrist suspects you may have early-stage eye disease, he or she may recommend a diagnostic imaging test called Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). Good news here: OCT is a non-invasive imaging technique that basically uses light to create cross-sectional images of the back of your eye -- where the magic of sight happens. OCT images allow your eye doctor to see many different parts of the eye in vivid detail. An OCT test maps and measures the thickness and structure of different parts of your eye, including the retina, optic nerve, cornea, and other critical eye structures. OCT Imaging Can Detect Glaucoma in Early Stages Your retina is the thin layer of tissue at the back of your eye that captures light and converts it to electrical signals that form images in your brain. Retinal tissue thins and deteriorates as you develop certain eye conditions. OCT imaging enables your optometrist to measure the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer. By knowing its thickness and overall health, your optometrist can tell whether the tissue is in the normal, healthy range or if your eyes have early symptoms of diseases such as glaucoma. Using OCT imagery, your optometrist can typically identify a problem or condition before symptoms appear. Since glaucoma is known as the Silent Thief of Sight because it rarely has symptoms before vision loss occurs, OCT imaging provides incredibly valuable information. Early detection is the ideal time to start treating any potential eye condition before you even notice a change in your vision. OCT Imaging Can Detect Macular Degeneration in Early Stages OCT can also measure the thickness of your macula. The macula is a small area of the retina that provides your sharp, central vision -- like you use when reading or watching TV. Macular thickness correlates directly with your ability to see clearly. If the macula is thinner than normal, deteriorating in areas, or shows yellowish deposits called Drusen, these are all early signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Once again, early detection is key for the best treatment and outcome for AMD. OCT Imaging Can Detect Neurodegenerative Disease in Early Stages The OCT can also provide your optometrist with a good picture of your optic nerve and the thickness of your ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layers -- parts of the retina that interconnect with the optical nerve. The optic nerve is the pathway that takes visual signals provided by the retina and transmits them to the brain to form a visual picture so you can see. If these nerves are damaged or their layers are thinning, it may indicate early signs of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and even neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and Multiple Sclerosis. How OCT Imaging Benefits Patient Outcomes If you are a patient with a family history of glaucoma, macular degeneration, or at high risk for diabetic retinopathy or neurodegenerative disease, OCT imaging is of great benefit to you. By taking OCT images each year at your comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist can track changes in the structures of your eye over time. Each time a new OCT image is taken, your optometrist will compare the new images with your images from previous years. If they notice a change that trends toward an eye condition that could impact your visual system, they will be able to treat it early before you notice any deterioration in your vision. Is it time for your annual comprehensive eye exam? Call us today to schedule it, and ask us whether OCT imagery may help monitor any eye health conditions that run in your family. --- ## 8 Eye Conditions Retinal Imaging Can Diagnose and Monitor URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/8-eye-conditions-retinal-imaging-can-diagnose-and-monitor/ There is much more to your eyes than the luminous brown, green, gray, blue, or hazel orbs that look back at you in the mirror. The inner structures of your eyes drive your ability to see clearly and are of utmost importance to your eye doctor as he or she cares for your long-term visual health. One diagnostic tool that helps your optometrist look more closely at the back of your eye and monitor eye health is digital reginal imaging (DRI). DRI images are taken with a high-resolution digital camera to capture a detailed image of the back of your eye, providing critical information about the retina, macula and optic nerve – the eye structures that power your ability to see. Digital retinal imaging is non-invasive and painless. You will see a bright (and we do mean bright!) flash of light as the camera takes the image, and you may see spots for a moment or two afterward. The result is a precise image of the back of your eye that your optometrist will use as a basis for long-term monitoring of your visual health. Since it’s a digital image, it is easy to store, and your optometrist can zoom in on problem areas to gain a more detailed view. As the years go by, DRI images are a gold mine of information that can inform your future eye health. By noting any changes from earlier images, your optometrist can discover early signs of disease. That’s important, because when eye conditions are caught early, treatment is often more effective in slowing or stopping the development of symptoms. With an up-close view of your eye’s tiny structures, your optometrist can look for abnormalities and vascular changes to the tiny capillaries that provide nutrients to your eyes and can detect a wide array of potentially sight-stealing diseases and conditions. Here are 8 eye diseases that Digital Retinal Imaging can help diagnose and monitor: 1. Glaucoma Glaucoma, the silent thief of sight, causes damage to the optic nerve. While changes in eye pressure can indicate its early stages, patients often don’t have any noticeable symptoms until some level of vision loss has already occurred. Once nerves are damaged and vision is lost, it can’t be regained. That’s why DRI is such a powerful diagnostic tool: It can catch sight-stealing disease early when it is more treatable and can help your optometrist monitor its progression over time. 1. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) With Age-Related Macular Degeneration, the macula – that small area of the retina that provides your sharp, central vision for reading, viewing screens, and performing close-up tasks – degenerates and causes blind spots in your central vision. It can impact quality of life severely, so catching and treating it early is the key. Retinal imaging can help your optometrist see the earliest signs of AMD, such as yellowish areas called Drusen, swelling of the macula, or abnormal blood vessel growth. 1. Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetes can impact the tiny blood vessels of the eyes and cause severe vision problems. DRI empowers your optometrist to see changes to the delicate structures of the eye, including bleeding, swelling, or microaneurysms that could indicate diabetic retinopathy. With proper treatment and well-controlled blood sugar, you can slow or stop diabetic vision loss. 1. Retinal Vascular Conditions Your cells require proper nutrients to function well; when blood flow is cut off or compromised, cells and their functions suffer. That’s why monitoring the blood vessels that fuel the eye is so important. DRI can show your optometrist if there are blocked veins or arteries or if any vessels are leaking or swelling. 1. Retinal Detachments and Tears A retinal detachment is a medical emergency that must be treated quickly. Holes or tears in the retina, or its complete detachment from the back of the eye, mean that the retina is not getting the blood flow it needs. DRI can detect such tears or holes, so you can be treated promptly to prevent vision loss. Please note: If you see dramatic changes to your visual field, such as black spots in your field of vision, or it appears that a curtain has been drawn across one eye, call us immediately or go to the emergency room if it is after hours. 1. Macular Edema Edema means swelling, and the macula is where your sharp, central vision occurs. Swelling in the macula can indicate eye diseases, including diabetes, macular degeneration, or vascular changes. Noting these changes as early as possible can help protect your vision for the future. 1. Inherited Retinal Diseases Some eye diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa, genetic retinal dystrophies, or cone-rod dystrophy, run in families. If you have a family history of retinal disease, your optometrist will be vigilant with retinal imaging to track tissue thinning, pigment changes, or other degeneration that could indicate the early stages of this disease. 1. Optic Nerve Diseases Your optic nerve serves as the pathway for the eye’s electrical signals to get to the brain, where they are processed into what we “see.” When the optic nerve swells or atrophies, vision suffers. With a digital image of the optic nerve, your eye doctor can note changes or inconsistencies and diagnose conditions such as multiple sclerosis or inflammatory disease. Benefits of Digital Retinal Imaging With just a quick digital image, your optometrist can: • Detect eye diseases and conditions in early stages. • Plan treatments that can lead to better outcomes. • Track disease progression and adjust treatment accordingly. • Share images for remote consultation or second opinion when necessary. In a flash, your eye doctor is able to accomplish so much thanks to digital retinal imaging. A painless, non-invasive photo of your eye can be the key to early detection that helps us help you enjoy the gift of sight for years to come. If you haven’t scheduled your annual eye exam, now is a great time to call us and do so – we look forward to caring for your vision! --- ## Seeing Spots? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/seeing-spots/ ### What You Need to Know About Eye Floaters Have you ever looked up at a bright blue sky, a blank piece of paper, or a plain white wall and realized that you’re seeing strange knobby strings, cobwebs, or dark spots floating around in your field of vision? And because you’re curious about these “squiggles,” you try to track them visually, only to see them quickly dart away or drift slowly out of your visual field. It’s a game of “Catch Me If You Can” that you will never win! Those little squiggles are called eye floaters or myodesopsias, and nearly everyone has them – or one day will have them. Most people get them around age 50, but some patients may get them as young as 35. What Causes Eye Floaters • Age-related eye changes – Most eye floaters are caused by age-related changes in the thickness of the vitreous -- the jelly-like substance between the lens and retina that helps the eye maintain its round shape. Vitreous is made primarily of water, collagen, and hyaluronan (a type of carbohydrate). As you age, that jelly liquefies, contracts, and pulls away from the inside surface of the eyeball. As the vitreous changes, collagen fibers form clumps and strings within the vitreous. As they move in front of the center of the retina, they cast tiny shadows, which we see as floaters. That type of floater is normal and doesn’t mean that your eyes aren’t healthy. You may notice floaters in one eye and then later in the other eye -- but not usually in both eyes at the same time. That is because your eyes don’t age at the exact time or in the exact way. • Inflammation inside of the eye – Inflammation in the eye (uveitis) is linked to autoimmune disorders and inflammatory disease; such medical conditions can cause floaters in the vitreous. • Bleeding in the eye – Retinal detachments and tears, diabetes, hypertension, blocked blood vessels, and injury can cause blood cells in the vitreous that you see as floaters. • Retinal tear – If the contracting vitreous pulls on the retina with enough force, the retina can tear. Without treatment, it can separate from the back of the eye, leading to retinal detachment and permanent vision loss. A retinal detachment is a sight-threatening condition that requires emergency medical attention! If you suspect you have a retinal detachment, call your optometrist or seek medical help at an emergency room. • Eye surgeries and eye medication – Laser surgery can lead to temporary inflammation, and floaters can form after the laser disturbs the vitreous. Also, some medications that are injected into the vitreous can cause air bubbles to form, and these are seen as shadows or floaters until the eye absorbs them. Risk Factors for Eye Floaters • Being over 50 years of age • Family history of retinal tears or detachment • History of eye inflammation (uveitis) • Being nearsighted (difficulty seeing things in the distance) • Cataract surgery How Will My Optometrist Evaluate Eye Floaters? During your eye exam, your optometrist will dilate your eyes to get a clear look at the retina in the back of your eye. Your eye doctor can see your floaters during this part of your exam. It’s important to have regular eye exams to enable your doctor to keep track of how your vitreous is changing over time. Your eye doctor may ask: • When did you first notice the eye floaters? • Have they increased in number or stayed about the same? • What do your floaters look like? • Do you see numerous floaters? • Do you see floaters all the time? • Do you ever see flashes of light? • Have you had eye surgeries in the past? • Do you see shadows on the side of your vision, or does it seem that there is a curtain in front of your eyes? • Do you have diabetes, an autoimmune disease, or family history of retinal problems? There is no “cure” for floaters, and you can’t prevent them, but you can reduce the risk of floaters by managing chronic illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure. Retinal Detachment Requires Emergency Medical Attention Since eye floaters are common, you may be wondering, “What changes do I need to be aware of, and when do I need to contact my optometrist about them?” Call your optometrist immediately if you notice: • A blurry or grey area that blocks part of your vision • Flashes of light in the eye along with the floaters • A sudden “shower” of new floaters • Darkness in your side vision that causes peripheral vision loss • The sensation that a dark curtain has closed on part of your visual field The symptoms listed above may indicate retinal detachment. The severity of symptoms often parallels the severity of the retinal detachment. Time is critical with a retinal detachment -- it needs to be repaired urgently or blood flow to the retina can be lost along with the vision in that eye. Call your optometrist immediately, or go to the emergency room to seek medical help. How to Live with Eye Floaters Eye floaters don’t usually require treatment and are just a normal part of aging. However, any changes to your vision should by assessed by your optometrist. Call our office today to schedule your annual comprehensive eye exam. Let our eyecare team answer your questions about eye floaters and keep a close watch on those annoying (but permanent) squiggles, spots, and specks so you can continue enjoying good vision throughout your lifetime. --- ## When You Fail a DMV Vision Test URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/when-you-fail-a-dmv-vision-test/ ### How Your Optometrist Can Help When You Fail a DMV Vision Test The importance of good vision to safe driving can’t be overstated. Did you know that up to 90% of the information you process to drive safely comes from your visual system? Whether it’s identifying potential hazards, reading signs, obeying signals, staying in your lane, or monitoring your car’s speed – good vision is essential to safe driving. Why DMV Performs Vision Tests That’s why the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) performs a basic vision test when you renew your driver’s license. The test – a basic test of reading letters and numbers from an eye chart -- is given to assess whether you meet the visual acuity standards to drive safely and prevent harm to yourself and others. Each state has specific visual standards that must be met to quality for a driver’s license. Most concentrate on visual acuity (how clearly you see) and your visual field (how wide your field of vision is when you focus on one central point in front of you). For example, many states have a visual acuity requirement of 20/40 or better in one or both eyes, and a vision field of 110 degrees or better, which is a measure of your peripheral vision. (Note: Healthy eyes can typically see a visual field of 155 degrees or better). If these requirements aren’t met, you either won’t receive a driver’s license renewal or your license will be issued with driving restrictions. Common Reasons for Failing the DMV Vision Test Up to 12% of drivers fail their DMV vision test each year. Often, this is the result of visual changes due to aging but sometimes there are other factors. Here are three common reasons drivers fail their vision test: 1. Refractive Errors Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can cause blurred vision that, if not corrected, can lower visual acuity. Refractive errors are typically correctable with contact lenses or prescription glasses. 1. 2. 1. Age-Related Vision Changes As you age, your eyes can change dramatically. Your risk for sight-altering conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration increase significantly starting around age 50. Any of these conditions can impact your ability to see well enough to drive safely. 1. Eye Diseases Eye conditions including Retinitis Pigmentosa, Stargardt Disease, and Diabetic Retinopathy can impair your vision and cause blurred, central vision loss. This can impact your ability to drive safely, and may cause you to fail your DMV vision test. Retinitis Pigmentosa is a genetic disorder that causes progressive peripheral vision loss and night blindness. This can make driving very challenging, and while nearly 40% of RP patients can meet driving standards, many are unaware of the severity of their visual limitations. Stargardt Disease is also an inherited condition that leads to central vision loss and can affect a person’s ability to see details directly in front of them, in the middle of their visual field. This makes driving very difficult, since you need good central vision to read road signs and obey traffic signals correctly. How Your Optometrist Can Help Address DMV Vision Test Failure So, what should you do if you fail your vision test at the DMV? Your first call should be to our office to make an appointment with your optometrist. With a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor will assess your visual acuity, visual field, peripheral vision, and overall eye health. We can diagnose and identify the root causes of your vision loss or impairment, and help you take the next steps to address them. For example, if you have a refractive error and your prescription has changed since your last eye exam, we can help you find new glasses or contact lenses in your correct prescription to restore visual acuity so you can be permitted to drive. If you have an eye disease or condition, we will recommend next steps in treatment and offer advice on how to minimize its progression to protect your long-term vision. As an example, patients with diabetes are at risk for diabetic retinopathy, but by closely monitoring your blood sugar and insulin levels to keep them in the healthy range, you can minimize the impact on your vision. Provide Documentation of Visual Acuity to DMV              If your comprehensive eye exam reveals that you have a visual impairment that can be corrected to 20/40 or better with prescription lenses, and you obtain and consistently use those lenses, your optometrist will issue an official statement that you meet the necessary vision standards for driving in your state, which you can submit to DMV to have your license renewed. If your driver’s license renewal date is coming up and you want to be proactive, make your appointment with us today, and we’ll double-check that your vision meets the standards for DMV requirements in your state. We will help make sure you are seeing your best so you can go out on the road with confidence and good vision to drive safely! --- ## How Parents Can Protect the Littlest Eyes in Your Family URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/how-parents-can-protect-the-littlest-eyes-in-your-family/ ### Why Kids’ Sunglasses Are Now Essential Gear All Year Warmer weather is finally here and families are spending more time enjoying the great outdoors — with swimming, hiking, picnicking, and sporting events. You’re having fun and soaking up the sun. But wait! Soaking up the sun isn’t always a healthy thing, for your skin OR your eyes — and especially for children’s eyes. Soaking up the sun means simultaneously soaking up harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation! Bottom line? Children’s and adolescent’s eyes and skin need extra protection from the sun. Why? According to the World Health Organization, a child’s UV exposure is three times higher than an adult’s simply because they spend more time outside. To make matters worse, over 70% of children don’t wear protective eyewear when they are outdoors, but almost all adults do! Parents slather SPF 50+ sunscreen on their children’s skin and reapply often, but few are aware of the dangers that UV rays pose to a child’s eyes. Do Kids Need Sunglasses On Cloudy Days? When it’s sunny and bright, you may be more likely to wear your sunglasses, and kids will follow your healthy lead. But what about cloudy days when it “rains on your parade?” Yes, you still need sunglasses on cloudy days because clouds don’t block UV rays. Ultraviolet radiation easily penetrates clouds to reach the Earth’s surface. Even on grey and overcast days, those little eyes need protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Cumulative UV radiation exposure during childhood can increase the risk of developing eye problems later in life — including cataracts, pterygium (fleshy growths on the surface of the eye), age-related macular degeneration, eye cancer, and premature aging of the skin around the eyes. If you take only one thing away from this article, make it this: Children’s eyes are more sensitive to UV damage from the sun and need to be protected! Their eyes can’t filter radiation the same way your adult eyes can. Why Are Children’s Eyes More Sensitive To UV Damage? Your children’s eyes are still growing and developing. As a result, the crystalline lens of the eye is more transparent than in adults, and allows up to 10 times more UV light into their developing eyes. Additionally, children’s pupils are typically larger than adult pupils, allowing greater absorption of the sun’s radiation into the highly sensitive structures in the back of the eye that power your vision. The result? More radiation enters the retina. UV radiation can damage the macula, which is responsible for the central vision that enables your kids to read, recognize faces, and watch their screens. Here are three things you can do to help protect your child’s eyes from UV damage: 1. Be aware of the UV Index Know the daily UV index! The National Weather Association provides the UV index by zip code. You can also download the free SunSmart Global UV App to your mobile device to check for levels of solar UV radiation. 1. Wear Sun Protection Look for 100% UVA- and UVB-blocking sunglasses and put them on your child with a wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap. If your child doesn’t like wearing them, model the behavior by wearing your own sunglasses and hat. They want to be like you! 1. Avoid Midday Sun Avoid direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is most intense. If that isn’t possible, wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. And seek the shade! Lighter-Colored Eyes Absorb More UV Eye color makes a difference when it comes to UV radiation exposure. Lighter-colored eyes — blue, grey, or light green — don’t have as much pigment as darker-colored eyes, so light eyes absorb more of the sun’s dangerous UV light. The answer to protecting your child’s eyes from the sun’s radiation is quite simple: 100% UV protective sunglasses. And when it comes to sunglasses that protect your precious eyes, quality matters! The type of materials used and the consistency of UV protective coating and visibility-enhancing tints are crucial for comfortable viewing. Imperfections in cheap lenses can distort vision, causing eyestrain and headaches. Kids’ Sunglasses Are Not a Luxury: They’re Essential Gear Parents, grandparents, and caretakers of children are mindful of many daily precautions and safety procedures — seatbelts and car seats when traveling, helmets for biking, sunscreen for skin, etc. Your kids have one pair of eyes that are their “windows on the world,” and you need to do everything you can to protect those precious eyes. We encourage parents to bring their little ones in for fittings and recommendations and ask questions about protecting their kids’ eyes. We have a great selection of children’s sunglasses sizes, styles, colors, designs, and brands to choose from, and our talented optical staff can assist you. Remember, quality sunglasses perform a protective role in your child’s eye health. It’s never too early to start protecting your child’s precious sense of vision! You’ll have peace of mind and they will enjoy carefree time outdoors with less squinting and more fun. Call us today for an appointment — we’re here to help your care for those precious little eyes that see all the wonder in the world. --- ## What Makes a Great Pair of Kids’ Sunglasses? URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/what-makes-a-great-pair-of-kids-sunglasses/ ### (It’s Not Just Cute Colors) Did you know that your child’s vision is the single most important factor in how they learn about the world around them? Experts say that roughly 80% of what a child learns comes in through their visual system. As a parent, that means protecting those young eyes needs to go at the top of the “most important things to do” list for your child’s visual development and health. The sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can start slowly damaging eyes from the very beginning of a child’s life. Cumulative radiation can cause serious and visually debilitating problems in adulthood. The solution to protecting their eyes from the sun is quite simple: Wear UV-blocking sunglasses. Sunglasses are not just a fun, cool fashion accessory. They are a very real tool that you can use to minimize the risk of skin cancer, injury to the retina, and developing cataracts or macular degeneration later in life. Let’s look at some essential things to consider when choosing sunglasses for your child or adolescent. At What Age Do I Put Sunglasses On My Child? Short answer? As soon as they’ll tolerate them! Try a pair around age 1, which is a good time to start the habit of wearing sunglasses. “Sun’s out, shades on” is the rule -- but in addition, adults and kids both need to wear sunglasses even on cloudy days to protect their eyes from UV radiation, which easily pierces the cloud layer. What Should I Look For In Kids’ Sunglasses? Several factors go into making a high-quality pair of sunglasses that will protect your child’s eyes: 1. Maximum UV protection. The most important part of choosing your child’s sunnies is that they provide “100% UVA and UVB protection” or “UV400 protection,” a designation that means the lenses block all UV light with a wavelength under 400 nanometers – which includes both UVA and UVB rays. 2. Lens tint. Remember that lens tint does not indicate the level of UV protection it offers. A darker tint does not mean better protection from UV radiation. There are lots of things to consider when protecting your child’s eye health —and we’re happy to discuss them! That’s why it’s important to consult your optometrist for the best possible protection. 3. Impact-resistant lenses. These lenses are designed for kids who participate in sports, or busy kids who play roughly, because they won’t shatter on impact. Anti-scratch coatings are a smart option for sunglasses that may be dropped often or tossed into a sports bag. 4. Comfortable, snug fit. It’s important to find a comfortable pair of sunglasses or kids will not wear them. Rubber-like frames work best for active kids who twist, toss, stomp, and yank on their sunglasses. Additionally, wrap-around styles help to keep sunlight from “leaking” into the sides of the frames and allowing damaging sunlight to enter the eye. 5. Polarized lenses. Polarization is optional but very helpful in reducing glare. Polarized lenses are coated with a layer that blocks light waves that reflect off of surfaces like sand, pavement, and water. Polarized doesn’t mean UV protection, so look for both designations. Student athletes say that polarized sunglasses help them play better by reducing sunlight and glare. 6. Straps for securing sunglasses. Babies and toddlers may need removable or adjustable straps to help secure the shades on their smaller nose bridges and heads. Avoid These Common Kid Sunglasses Mistakes Dollar Store Finds. Most likely, those $1 “funglasses” don’t offer 100% UV protection (or maybe even any UV protection at all) or shatterproof lenses. Mom was right: You get what you pay for! Toy Sunglasses. That cute heart- or star-shaped lens is not only ineffective in blocking UV rays but could be downright dangerous! Such sunglasses very likely do not offer any UV protection. And worse: A dark tint on the lens can allow your child’s pupil to open more fully and let in more light, causing the eye to absorb even more damaging UV radiation. Avoid toy sunglasses and dollar-store funglasses: They are not worth the risk of potentially damaging your child’s vision. Quick Tips For Getting Kids To Wear Sunglasses A little child psychology goes a long way! Let your child pick the style, frame and color they love. This may be the single most important factor in getting a kid to wear sunglasses. You might not love the purple and orange frames, but if it inspires them to wear those shades every day, it’s worth it! Model the behavior: When your kids see you put on your sunglasses every time you step outside, they’ll learn that positive behavior from you. We’re Here to Help If you need help choosing the right sunglasses for your child, call our office today. It’s our mission to help families like yours protect your kids’ eyes from infancy through college-age and into adulthood. We look forward to seeing you in our optical department soon! --- ## What Your Optometrist Wishes Every Patient Knew Before Buying Sunglasses on Amazon URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/what-your-optometrist-wishes-every-patient-knew-before-buying-sunglasses-on-amazon/ If you wanted to be dramatic, you could say that the sun is like a dangerous laser that throws damaging UV rays toward the Earth and its inhabitants every day. So, let’s talk about the best way to protect your eyes from those damaging UVA and UVB rays. The answer is sunglasses. But to protect your eyes from damage, you need the right kind of sunglasses – the kind that protects eyes from 100% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Sunglasses are much more than a fashion statement. They shield your eyes from the sun’s radiation and reduce light sensitivity so you enjoy comfortable vision under even the harshest conditions. Most people experience light sensitivity in two ways — brightness and glare. Sunglasses reduce both types of sensitivity and protect your eyes from the cumulative ultraviolet light that can contribute to cataracts, macular degeneration, eye cancers, and growths on the eye. When you buy cheap sunglasses on the internet, it’s difficult to guarantee that the lenses offer 100% UV protection. That’s why we don’t recommend buying sunglasses from either a discount store or the internet. There is the possibility that such lenses don’t meet the American Optometric Association’s standards for 100% UV protective lenses. And with the serious harm that overexposure to UV can cause in the eye, it’s just not worth the risk – for you, or your children. To complicate matters, young children’s eyes are even more susceptible than adult eyes to damage from UV exposure, yet only a minority of kids under age 10 wear high-quality sunglasses and a hat when they spend time outside. 5 Sunglasses Selection Tips So, when looking for a high-quality pair of sunglasses, what should you look for? Here are our top 5 sunglasses selection tips: • UV protection . Look for a sticker or tag that states “100% UV Protection from UVA and UVB Light” or “UV 400 Protection” – both mean the same thing. Don’t assume that darker lenses offer better protection; they don’t. They may look cool, but aren’t protective. The darker lens allows the pupil to open wider to let in more damaging light to the back of the eye. More light equals more cumulative damage. Only lenses with 100% UV protection prevent your eyes from absorbing ultraviolet light. • Polarized lenses . A polarized coating on your lenses offers additional benefits for vision comfort by reducing glare from reflective surfaces such as roads, water, sand, or snow. But remember: Polarization doesn’t mean the lens also offers 100% UV protection. • Size and shape . Bigger is better! Look for oversized or wrap-around styles to protect not only your eyes, but the sensitive skin surrounding them. • Lens color . No matter the shade or tint, colored lenses don’t block out more of the sun’s rays than non-colored lenses. However, rose or brown lenses can provide more contrast for a better visual experience. Mirrored finishes on lenses alone don’t fully protect your eyes from UV light, but can help reduce the amount of light entering the eyes, particularly in high-glare environments. Plus, you’ll look cool. • Impact protection . By law, all sunglasses must meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration impact standards for safety. Talk to your optometrist about sunglasses or sports goggles made of polycarbonate plastic with a scratch-resistant coating for sporting activities. Such sunglasses are comfortable, lightweight, and impact-resistant. Dangerous Eye Environments Where Sunglasses Can’t Help Sunglasses with 100% UV protection will protect your eyes throughout the day under normal living conditions. But they will not protect your eyes in extreme environments such as tanning beds or while arc welding. Additionally, never stare at or look directly at the sun with sunglasses on, particularly during a solar eclipse. Without proper UV eye protection, you may fall victim to a very painful condition called photokeratitis, which is literally a sunburn to the eyeball that can cause temporary tears, gritty, red eyes, and extreme sensitivity. Without UV protection, the sun’s UVB rays are generally absorbed by the lens and cornea of the eye, causing damage to those specific tissues. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the eye’s structures, causing retinal damage that may result in central vision loss. It’s important to wear sunglasses every day, even on overcast or cloudy days, because the UV index is just as high on cloudy days as on a clear day! Be aware that UV exposure is at its highest between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., so be extra vigilant with sun protection during those hours. Already Wear Corrective Lenses? Not a problem! Ask us about the various ways that you can utilize corrective lenses as sunglasses. Consider photochromic lenses, flip sunglasses, or prescription sunglasses. We also offer a clear UV protective coating that blocks out 100% of the sun’s harmful rays without adding color to lenses. We offer a wide range of high-quality sunglasses to fit your lifestyle and vision needs. Get all of your questions answered by our expert professionals, then rest assured that your 100% UV protective lenses will give you clearer and safer vision! There are lots of options to consider when selecting a pair of sunglasses; come in and visit our talented optical staff, who will help you navigate all the choices to find the perfect pair for you. --- ## What Your Optometrist Wishes Every Patient Knew Before Buying Sunglasses on Amazon URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/what-your-optometrist-wishes-every-patient-knew-before-buying-sunglasses-on-amazon-2/ If you wanted to be dramatic, you could say that the sun is like a dangerous laser that throws damaging UV rays toward the Earth and its inhabitants every day. So, let’s talk about the best way to protect your eyes from those damaging UVA and UVB rays. The answer is sunglasses. But to protect your eyes from damage, you need the right kind of sunglasses – the kind that protects eyes from 100% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Sunglasses are much more than a fashion statement. They shield your eyes from the sun’s radiation and reduce light sensitivity so you enjoy comfortable vision under even the harshest conditions. Most people experience light sensitivity in two ways — brightness and glare. Sunglasses reduce both types of sensitivity and protect your eyes from the cumulative ultraviolet light that can contribute to cataracts, macular degeneration, eye cancers, and growths on the eye. When you buy cheap sunglasses on the internet, it’s difficult to guarantee that the lenses offer 100% UV protection. That’s why we don’t recommend buying sunglasses from either a discount store or the internet. There is the possibility that such lenses don’t meet the American Optometric Association’s standards for 100% UV protective lenses. And with the serious harm that overexposure to UV can cause in the eye, it’s just not worth the risk – for you, or your children. To complicate matters, young children’s eyes are even more susceptible than adult eyes to damage from UV exposure, yet only a minority of kids under age 10 wear high-quality sunglasses and a hat when they spend time outside. 5 Sunglasses Selection Tips So, when looking for a high-quality pair of sunglasses, what should you look for? Here are our top 5 sunglasses selection tips: • UV protection . Look for a sticker or tag that states “100% UV Protection from UVA and UVB Light” or “UV 400 Protection” – both mean the same thing. Don’t assume that darker lenses offer better protection; they don’t. They may look cool, but aren’t protective. The darker lens allows the pupil to open wider to let in more damaging light to the back of the eye. More light equals more cumulative damage. Only lenses with 100% UV protection prevent your eyes from absorbing ultraviolet light. • Polarized lenses . A polarized coating on your lenses offers additional benefits for vision comfort by reducing glare from reflective surfaces such as roads, water, sand, or snow. But remember: Polarization doesn’t mean the lens also offers 100% UV protection. • Size and shape . Bigger is better! Look for oversized or wrap-around styles to protect not only your eyes, but the sensitive skin surrounding them. • Lens color . No matter the shade or tint, colored lenses don’t block out more of the sun’s rays than non-colored lenses. However, rose or brown lenses can provide more contrast for a better visual experience. Mirrored finishes on lenses alone don’t fully protect your eyes from UV light, but can help reduce the amount of light entering the eyes, particularly in high-glare environments. Plus, you’ll look cool. • Impact protection . By law, all sunglasses must meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration impact standards for safety. Talk to your optometrist about sunglasses or sports goggles made of polycarbonate plastic with a scratch-resistant coating for sporting activities. Such sunglasses are comfortable, lightweight, and impact-resistant. Dangerous Eye Environments Where Sunglasses Can’t Help Sunglasses with 100% UV protection will protect your eyes throughout the day under normal living conditions. But they will not protect your eyes in extreme environments such as tanning beds or while arc welding. Additionally, never stare at or look directly at the sun with sunglasses on, particularly during a solar eclipse. Without proper UV eye protection, you may fall victim to a very painful condition called photokeratitis, which is literally a sunburn to the eyeball that can cause temporary tears, gritty, red eyes, and extreme sensitivity. Without UV protection, the sun’s UVB rays are generally absorbed by the lens and cornea of the eye, causing damage to those specific tissues. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the eye’s structures, causing retinal damage that may result in central vision loss. It’s important to wear sunglasses every day, even on overcast or cloudy days, because the UV index is just as high on cloudy days as on a clear day! Be aware that UV exposure is at its highest between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., so be extra vigilant with sun protection during those hours. Already Wear Corrective Lenses? Not a problem! Ask us about the various ways that you can utilize corrective lenses as sunglasses. Consider photochromic lenses, flip sunglasses, or prescription sunglasses. We also offer a clear UV protective coating that blocks out 100% of the sun’s harmful rays without adding color to lenses. We offer a wide range of high-quality sunglasses to fit your lifestyle and vision needs. Get all of your questions answered by our expert professionals, then rest assured that your 100% UV protective lenses will give you clearer and safer vision! There are lots of options to consider when selecting a pair of sunglasses; come in and visit our talented optical staff, who will help you navigate all the choices to find the perfect pair for you. --- ## 5 Unusual Home Eye Injuries URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/5-unusual-home-eye-injuries/ ### (And How To Avoid Them) Have you or a loved one ever injured your eye? It can be incredibly painful and very scary when you have an accident that could damage your vision. It’s a good reminder that our sense of vision, which we often take for granted, could be stolen from us in an instant. An estimated 2.4 million  eye injuries occur each year in the United States. Whether at home, at work, or while playing sports, the good news is that -- by simply wearing protective safety eyewear -- up to 90%  of eye injuries can be prevented. We see a lot of eye injuries in our office. A lot of them happen in our patients’ homes. Here are five of the strangest eye injuries we’ve seen, and how you can avoid them: 1. A Chili Pepper Contact Lens Catastrophe College is a learning experience in every way. When kids first strike out on their own, sometimes they learn painful lessons. A young college student came to our offices with red, swollen, painful eyes. She thought it was an eye infection, but her symptoms didn’t seem typical of an eye infection, so we dug a little deeper. Eventually, we pinpointed the cause of her discomfort: After chopping hot peppers for dinner, her eyes started watering. She rinsed her hands briefly (briefly!) before removing her contact lenses. In doing so, she got some capsaicin – the compound that puts the “hot” in hot chili peppers – on her lenses. When she put the lenses back in her eyes the next morning, some capsaicin got trapped between the contact lens and her eye. Ouch! The Takeaway: Whether handling hot peppers, horseradish, ginger, or even pickle juice, wash your hands very thoroughly before touching your eyes (or lips, or nose)! Another tip: Wear disposable gloves when handling jalapenos or other spicy foods. 1. The Dog Toy Ricochet We all love our pets, but sometimes they can cause accidental injuries. One of our patients came to see us after her puppy got the zoomies and launched a fairly heavy rubber chew toy up into the air that bounced off the coffee table and hit her in the eye socket. The incident caused a tiny blood vessel in her eye to burst and bleed, so she had a bright red spot in her conjunctiva. She also had a mildly black eye for a few days. Luckily, there was no permanent damage, but now she’s a lot more careful around overly enthusiastic pups! Lesson Learned: Pets feel like family, but they can be unpredictable (especially with the zoomies). Take extra caution when playing with them, consider wearing safety glasses if you’re playing inside, and save the heavy toys for outside, where there’s plenty of space. 1. An Eyelash Curler Surprise Anyone who has used an eyelash curler can sympathize with the teen who came into our office with an injury from using one. As she hurried to curl her eyelashes before school one morning, the eyelash curler slipped right before she squeezed it, scratching her cornea when it caught part of her eye. Instead of gorgeously curled eyelashes, she got to wear a patch for a few days. The Takeaway: Take every precaution while applying eye makeup and curling eyelashes. Use a mirror with good lighting and don’t rush. In addition, never share eye makeup with anyone (nope, not even your mom or sister) and clean applicators regularly. 1. The PT Band Backlash This one happens more often than you may think. A physical therapist was helping one of our patients correct a shoulder imbalance by using a stretchy resistance band. He wrapped it around the door handle to do his exercises. After a few weeks, the stretchy band snapped in half – and one half of it hit our patient in the eye. It caused a retinal detachment, which is a very serious injury that can result in blindness. We referred him to a retina specialist for emergency eye surgery to repair the retina later that same day. Lesson Learned: Bungee cords and rubber or elastic stretchy bands can snap unexpectedly and with force. Position your face away from the line of recoil, or wear safety glasses when using them. 1. The Vacuum Cleaner Debacle Want a story that makes housework even less enticing? A patient injured her eye while unclogging her vacuum cleaner hose. After stretching and shaking the hose, she brought it near her face to look inside more closely, when a burst of dust shot out into her face and eyes. As a result, she had a scratched cornea and a thoroughly red, irritated eye. The Takeaway: Housework can be dangerous! Never look into a nozzle or hose that could still be under pressure without wearing proper eye protection – and remember that chemical cleaner fumes can also irritate eyes. The Eye Injury Common Denominator Do you know what the common denominator in all of these at-home eye injuries is? All were preventable! With precautions, awareness, or safety glasses, none of these would have happened. You only get one set of eyes to last you a lifetime, so treat them with the diligent care they deserve—even if you’re just doing chores, cooking dinner, or playing with your dog. When it comes to protecting your eyesight, prevention is the key! --- ## Why Anti-Fatigue Lenses May Benefit Your Student This Year URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/why-anti-fatigue-lenses-may-benefit-your-student-this-year/ As the new school year approaches, it’s time to prepare your student for a productive academic year filled with achievements, learning, success, and fun. Did you know that up to 80% of learning is achieved through your student’s visual system? One of the most important ways to ensure that your student starts and finishes the year successfully is to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist before the school year begins. So -- why is it so important to see your optometrist before school starts? Easy answer. School time = excessive screen time = eye fatigue. Our technology-driven world can lead to extreme eye fatigue or eye strain and the annoying symptoms that accompany prolonged use of so many digital devices. Two out of three students experience one or more symptoms of eye strain -- it’s a very common complaint. As a parent, you can help by staying alert for eye fatigue symptoms that your student may exhibit -- especially at the end of a long school day. Be aware of your student’s study habits in order to help guide them to better vision care as they spend more time than ever before in front of digital screens. Symptoms of Eye Fatigue Ask your student if they are experiencing any of these eye fatigue symptoms: • Burning, itching, or tired eyes • Blurred or double vision • Headache • Increased sensitivity to light or difficulty keeping their eyes open • Watery or dry eyes The good news about eye fatigue? We have an innovative technology that helps combat eye discomfort and fatigue AND enhances visual clarity: Anti-fatigue lenses! What are Anti-Fatigue Lenses? Anti-fatigue lenses are designed to relax and protect the eyes while allowing optimal vision correction. How is that possible? Because of designated lens zones that support near vision and reduce the amount of effort it takes the eye to focus. Anti-fatigue lenses are single-vision lenses that offer a slight “boost” at the top of the visual field for optimal distance vision plus a slight magnification at the bottom of the lens to ease strain on the ciliary muscle of the eye, which you use when focusing on close-up tasks such as reading, texting, and computer work. The gentle boost lessens eye strain caused by frequent shifts in focus from near to far. This subtle lens progression seamlessly transitions to help ease eye muscles and also acts as a preventative measure against future refractive issues stemming from weakened eye muscles due to digital eye strain. Anti-fatigue lenses are distinctly different from progressives or single-vision lenses because they aren’t segmented like bifocals, nor are they gradually progressive like multi-focals, which correct a variety of distances and close-up ranges. Anti-fatigue lenses minimize accommodative stress and solve the problem of eye fatigue by reducing visual effort. Your eye doctor can provide a prescription for anti-fatigue lenses that ease demand on your eye muscles during sustained screen use because they utilize your unique prescription in conjunction with a slight “bump” in your correction. Benefits of Anti-Fatigue Lenses • Reduce and prevent the symptoms of visual fatigue and improves visual comfort . Anti-fatigue lenses are designed for single-vision wearers (a single correction focused evenly over the entire surface area of the lenses) who suffer from high visual fatigue and eye strain. The lenses work to support your eye’s efforts to focus and improve the wearer’s ability to read small text. • Smooth visual transitions . Anti-fatigue lenses provide only a minor shift in power, which means little or no distortion. This allows the wearer to adapt to the lenses quickly. • Enhances learning . These lenses can positively impact performance, energy levels, and overall visual comfort to make long hours of studying a breeze. • Improves contrast . Specific color absorbers in the lenses maintain visual clarity, while the anti-glare coating minimizes reflections and glare for the best and most comfortable vision in any light. • Advanced blue-violet light filtering . Molecules in the lenses reduce blue light exposure and selectively absorb blue light from phones, tablets, computers, televisions, and digital screens. Additionally, the lenses offer 100% UV protection to protect your eyes from natural sunlight without compromising contrast or color perception. Who can Benefit from Anti-Fatigue Lenses? Students as young as 8 years old can benefit from anti-fatigue lenses, and the benefits extend to patients of all ages who need single-vision correction. Patients who do not require significant corrective lenses are the best candidates -- typically school-aged children and young adults. Bottom Line Keep an “eye” on your student’s screen time to actively help them manage device time. Their eyes are exposed to blue screen light, artificial light, and sunlight all day long, throughout the year. Managing exposure is the key to keeping your student’s vision the best it can be every day. Give our office a call today to schedule your student’s exam. While you’re here, we can explain the benefits of anti-fatigue lenses in-depth. Your student will start the school year off with a head start on overcoming eye fatigue! --- ## The Smart Student’s Guide to Eye-Friendly Study Habits URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/the-smart-students-guide-to-eye-friendly-study-habits/ It’s back-to-school season! Time to purchase laptops, tablets, backpacks, notebooks, and pens. It takes a lot of planning and preparation for your student to step into another year of focus, growth, and discovery in the classroom. But wait -- are you forgetting something? A successful year starts with good vision, and good vision starts with a comprehensive eye exam to test for any vision issues or changes in prescription strength. Your optometrist will assess your student’s vision and, if needed, prescribe correction, recommend lens coatings, and/or special lenses that support excellent eye health for effective learning. Your Student’s Eyes Grow and Change Yearly A child’s visual capabilities can change quickly due to rapid growth during their young life. What was true of your student’s eye health last year may not be true this year. And 80% of learning is visual, so if your student is having difficulty seeing the classroom board from a distance or struggling with up-close digital reading, their learning and overall academic performance will suffer. Digital screens are a part of everyday school life -- a very big part of it! If your student is like thousands of others across the country, they spend an average of between 6 and 8 hours staring at screens each day. While your student’s eyes are young and healthy, the human eye didn’t evolve to perform that kind of digital marathon day after day. Luckily, there are some easy-to-follow guidelines to help your student relieve the digital eye strain associated with staring at devices hour after hour, day after day. Talk with your student about the symptoms listed below to increase their awareness of digital eye strain. Make sure they know what actions they can take to help alleviate the eye discomfort associated with prolonged screen time. What are the Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain? • Dry or gritty feeling eyes • Blurred or double vision that comes and goes • Watery eyes • Itchy eyes • Foreign body sensation • Headache How Long Do Digital Eye Strain Symptoms Last? It varies from person to person, but usually symptoms subside shortly after stopping screen use -- within a few hours. Other students may need a good night’s sleep for their eyes to rest and return to normal. It’s important to remember that digital eye strain is not typically a persistent, 24/7 condition. That’s good, because its symptoms can make your student tired and reduce their ability to concentrate, focus, and retain information. 5 Study Tips to Minimize Digital Eye Strain To minimize or prevent digital eye strain, remind your student to: • Take a 20-20-20 break! 20-20-20 … so simple yet so effective! Look up from your screen every 20 minutes. Look 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Apps are available to help remind students to take a visual rest. • Remember to Blink! It’s a well-proven fact: You blink less often while looking at a screen -- and that exacerbates dry eyes. Blinking produces tears that protect and moisten your eyes. • Optimize Lighting and Reduce Glare • • Bright or glaring light -- whether fluorescent or natural light -- from above or behind can strain eyes, causing you to squint or overuse eye muscles. Turn off the overhead lights, use a desk lamp, close blinds or shades, and avoid positioning your digital device in front of a white wall. • • Use an anti-glare cover over your screen, and clean your screens regularly to help reduce visual distraction. • Make Incremental Adjustments • • Enlarge type for easier reading, adjust the contrast or brightness on your screen, and change device settings to warmer tones at night. • • Place the device directly in front of you, about an arm’s length away, so that the top of the screen is at or just below eye level. • Consider Anti-Fatigue or Blue-Light-Filtering Lenses • • Anti-fatigue glasses ease demand on your eye muscles during sustained screen use because of the prescription design in the lenses. They give you a subtle boost in the lower portion of the lenses to help with near vision. That reduces eye strain from frequent focus changes -- both from up and down as well as from near and far. Your eye doctor can provide a prescription for anti-fatigue lenses that ease demand on your eye muscles during sustained screen use because they utilize your unique prescription in conjunction with a slight “bump” in your correction. • • Blue-light filtering glasses do just that: Filter and reduce blue light from screen exposure to reduce and soften harsh light and minimize glare. The key to a successful school year may depend on how well your student balances learning with good visual health habits. Being aware of and reducing digital eye strain can help your student amplify academic performance and productivity. It’s a good approach and a strong foundation for success! Visual health is a foundational element of your student’s educational success. Start your student’s academic year off right by calling our office today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. --- ## The Role of Peripheral Vision in Student Athlete Success URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/the-role-of-peripheral-vision-in-student-athlete-success/ As the new school year starts, student athletes begin focusing not only on academic success but also athletic excellence. The path to athletic distinction is more than physical strength and stamina; a student’s vision plays a critical role. Self-image depends on so many facets of a young athlete’s life, and performing well during athletic competition is a big one. So how does peripheral vision tie into it?   Did you know that 80% of what the brain processes while playing sports comes in visually, and much of that input is courtesy of your peripheral vision?   To understand why, let’s start at the beginning: We’ll define peripheral vision and look at the reason it’s so important.   ### #### What is Peripheral Vision? Vision can be divided into two categories — central vision and peripheral vision.   1. Central vision is what you see directly in front of you – the center of your vision field. It enables you to see clearly and in color. In a sporting situation, central vision is what enables athletes to connect the baseball bat to the baseball and get a base hit. 2. Peripheral vision or visual awareness, simply stated, is everything you see from the side of the eye when looking forward without moving your head. It is the area of vision that starts about 3 degrees outside of your central vision and extends to nearly 180 degrees.   ### #### Why Does Peripheral Vision Matter in Sports? Athletes — both student and professional — use peripheral vision to detect movement, and that visual sensing of movement is directly associated with anticipation and reaction speed in the brain. The brain also uses peripheral vision to differentiate between shapes, for example, a ball versus another player, before that object or player comes into the central visual field. Peripheral vision is critically important, not only in your ability to detect and react to opportunities and improve anticipation, but also to prevent injury. The risk of injury increases significantly if an athlete can’t detect a potential hit approaching from the side or an unexpected change in play. Peripheral vision informs your student athlete with spatial awareness and may give them that fraction of a second longer to react — which can mean the difference between sustaining an injury or reacting to prevent one.   ### #### How Does Peripheral Vision Impact Students Playing School Sports? Let’s take a look at how peripheral vision impacts specific sports, and how it enhances situational awareness and decision-making to give your student athlete a competitive edge. • Soccer. Soccer players constantly track the ball, opponents, and teammates while maintaining focus on the entire field. In order to make quick decisions – like spotting a defender’s movement from the side or locating an open teammate for a quick pass, peripheral vision is important in seeing the entire field. • Basketball. It’s a fast-paced sport, and the player must deliver “no-look” passes (that’s peripheral vision in action!), scan the court when dribbling, track opponents approaching for the steal, or orchestrate quick plays. Good peripheral vision is essential in all of these court skills. • Football. In a contact sport like football, peripheral vision can help athletes avoid collisions or brace for side impact by a fast-moving opponent, therefore reducing the potential for injury. Think about your quarterback sensing a hit from “the blind side,” or a receiver being hyperaware of the out-of-bounds line as he locates the ball coming toward him for a pass reception near the sideline. • Baseball and Softball. Peripheral vision provides players with an overview of the whole playing field without turning their heads – so they can track how the ball and players move within the game. Peripheral vision is vitally important when deciding where to throw the ball, whether to run for the steal, or if you need to slide into home plate. • Gymnastics. Peripheral vision empowers your student athlete to maintain spatial orientation while performing — particularly while flipping or leaping in mid-air. There is little room for error in fast-paced, precision routines, and reaction time is crucial.   ### #### What Happens When Peripheral Vision is Compromised? Poor peripheral vision can lead to difficulty in tracking, on-field awareness, and can create obstacles that lead to reduced performance and possible injury. Without a healthy range of peripheral vision, your student athlete can experience a feeling of “tunnel vision” that blocks out part of the vision field.   ### #### How Can Parents Support Their Student Athlete’s Vision? Do be aware of your student athlete’s “clues” — signs or behaviors that point to compromised vision. Have you noticed an increase in missed plays, mishandling the ball, newly acquired clumsiness, or even a growing disinterest in playing the sport? That can be a change in your student’s vision, and is likely fixable with the right visual correction. Don’t depend on standard school eye screenings for your athlete’s eye care. These school screenings, typically administered by a school nurse or official rather than a trained and licensed optometrist, miss up to 75% of vision problems, and they often don’t screen for peripheral vision. Ultimately, such school screenings are not intended to replace a thorough professional eye exam.   Do call your optometrist and schedule a comprehensive eye exam today. Ask for a peripheral vision evaluation — along with tests for binocular vision and depth perception.   Our offices are staffed with vision professionals who care about your student athlete and their eyes. Our goal is to help them perform their best in every situation — both in the classroom and in the sports arena. We look forward to hearing their sports stories at their next annual eye exam! --- ## Home URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/ Latest on our response to COVID-19 ## Welcome to Volunteer Eyecare. Knoxville eye doctors providing comprehensive eye care: eye exams , eyeglasses , sunglasses , contact lenses , and much more! Visit one of our seven Knoxville eye clinic locations and see why we are the preferred optometrists in our region. ###### Shop Online ###### Order Contacts ###### Schedule an Eye Exam ###### Eye Conditions ###### After Hours Urgent Care ###### Our Locations #### Stay Connected --- ## Patients URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/patients/ Patient Portal Accepted Insurance Patient Forms Pay Bill Online --- ## Keratoconus URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/keratoconus/ ## Keratoconus Keratoconus is a vision disorder that occurs when the normally round cornea (the front part of the eye) becomes thin and irregular (cone) shaped. This abnormal shape prevents the light entering the eye from being focused correctly on the retina and causes distortion of vision. In its earliest stages, keratoconus causes slight blurring and distortion of vision and increased sensitivity to glare and light. These symptoms usually appear in the late teens or early 20s. Keratoconus may progress for 10-20 years and then slow in its progression. Each eye may be affected differently. As keratoconus progresses, the cornea bulges more and vision may become more distorted. In a small number of cases, the cornea will swell and cause a sudden and significant decrease in vision. The swelling occurs when the strain of the cornea's protruding cone-like shape causes a tiny crack to develop. The swelling may last for weeks or months as the crack heals and is gradually replaced by scar tissue. If this sudden swelling does occur, your doctor can prescribe eyedrops for temporary relief, but there are no medicines that can prevent the disorder from progressing. Eyeglasses or soft contact lenses may be used to correct the mild nearsightedness and astigmatism that is caused by the early stages for keratoconus. As the disorder progresses and cornea continues to thin and change shape, rigid gas permeable contact lenses can be prescribed to correct vision adequately. In most cases, this is adequate. The contact lenses must be carefully fitted, and frequent checkups and lens changes may be needed to achieve and maintain good vision. In a few cases, a corneal transplant is necessary. However, even after a corneal transplant, eyeglasses or contact lenses are often still needed to correct vision. --- ## Spots and Floaters URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/spots-and-floaters/ ## Spots and Floaters Spots (often called floaters) are small, semi-transparent or cloudy particles within the vitreous, which is the clear, jelly-like fluid that fills the inside of your eyes. These spots can appear as specks of various shapes and sizes, threadlike strands or cobwebs. Because they are in your eyes, they move as your eyes move and seem to dart away when you try to look at them directly. Spots are often caused by small flecks of protein or other matter that became trapped when your eyes formed before birth. They can also appear as the vitreous fluid deteriorates due to aging. Also, certain eye diseases or injuries can cause the appearance of spots. Most spots are not harmful, and they rarely limit vision. However, spots can be an indication of a more serious problem. See your doctor of optometry for a comprehensive examination if you suddenly start seeing more spots, especially in your central vision. Your doctor of optometry can determine if what you are seeing is harmless or the symptom of a more serious problem that requires treatment. --- ## Glaucoma URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/glaucoma/ ## Glaucoma Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that lead to progressive damage to the nerve that connects the eye to the brain called the optic nerve. People with glaucoma can lose nerve tissue, resulting in vision loss. The optic nerve is a bundle of about 1 million individual nerve fibers that transmits the visual signals from the eye to the brain. In the most common form of glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma, the fluid pressure inside the eye increases. This increase in pressure may cause progressive damage to the optic nerve and loss of nerve fibers. Advanced glaucoma may even lead to blindness. Not everyone with high eye pressure will develop glaucoma, and some people with normal eye pressure will develop glaucoma. When the pressure inside a person's eye is too high for a particular optic nerve, whatever that pressure measurement may be, glaucoma will develop. Glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness in the U.S. It most often occurs in people over age 40, although an infant (congenital) form of glaucoma exists. People with a family history of glaucoma, African Americans over the age of 40 and Hispanics over the age of 60 have an increased risk of developing glaucoma. Other risk factors include thinner corneas, chronic eye inflammation and taking medications that increase the pressure in the eyes. The most common form of glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma , develops slowly and usually without any symptoms. Many people are not aware they have the condition until they have significant vision loss. Initially, glaucoma affects peripheral or side vision, but it can advance to central vision loss. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to significant vision loss in both eyes, and may even lead to blindness. A less common type of glaucoma, acute angle-closure glaucoma , usually occurs abruptly due to a rapid increase of pressure in the eye. Its symptoms may include severe eye pain, nausea, redness in the eye, seeing halos or colored rings around lights and blurred vision. This is an emergency condition in which severe vision loss can occur quickly; see your optometrist immediately. Glaucoma cannot currently be prevented. But if it is diagnosed and treated early, it can usually be controlled. Medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. However, vision already lost to glaucoma cannot be restored. That is why the American Optometric Association recommends an annual dilated eye examination for people at risk for glaucoma. Depending on your specific condition, your doctor may recommend more frequent examinations. ## What causes glaucoma? 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 the fluid pressure inside the eye, other theories include lack of adequate blood supply to the nerve. Following are the different types of glaucoma and their potential causes. • Primary open-angle glaucoma. This is the most common form of glaucoma. Damage to the optic nerve is slow and painless. Those affected can lose a large portion of vision before they notice any vision problems.One theory about its development is that the eye's drainage system becomes inefficient over time. This leads to an increased amount of fluid and a gradual buildup of pressure within the eye. Another theory about the cause of this type of glaucoma is that there is poor blood flow (perfusion) to the optic nerve. Other theories also exist. • Angle-closure glaucoma. This type of glaucoma, also called closed-angle glaucoma or narrow-angle glaucoma, is a less common form of the disease. It is a medical emergency that can cause vision loss within a day of its onset.It occurs when the drainage angle in the eye (formed by the cornea and the iris) closes or becomes blocked. Many people who develop this type of glaucoma have a very narrow drainage angle. With age, the lens in the eye becomes larger, pushing the iris forward and narrowing the space between the iris and the cornea. As this angle narrows, the fluid in the eye is blocked from the drainage system. Therefore the fluid builds up and eye pressure increases. Angle-closure glaucoma can be chronic (progressing gradually) or acute (appearing suddenly). The acute form occurs when the iris completely blocks fluid drainage. When people with a narrow drainage angle have their pupils dilated, the angle may close and cause a sudden increase in eye pressure. Although an acute attack often affects only one eye, the other eye may be at risk of an attack as well. • Secondary glaucoma. This type of glaucoma results from an injury or other eye disease. It may be caused by a variety of medical conditions, medications, physical injuries and eye abnormalities. Infrequently, eye surgery can lead to secondary glaucoma. • Normal-tension or low-tension glaucoma. In this form of glaucoma, eye pressure remains within the "normal" range, but the optic nerve is damaged nevertheless. It is not known why this happens.Possibly, people with low-tension glaucoma have an abnormally sensitive optic nerve. Or they may have a reduced blood supply to the optic nerve caused by a condition such as atherosclerosis, a hardening of the arteries. Under these circumstances even normal pressure on the optic nerve can cause damage. ## Risk factors The following factors can increase the risk for developing glaucoma: • Age. People over age 60 are at increased risk for the disease. African Americans, however, are at increased risk after age 40. The risk of developing glaucoma increases slightly with each year of age. • Race. African Americans are significantly more likely to get glaucoma than Caucasians, and they are much more likely to suffer permanent vision loss. People of Asian descent and Native Alaskans are at higher risk of angle-closure glaucoma. People of Japanese descent are more likely to develop low-tension glaucoma. • Family history of glaucoma. Having a family history of glaucoma increases the risk of developing glaucoma. • Medical conditions. Some studies indicate that diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease may increase the risk of developing glaucoma. • Physical injuries to the eye. Severe trauma, such as being hit in the eye, can result in immediate increased eye pressure. Internal damage from such a trauma can also cause future increases in pressure. Injury can also dislocate the lens, closing the drainage angle and increasing pressure. • Other eye-related risk factors. Certain features of eye anatomy, namely thinner corneas and optic nerve sensitivity, indicate an increased risk for developing glaucoma. Conditions such as retinal detachment, eye tumors and eye inflammations may also trigger glaucoma. Some studies suggest that high amounts of nearsightedness may also be a risk factor for glaucoma. • Corticosteroid use. Using corticosteroids (including cortisone, hydrocortisone and prednisone) for prolonged periods of time appears to put some people at risk of getting secondary glaucoma. ## How is glaucoma diagnosed? 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. Glaucoma testing includes: • Patient history to determine any symptoms the patient is experiencing and if there are any general health problems and family history that may be contributing to the problem. • Visual acuity measurements to determine if vision is being affected. • Tonometry to measure the pressure inside the eye to detect increased risk factors for glaucoma. • Pachymetry to measure corneal thickness. People with thinner corneas are at an increased risk of developing glaucoma. • Visual field testing , also called perimetry, to check if the field of vision has been affected by glaucoma. This test measures your side (peripheral) vision and central vision by either determining the dimmest amount of light that can be detected in various locations of vision, or by determining sensitivity to targets other than light. • Evaluation of the retina of the eye , which may include photographs or scans of the optic nerve, to monitor any changes over time. • Supplemental testing, which may include gonioscopy. This procedure offers a view of the angle anatomy, which is where eye fluid drainage occurs. Serial tonometry is another possible test. This procedure acquires several pressure measurements over time, looking for changes in the eye pressure throughout the day. In addition, devices can be used to measure nerve fiber thickness and to look for tissue loss on specific areas of the nerve fiber layer. ## How is glaucoma treated? Glaucoma treatment is aimed at reducing pressure in the eye. Regular use of prescription eye drops are the most common and often the first treatment. Some cases may require systemic medications, laser treatment or other surgery. While there is not yet a cure for glaucoma, early diagnosis and continuing treatment can preserve eyesight. • Medications. A number of medications are currently available to treat glaucoma. Typically, medications reduce elevated pressure in the eye. A single medication or a combination of medications may be prescribed. The type of medication may change if it is not reducing pressure enough or if the patient is experiencing side effects. • Surgery. Procedures include laser treatment, making a drainage flap in the eye, inserting a drainage valve, or destroying the tissue that creates the fluid in the eye. All procedures aim to reduce the pressure inside the eye when medication is not sufficient. Surgery cannot reverse vision loss. • • Laser surgery. Laser trabeculoplasty helps fluid drain out of the eye. A high-energy laser beam stimulates the structure that drains fluid from the eye (the trabecular meshwork) so that fluid drains more efficiently. The results may be somewhat temporary, and the procedure may need to be repeated in the future. • • Conventional surgery. If eye drops and laser surgery aren't controlling eye pressure, you may need a trabeculectomy. This filtering microsurgery creates a drainage flap. Fluid can then percolate into the flap and later drain into the vascular system. • • Drainage implants. Drainage valve implant surgery may be an option for adults with uncontrolled glaucoma or secondary glaucoma or for children with glaucoma. A small silicone tube is inserted in the eye to help drain fluid. ## Treatment for acute angle-closure glaucoma Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. Those affected can take medication to reduce eye pressure as quickly as possible. They will also likely undergo a laser procedure called laser peripheral iridotomy. In this procedure, a laser beam creates a small hole in the iris to allow fluid to flow more freely into the front chamber of the eye where it then can drain. ## Lifelong treatment There is no cure for glaucoma. Patients with glaucoma need to continue treatment for the rest of their lives. Because the disease can progress or change without warning, compliance with eye medications and undergoing eye examinations are essential; treatment may need to be adjusted periodically. Keeping eye pressure under control can slow or stop damage to the optic nerve and continued loss of vision. Your optometrist may focus on lowering the eye pressure to a level that is least likely to cause further optic nerve damage. This level is often referred to as the target pressure and is likely a range rather than a single number. Target pressure differs for each person, depending on the extent of the damage and other factors. Target pressure may change over time. New medications to help fight glaucoma are always being developed. Early detection, prompt treatment and regular monitoring can help to control glaucoma and reduce the chances for vision loss. --- ## Anterior Uveitis URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/anterior-uveitis/ ## Anterior Uveitis Anterior uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye. This layer includes the iris (colored part of the eye) and the adjacent tissue, known as the ciliary body. If untreated, it can cause permanent damage and loss of vision from the development of glaucoma, cataract or retinal edema. Anterior uveitis usually responds well to treatment; however, the condition tends to recur. Treatment usually includes prescription eye drops, which dilate the pupils, in combination with anti-inflammatory drugs. Treatment usually takes several days or, in some cases, several weeks. Anterior uveitis can result from a trauma to the eye, such as being hit in the eye or having a foreign body in the eye. It can also be associated with general health problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, syphilis, tuberculosis, sarcoid, viral (herpes simplex, herpes zoster, cytomegalovirus) or idiopathic, which is no obvious underlying cause. Signs/symptoms may include: • Red, sore and inflamed eye • Blurred vision • Sensitivity to light • Small (or irregular-shaped) pupil The symptoms of anterior uveitis are similar to those of other eye conditions. Therefore, your doctor of optometry will carefully examine the front and inside of your eye under a microscope, using high magnification to determine if you have this condition. Your doctor may also perform or arrange for other diagnostic tests to help pinpoint the cause. --- ## Lazy Eye (Amblyopia) URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/lazy-eye-amblyopia/ ## Lazy Eye (Amblyopia) ##### What is amblyopia? Amblyopia (lazy eye) is the decrease of vision in one or both eyes due to abnormal vision development during childhood. The vision process involves both the eyes and the brain. Amblyopia is the failure of the vision-sensing portions of the brain to develop normally, which results in blurry vision. It is one of the leading causes of vision loss in children. ##### Who is likely to develop amblyopia? Amblyopia is generally the result of poor early visual development. It usually occurs before the age of 8. Infants born prematurely or with low birth weight are at a greater risk for developing the condition. An estimated 2 to 4 percent of children have amblyopia. The chance of amblyopia developing during adulthood is very small. ##### What causes amblyopia? Amblyopia usually results from a failure to use both eyes together. It can be caused by the presence of  crossed eyes (strabismus) , unequal  farsightedness  or  nearsightedness  (refractive error), or a physical obstruction of vision like  cataracts . If there is a large enough difference in the degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness or  astigmatism  between the two eyes, or if the eyes are crossed, the brain learns to ignore one eye in favor of the other. ##### How does amblyopia affect vision? Normally, the images each eye sends to the brain are identical. When they differ too much, the brain learns to ignore the poor image sent by one eye and "sees" only with the good eye. The vision of the eye that is ignored becomes weaker from lack of use. ##### Is the amblyopic eye blind? The amblyopic eye is not blind in the sense that it is entirely without sight. Amblyopia affects only the central vision of the affected eye. Peripheral (side) awareness will remain the same. ##### What are the signs/symptoms of amblyopia? Amblyopia usually has few symptoms. People with amblyopia may also have crossed eyes or a large difference in the refractive error between their two eyes. A child with amblyopia may noticeably favor one eye and have a tendency to bump into objects on one side. ##### How is amblyopia diagnosed? A  comprehensive eye examination  can determine the presence of amblyopia. The earlier it is diagnosed, the greater the chance for a successful treatment. When amblyopia occurs only in one eye, the good eye takes over and the individual is generally unaware of the condition. That is why it is important to have your child's vision examined at about six months, at age three and again before he or she enters school. ##### How is amblyopia treated? Corrective lenses,  contact lenses , prisms, occluders and vision therapy are often used to treat amblyopia. Covering the better eye, either part time or full time, can stimulate vision in the amblyopic eye. ##### Does amblyopia get worse? Vision in the amblyopic eye may continue to decrease if left untreated. The brain simply pays less and less attention to the images sent by the amblyopic eye. Eventually, the condition stabilizes, and the eye is virtually unused. It is very difficult to effectively treat amblyopia at this point. ##### Is amblyopia preventable? Early detection and treatment of amblyopia and significantly unequal refractive errors can reduce the chances of one eye becoming amblyopic. ##### How great a handicap is amblyopia? Amblyopia can limit the occupational and leisure activities you can do. Activities requiring good depth perception may be difficult or impossible to perform. In addition, if your good eye becomes injured or develops vision problems, you may have difficulty maintaining your normal activities. --- ## Acanthamoeba URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/acanthamoeba/ ## Acanthamoeba Close up of irritated red bloodshot eye Acanthamoeba is one of the most common organisms in the environment, but it rarely causes infections. When infection does occur, however, it can be extremely serious and can threaten your vision. Recently, there have been increasing reports of Acanthamoeba keratitis, which is a co-infection of Acanthamoeba with a bacterial keratitis. This infection commonly occurs in the contact lens case and on the cornea, complicating prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Your best defense against Acanthamoeba keratitis infection is to maintain proper contact lens hygiene. ##### Symptoms • A red, frequently painful eye infection that doesn't improve with traditional treatment. • Feeling of something in the eye, excessive tearing, light sensitivity and blurred vision. • Red, irritated eyes that last for an unusually long time after removing your contact lenses. ##### Risk Factors • Using tap water to clean and disinfect contact lenses—including the lens case. • Swimming with contact lenses, especially in freshwater lakes and rivers. However, Acanthamoeba keratitis has been found in almost all water sources—from pools to hot tubs to showers. • Failure to follow lens care instructions (see Lens Care Guide below). ##### Lens Care Guide • Always wash hands before handling contact lenses. • Rub and rinse the surface of the contact lens before storing. • Use only sterile products recommended by your optometrist to clean and disinfect your lenses. Saline solution and rewetting drops are not designed to disinfect lenses. • Avoid using tap water to wash or store contact lenses. • Contact lens solution must be discarded upon opening the case, and fresh solution used each time the contact lens is placed in the case. • Replace lenses using your doctor’s prescribed schedule. • Do not sleep in contact lenses unless prescribed by your doctor and never after swimming. • Never swap lenses with someone else. • Never put contact lenses in your mouth or use saliva to wet the contact lens. • See your optometrist regularly for contact lens evaluation. • If you experience RSVP (redness, secretions, visual blurring or pain), return to your optometrist immediately! --- ## Astigmatism URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/astigmatism/ ## Astigmatism Astigmatism is a common vision condition that causes blurred vision. It occurs when the cornea (the clear front cover of the eye) is irregularly shaped or sometimes because of the curvature of the lens inside the eye. An irregularly shaped cornea or lens prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, the light-sensitive surface at the back of the eye. As a result, vision becomes blurred at any distance. This can lead to eye discomfort and headaches. Astigmatism frequently occurs with other vision conditions like myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness). Together these vision conditions are referred to as refractive errors because they affect how the eyes bend or "refract" light. There are many causes to astigmatism. It can be hereditary and is usually present from birth. It can decrease or increase over time. A comprehensive optometric examination will include testing for astigmatism. If necessary, your optometrist can provide eyeglasses or contact lenses that correct the astigmatism by altering the way light enters the eyes. Another option for treating astigmatism is a corneal procedure called orthokeratology (ortho-k). In this painless, noninvasive procedure, the patient wears a series of specially designed rigid contact lenses to gradually reshape the curvature of the cornea. Laser surgery can also treat some types of astigmatism. The laser changes the shape of the cornea by removing a small amount of eye tissue. ##### What causes astigmatism? The curvature of the cornea and lens bends the light entering the eye in order to focus it precisely on the retina at the back of the eye. In astigmatism, the surface of the cornea or lens has a somewhat different curvature. the surface of the cornea is shaped more like a football instead of round like a basketball, the eye is unable to focus light rays to a single point. Vision becomes out of focus at any distance. In addition, the curvature of the lens inside the eye can change, resulting in an increase or decrease in astigmatism. This change frequently occurs in adulthood and can precede the development of naturally occurring cataracts. Sometimes astigmatism may develop following an eye injury or eye surgery. Astigmatism also occurs due to a relatively rare condition called keratoconus in which the cornea becomes progressively thinner and cone-shaped. This results in a large amount of astigmatism, which causes poor vision that cannot be clearly corrected with eyeglasses. People with keratoconus usually need contact lenses for clear vision and eventually may need a corneal transplant. #### How is astigmatism diagnosed? An optometrist can diagnose an astigmatism through a comprehensive eye examination. Testing for astigmatism measures how the eyes focus light and determines the power of any optical lenses needed to improve vision. This examination may include: • Visual acuity -When you read letters on a distance chart, you are measuring your visual acuity. Visual acuity is given as a fraction (for example, 20/40). The top number is the standardized testing distance (20 feet) and the bottom number is the smallest letter size read. A person with 20/40 visual acuity would have to get within 20 feet to read a letter that should be seen clearly at 40 feet. Normal distance visual acuity is 20/20. • Keratometry/Topography -A keratometer is the primary instrument used to measure the curvature of the cornea. By focusing a circle of light on the cornea and measuring its reflection, it is possible to determine the exact curvature of that area of the cornea's surface. This measurement is particularly critical in determining the proper fit for contact lenses. A corneal topographer, which is gaining use, generates a contour map of the cornea and provides even more detail of the cornea's shape. • Refraction -Using an instrument called a phoropter, your optometrist places a series of lenses in front of your eyes and measures how they focus light. This is performed using a handheld lighted instrument called a retinoscope or an automated instrument that evaluates the approximate focusing power of the eye. Based on your responses, the power is then refined to determine the lenses that allow the clearest vision. Despite improved technology, patient input remains integral in determining vision needs. With the information from these tests, your optometrist can determine if you have astigmatism. Your optometrist will use these findings, combined with those of other tests performed, to determine the power of any lens correction you need to provide clear, comfortable vision. Once testing is complete, your optometrist can discuss treatment options. ##### How is astigmatism treated? People with astigmatism have several options to regain clear vision. They include: • Eyeglasses. People with astigmatism primarily choose eyeglasses to improve their vision. The eyeglasses contain a special cylindrical lens prescription that compensates for the astigmatism. This provides additional power in specific parts of the lens.Generally, a single-vision lens is prescribed to provide clear vision at all distances. However, patients over age 40 who have presbyopia may need a bifocal or progressive addition lens. • Contact lenses. Some people will have better vision with contact lenses rather than eyeglasses. Contact lenses may provide clearer vision and a wider field of view. However, since contact lenses are worn directly on the eyes, they require regular cleaning and care to safeguard eye health.Standard soft lenses may not be effective in correcting astigmatism. However, special toric soft contact lenses can correct for many types of astigmatism. Because rigid gas-permeable contact lenses maintain their regular shape while on the cornea, they can compensate for the cornea's irregular shape and improve vision for people with astigmatism. • Orthokeratology. Orthokeratology (ortho-k) involves the fitting of a series of rigid contact lenses to reshape the cornea. The patient wears contact lenses for limited periods, such as overnight, and then removes them. People with moderate astigmatism may be able to temporarily obtain clear vision without lenses for most of their daily activities. Orthokeratology does not permanently improve vision. If patients stop wearing the retainer lenses, their vision may return to its original condition. • Laser and other refractive surgery procedures. Astigmatism can also be corrected by reshaping the cornea through LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) or PRK (photorefractive keratectomy). PRK removes tissue from the superficial and inner layers of the cornea. LASIK removes tissue only from the inner layer of the cornea. If you have an astigmatism, you have a wide range of options to correct your vision problem. In consultation with your optometrist, you can select the treatment that best meets your visual and lifestyle needs. --- ## Blepharitis URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/blepharitis/ ## Blepharitis Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids in which they become red, irritated and itchy and dandruff-like scales form on the eyelashes. It is a common eye disorder caused by either bacteria or a skin condition, such as dandruff of the scalp or rosacea. It affects people of all ages. Although uncomfortable, blepharitis is usually not contagious and generally does not cause any permanent damage to eyesight. Blepharitis is classified into two types: • Anterior blepharitis occurs at the outside front edge of the eyelid where the eyelashes attach. • Posterior blepharitis affects the inner edge of the eyelid that touches the eyeball. People with blepharitis may experience a gritty or burning sensation in their eyes, excessive tearing, itching, red and swollen eyelids, dry eyes or crusting of the eyelids. For some people, blepharitis causes only minor irritation and itching. However, it can lead to more severe symptoms, such as blurring of vision, missing or misdirected eyelashes, and inflammation of other eye tissue, particularly the cornea. By touching and rubbing the irritated area, a secondary infection can also result.  By touching and rubbing the irritated area, a secondary infection can also result. In many cases, good hygiene can help control blepharitis. This includes frequently washing the scalp and face, using warm compresses to soak the eyelids and scrubbing the eyelids. When a bacterial infection is causing or accompanies blepharitis, antibiotics and other medications may be prescribed. ##### What causes blepharitis? Anterior blepharitis is commonly caused by bacteria (staphylococcal blepharitis) or dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows (seborrheic blepharitis). These bacteria are commonly found on the face and lids, but if they become excessive, or the lid area reacts poorly to their presence, an infection may occur. Less commonly, allergies or a mite infestation of the eyelashes can cause anterior blepharitis. Posterior blepharitis can occur when the glands of the eyelids irregularly produce oil (meibomian blepharitis). This creates a favorable environment for bacterial growth. Posterior blepharitis can also develop as a result of other skin conditions, such as rosacea and scalp dandruff. ##### How is blepharitis diagnosed? Blepharitis can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Testing, with special emphasis on the eyelids and front surface of the eyeball, may include: • Patient history to determine any symptoms the patient is experiencing and any general health problems that may be contributing to the eye problem. • External examination of the eye, including lid structure, skin texture and eyelash appearance. • Evaluation of the lid margins, base of the eyelashes and meibomian gland openings using bright light and magnification. Evaluation of the quantity and quality of tears to check for any abnormalities. An optometrist can determine the type of blepharitis based on the appearance of the eyelid margins. The different types and symptoms are as follows: • Staphyloccal blepharitis patients frequently exhibit mildly sticking eyelids, thickened lid margins, and missing and misdirected eyelashes. • Seborrheic blepharitis patients have greasy flakes or scales around the base of eyelashes and a mild redness of the eyelids. • Ulcerative blepharitis patients have matted, hard crusts around the eyelashes. Removing the crusts leaves small sores that ooze and bleed. These patients may also experience eyelash loss, distortion of the front edges of the eyelids and chronic tearing. In severe cases, the cornea (the transparent front covering of the eyeball) becomes inflamed. • Meibomian blepharitis patients have a blockage of the oil glands in the eyelids, poor quality of tears and redness of the lining of the eyelids. ##### How is blepharitis treated? Treatment depends on the type of blepharitis. The key to treating most types of blepharitis is keeping the lids clean and free of crusts. Applying warm compresses can loosen the crusts. Then gently scrub the eyelids with a mixture of water and baby shampoo or an over-the-counter lid-cleansing product. (See the Self-care section below for step-by-step directions on soaking and scrubbing the eyelids.) In cases involving bacterial infection, an antibiotic may be prescribed. People with blepharitis might find the following helpful: • If the glands in the eyelids are blocked, massage the eyelids to clean out oil accumulated in the eyelid glands. • Use artificial tear solutions or lubricating ointments, if prescribed. • Use anti-dandruff shampoo on the scalp. • Limit or stop using eye makeup during treatment, as it makes lid hygiene more difficult. • Temporarily discontinue wearing contact lenses during treatment. Some blepharitis cases may require more complex treatment plans. Blepharitis seldom disappears completely. Even with successful treatment, blepharitis may reoccur. ##### Self-Care Directions for a Warm Soak of the Eyelids: • Wash your hands thoroughly. • Mix warm water and a small amount of nonirritating (baby) shampoo or a commercially prepared lid scrub solution recommended by your optometrist. • Using a clean cloth (a different one for each eye), rub the solution back and forth across the eyelashes and the edge of the closed eyelid. • Rinse with clear water. • Repeat with the other eye. --- ## Cataract URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/cataract/ ## Cataract A cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the normally clear lens of the eye. Depending upon its size and location, it can interfere with normal vision. Most cataracts develop in people over age 55, but they occasionally occur in infants and young children. Usually cataracts develop in both eyes, but one may be worse than the other. The lens is located inside the eye behind the iris, the colored part of the eye. Normally, the lens focuses light on the retina, which sends the image through the optic nerve to the brain. However, if the lens is clouded by a cataract, light is scattered so the lens can no longer focus it properly, causing vision problems. The lens is made of mostly proteins and water. Clouding of the lens occurs due to changes in the proteins and lens fibers. Cataracts generally form very slowly. Signs and symptoms of a cataract may include: • Blurred or hazy vision • Reduced intensity of colors • Increased sensitivity to glare from lights, particularly when driving at night • Increased difficulty seeing at night • Change in the eye's refractive error, or prescription There is no treatment to prevent or slow cataract progression. In age-related cataracts, changes in vision can be very gradual. Some people may not initially recognize the visual changes. However, as cataracts worsen, vision symptoms increase. ##### Types of Cataracts The lens is composed of layers, like an onion. The outermost is the capsule. The layer inside the capsule is the cortex, and the innermost layer is the nucleus. A cataract may develop in any of these areas. Cataracts are named for their location in the lens: • A nuclear cataract is located in the center of the lens. The nucleus tends to darken, changing from clear to yellow and sometimes brown. • A cortical cataract affects the layer of the lens surrounding the nucleus. The cataract looks like a wedge or a spoke. • A posterior capsular cataract is found in the back outer layer of the lens. This type often develops more rapidly. ##### What Causes Cataracts? Most cataracts are due to age-related changes in the lens of the eye that cause it to become cloudy or opaque. However, other factors can contribute to cataract development, including: • Diabetes mellitus. People with diabetes are at higher risk for cataracts. • Drugs. Certain medications are associated with cataract development. These include: Corticosteroids Chlorpromazine and other phenothiazine-related medications • Ultraviolet radiation. Studies show an increased chance of cataract formation with unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. • Smoking. There is possibly an association between smoking and increased lens cloudiness. • Alcohol. Several studies show increased cataract formation in patients with higher alcohol consumption compared with people who have lower or no alcohol consumption. • Nutritional deficiency. Although the results are inconclusive, studies suggest an association between cataract formation and low levels of antioxidants (for example, vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenoids). Further studies may show that antioxidants can help decrease cataract development. Rarely, cataracts are present at birth or develop shortly after. They may be inherited or develop due to an infection (such as rubella) in the mother during pregnancy. A cataract may also develop following an eye injury or surgery for another eye problem, such as glaucoma. While there are no clinically proven approaches to preventing cataracts, simple preventive strategies include: • Reducing exposure to sunlight through UV-blocking lenses • Decreasing or stopping smoking • Increasing antioxidant vitamin consumption by eating more leafy green vegetables and taking nutritional supplements ##### How Is a Cataract Diagnosed? Cataracts can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. This examination may include: 1. Patient history to determine if vision difficulties are limiting daily activities and other general health concerns affecting vision. 2. Visual acuity measurement to determine to what extent a cataract may be limiting clear distance and near vision. 3. Refraction to determine the need for changes in an eyeglass or contact lens prescription. 4. Evaluation of the lens under high magnification and illumination to determine the extent and location of any cataracts. 5. Evaluation of the retina of the eye through a dilated pupil. 6. Measurement of pressure within the eye. 7. Supplemental testing for color vision and glare sensitivity. Further testing may be needed to determine how much the cataract is affecting vision and to evaluate whether other eye diseases may limit vision following cataract surgery. Using the information from these tests, your optometrist can determine if you have cataracts and advise you on your treatment options. ##### How Is a Cataract Treated? Cataract treatment is based on the level of visual impairment they cause. If a cataract minimally affects vision, or not at all, no treatment may be needed. Patients may be advised to monitor for increased visual symptoms and follow a regular check-up schedule. In some cases, changing the eyeglass prescription may provide temporary vision improvement. In addition, anti-glare coatings on eyeglass lenses can help reduce glare for night driving, and increasing the amount of light used when reading may be beneficial. When a cataract progresses to the point that it affects a person's ability to do normal everyday tasks, surgery may be needed. Cataract surgery involves removing the lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. The artificial lens requires no care and can significantly improve vision. Some artificial lenses have the natural focusing ability of a young healthy lens. Two approaches to cataract surgery are generally used: • Small-incision cataract surgery involves making an incision in the side of the cornea (the clear outer covering of the eye) and inserting a tiny probe into the eye. The probe emits ultrasound waves that soften and break up the lens so it can be suctioned out. This process is called phacoemulsification. • Extracapsular surgery requires a somewhat larger incision in the cornea so that the lens core can be removed in one piece. The natural lens is replaced by a clear plastic lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). When implanting an IOL is not possible because of other eye problems, contact lenses and, in some cases, eyeglasses may be an option for vision correction. As with any surgery, cataract surgery has risks from infection and bleeding. Cataract surgery also slightly increases the risk of retinal detachment. It is important to discuss the benefits and risks of cataract surgery with your eye care providers. Other eye conditions may increase the need for cataract surgery or prevent a person from being a cataract surgery candidate. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective types of surgery performed in the United States today. Approximately 90 percent of cataract surgery patients report better vision following the surgery. ##### The Importance of Nutrition Researchers have linked eye-friendly nutrients such as lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc to reducing the risk of certain eye diseases, including cataracts. For more information on the importance of good nutrition and eye health, please see the diet and nutrition section. --- ## Chalazion URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/chalazion/ ## Chalazion A chalazion is a slowly developing lump that forms due to blockage and swelling of an oil gland in the eyelid. A chalazion is generally not an infection. A chalazion often starts out as a very small red, tender, swollen area of the eyelid. In a few days, it may change to a painless slow-growing lump the size of a pea. A chalazion is often confused with a stye (or hordeolum), which is an infection of an oil gland in the eyelid. A stye produces a red, swollen, painful lump on the edge or the inside of the eyelid and usually occurs closer to the surface of the eyelid than chalazia. Left untreated, a stye can result in the formation of a chalazion. Do not attempt to squeeze or drain the chalazion yourself. You may need treatment for proper healing. Characteristics of a chalazion: • Painless bump or lump in the upper eyelid or, less frequently, in the lower eyelid • Caused by a thickening of the fluid in the oil glands (meibomian glands) of the eyelid • Tearing and mild irritation may result as the obstructed glands are needed for healthy tears • Blurred vision, if the chalazion is large enough to press against the eyeball • More common in adults than children; most frequently occurs in people aged 30-50 • Disappears without treatment within several weeks to a month, although they often recur Risk factors include: • Acne rosacea • Chronic blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids, often from excess bacteria) • Seborrhea • Tuberculosis • Viral infection • Rarely, they may be an indication of an infection or skin cancer ##### How is a chalazion diagnosed? A chalazion is best diagnosed by your eye doctor, who can advise you on treatment options. Necessary testing might include: • Patient history to determine symptoms and the presence of any general health problems that may be contributing to the eye problem. • External examination of the eye, including lid structure, skin texture and eyelash appearance. • Evaluation of the lid margins, base of the eyelashes and oil gland openings using bright light and magnification. ##### How is a chalazion treated? The good news is that many chalazia require minimal medical treatment and clear up on their own in a few weeks to a month. Apply warm compresses to the eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes 4 to 6 times a day for several days. The warm compresses may help soften the hardened oil that is blocking the ducts and allow drainage and healing. You can create a warm compress by dipping a clean soft cloth in warm water and then wringing it out (although you may prefer a commercially available reusable heat mask). Remoisten the cloth frequently to keep it wet and warm. You can also gently massage the external eyelids several minutes each day to help promote drainage. Once the chalazion drains on its own, keep the area clean, and keep your hands away from your eyes. If the chalazion does not drain and heal within a month, contact your eye doctor. Again, do not attempt to squeeze or "pop" the chalazion, as you may inadvertently do more damage. --- ## Color Vision Deficiency URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/color-vision-deficiency/ ## Color Vision Deficiency Color vision deficiency is the inability to distinguish certain shades of color. The term "color blindness" is also used to describe this visual condition, but very few people are completely color blind. Most people with color vision deficiency can see colors, but they have difficulty differentiating between the following colors: • particular shades of reds and greens (most common) • blues and yellows (less common) People who are totally color blind, a condition called achromatopsia, can only see things as black and white or in shades of gray. Color vision deficiency can range from mild to severe, depending on the cause. It affects both eyes if it is inherited and usually just one if it is caused by injury or illness. Color vision is possible due to photoreceptors in the retina of the eye known as cones. These cones have light-sensitive pigments that enable us to recognize color. Found in the macula (the central part of the retina), each cone is sensitive to either red, green or blue light (long, medium or short wavelengths). The cones recognize these lights based on their wavelengths. Normally, the pigments inside the cones register different colors and send that information through the optic nerve to the brain. This enables you to distinguish countless shades of color. But if the cones don't have one or more light-sensitive pigments, you will be unable to see all colors. The most common form of color deficiency is red-green. This does not mean that people with this deficiency cannot see these colors at all. They simply have a harder time differentiating between them, which can depend on the darkness or lightness of the colors. Another form of color deficiency is blue-yellow. This is a rarer and more severe form of color vision loss than red-green, because people with blue-yellow deficiency frequently have red-green blindness too. In both cases, people with color vision deficiency often see neutral or gray areas where a particular color should appear. ##### What causes color vision deficiency? Usually, color deficiency is an inherited condition caused by a common X-linked recessive gene, which is passed from a mother to her son. But disease or injury that damages the optic nerve or retina can also cause loss of color recognition. Some diseases that can cause color deficits are: • diabetes • glaucoma • macular degeneration • Alzheimer's disease • Parkinson's disease • multiple sclerosis • chronic alcoholism • leukemia • sickle cell anemia Other causes for color vision deficiency include: • Medications. Drugs used to treat heart problems, high blood pressure, infections, nervous disorders and psychological problems can affect color vision. • Aging. The ability to see colors can gradually lessen with age. • Chemical Exposure. Contact with certain chemicals, such as fertilizers and styrene, have been known to cause loss of color vision. In the majority of cases, genetics causes color deficiency. About 8 percent of Caucasian males are born with some degree of color deficiency. Women are typically just carriers of the color-deficient gene, though approximately 0.5 percent of women have color vision deficiency. The severity of inherited color vision deficiency generally remains constant throughout life, and it does not lead to additional vision loss or blindness. ##### How is color vision deficiency diagnosed? Color deficiency can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. The patient is shown a series of specially designed pictures composed of colored dots, called pseudoisochromatic plates. The patient is asked to look for numbers among the various colored dots. Individuals with normal color vision see a number, while those with a deficiency do not see it. On some plates, a person with normal color vision sees one number, while a person with a deficiency sees a different number. Pseudoisochromatic plate testing can determine if a color vision deficiency exists and the type of deficiency. However, additional testing may be needed to determine the exact nature and degree of color deficiency. A person could have poor color vision and not know it. Quite often, people with red-green deficiency aren't aware of their problem because they've learned to see the "right" color. For example, tree leaves are green, so they call the color they see green. Also, parents may not suspect their children have the condition until a situation causes confusion or misunderstanding. Early detection of color deficiency is vital since many learning materials rely heavily on color perception or color coding. That is one reason the American Optometric Association recommends that all children have a comprehensive optometric examination before they begin school. ##### How is color vision deficiency treated? There is no cure for inherited color deficiency. But if the cause is an illness or eye injury, treating these conditions may improve color vision. Using special tinted eyeglasses or wearing a red-tinted contact lens on one eye can increase some people's ability to differentiate between colors, though nothing can make them truly see the deficient color. Most people with color vision deficiency find ways to work around the inability to see certain colors by: • Organizing and labeling clothing, furniture or other colored objects (with the help of friends or family) for ease of recognition. • Remembering the order of things rather than their color. For example, a traffic light has red on top, yellow in the middle and green on the bottom. Color vision deficiency can be frustrating and may limit participation in some occupations, but in most cases it is not a serious threat to vision. With time, patience and practice, people can adapt. Although in the very early stages, several gene therapies that have restored color vision in animal models are being developed for humans. --- ## Conjunctivitis URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/conjunctivitis/ ## Conjunctivitis Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or swelling of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin transparent layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. Often called "pink eye," conjunctivitis is a common eye disease, especially in children. It may affect one or both eyes. Some forms of conjunctivitis are highly contagious and can easily spread in schools and at home. While conjunctivitis is usually a minor eye infection, sometimes it can develop into a more serious problem. A viral or bacterial infection can cause conjunctivitis. It can also develop due to an allergic reaction to air irritants such as pollen and smoke, chlorine in swimming pools, ingredients in cosmetics, or other products that contact the eyes, such as contact lenses. Sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia and gonorrhea are less common causes of conjunctivitis. People with conjunctivitis may experience the following symptoms: • A gritty feeling in one or both eyes • Itching or burning sensation in one or both eyes • Excessive tearing • Discharge from one or both eyes • Swollen eyelids • Pink discoloration to the whites of one or both eyes • Increased sensitivity to light ##### What causes conjunctivitis? There are three main types of conjunctivitis: allergic, infectious and chemical. The cause of conjunctivitis varies depending on the type. ##### Allergic Conjunctivitis • Allergic conjunctivitis occurs more commonly among people who already have seasonal allergies. They develop it when they come into contact with a substance that triggers an allergic reaction in their eyes. • Giant papillary conjunctivitis is a type of allergic conjunctivitis caused by the chronic presence of a foreign body in the eye. People who wear hard or rigid contact lenses, wear soft contact lenses that are not replaced frequently, have an exposed suture on the surface of the eye or have a prosthetic eye are more likely to develop this form of conjunctivitis. ##### Infectious Conjunctivitis • Bacterial conjunctivitis is an infection most often caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria from your own skin or respiratory system. Insects, physical contact with other people, poor hygiene (touching the eye with unclean hands), or using contaminated eye makeup and facial lotions can also cause the infection. Sharing makeup and wearing contact lenses that are not your own or are improperly cleaned can also cause bacterial conjunctivitis. • Viral conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by contagious viruses associated with the common cold. It can develop through exposure to the coughing or sneezing of someone with an upper respiratory tract infection. Viral conjunctivitis can also occur as the virus spreads along the body's own mucous membranes, which connect the lungs, throat, nose, tear ducts and conjunctiva. Since the tears drain into the nasal passageway, forceful nose blowing can cause a virus to move from your respiratory system to your eyes. • Ophthalmia neonatorum is a severe form of bacterial conjunctivitis that occurs in newborn babies. This is a serious condition that could lead to permanent eye damage if it is not treated immediately. Ophthalmia neonatorum occurs when an infant is exposed to chlamydia or gonorrhea while passing through the birth canal. For several years, U.S. delivery rooms have applied antibiotic ointment to babies' eyes as a standard prophylactic treatment. ##### Chemical Conjunctivitis Chemical Conjunctivitis can be caused by irritants like air pollution, chlorine in swimming pools, and exposure to noxious chemicals. ##### How is conjunctivitis diagnosed? Conjunctivitis can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Testing, with special emphasis on the conjunctiva and surrounding tissues, may include: • Patient history to determine the symptoms, when the symptoms began, and whether any general health or environmental conditions are contributing to the problem. • Visual acuity measurements to determine whether vision has been affected. • Evaluation of the conjunctiva and external eye tissue using bright light and magnification. • Evaluation of the inner structures of the eye to ensure that no other tissues are affected by the condition. • Supplemental testing, which may include taking cultures or smears of conjunctival tissue. This is particularly important in cases of chronic conjunctivitis or when the condition is not responding to treatment. Using the information obtained from these tests, your optometrist can determine if you have conjunctivitis and advise you on treatment options. ##### How is conjunctivitis treated? Treating conjunctivitis has three main goals: 1. Increase patient comfort. 2. Reduce or lessen the course of the infection or inflammation. 3. Prevent the spread of the infection in contagious forms of conjunctivitis. The appropriate treatment for conjunctivitis depends on its cause: • Allergic conjunctivitis. The first step is to remove or avoid the irritant, if possible. Cool compresses and artificial tears sometimes relieve discomfort in mild cases. In more severe cases, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and antihistamines may be prescribed. People with persistent allergic conjunctivitis may also require topical steroid eye drops. • Bacterial conjunctivitis. This type of conjunctivitis is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments. Bacterial conjunctivitis may improve after three or four days of treatment, but patients need to take the entire course of antibiotics to prevent recurrence. • Viral conjunctivitis. No drops or ointments can treat viral conjunctivitis. Antibiotics will not cure a viral infection. Like a common cold, the virus has to run its course, which may take up to two or three weeks. Symptoms can often be relieved with cool compresses and artificial tear solutions. For the worst cases, topical steroid drops may be prescribed to reduce the discomfort from inflammation. However, these drops will not shorten the infection. • Chemical conjunctivitis. Careful flushing of the eyes with saline is a standard treatment for chemical conjunctivitis. People with chemical conjunctivitis also may need to use topical steroids. Severe chemical injuries, particularly alkali burns, are medical emergencies and can lead to scarring, damage to the eye or the sight, or even loss of the eye. If a chemical spills in your eye, flush the eye for several minutes with a lot of water before seeing your medical provider. ##### Contact Lens Wearers Contact lens wearers may need to temporarily stop wearing their lenses while the condition is active. Your doctor can tell you if this is necessary. If you developed conjunctivitis due to wearing contact lenses, your eye doctor may recommend that you switch to a different type of contact lens or disinfection solution. Your optometrist might need to change your contact lens prescription to a lens that you replace more frequently. This can help prevent the conjunctivitis from recurring. ##### Self-Care Practicing good hygiene is the best way to control the spread of conjunctivitis. Once an infection has been diagnosed, follow these steps: • Don't touch your eyes with your hands. • Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. • Change your towel and washcloth daily, and don't share them with others. • Discard eye cosmetics, particularly mascara. • Don't use anyone else's eye cosmetics or personal eye-care items. • Follow your eye doctor's instructions on proper contact lens care. You can soothe the discomfort of viral or bacterial conjunctivitis by applying warm compresses to your affected eye or eyes. To make a compress, soak a clean cloth in warm water and wring it out before applying it gently to your closed eyelids. For allergic conjunctivitis, avoid rubbing your eyes. Instead of warm compresses, use cool compresses to soothe your eyes. Over-the-counter eye drops might also help. Antihistamine eye drops can alleviate the symptoms, and lubricating eye drops can rinse the allergen off the surface of the eye. See your doctor of optometry if you think you have conjunctivitis. He or she can diagnose the cause and prescribe the proper treatment. --- ## Diabetic Retinopathy URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/diabetic-retinopathy/ ## Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that may occur in people who have diabetes. It causes progressive damage to the retina, the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye. Diabetic retinopathy is a serious sight-threatening complication of diabetes. Diabetes interferes with the body's ability to use and store sugar (glucose). The disease is characterized by too much sugar in the blood, which can cause damage throughout the body, including the eyes. Over time, diabetes damages small blood vessels throughout the body, including the retina. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when these tiny blood vessels leak blood and other fluids. This causes the retinal tissue to swell, resulting in cloudy or blurred vision. The condition usually affects both eyes. The longer a person has diabetes, the more likely they will develop diabetic retinopathy. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness. Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include: • Seeing spots or floaters • Blurred vision • Having a dark or empty spot in the center of your vision • Difficulty seeing well at night When people with diabetes experience long periods of high blood sugar, fluid can accumulate in the lens inside the eye that controls focusing. This changes the curvature of the lens, leading to changes in vision. However, once blood sugar levels are controlled, usually the lens will return to its original shape and vision improves. Patients with diabetes who can better control their blood sugar levels will slow the onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy. According to a 2018 American Eye-Q® Survey conducted by the AOA, nearly half of Americans didn't know whether diabetic eye diseases have visible symptoms (often which the early stages of diabetic retinopathy does not). The same survey found that more than one-third of Americans didn't know a comprehensive eye exam is the only way to determine if a person's diabetes will cause blindness, which is why the AOA recommends that everyone with diabetes have a comprehensive dilated eye examination at least once a year. Early detection and treatment can limit the potential for significant vision loss from diabetic retinopathy. Treatment of diabetic retinopathy varies depending on the extent of the disease. People with diabetic retinopathy may need laser surgery to seal leaking blood vessels or to discourage other blood vessels from leaking. Your doctor of optometry might need to inject medications into the eye to decrease inflammation or stop the formation of new blood vessels. People with advanced cases of diabetic retinopathy might need a surgical procedure to remove and replace the gel-like fluid in the back of the eye, called the vitreous. Surgery may also be needed to repair a retinal detachment. This is a separation of the light-receiving lining in the back of the eye. If you are diabetic, you can help prevent or slow the development of diabetic retinopathy by: • Taking your prescribed medication • Sticking to your diet • Exercising regularly • Controlling high blood pressure • Avoiding alcohol and smoking ##### What causes diabetic retinopathy? Diabetic retinopathy results from the damage diabetes causes to the small blood vessels located in the retina. These damaged blood vessels can cause vision loss: • Fluid can leak into the macula, the area of the retina responsible for clear central vision. Although small, the macula is the part of the retina that allows us to see colors and fine detail. The fluid causes the macula to swell, resulting in blurred vision. • In an attempt to improve blood circulation in the retina, new blood vessels may form on its surface. These fragile, abnormal blood vessels can leak blood into the back of the eye and block vision. Diabetic retinopathy is classified into two types: 1. Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) is the early stage of the disease in which symptoms will be mild or nonexistent. In NPDR, the blood vessels in the retina are weakened. Tiny bulges in the blood vessels, called microaneurysms, may leak fluid into the retina. This leakage may lead to swelling of the macula. 2. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is the more advanced form of the disease. At this stage, circulation problems deprive the retina of oxygen. As a result, new, fragile blood vessels can begin to grow in the retina and into the vitreous, the gel-like fluid that fills the back of the eye. The new blood vessels may leak blood into the vitreous, clouding vision. Other complications of PDR include detachment of the retina due to scar tissue formation and the development of glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye disease in which there is progressive damage to the optic nerve. In PDR, new blood vessels grow into the area of the eye that drains fluid from the eye. This greatly raises the eye pressure, which damages the optic nerve. If left untreated, PDR can cause severe vision loss and even blindness. Risk factors for diabetic retinopathy include: • Diabetes. People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. The longer a person has diabetes, the more likely he or she is to develop diabetic retinopathy, particularly if the diabetes is poorly controlled. • Race. Hispanics and African Americans are at greater risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. • Medical conditions. People with other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, are at greater risk. • Pregnancy. Pregnant women face a higher risk for developing diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. If a woman develops gestational diabetes, she has a higher risk of developing diabetes as she ages. ##### How is diabetic retinopathy diagnosed? Diabetic retinopathy can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Testing, with emphasis on evaluating the retina and macula, may include: • Patient history to determine vision difficulties, presence of diabetes, and other general health concerns that may be affecting vision • Visual acuity measurements to determine how much central vision has been affected • Refraction to determine if a new eyeglass prescription is needed • Evaluation of the ocular structures, including the evaluation of the retina through a dilated pupil • Measurement of the pressure within the eye Supplemental testing may include: • Retinal photography or tomography to document the current status of the retina • Fluorescein angiography to evaluate abnormal blood vessel growth ##### How is diabetic retinopathy treated? Laser treatment (photocoagulation) is used to stop the leakage of blood and fluid into the retina. A laser beam of light can be used to create small burns in areas of the retina with abnormal blood vessels to try to seal the leaks. Treatment for diabetic retinopathy depends on the stage of the disease. The goal of any treatment is to slow or stop the progression of the disease. In the early stages of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, regular monitoring may be the only treatment. Following your doctor's advice for diet and exercise and controlling blood sugar levels can help control the progression of the disease. Injections of medication in the eye are aimed at discouraging the formation of abnormal blood vessels and may help slowdown the damaging effects of diabetic retinopathy. If the disease advances, the abnormal blood vessels can leak blood and fluid into the retina, leading to macular edema. Laser treatment (photocoagulation) can stop this leakage. A laser beam of light creates small burns in areas of the retina with abnormal blood vessels to try to seal the leaks. Widespread blood vessel growth in the retina, which occurs in proliferative diabetic retinopathy, can be treated by creating a pattern of scattered laser burns across the retina. This causes abnormal blood vessels to shrink and disappear. With this procedure, some side vision may be lost in order to safeguard central vision. --- ## Dry Eye URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/dry-eye/ ## Dry Eye Dry eye is a condition in which a person doesn't have enough quality tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision. Dry eye is a common and often chronic problem, particularly in older adults. With each blink of the eyelids, tears spread across the front surface of the eye, known as the cornea. Tears provide lubrication, reduce the risk of eye infection, wash away foreign matter in the eye and keep the surface of the eyes smooth and clear. Excess tears in the eyes flow into small drainage ducts in the inner corners of the eyelids, which drain into the back of the nose. Dry eyes can occur when tear production and drainage is not in balance. People with dry eyes either do not produce enough tears or their tears are of a poor quality: • Inadequate amount of tears. Tears are produced by several glands in and around the eyelids. Tear production tends to diminish with age, with various medical conditions or as a side effect of certain medicines. Environmental conditions, such as wind and dry climates, can also decrease tear volume due to increased tear evaporation. When the normal amount of tear production decreases or tears evaporate too quickly from the eyes, symptoms of dry eye can develop. • Poor quality of tears. Tears are made up of three layers: oil, water and mucus. Each component protects and nourishes the front surface of the eye. A smooth oil layer helps prevent evaporation of the water layer, while the mucin layer spreads the tears evenly over the surface of the eye. If the tears evaporate too quickly or do not spread evenly over the cornea due to deficiencies with any of the three tear layers, dry eye symptoms can develop. • The most common form of dry eyes occurs when the water layer of tears is inadequate. This condition, called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is also referred to as dry eye syndrome. People with dry eyes may experience irritated, gritty, scratchy or burning eyes; a feeling of something in their eyes; excess watering; and blurred vision. Advanced dry eyes may damage the front surface of the eye and impair vision. Treatments for dry eyes aim to restore or maintain the normal amount of tears in the eye to minimize dryness and related discomfort and to maintain eye health. ##### What causes dry eyes? Dry eyes can develop for many reasons, including: • Age. Dry eyes are a part of the natural aging process. The majority of people over age 65 experience some symptoms of dry eyes. • Gender. Women are more likely to develop dry eyes due to hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives and menopause. • Medications. Certain medicines, including antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications and antidepressants, can reduce tear production. • Medical conditions. People with rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and thyroid problems are more likely to have symptoms of dry eyes. Also, problems with inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis), inflammation of the surfaces of the eye, or the inward or outward turning of eyelids can cause dry eyes to develop. • Environmental conditions. Exposure to smoke, wind and dry climates can increase tear evaporation resulting in dry eye symptoms. Failure to blink regularly, such as when staring at a computer screen for long periods of time, can also contribute to drying of the eyes. • Other factors. Long-term use of contact lenses can be a factor in the development of dry eyes. Refractive eye surgeries, such as LASIK, can decrease tear production and contribute to dry eyes. ##### How are dry eyes diagnosed? Dry eyes can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Testing, with emphasis on the evaluation of the quantity and quality of tears produced by the eyes, may include: • Patient history to determine the patient's symptoms and to note any general health problems, medications or environmental factors that may be contributing to the dry eye problem. • External examination of the eye, including lid structure and blink dynamics. • Evaluation of the eyelids and cornea using bright light and magnification. • Measurement of the quantity and quality of tears for any abnormalities. Special dyes may be put in the eyes to better observe tear flow and to highlight any changes to the outer surface of the eye caused by insufficient tears. With the information obtained from testing, your optometrist can determine if you have dry eyes and advise you on treatment options. ##### How are dry eyes treated? Dry eyes can be a chronic condition, but your optometrist can prescribe treatment to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable and to prevent your vision from being affected. The primary approaches used to manage and treat dry eyes include adding tears using over-the-counter artificial tear solutions, conserving tears, increasing tear production, and treating the inflammation of the eyelids or eye surface that contributes to the dry eyes. • Adding tears. Mild cases of dry eyes can often be managed using over-the-counter artificial tear solutions. These can be used as often as needed to supplement natural tear production. Preservative-free artificial tear solutions are recommended because they contain fewer additives, which can further irritate the eyes. • People with dry eyes that don't respond to artificial tears alone will need to take additional steps to treat their dry eyes. • Conserving tears. Keeping natural tears in the eyes longer can reduce the symptoms of dry eyes. This can be done by blocking the tear ducts through which the tears normally drain. The tear ducts can be blocked with tiny silicone or gel-like plugs that can be removed, if needed. Or a surgical procedure can permanently close the tear ducts. In either case, the goal is to keep the available tears in the eye longer to reduce problems related to dry eyes. • Increasing tear production. Your optometrist can prescribe eye drops that increase tear production. Taking an omega-3 fatty acid nutritional supplement may also help. • Treating the contributing eyelid or ocular surface inflammation. Your optometrist might recommend prescription eye drops or ointments, warm compresses and lid massage, or eyelid cleaners to help decrease inflammation around the surface of the eyes. ##### Self-Care You can take the following steps to reduce symptoms of dry eyes: • Remember to blink regularly when reading or staring at a computer screen for long periods of time. • Increase the humidity in the air at work and at home. • Wear sunglasses outdoors, particularly those with wraparound frames, to reduce exposure to drying winds and the sun. • Nutritional supplements containing essential fatty acids may help decrease dry eye symptoms in some people. Ask your optometrist if taking dietary supplements could help your dry eye problems. • Avoiding becoming dehydrated by drinking plenty of water (8 to 10 glasses) each day. --- ## Eye Coordination URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/eye-coordination/ ## Eye Coordination Eye coordination is the ability of both eyes to work together as a team. Each of your eyes sees a slightly different image. Your brain, through a process called fusion, blends these two images into one three-dimensional picture. If your eyes are improperly aligned, seeing three-dimensional images may be difficult. Symptoms of poor eye coordination include double vision, headaches, eye and body fatigue, irritability, dizziness, and difficulty reading and concentrating. Children with poor eye coordination might cover one eye, skip lines or lose their place while reading, perform poorly in sports, avoid tasks that require close work and tire easily. Eye coordination is a skill that must be developed. Inadequate vision development or improperly developed eye muscle control can cause poor eye coordination. Although rare, an injury or disease can also cause poor eye coordination. People with poor eye muscle control often subconsciously exert extra effort to maintain proper alignment of the eyes. In more severe cases, the muscles cannot adjust the eyes so that the same image is seen by both eyes, resulting in double vision. However, the brain will try to avoid seeing double, so it eventually learns to ignore the image sent by one eye. This can result in amblyopia, a serious vision condition commonly known as lazy eye. Left untreated over a long time, amblyopia can impair the visual system. Vision will not fully improve, even with glasses or contact lens correction. Because poor eye coordination can be difficult to detect, the American Optometric Association recommends periodic comprehensive optometric examinations, beginning at age 6 months and again at age 3. In this comprehensive examination, a doctor of optometry will test for poor eye coordination. Poor eye coordination is often successfully treated with eyeglasses and/or vision therapy. Sometimes, eye coordination will improve when other vision conditions like nearsightedness or farsightedness are corrected. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. --- ## Hyperopia URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/hyperopia/ ## Hyperopia (Farsightedness) Farsightedness, or hyperopia, as it is medically termed, is a vision condition in which distant objects can be seen clearly, but close ones do not come into proper focus. Farsightedness is due to the eye not bending light properly so it focuses in front of the back of the eye or the cornea has too little curvature. In these cases, your eye can't correctly focus the light that enters. Common signs of hyperopia include difficulty concentrating and maintaining a clear focus on near objects, eye strain, fatigue and/or headaches after close work, aching or burning eyes, and irritability or nervousness after sustained concentration. Common vision screenings, like the ones done in schools, often don't detect hyperopia. However, a comprehensive optometric examination will include the necessary testing to diagnose hyperopia. If needed, your optometrist can offer treatment options. In mild cases of farsightedness, your eyes may be able to compensate without corrective lenses. In other cases, your optometrist can prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses that alter the way the light enters your eyes, allowing you to clearly see close objects. --- ## Macular Degeneration URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/macular-degeneration/ ## Age-Related Macular Degeneration Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss in adults over age 50. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 1.8 million people have AMD and another 7.3 million are at substantial risk for vision loss from AMD. Caucasians are at higher risk for developing AMD than other races. Women also develop AMD at an earlier age than men. This eye disease occurs when there are changes to the macula, a small portion of the retina that is located on the inside back layer of the eye. AMD is a loss of central vision that can occur in two forms: "dry" (atrophic) and "wet" (exudative). Most people with macular degeneration have the dry form. While there is no specific treatment for dry AMD, studies have shown a potential benefit from vitamin supplements a Mediterranean diet and cessation of smoking. The less common wet form may respond to intraocular injections of anti-VEGF medications if detected and treated early. ##### Symptoms and Diagnosis of AMD In its early stages, the following signs of macular degeneration can go unnoticed. • Gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly. • Shape of objects appears distorted. • Straight lines look wavy or crooked. • Loss of clear color vision. • A dark or empty area in the center of vision. If you experience any of the above signs or symptoms, contact your doctor of optometry immediately for a comprehensive eye examination. Your optometrist will perform a variety of tests to determine if you have macular degeneration or any other eye health problems. Central vision that is lost to macular degeneration cannot be restored. However, low-vision devices, such as telescopic and microscopic lenses, can maximize existing vision. ##### Treatment of AMD With "dry" macular degeneration, the tissue of the macula gradually becomes thin and stops working properly. There is no cure for dry AMD, and any loss in central vision cannot be restored. However, researchers and doctors believe there is a link between nutrition and the progression of dry AMD. Making dietary changes and taking nutritional supplements can slow vision loss. Less common, "wet" macular degeneration occurs when fluids leak from newly formed blood vessels under the macula. This leakage blurs central vision. Vision loss can be rapid and severe. If detected early, wet AMD can be treated with intraocular injections of anti-VEGF medications. Researchers have linked eye-friendly nutrients such as lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc to reducing the risk of certain eye diseases, including macular degeneration. For more information on the importance of good nutrition and eye health, please see the diet and nutrition section. --- ## Myopia URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/myopia/ ## Myopia (Nearsightedness) Nearsightedness, or myopia, as it is medically termed, is a vision condition in which people can see close objects clearly, but objects farther away appear blurred. People with myopia can have difficulty clearly seeing a movie or TV screen, a whiteboard in school or while driving. Myopia occurs if the eyeball is too long or the cornea (the clear front cover of the eye) is too curved. As a result, the light entering the eye isn't focused correctly, and distant objects look blurred. Myopia affects nearly 30 percent of the U.S. population. While the exact cause of myopia is unknown, there is significant evidence that many people inherit myopia, or at least the tendency to develop myopia. If one or both parents are nearsighted, there is an increased chance their children will be nearsighted. Even though the tendency to develop myopia may be inherited, its actual development may be affected by how a person uses his or her eyes. Individuals who spend considerable time reading, working at a computer, or doing other intense close visual work may be more likely to develop myopia. Generally, myopia first occurs in school-age children. Because the eye continues to grow during childhood, it typically progresses until about age 20. However, myopia may also develop in adults due to visual stress or health conditions such as diabetes. Myopia may also occur due to environmental factors or other health problems: • Some people may experience blurred distance vision only at night. With "night myopia," low light makes it difficult for the eyes to focus properly. Or the increased pupil size during dark conditions allows more peripheral, unfocused light rays to enter the eye. • People who do an excessive amount of near-vision work may experience a false or "pseudo" myopia. Their blurred distance vision is caused by overuse of the eyes' focusing mechanism. After long periods of near work, their eyes are unable to refocus to see clearly in the distance. Clear distance vision usually returns after resting the eyes. However, constant visual stress may lead to a permanent reduction in distance vision over time. • Symptoms of myopia may also be a sign of variations in blood sugar levels in people with diabetes or may be an early indication of a developing cataract. A doctor of optometry can determine the cause of the vision problems through a comprehensive eye exam. ##### How is myopia diagnosed? Testing for myopia may use several procedures to measure how the eyes focus light and to determine the power of any optical lenses needed to correct the reduced vision. As part of the testing, you will identify letters on a distance chart. This test measures visual acuity, which is written as a fraction, such as 20/40. The top number of the fraction is the standard distance at which testing is performed (20 feet). The bottom number is the smallest letter size read. A person with 20/40 visual acuity would have to get within 20 feet to identify a letter that could be seen clearly at 40 feet in a "normal" eye. Normal distance visual acuity is 20/20, although many people have 20/15 (better) vision. Using an instrument called a phoropter, a doctor of optometry places a series of lenses in front of your eyes and measures how they focus light using a handheld lighted instrument called a retinoscope. Or the doctor may choose to use an automated instrument that evaluates the focusing power of the eye. The power is then refined based on your responses to determine the lenses that allow the clearest vision. Your doctor can conduct this testing without using eye drops to determine how the eyes respond under normal seeing conditions. In some cases, such as for patients who can't respond verbally or when some of the eye's focusing power may be hidden, a doctor may use eye drops. The eye drops temporarily keep the eyes from changing focus during testing. Using the information from these tests, along with the results of other tests of eye focusing and eye teaming, your doctor can determine if you have myopia. He or she will also determine the power of any lens correction needed to provide clear vision. Once testing is complete, your doctor can discuss treatment options. ##### How is myopia treated? People with myopia have several options available to regain clear distance vision. They include: • Eyeglasses. For most people with myopia, eyeglasses are the primary choice for correction. Depending on the amount of myopia, you may only need to wear glasses for certain activities, like watching a movie or driving a car. Or, if you are very nearsighted, you may need to wear them all the time. • Generally, a single-vision lens is prescribed to provide clear vision at all distances. However, patients over age 40, or children and adults whose myopia is due to the stress of near-vision work, may need a bifocal or progressive addition lens. These multifocal lenses provide different powers or strengths throughout the lens to allow for clear vision in the distance and up close. • Contact lenses. For some individuals, contact lenses offer clearer vision and a wider field of view than eyeglasses. However, since contact lenses are worn directly on the eyes, they require proper care to safeguard eye health. • Ortho-k or CRT. Another option for treating myopia is orthokeratology (ortho-k), also known as corneal refractive therapy (CRT). In this nonsurgical procedure, you wear a series of specially designed rigid contact lenses to gradually reshape the curvature of your cornea, the front outer surface of the eye. The lenses place pressure on the cornea to flatten it. This changes how light entering the eye is focused. You wear the contact lenses for limited periods, such as overnight, and then remove them. People with mild myopia may be able to temporarily obtain clear vision for most of their daily activities. • Laser procedures. Laser procedures such as LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) or PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) are also possible treatment options for myopia in adults. A laser beam of light reshapes the cornea by removing a small amount of eye tissue. The amount of myopia that PRK or LASIK can correct is limited by the amount of corneal tissue that can be safely removed. • In PRK, a laser removes a thin layer of tissue from the surface of the cornea in order to change its shape and refocus light entering the eye. • LASIK removes tissue from the inner layers, but not from the surface, of the cornea. To do this, a section of the outer corneal surface is lifted and folded back to expose the inner tissue. A laser then removes the precise amount of corneal tissue needed to reshape the eye. Then, the flap of outer tissue is placed back in position to heal. • Other refractive surgery procedures. People who are highly nearsighted or whose corneas are too thin for laser procedures may be able to have their myopia surgically corrected. A doctor may be able to implant small lenses with the desired optical correction in their eyes. The implant can be placed just in front of the natural lens (phakic intraocular lens implant), or the implant can replace the natural lens (clear lens extraction with intraocular lens implantation). This clear lens extraction procedure is similar to cataract surgery but occurs before a cataract is present. • Vision therapy for people with stress-related myopia. Vision therapy is an option for people whose blurred distance vision is caused by a spasm of the muscles that control eye focusing. Various eye exercises can improve poor eye focusing ability and regain clear distance vision. If you have myopia, you have a variety of options to correct your vision problem. In consultation with your doctor, you can select the treatment that best meets your visual and lifestyle needs. --- ## Nystagmus URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/nystagmus/ ## Nystagmus Nystagmus is a vision condition in which the eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements. These movements often result in reduced vision and depth perception and can affect balance and coordination. These involuntary eye movements can occur from side to side, up and down, or in a circular pattern. As a result, both eyes are unable to steadily view objects. People with nystagmus might nod and hold their heads in unusual positions to compensate for the condition. Generally, nystagmus is a symptom of another eye or medical problem. Fatigue and stress can make nystagmus worse. However, the exact cause is often unknown. The forms of nystagmus include: • Infantile. Most often develops by 2 to 3 months of age. The eyes tend to move in a horizontal swinging fashion. It is often associated with other conditions, such as albinism, congenital absence of the iris (the colored part of the eye), underdeveloped optic nerves and congenital cataract. • Spasmus nutans. Usually occurs between 6 months and 3 years of age and improves on its own between 2 and 8 years of age. Children with this form of nystagmus often nod and tilt their heads. Their eyes may move in any direction. This type of nystagmus usually does not require treatment. • Acquired. Develops later in childhood or adulthood. The cause is often unknown, but it may be due to central nervous system and metabolic disorders or alcohol and drug toxicity. ##### What causes nystagmus? Nystagmus is most commonly caused by a neurological problem that is present at birth or develops in early childhood. Acquired nystagmus, which occurs later in life, can be the symptom of another condition or disease, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis or trauma. Other causes of nystagmus include: • Lack of development of normal eye movement control early in life • Albinism • Very high refractive error, for example, nearsightedness (myopia) or astigmatism • Congenital cataracts • Inflammation of the inner ear • Medications such as anti-epilepsy drugs • Central nervous system diseases ##### How is nystagmus diagnosed? Nystagmus can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam. Testing for nystagmus, with special emphasis on how the eyes move, may include: • Patient history to determine any symptoms the patient is experiencing and the presence of any general health problems, medications taken, or environmental factors that may be contributing to the symptoms. • Visual acuity measurements to assess the extent to which vision may be affected. • A refraction to determine the appropriate lens power needed to compensate for any refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism). • Testing how the eyes focus, move and work together. In order to obtain a clear, single image of what is being viewed, the eyes must effectively change focus, move and work in unison. This testing will look for problems that affect the control of eye movements or make it difficult to use both eyes together.Since nystagmus is often the result of other underlying health problems, your optometrist may refer you to your primary care physician or other medical specialist for further testing. Using the information obtained from testing, your optometrist can determine if you have nystagmus and advise you on treatment options. ##### How is nystagmus treated? While eyeglasses and contact lenses do not correct the nystagmus itself, they can sometimes improve vision. Using large-print books, magnifying devices and increased lighting can also be helpful. Some types of nystagmus improve throughout childhood. Rarely, surgery is performed to change the position of the muscles that move the eyes. While this surgery does not cure nystagmus, it may reduce how much a person needs to turn his or her head for better vision. If another health problem is causing the nystagmus, your optometrist will often work with your primary care physician or other medical specialists to treat that underlying cause. --- ## Ocular Hypertension URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/ocular-hypertension/ ## Ocular Hypertension Ocular hypertension occurs when the pressure in your eyes is above the range considered normal with no detectable changes in vision or damage to the structure of your eyes. The term is used to distinguish people with elevated pressure from those with glaucoma, a serious eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve and vision loss. Ocular hypertension can occur in people of all ages, but it occurs more frequently in African Americans, people over age 40 and people with family histories of ocular hypertension and/or glaucoma. It is also more common in people who are very nearsighted or who have diabetes. Ocular hypertension has no noticeable signs or symptoms. Your doctor of optometry can check the pressure in your eyes with an instrument called a tonometer. Your optometrist can also examine the inner structures of your eyes to assess your overall eye health. Not all people with ocular hypertension will develop glaucoma. However, people with ocular hypertension have an increased risk of glaucoma. Therefore, if you have ocular hypertension, it is essential to have regular comprehensive optometric examinations. There is no cure for ocular hypertension. However, with careful monitoring and treatment, when necessary, you can decrease the risk of damage to your eyes. --- ## Presbyopia URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/presbyopia/ ## Presbyopia Presbyopia is a vision condition in which the shape of the crystalline lens of your eye changes. These changes make it difficult to focus on close objects. Presbyopia may seem to occur suddenly, but sight reduction occurs over several years. Presbyopia usually becomes noticeable in the early to mid-40s, but the reduction of your focusing starts as early as childhood. Presbyopia is a natural part of the aging process of the eye. It is not a disease, and it cannot be prevented. Some signs of presbyopia include holding reading materials at arm's length, blurred vision at normal reading distance and eye fatigue along with headaches when doing close work. A comprehensive optometric examination will include testing for presbyopia. To help you compensate for presbyopia, your doctor of optometry can prescribe reading glasses, multifocal glasses or contact lenses. Presbyopia can complicate other common vision conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Your doctor will determine the specific lenses to allow you to see clearly and comfortably. You may only need to wear your glasses for close work like reading, but you may find that wearing them all the time is more convenient and helpful. The effects of presbyopia will continue over your lifetime. Therefore, you may need to periodically change your eyewear to maintain clear and comfortable vision. --- ## Retinitis Pigmentosa URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/retinitis-pigmentosa/ ## Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited diseases that damage the light-sensitive rods and cones in the retina, the back part of our eyes. The rods, which provide side (peripheral) and night vision, are affected more than the cones, which provide color and clear central vision. Signs of RP usually appear during childhood or adolescence. The first sign is often night blindness, followed by a slow loss of side vision. As the disease develops over the years, people with RP often bump into chairs and other objects because their side vision is worsening. They can only see straight ahead, as if they are in a tunnel. Fortunately, most cases of RP take a long time to develop and vision loss is gradual. It may take many years for vision loss to become severe. Currently, there is no cure for RP. However, research indicates that vitamin A and lutein may slow the disease's progression. A doctor of optometry can provide more specific information on nutritional supplements that may help slow the disease and can monitor the progression thereafter. Also, low-vision aids, including telescopic and magnifying lenses, night vision scopes and other adaptive devices, can help people with RP maximize their remaining vision. A doctor of optometry who is experienced in low-vision rehabilitation can provide these devices. He or she can also provide information about other training and assistance to help people remain independent and productive. Genetics research may one day provide a prevention or cure for people who have this inherited disease. --- ## Retinoblastoma URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/retinoblastoma/ ## Retinoblastoma The most common cancer involving the eye in young children is retinoblastoma . In the United States, this fast-growing cancer occurs in 1 in every 20,000 children, making it the 10th most common pediatric cancer. Optometrists diagnose, refer and co-manage the care of cancers that involve the eye area. Early detection of cancer can greatly reduce the severity of the illness and increase life expectancy. Often the first sign of retinoblastoma in a child is the appearance of a white eye in a photograph taken with a flash. A child's pupil should never appear white. If it does, see your optometrist for an evaluation immediately. There are two forms of retinoblastoma: hereditary and sporadic. Although sporadic retinoblastoma occurs more frequently, children from families with a history of hereditary retinoblastoma should be assessed regularly. Even if no eye or vision problems are apparent, the American Optometric Association recommends scheduling your baby's first eye assessment at 6 months. Through InfantSEE®, a public health program managed by the AOA Foundation, participating optometrists provide a comprehensive infant eye assessment between 6 and 12 months of age as a no-cost public service. Go to the InfantSEE® website to learn more and locate a doctor in your area who can provide a free infant assessment. --- ## Strabismus URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/strabismus/ ## Strabismus (Crossed Eyes) Crossed eyes, or strabismus, is a condition in which both eyes do not look at the same place at the same time. It usually occurs in people who have poor eye muscle control or are very farsighted. Six muscles attach to each eye to control how it moves. The muscles receive signals from the brain that direct their movements. Normally, the eyes work together so they both point at the same place. When problems develop with eye movement control, an eye may turn in, out, up or down. The eye turning may occur all the time or may appear only when the person is tired, ill, or has done a lot of reading or close work. In some cases, the same eye may turn each time. In other cases, the eyes may alternate turning. Proper eye alignment is important to avoid seeing double, for good depth perception, and to prevent the development of poor vision in the turned eye. When the eyes are misaligned, the brain receives two different images. At first, this may create double vision and confusion. But over time the brain will learn to ignore the image from the turned eye. Untreated, eye turning can lead to permanently reduced vision in one eye. This condition is called amblyopia or lazy eye. Some babies' eyes may appear to be misaligned, but they are actually both aiming at the same object. This is a condition called pseudostrabismus or false strabismus. The appearance of crossed eyes may be due to extra skin that covers the inner corner of the eyes or a wide bridge of the nose. Usually, the appearance of crossed eyes will go away as the baby's face begins to grow. Strabismus usually develops in infants and young children, most often by age 3. But older children and adults can also develop the condition. People often believe that a child with strabismus will outgrow the condition. However, this is not true. In fact, strabismus may get worse without treatment. A doctor of optometry should examine any child older than 4 months whose eyes do not appear to be straight all the time. Strabismus is classified by the direction the eye turns: • Inward turning is called esotropia • Outward turning is called exotropia • Upward turning is called hypertropia • Downward turning is called hypotropia. Other classifications of strabismus include: • The frequency with which it occurs—either constant or intermittent • Whether it always involves the same eye—unilateral • If the turning eye is sometimes the right eye and other times the left eye—alternating. Treatment for strabismus may include eyeglasses, prisms, vision therapy, or eye muscle surgery. If detected and treated early, strabismus can often be corrected with excellent results. ##### What causes strabismus? Strabismus can be caused by problems with the eye muscles, the nerves that transmit information to the muscles, or the control center in the brain that directs eye movements. It can also develop due to other general health conditions or eye injuries. Risk factors for developing strabismus include: • Family history. People with parents or siblings who have strabismus are more likely to develop it. • Refractive error. People who have a significant amount of uncorrected farsightedness (hyperopia) may develop strabismus because of the additional eye focusing they must do to keep objects clear. • Medical conditions. People with conditions such as Down syndrome and cerebral palsy or who have suffered a stroke or head injury are at a higher risk for developing strabismus. Many types of strabismus can develop in children or adults, but the two most common forms are: • Accommodative esotropia often occurs because of uncorrected farsightedness (hyperopia). The eye's focusing system is linked to the system that controls where the eyes point. People who are farsighted are focusing extra hard to keep images clear. This may cause the eyes to turn inward. Symptoms of accommodative esotropia may include seeing double, closing or covering one eye when doing close work, and tilting or turning the head. • Intermittent exotropia may develop when a person cannot coordinate both eyes together. The eyes may point beyond the object being viewed. People with intermittent exotropia may experience headaches, difficulty reading and eye strain. They also may close one eye when viewing at distance or in bright sunlight. ##### How is strabismus diagnosed? A doctor of optometry can diagnose strabismus through a comprehensive eye exam. Testing for strabismus, with special emphasis on how the eyes focus and move, may include: • Patient history. A doctor of optometry will ask the patient or parent about any current symptoms. In addition, the doctor will note any general health problems, medications or environmental factors that may be contributing to the symptoms. • Visual Acuity. A doctor of optometry will measure visual acuity to assess how much vision is being affected. For the test, you will be asked to read letters on reading charts that are near and at a distance. Visual acuity is written as a fraction, such as 20/40. The top number is the standard distance at which testing is done (20 feet). The bottom number is the smallest letter size you were able to read at the 20-foot distance. A person with 20/40 visual acuity would have to get within 20 feet of a letter that should be seen clearly at 40 feet. "Normal" distance visual acuity is 20/20. Your eye doctor has other methods of measuring vision in young children or patients who cannot speak or comprehend the visual acuity test. • Refraction. A doctor of optometry can conduct a refraction to determine the appropriate lens power you need to compensate for any refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism). Using an instrument called a phoropter, the doctor places a series of lenses in front of your eyes and measures how they focus light using a handheld lighted instrument called a retinoscope. Or the doctor may use an automated or handheld instrument that evaluates the refractive power of the eye without the patient needing to answer any questions. • Alignment and focusing testing. Your doctor of optometry needs to assess how well your eyes focus, move and work together. To obtain a clear, single image of what you are viewing, your eyes must effectively change focus, move and work in unison. This testing will look for problems that keep your eyes from focusing effectively or make it difficult to use both eyes together. • Examination of eye health. Using various testing procedures, your doctor of optometry will observe the internal and external structures of your eyes to rule out any eye disease that may be contributing to strabismus. This testing will determine how the eyes respond under normal seeing conditions. For patients who can't respond verbally or when some of the eyes focusing power may be hidden, your doctor may use eye drops. The eye drops temporarily keep the eyes from changing focus during testing.Using the information obtained from these tests, along with the results of other tests, your doctor can determine if you have strabismus. Once testing is complete, your doctor can discuss treatment options. ##### How is strabismus treated? People with strabismus have several treatment options to improve eye alignment and coordination. They include: • Eyeglasses or contact lenses. This may be the only treatment needed for some patients. • Prism lenses. These special lenses are thicker on one side than the other. The prisms alter the light entering the eye and reduce how much turning the eye must do to view objects. Sometimes the prisms can eliminate the eye turning. • Vision therapy. Your doctor of optometry might prescribe a structured program of visual activities to improve eye coordination and eye focusing. Vision therapy trains the eyes and brain to work together more effectively. These eye exercises can help problems with eye movement, eye focusing and eye teaming and reinforce the eye-brain connection. Treatment can occur in your doctor of optometry's office as well as at home. • Eye muscle surgery. Surgery can change the length or position of the muscles around the eyes so they appear straight. Often, people who have eye muscle surgery will also need vision therapy to improve eye coordination and to keep the eyes from becoming misaligned again. --- ## Visual Acuity URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/visual-acuity/ ## Visual Acuity: What is 20/20 Vision? 20/20 vision is a term used to express normal visual acuity (the clarity or sharpness of vision) measured at a distance of 20 feet. If you have 20/20 vision, you can see clearly at 20 feet what should normally be seen at that distance. If you have 20/100 vision, it means that you must be as close as 20 feet to see what a person with normal vision can see at 100 feet. Having 20/20 vision does not necessarily mean you have perfect vision. 20/20 vision only indicates the sharpness or clarity of vision at a distance. Other important vision skills, including peripheral awareness or side vision, eye coordination, depth perception, focusing ability and color vision, contribute to your overall visual ability. Some people can see well at a distance but are unable to bring nearer objects into focus. This condition can be caused by hyperopia (farsightedness) or presbyopia (loss of focusing ability). Others can see items that are close but cannot see those far away. This condition may be caused by myopia (nearsightedness). A comprehensive eye examination by a doctor of optometry can diagnose what is affecting your ability to see well. In most cases, your optometrist can prescribe glasses, contact lenses or a vision therapy program that will help improve your vision. If the reduced vision is due to an eye disease, you may be prescribed ocular medication or another treatment. --- ## Privacy Policy URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/privacy-policy/ ## Privacy Policy ##### Volunteer Eyecare NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES This Notice of Privacy Practices ("Notice") describes how we may use or disclose your health information and how you can get access to such information. Please read it carefully. Your "health information," for purposes of this Notice, is generally any information that identifies you and is created, received, maintained or transmitted by us in the course of providing health care items or services to you (referred to as "health information" in this Notice). We are required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA") and other applicable laws to maintain the privacy of your health information, to provide individuals with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices with respect to such information, and to abide by the terms of this Notice. We are also required by law to notify affected individuals following a breach of their unsecured health information. ##### USES AND DISCLOSURES OF INFORMATION WITHOUT YOUR AUTHORIZATION The most common reasons why we use or disclose your health information are for treatment, payment or health care operations. Examples of how we use or disclose your health information for treatment purposes are: setting up an appointment for you; testing or examining your eyes; prescribing glasses, contact lenses, or eye medications and faxing them to be filled; showing you low vision aids; referring you to another doctor or clinic for eye care or low vision aids or services; or getting copies of your health information from another professional that you may have seen before us. Examples of how we use or disclose your health information for payment purposes are: asking you about your health or vision care plans, or other sources of payment; preparing and sending bills or claims; and collecting unpaid amounts (either ourselves or through a collection agency or attorney). "Health care operations" mean those administrative and managerial functions that we must carry out in order to run our office. Examples of how we use or disclose your health information for health care operations are: financial or billing audits; internal quality assurance; personnel decisions; participation in managed care plans; defense of legal matters; business planning; and outside storage of our records. ##### Other Disclosures and Uses We May Make Without Your Authorization or Consent In some limited situations, the law allows or requires us to use or disclose your health information without your consent or authorization. Not all of these situations will apply to us; some may never come up at our office at all. Such uses or disclosures are: • when a state or federal law mandates that certain health information be reported for a specific purpose; • for public health purposes, such as contagious disease reporting, investigation or surveillance; and notices to and from the federal Food and Drug Administration regarding drugs or medical devices; • disclosures to governmental authorities about victims of suspected abuse, neglect or domestic violence; • uses and disclosures for health oversight activities, such as for the licensing of doctors; for audits by Medicare or Medicaid; or for investigation of possible violations of health care laws; • disclosures for judicial and administrative proceedings, such as in response to subpoenas or orders of courts or administrative agencies; • disclosures for law enforcement purposes, such as to provide information about someone who is or is suspected to be a victim of a crime; to provide information about a crime at our office; or to report a crime that happened somewhere else; • disclosure to a medical examiner to identify a dead person or to determine the cause of death; or to funeral directors to aid in burial; or to organizations that handle organ or tissue donations; • uses or disclosures for health related research; • uses and disclosures to prevent a serious threat to health or safety; • uses or disclosures for specialized government functions, such as for the protection of the president or high ranking government officials; for lawful national intelligence activities; for military purposes; or for the evaluation and health of members of the foreign service; • disclosures of de-identified information; • disclosures relating to worker’s compensation programs; • disclosures of a "limited data set" for research, public health, or health care operations; • incidental disclosures that are an unavoidable by-product of permitted uses or disclosures; • disclosures to "business associates" and their subcontractors who perform health care operations for us and who commit to respect the privacy of your health information in accordance with HIPAA; • . Unless you object, we will also share relevant information about your care with any of your personal representatives who are helping you with your eye care. Upon your death, we may disclose to your family members or to other persons who were involved in your care or payment for heath care prior to your death (such as your personal representative) health information relevant to their involvement in your care unless doing so is inconsistent with your preferences as expressed to us prior to your death. ##### SPECIFIC USES AND DISCLOSURES OF INFORMATION REQUIRING YOUR AUTHORIZATION The following are some specific uses and disclosures we may not make of your health information without your authorization: Marketing activities. We must obtain your authorization prior to using or disclosing any of your health information for marketing purposes unless such marketing communications take the form of face-to-face communications we may make with individuals or promotional gifts of nominal value that we may provide. If such marketing involves financial payment to us from a third party your authorization must also include consent to such payment. Sale of health information. We do not currently sell or plan to sell your health information and we must seek your authorization prior to doing so. Psychotherapy notes. Although we do not create or maintain psychotherapy notes on our patients, we are required to notify you that we generally must obtain your authorization prior to using or disclosing any such notes. ##### YOUR RIGHTS TO PROVIDE AN AUTHORIZATION FOR OTHER USES AND DISCLOSURES • Other uses and disclosures of your health information that are not described in this Notice will be made only with your written authorization. • You may give us written authorization permitting us to use your health information or to disclose it to anyone for any purpose. • We will obtain your written authorization for uses and disclosures of your health information that are not identified in this Notice or are not otherwise permitted by applicable law. • We must agree to your request to restrict disclosure of your health information to a health plan if the disclosure is for the purpose of carrying out payment or health care operations and is not otherwise required by law and such information pertains solely to a health care item or service for which you have paid in full (or for which another person other than the health plan has paid in full on your behalf). Any authorization you provide to us regarding the use and disclosure of your health information may be revoked by you in writing at any time. After you revoke your authorization, we will no longer use or disclose your health information for the reasons described in the authorization. However, we are generally unable to retract any disclosures that we may have already made with your authorization. We may also be required to disclose health information as necessary for purposes of payment for services received by you prior to the date you revoked your authorization. ##### YOUR INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS You have many rights concerning the confidentiality of your health information. You have the right: • To request restrictions on the health information we may use and disclose for treatment, payment and health care operations. We are not required to agree to these requests. To request restrictions, please send a written request to us at the address below. • To receive confidential communications of health information about you in any manner other than described in our authorization request form. You must make such requests in writing to the address below. However, we reserve the right to determine if we will be able to continue your treatment under such restrictive authorizations. • To inspect or copy your health information. You must make such requests in writing to the address below. If you request a copy of your health information we may charge you a fee for the cost of copying, mailing or other supplies. In certain circumstances we may deny your request to inspect or copy your health information, subject to applicable law. • To amend health information. If you feel that health information we have about you is incorrect or incomplete, you may ask us to amend the information. To request an amendment, you must write to us at the address below. You must also give us a reason to support your request. We may deny your request to amend your health information if it is not in writing or does not provide a reason to support your request. We may also deny your request if the health information: - was not created by us, unless the person that created the information is no longer available to make the amendment, - is not part of the health information kept by or for us, - is not part of the information you would be permitted to inspect or copy, or - is accurate and complete. • To receive an accounting of disclosures of your health information. You must make such requests in writing to the address below. Not all health information is subject to this request. Your request must state a time period for the information you would like to receive, no longer than 6 years prior to the date of your request and may not include dates before April 14, 2003. Your request must state how you would like to receive the report (paper, electronically). • To designate another party to receive your health information. If your request for access of your health information directs us to transmit a copy of the health information directly to another person the request must be made by you in writing to the address below and must clearly identify the designated recipient and where to send the copy of the health information. ##### Contact Person Our contact person for all questions, requests or for further information related to the privacy of your health information is: Volunteer Eyecare 6719 Maynardville Pike Knoxville, TN 37918 Phone: (865) 377-4141 Fax: (865) 922-8412 contactus@volunteereyecare.com Attn: Sharon Smith ##### Complaints If you think that we have not properly respected the privacy of your health information, you are free to complain to us or to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. We will not retaliate against you if you make a complaint. If you want to complain to us, send a written complaint to the office contact person at the address, fax or E mail shown above. If you prefer, you can discuss your complaint in person or by phone. ##### Changes to This Notice: We reserve the right to change our privacy practices and to apply the revised practices to health information about you that we already have. Any revision to our privacy practices will be described in a revised Notice that will be posted prominently in our facility. Copies of this Notice are also available upon request at our reception area. Notice Revised and Effective: January 1, 2020 ##### ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT I acknowledge that I received a copy of Steven Elliott, OD and Associates, Inc. D.B.A. Volunteer Eyecare, Notice of Privacy Practices. Date ___________ Patient name________________________________ Signature _______________________________ --- ## Eyes A-Z URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/eyes-a-z/ 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 ## Eyes A-Z The American Optometric Association provides doctor-reviewed, doctor-approved information about the most common eye conditions. Find out more below. If you are having vision or eye problems, see an AOA-member doctor of optometry today. Acanthamoeba Anterior Uveitis Astigmatism Blepharitis Cataract Chalazion Color Deficiency Conjunctivitis (Red Eyes) Diabetic Retinopathy Dry Eye Eye Coordination Glaucoma Hyperopia Keratoconus Lazy Eye (Amblyopia) Macular Degeneration Myopia Nystagmus Ocular Hypertension Presbyopia Retinitis Pigmentosa Retinoblastoma Spots & Floaters Strabismus Visual Acuity ###### Acanthamoeba Acanthamoeba is one of the most common organisms in the environment. Although it rarely causes infection, when it does occur, it can threaten your vision. Recently, there have been increased reports of Acanthamoeba keratitis. The best defense against Acanthamoeba keratitis infection is proper contact lens hygiene. back to top ###### Anterior Uveitis Anterior uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye.Anterior uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye. This middle layer includes the iris (colored part of the eye) and adjacent tissue (known as the ciliary body). If untreated, glaucoma, cataract or retinal edema can develop and cause permanent loss of vision. It usually responds well to treatment, but the inflammation tends to recur. back to top ###### Astigmatism Astigmatism is a vision condition that causes blurred vision due either to the irregular shape of the cornea (the clear front cover of the eye) or sometimes the curvature of the lens inside the eye. back to top ###### Blepharitis Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids and eyelashes. It causes red, irritated, itchy eyelids and dandruff-like scales on eyelashes. back to top ###### Cataract A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear lens of the eye. Depending upon its size and location, it can interfere with normal vision. Most cataracts develop in people over age 55, but they occasionally occur in infants and young children. Usually cataracts develop in both eyes, but one may be worse than the other. back to top ###### Chalazion A chalazion is a slowly developing lump that forms due to blockage and swelling of an oil gland in the eyelid. It is more common in adults between the ages of 30 to 50 than children. back to top ###### Color Deficiency Color vision deficiency is the inability to distinguish certain shades of color. In severe cases, people can't see colors at all. The term "color blindness" is also used to describe this visual condition, but very few people are completely color blind. back to top ###### Conjunctivitis (Red Eyes) Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer that lines the inner eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. The three main types of conjunctivitis are infectious, allergic and chemical. The infectious type, commonly called "pink eye," is caused by a contagious virus or bacteria. back to top ###### Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetes is a disease that interferes with the body's ability to use and store sugar and can cause many health problems. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when small blood vessels in your eyes become damaged. These blood vessels nourish your eye's retina, the delicate, light-sensitive lining of the back of the eye. back to top ###### Dry Eye The tears your eyes produce are necessary for overall eye health and clear vision. Dry eyes occur when the body can't produce enough tears or the specific components that make up tears. back to top ###### Eye Coordination Eye coordination is the ability of both eyes to work together as a team. Each of your eyes sees a slightly different image. Your brain, by a process called fusion, blends these two images into one three-dimensional picture. Good eye coordination keeps the eyes in proper alignment. Poor eye coordination results from a lack of adequate vision development or improperly developed eye muscle control. back to top ###### Glaucoma Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the internal pressure in your eyes increases enough to damage your optic nerve and cause vision loss. The increased pressure occurs when the passages that allow fluid in your eyes to drain become clogged. The reasons the passages become blocked are not known. back to top ###### Hyperopia (Farsightedness) Hyperopia is a condition where light comes to a focus behind the retina.Farsightedness, or hyperopia, is a vision condition in which distant objects are usually seen clearly, but close ones do not come into proper focus. Farsightedness occurs if your eyeball is too short or the cornea has too little curvature, so light entering your eye is not focused correctly. back to top ###### Keratoconus Keratoconus is a vision disorder that occurs when the normally round cornea (the front part of the eye) becomes thin and cone-shaped. This abnormal shape prevents the light entering the eye from being focused correctly on the retina and causes distorted vision. back to top ###### Lazy Eye (Amblyopia) Lazy Eye (Amblyopia) results in a loss of central vision.Lazy eye, or amblyopia, is the loss or lack of development of normal vision in one eye that is unrelated to any eye health problem and cannot be corrected with lenses. It can result from a failure to use both eyes together. Lazy eye is often associated with crossed eyes or a large difference in the degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness between the two eyes. It usually develops before age 6, and it does not affect side vision. back to top ###### Macular Degeneration Macular Degeneration is often accompanied by blurred vision.Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in America. It results from changes to the macula, a portion of the retina that is responsible for clear, sharp vision and is located at the back of the eye. back to top ###### Myopia (Nearsightedness) Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a vision condition in which near objects are seen clearly, but distant objects do not come into proper focus. Nearsightedness occurs if your eyeball is too long or the cornea has too much curvature, so the light entering your eye is not focused correctly. back to top ###### Nystagmus Nystagmus is a vision condition in which the eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements. It often results in reduced vision. These involuntary eye movements can be side to side, up and down, or in a circular pattern. As a result, both eyes are unable to steadily view objects. People with nystagmus may hold their head in unusual positions or nod their head in an attempt to compensate for the condition. back to top ###### Ocular Hypertension Ocular hypertension is an above-normal increase in the pressure in your eyes with no detectable changes in vision or damage to the eye structure. The term is used to distinguish people with elevated pressure from those with glaucoma, a serious eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve and vision loss. back to top ###### Presbyopia Presbyopia is a vision condition in which the lens of your eye loses its flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects. back to top ###### Retinitis Pigmentosa Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited diseases that damage the light-sensitive rods and cones located in the retina (the back part of the eyes). Rods, which provide side (peripheral) and night vision, are affected more than the cones, which provide color and clear central vision. back to top ###### Retinoblastoma Retinoblastoma is the most common cancer involving the eye. In the United States, this fast-growing cancer occurs in 1 in every 20,000 children, making it the 10th most common pediatric cancer. back to top ###### Spots and Floaters Spots (often called floaters) are small, semi-transparent or cloudy specks or particles in the fluid that fills the inside of your eyes. They appear as various-sized specks, threadlike strands or cobwebs. Because they are within your eyes, they move as your eyes move and seem to dart away when you try to look at them directly. back to top ###### Strabismus (Crossed Eyes) Strabismus occurs when one or both of your eyes turns in, out, up or down. Poor eye muscle control usually causes strabismus. This misalignment often first appears before a child reaches 21 months but may develop as late as age 6. back to top ###### Visual Acuity 20/20 vision is a term used to express normal visual acuity (the clarity or sharpness of vision) measured at a distance of 20 feet. If you have 20/20 vision, you can see clearly at 20 feet what should normally be seen at that distance. If you have 20/100 vision, you must be as close as 20 feet to see what a person with normal vision can see at 100 feet. back to top --- ## Eyecare URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/eyecare/ ## Eyecare Choose from a complete list of eyecare services for you and your family. --- ## About URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/about/ ### Our Beginning Dr. Elliott, as a student, once asked a private practice optometrist what it would take to be successful if he opened a practice immediately after graduating from optometry school. The answer was not shocking at all, but very simple: “Treat folks the way you want to be treated and do your best each and every day and you will succeed.” The rest is history. Dr. Elliott opened Elliott Eyecare after graduation in May of 2002 and saw his first patient in this little farm house four months later. (from left to right) Pam Tolson, L.D.O.; Alison Elliott; Steven Elliott, O.D.; Sharon Smith. The first year or two of any startup is usually slow. Volunteer Eyecare started with two full-time employees in 2002. Sharon was the first full-time employee. She has worn almost every hat there is to wear in the practice and currently serves as office manager and insurance administrator. Pam Tolson, L.D.O. was instrumental in getting the optical up and Dr. Elliott’s wife worked part-time in the beginning in the evening after coming home from her full-time job and on Saturdays. Today, we employ over forty team members and are always looking to hire new team members who are humble, hungry and smart. ### Our Growth ### Our Commitment Our vision is for you to feel welcome and important every time you visit us. We want you to feel like a member of our family of patients. It is our desire that you will enjoy our services and products so much that you will send friends and family to us as well. ### Our Future 2020 is the year of the eye doctor and we are excited about our future. This year we are adding two new doctors to our team. Volunteer Eyecare also plans to open a West Knoxville location in October to serve our patients who live and/or work out there. You have been patiently waiting and asking when we open out west and the time has come. ## Volunteer Cares Our team at Volunteer Eyecare has a commitment to our community in which we work and live.  We are passionate about improving vision one patient at a time but we are equally excited about volunteering our time and services, such as: • Volunteering at R.A.M. (Remote Area Medical) • Vision Screenings for Norris Lions Club Vision Van • Collecting glasses for Lions Club Recycling Program • Collecting food for Second Harvest Food Bank • Supporting local High School Sports Teams through advertising • Providing eye exams and glasses through the local Lions Club Program • Providing free exams for infants through InfantSEE ### Inner City Mobile Food Bank Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Donec pellentesque ex vel placerat aliquet. Etiam condimentum id nisi vel elementum. Pellentesque vel congue mi. Phasellus luctus mauris a felis accumsan, quis gravida sapien aliquam. Ut rutrum cursus euismod. Mauris rhoncus orci vitae ex sollicitudin, non tempor metus cursus. Nullam massa dui, dictum a lectus a, blandit condimentum magna. ### Norris Lions Club Dr. Elliott has been a member of the Norris Lions Club since April 2003. ### Remote Area Medical Our doctors have volunteered for multiple RAM events throughout the years. ### Mission of Hope We love participating in the Mission of Hope campaign. Their outreach serves the people of rural Appalachia so please help us fill our barrels this coming holiday season. ### Health Fairs We participate in health fairs, vision screenings and other outreach opportunities. We would appreciate the opportunity to be a part of your next event. Email us at contactus@volunteereyecare.com or call 877-VOL-EYES . ### Second Harvest Food Bank Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Donec pellentesque ex vel placerat aliquet. Etiam condimentum id nisi vel elementum. Pellentesque vel congue mi. Phasellus luctus mauris a felis accumsan, quis gravida sapien aliquam. Ut rutrum cursus euismod. Mauris rhoncus orci vitae ex sollicitudin, non tempor metus cursus. Nullam massa dui, dictum a lectus a, blandit condimentum magna. --- ## Glaucoma Surgery URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/glaucoma-surgery/ ## Glaucoma Surgery Glaucoma is usually effectively treated with prescription eye drops and medicines that must be taken regularly. Some cases require laser therapy or surgery and our doctors co-mange these surgeries. The goal of the treatment is to prevent vision loss by lowering the fluid pressure in the eye. --- ## LASIK Surgery URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/lasik-surgery/ ## LASIK Surgery We co-manage LASIK surgery for surgical correction of vision. LASIK is an acronym for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, which means to reshape the cornea without disturbing the adjoining tissue. It is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye, using an excimer laser to correct your nearsightedness, astigmatism, or farsightedness. The surgical technique involves using a tiny high-precision instrument called a microkeratome to separate the layers of corneal tissue and create a thin flap on the surface of the eye. This flap is then folded back and the excimer laser is applied to gently reshape the underlying tissue. The corneal flap is replaced leaving the eye almost untouched. The cornea’s new shape is what improves vision. For carefully screened patients, LASIK has the potential to greatly reduce dependency on corrective lenses and in some cases glasses may not be required. If you expect perfectly corrected vision as a result of treatment, you may be disappointed. It is also important that you are aware of the risks and side effects and that your motivation for LASIK is strong enough for you to accept them.Our doctors will evaluate your eyes and discuss your visual goals to help determine if you are an appropriate candidate for LASIK. If you have appropriate goals and there are no contraindications for the procedure, we will recommend a pre-operative evaluation to determine suitability for refractive surgery. This evaluation includes: • Extensive counseling on refractive surgery options • Computerized corneal curvature analysis • Eye dominancy testing • Corneal thickness evaluation • Review of eye history and refractive stability • Medical evaluation of the cornea and eye, and • Refractive analysis If after the pre-operative evaluation, the decision is made to proceed with surgery, your information will be forwarded to the surgeon and surgery will be scheduled. Post-operative management will be provided by our doctors, and includes multiple visits over a 6-month period from the date of surgery to include medical evaluation and management of the vision and corneal healing. Professional determination of any additional therapies needed (such as reading glasses, sunglasses, or enhancement laser procedures) is also included. --- ## Community Connections URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/community-connections/ ## A Mission to Give Back to Our Communities Our team at Volunteer Eyecare has a commitment to our community in which we work and live.  We are passionate about improving vision one patient at a time but we are equally excited about volunteering our time and services, such as: • Volunteering at R.A.M. (Remote Area Medical) • Vision Screenings for Norris Lions Club Vision Van • Collecting glasses for Lions Club Recycling Program • Collecting food for Second Harvest Food Bank • Supporting local High School Sports Teams through advertising • Providing eye exams and glasses through the local Lions Club Program • Providing free exams for infants through InfantSEE --- ## Giving Back URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/giving-back/ ## Giving Back Our team at Volunteer Eyecare has a commitment to our community in which we work and live.  We are passionate about improving vision one patient at a time but we are equally excited about volunteering our time and services, such as: • Volunteering at R.A.M. (Remote Area Medical) • Vision Screenings for Norris Lions Club Vision Van • Collecting glasses for Lions Club Recycling Program • Collecting food for Second Harvest Food Bank • Supporting local High School Sports Teams through advertising • Providing eye exams and glasses through the local Lions Club Program • Providing free exams for infants through InfantSEE Collecting food and volunteering for Second Harvest Food Bank. --- ## Loyalty Program URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/loyalty-program/ ## Thank you for your loyalty. For established patients only. No other discounts or vision benefits apply. Great for people who have out-of-network plans. Limited time only. Excludes clearance and value packages. --- ## Care Credit URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/care-credit/ ## Care Credit ### Get the Care You Want, When You Need It* Help pay for your family's vision care with the CareCredit healthcare card. Use your credit card to pay for: • Glasses and sunglasses • Contact lenses • LASIK • And more CareCredit is the healthcare credit card designed exclusively for healthcare services with special financing options.* Whether it's a routine checkup or a LASIK procedure, you shouldn't have to worry about how to get the best eye care. CareCredit can also be used for dental work, cosmetic treatments, trips to the veterinarian and in other healthcare specialties at enrolled providers. You can even use it for co-payments and deductibles.*With CareCredit you can choose to reserve your cash and free up your general-purpose credit cards for other expenses. Once you have CareCredit, you can use it as often as you want, without reapplying, as long as you have available credit. CareCredit is accepted at more than 200,000 providers nationwide.Learn more by visiting www.carecredit.com or contacting our office. Ready to apply? Apply online for your CareCredit healthcare credit card today. *Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. Visit www.carecredit.com for details. --- ## Terms & Conditions URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/terms-and-conditions/ ## Terms & Conditions ##### Terms of Service - Overview This website is operated by Volunteer Eyecare. Throughout the site, the terms “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Volunteer Eyecare. Volunteer Eyecare offers this website, including all information, tools and services available from this site to you, the user, conditioned upon your acceptance of all terms, conditions, policies and notices stated here. By visiting our site and/ or purchasing something from us, you engage in our “Service” and agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions (“Terms of Service”, “Terms”), including those additional terms and conditions and policies referenced herein and/or available by hyperlink. These Terms of Service apply to all users of the site, including without limitation users who are browsers, vendors, customers, merchants, and/ or contributors of content. Please read these Terms of Service carefully before accessing or using our website. By accessing or using any part of the site, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to all the terms and conditions of this agreement, then you may not access the website or use any services. If these Terms of Service are considered an offer, acceptance is expressly limited to these Terms of Service. Any new features or tools which are added to the current store shall also be subject to the Terms of Service. You can review the most current version of the Terms of Service at any time on this page. We reserve the right to update, change or replace any part of these Terms of Service by posting updates and/or changes to our website. It is your responsibility to check this page periodically for changes. Your continued use of or access to the website following the posting of any changes constitutes acceptance of those changes. ##### SECTION 1 - ONLINE STORE TERMS By agreeing to these Terms of Service, you represent that you are at least the age of majority in your state or province of residence, or that you are the age of majority in your state or province of residence and you have given us your consent to allow any of your minor dependents to use this site. You may not use our products for any illegal or unauthorized purpose nor may you, in the use of the Service, violate any laws in your jurisdiction (including but not limited to copyright laws). You must not transmit any worms or viruses or any code of a destructive nature. A breach or violation of any of the Terms will result in an immediate termination of your Services. ##### SECTION 2 - GENERAL CONDITIONS We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason at any time. You understand that your content (not including credit card information), may be transferred unencrypted and involve (a) transmissions over various networks; and (b) changes to conform and adapt to technical requirements of connecting networks or devices. Credit card information is always encrypted during transfer over networks. You agree not to reproduce, duplicate, copy, sell, resell or exploit any portion of the Service, use of the Service, or access to the Service or any contact on the website through which the service is provided, without express written permission by us. The headings used in this agreement are included for convenience only and will not limit or otherwise affect these Terms. ##### SECTION 3 - ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS AND TIMELINESS OF INFORMATION We are not responsible if information made available on this site is not accurate, complete or current. The material on this site is provided for general information only and should not be relied upon or used as the sole basis for making decisions without consulting primary, more accurate, more complete or more timely sources of information. Any reliance on the material on this site is at your own risk. This site may contain certain historical information. Historical information, necessarily, is not current and is provided for your reference only. We reserve the right to modify the contents of this site at any time, but we have no obligation to update any information on our site. You agree that it is your responsibility to monitor changes to our site. ##### SECTION 4 - MODIFICATIONS TO THE SERVICE AND PRICES Prices for our products are subject to change without notice. We reserve the right at any time to modify or discontinue the Service (or any part or content thereof) without notice at any time. We shall not be liable to you or to any third-party for any modification, price change, suspension or discontinuance of the Service. ##### SECTION 5 - PRODUCTS OR SERVICES Certain products or services may be available exclusively online through the website. These products or services may have limited quantities and are subject to return or exchange only according to our Return Policy. We have made every effort to display as accurately as possible the colors and images of our products that appear at the store. We cannot guarantee that your computer monitor's display of any color will be accurate. We reserve the right, but are not obligated, to limit the sales of our products or Services to any person, geographic region or jurisdiction. We may exercise this right on a case-by-case basis. We reserve the right to limit the quantities of any products or services that we offer. All descriptions of products or product pricing are subject to change at any time without notice, at the sole discretion of us. We reserve the right to discontinue any product at any time. Any offer for any product or service made on this site is void where prohibited. We do not warrant that the quality of any products, services, information, or other material purchased or obtained by you will meet your expectations, or that any errors in the Service will be corrected. ##### SECTION 6 - ACCURACY OF BILLING AND ACCOUNT INFORMATION We reserve the right to refuse any order you place with us. We may, in our sole discretion, limit or cancel quantities purchased per person, per household or per order. These restrictions may include orders placed by or under the same customer account, the same credit card, and/or orders that use the same billing and/or shipping address. In the event that we make a change to or cancel an order, we may attempt to notify you by contacting the e-mail and/or billing address/phone number provided at the time the order was made. We reserve the right to limit or prohibit orders that, in our sole judgment, appear to be placed by dealers, resellers or distributors. You agree to provide current, complete and accurate purchase and account information for all purchases made at our store. You agree to promptly update your account and other information, including your email address and credit card numbers and expiration dates, so that we can complete your transactions and contact you as needed. For more detail, please review our Returns Policy. ##### SECTION 7 - OPTIONAL TOOLS We may provide you with access to third-party tools over which we neither monitor nor have any control nor input. You acknowledge and agree that we provide access to such tools ”as is” and “as available” without any warranties, representations or conditions of any kind and without any endorsement. We shall have no liability whatsoever arising from or relating to your use of optional third-party tools. Any use by you of optional tools offered through the site is entirely at your own risk and discretion and you should ensure that you are familiar with and approve of the terms on which tools are provided by the relevant third-party provider(s). We may also, in the future, offer new services and/or features through the website (including, the release of new tools and resources). Such new features and/or services shall also be subject to these Terms of Service. ##### SECTION 8 - THIRD-PARTY LINKS Certain content, products and services available via our Service may include materials from third-parties. Third-party links on this site may direct you to third-party websites that are not affiliated with us. We are not responsible for examining or evaluating the content or accuracy and we do not warrant and will not have any liability or responsibility for any third-party materials or websites, or for any other materials, products, or services of third-parties. We are not liable for any harm or damages related to the purchase or use of goods, services, resources, content, or any other transactions made in connection with any third-party websites. Please review carefully the third-party's policies and practices and make sure you understand them before you engage in any transaction. Complaints, claims, concerns, or questions regarding third-party products should be directed to the third-party. ##### SECTION 9 - USER COMMENTS, FEEDBACK AND OTHER SUBMISSIONS If, at our request, you send certain specific submissions (for example contest entries) or without a request from us you send creative ideas, suggestions, proposals, plans, or other materials, whether online, by email, by postal mail, or otherwise (collectively, 'comments'), you agree that we may, at any time, without restriction, edit, copy, publish, distribute, translate and otherwise use in any medium any comments that you forward to us. We are and shall be under no obligation (1) to maintain any comments in confidence; (2) to pay compensation for any comments; or (3) to respond to any comments. We may, but have no obligation to, monitor, edit or remove content that we determine in our sole discretion are unlawful, offensive, threatening, libelous, defamatory, pornographic, obscene or otherwise objectionable or violates any party’s intellectual property or these Terms of Service. You agree that your comments will not violate any right of any third-party, including copyright, trademark, privacy, personality or other personal or proprietary right. You further agree that your comments will not contain libelous or otherwise unlawful, abusive or obscene material, or contain any computer virus or other malware that could in any way affect the operation of the Service or any related website. You may not use a false e-mail address, pretend to be someone other than yourself, or otherwise mislead us or third-parties as to the origin of any comments. You are solely responsible for any comments you make and their accuracy. We take no responsibility and assume no liability for any comments posted by you or any third-party. ##### SECTION 10 - PERSONAL INFORMATION Your submission of personal information through the store is governed by our Privacy Policy. To view our Privacy Policy. ##### SECTION 11 - ERRORS, INACCURACIES AND OMISSIONS Occasionally there may be information on our site or in the Service that contains typographical errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may relate to product descriptions, pricing, promotions, offers, product shipping charges, transit times and availability. We reserve the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions, and to change or update information or cancel orders if any information in the Service or on any related website is inaccurate at any time without prior notice (including after you have submitted your order). We undertake no obligation to update, amend or clarify information in the Service or on any related website, including without limitation, pricing information, except as required by law. No specified update or refresh date applied in the Service or on any related website, should be taken to indicate that all information in the Service or on any related website has been modified or updated. ##### SECTION 12 - PROHIBITED USES In addition to other prohibitions as set forth in the Terms of Service, you are prohibited from using the site or its content: (a) for any unlawful purpose; (b) to solicit others to perform or participate in any unlawful acts; (c) to violate any international, federal, provincial or state regulations, rules, laws, or local ordinances; (d) to infringe upon or violate our intellectual property rights or the intellectual property rights of others; (e) to harass, abuse, insult, harm, defame, slander, disparage, intimidate, or discriminate based on gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, race, age, national origin, or disability; (f) to submit false or misleading information; (g) to upload or transmit viruses or any other type of malicious code that will or may be used in any way that will affect the functionality or operation of the Service or of any related website, other websites, or the Internet; (h) to collect or track the personal information of others; (i) to spam, phish, pharm, pretext, spider, crawl, or scrape; (j) for any obscene or immoral purpose; or (k) to interfere with or circumvent the security features of the Service or any related website, other websites, or the Internet. We reserve the right to terminate your use of the Service or any related website for violating any of the prohibited uses. ##### SECTION 13 - DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY We do not guarantee, represent or warrant that your use of our service will be uninterrupted, timely, secure or error-free. We do not warrant that the results that may be obtained from the use of the service will be accurate or reliable. You agree that from time to time we may remove the service for indefinite periods of time or cancel the service at any time, without notice to you. You expressly agree that your use of, or inability to use, the service is at your sole risk. The service and all products and services delivered to you through the service are (except as expressly stated by us) provided 'as is' and 'as available' for your use, without any representation, warranties or conditions of any kind, either express or implied, including all implied warranties or conditions of merchantability, merchantable quality, fitness for a particular purpose, durability, title, and non-infringement. In no case shall Volunteer Eyecare, our directors, officers, employees, affiliates, agents, contractors, interns, suppliers, service providers or licensors be liable for any injury, loss, claim, or any direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, special, or consequential damages of any kind, including, without limitation lost profits, lost revenue, lost savings, loss of data, replacement costs, or any similar damages, whether based in contract, tort (including negligence), strict liability or otherwise, arising from your use of any of the service or any products procured using the service, or for any other claim related in any way to your use of the service or any product, including, but not limited to, any errors or omissions in any content, or any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of the service or any content (or product) posted, transmitted, or otherwise made available via the service, even if advised of their possibility. Because some states or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or the limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, in such states or jurisdictions, our liability shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law. ##### SECTION 14 - INDEMNIFICATION You agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Volunteer Eyecare and our parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, officers, directors, agents, contractors, licensors, service providers, subcontractors, suppliers, interns and employees, harmless from any claim or demand, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, made by any third-party due to or arising out of your breach of these Terms of Service or the documents they incorporate by reference, or your violation of any law or the rights of a third-party. ##### SECTION 15 - SEVERABILITY In the event that any provision of these Terms of Service is determined to be unlawful, void or unenforceable, such provision shall nonetheless be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, and the unenforceable portion shall be deemed to be severed from these Terms of Service, such determination shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any other remaining provisions. ##### SECTION 16 - TERMINATION The obligations and liabilities of the parties incurred prior to the termination date shall survive the termination of this agreement for all purposes. These Terms of Service are effective unless and until terminated by either you or us. You may terminate these Terms of Service at any time by notifying us that you no longer wish to use our Services, or when you cease using our site. If in our sole judgment you fail, or we suspect that you have failed, to comply with any term or provision of these Terms of Service, we also may terminate this agreement at any time without notice and you will remain liable for all amounts due up to and including the date of termination; and/or accordingly may deny you access to our Services (or any part thereof). ##### SECTION 17 - ENTIRE AGREEMENT The failure of us to exercise or enforce any right or provision of these Terms of Service shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. These Terms of Service and any policies or operating rules posted by us on this site or in respect to The Service constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between you and us and govern your use of the Service, superseding any prior or contemporaneous agreements, communications and proposals, whether oral or written, between you and us (including, but not limited to, any prior versions of the Terms of Service). Any ambiguities in the interpretation of these Terms of Service shall not be construed against the drafting party. ##### SECTION 18 - GOVERNING LAW These Terms of Service and any separate agreements whereby we provide you Services shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee. ##### SECTION 19 - CHANGES TO TERMS OF SERVICE You can review the most current version of the Terms of Service at any time at this page. We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to update, change or replace any part of these Terms of Service by posting updates and changes to our website. It is your responsibility to check our website periodically for changes. Your continued use of or access to our website or the Service following the posting of any changes to these Terms of Service constitutes acceptance of those changes. ##### SECTION 20 - CONTACT INFORMATION Questions about the Terms of Service should be sent to us at contactus@volunteereyecare.com . --- ## Free Resources URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/free-resources/ ## Free Resources --- ## Mens Eyeglasses URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/mens-eyeglasses/ ## Mens Eyeglasses ###### All Eyeglasses --- ## Available In-Store URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/available-in-store/ ## Available In-Store ## This frame brand is currently offered in-store only. Please contact a Volunteer Eyecare team member for assistance. --- ## Interactive Banners URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/interactive-banners/ ## Interactive Banners #### Carefully crafted elements come together into one amazing design. A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. --- ## High Risk Medications URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/high-risk-medications/ ## High Risk Medications There are many medications that are necessary for our health and well being which can have side effects related to our eyes. If you are taking one or more of these medicines your family doctor may suggest a periodic eye examination. At Volunteer Eyecare we are prepared to assist you in this part of your medical eye care. ##### AMIODARONE (Cordarone) AMIODARONE (Cordarone) is a medicine used for cardiac arrhythmias. It is highly effective for rapid heartbeats. Amiodarone has been associated with corneal opacities. A characteristic ‘whorl’ is seen on the lower third of the cornea, the window to the eye. These are usually not visually significant, but in unusual circumstances Amiodarone may need to be discontinued if vision declines. ##### FLOMAX (Tamsulosin) FLOMAX (Tamsulosin) is a medicine that is prescribed for the urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy. Flomax has been associated with a problem that occurs during cataract surgery called the intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS). During cataract surgery the iris, or color part of the eye, becomes very floppy and billows in response to the normal irrigation currents during cataract surgery. In addition, the pupil will also constrict during cataract surgery, dramatically reducing the surgeons view. Unfortunately, discontinuing Flomax prior to cataract surgery does not prevent IFIS. However, it is vitally important that you tell your Volunteer Eyecare eye doctor that you are taking Flomax. Since IFIS can lead to a greater chance of complications during cataract your Volunteer Eyecare doctor will discuss this with you at length. Special steps may be necessary prior to surgery and during surgery in an attempt to reduce the likelihood of complications. ##### TAMOXIFEN (Nolvadex) TAMOXIFEN (Nolvadex) has been associated with several different types of retinal side effects. These may include swelling in the macula, changes in the pigment in the macula, and inflammation in the retina associated with hemorrhages. All of these problems can lead to significant visual loss. Tamoxifen has also been associated with optic nerve problems. Discontinuing Tamoxifen is usually associated with full visual recovery. ##### PLAQUENIL PLAQUENIL is an oral medication that is taken for rheumatoid arthritis and other similar diseases. Plaquenil can cause changes in the macula, the center of the retina. Patients who take Plaquenil are seen at intervals corresponding to the amount of Plaquenil they need to take. For example, patients taking 200 mg of Plaquenil are generally seen once every year. Patients taking 400 mg of Plaquenil are usually seen twice every year. Your Volunteer Eyecare doctor will examine the macula for signs of Plaquenil toxicity. It is likely that you will have a photograph, like the one here, taken to establish the baseline appearance of your macula. Periodically, a test called a “visual field test” will be performed to look at the health of the retina surrounding the very central macula. You will be asked to identify a red spot when it enters your central visual field. Recent changes in guidelines for following Plaquenil toxicity require an OCT retinal scan to be taken. Volunteer Eyecare has the most advanced OCT instrumentation available. ##### STEROIDS STEROIDS such as Prednisone, Decadron, dexamethasone, and others are useful in treating many different types of diseases. Whether these medications are used topically as eye drops or taken in pill form or injected, they have been associated with elevated pressure in the eye (which can cause glaucoma), and cataracts. The risks of these side effects are significant, and most patients will need to be seen periodically by an eye doctor while they are taking steroids. If the steroids are being used to treat a significant health or life threatening disease, your Volunteer Eyecare eye doctor will usually opt to treat the side effects so that you can continue to take this very important medicine. ##### INTERFERON INTERFERON is a relatively new medicine, which is used to treat hepatitis, organ transplant rejection, and certain types of cancers. Interferon has been associated with inflammation on the optic nerve called optic neuritis, as well as inflammation in the retina called retinitis. These problems will usually resolve simply by stopping the Interferon. ##### VIAGRA VIAGRA and similar medications have been associated with some visual side effects and recently have been associated with vision loss. Viagra is a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction by changing the dilation characteristics of certain blood vessels in the body. Men who take Viagra occasionally notice a blue tint to their vision while the medicine is active. Recently there have been accounts of vision loss associated with non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy, essentially a stroke to the optic nerve. It is not at all clear whether Viagra and associated medicine like Cialis are in any way a cause of this vision-threatening problem. The blood vessel problems responsible for NAION are similar to the blood vessel problems which are found in men with ED. If you or anyone you know should be experiencing vision changes while taking Viagra they should be urged to discontinue this medication and see a qualified eye doctor as soon as possible. ##### GILENYA GILENYA (aka fingolimod and FTY720, previously known as Gilenia) was approved by the US FDA on Wed 9/22/10 to treat relapsing forms of MS. It is administered as a once-per-day 0.5mg capsule. Gilenya is the first approved oral disease modifying treatment for MS. Combined data from a Phase II study and two Phase III trials showed that Gilenya reduces relapses, disability progression, MRI lesion activity, and brain atrophy progression (loss of brain tissue). Gilenya is generally safe and well tolerated. One of the possible side effects from this medication is macular edema (fluid swelling of the retina in the back of the eye) that causes blurred vision. This rarely occurs and usually it develops within 3-6 months after starting Gilenya. It will improve with discontinuation of Gilenya. Patients will be required to have an eye exam including a test called optical coherence tomography (OCT) prior to starting Gilenya, and 3-4 months after starting treatment. Patients with diabetes and uveitis are at increased risk for macular edema from Gilenya. --- ## Online Orders URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/online-orders/ ## Online Orders ##### Returns Policy Prescription eyeglasses, Frame only orders, Non-prescription sunglasses and accessories: Our policy lasts 30 days on non-prescription sunglasses and accessories. If 30 days have gone by since your purchase, unfortunately we can’t offer you a refund or exchange. Prescription eyeglasses may be returned within 60 days of order date and may not be exchanged. Warranties on prescription eyeglasses are subject to inspection and warranty does not cover loss, abuse, or other neglect. Note: This policy does not apply to contact lenses that are sold and shipped through a 3rd party on our site. Prescription lenses are covered by a one year scratch warranty. Ship them to us and we’ll ship back at no charge within 14 business days. To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging. Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases. Additional non-returnable items: • Accessories • Gift cards • Downloadable software products • Some health and personal care items To complete your return, we require a receipt or proof of purchase. Please do not send your purchase back to the manufacturer. There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable) Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery ##### Refunds Policy We will provide you with a full refund on your item if the following is met: 1. We receive an email within 30 days that you are unsatisfied. 2. Shipping is dated within 30 days of order fulfillment. 3. We receive the item with frame and lenses intact. Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund. If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within a certain amount of days. ##### Late or missing refunds (if applicable) If you haven’t received a refund yet, first check your bank account again. Then contact your credit card company, it may take some time before your refund is officially posted. Next contact your bank. There is often some processing time before a refund is posted. If you’ve done all of this and you still have not received your refund yet, please contact us at contactus@volunteereyecare.com . ##### Sale items Only regular priced items may be refunded, unfortunately sale items cannot be refunded. ##### Exchanges (not applicable) We only replace items if they are defective or damaged. If you need to exchange it for the same item, send us an email at @gmail.com and send your item to: 6719 Maynardville Pike, Knoxville Tennessee US 37918. ##### Gifts If the item was marked as a gift when purchased and shipped directly to you, you’ll receive a gift credit for the value of your return. Once the returned item is received, a gift certificate will be mailed to you. If the item wasn’t marked as a gift when purchased, or the gift giver had the order shipped to themselves to give to you later, we will send a refund to the gift giver and he will find out about your return. ##### Returning your product To return your product, you should mail your product to: 6719 Maynardville Pike, Knoxville Tennessee US 37918. You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund. Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary. If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item. ##### Shipping costs Over $50 : Free (2-3 day standard shipping time) Under $50 $5.00 (2-3 day standard shipping time) Overnight Guaranteed: $20 via USPS ##### Shipping time Prescription Glasses: Our goal is to ship within 7-10 days from order date. Non-Prescription Sunglasses: Will Ship same day or next day. Expect delivery of eyeglasses from order date to your home: Single Vision Prescription: 7-10 Business days Line or No-Line Bifocal Prescription: 10-15 business days ##### Terms of Service - Overview This website is operated by Volunteer Eyecare. Throughout the site, the terms “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Volunteer Eyecare. Volunteer Eyecare offers this website, including all information, tools and services available from this site to you, the user, conditioned upon your acceptance of all terms, conditions, policies and notices stated here. By visiting our site and/ or purchasing something from us, you engage in our “Service” and agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions (“Terms of Service”, “Terms”), including those additional terms and conditions and policies referenced herein and/or available by hyperlink. These Terms of Service apply to all users of the site, including without limitation users who are browsers, vendors, customers, merchants, and/ or contributors of content. Please read these Terms of Service carefully before accessing or using our website. By accessing or using any part of the site, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to all the terms and conditions of this agreement, then you may not access the website or use any services. If these Terms of Service are considered an offer, acceptance is expressly limited to these Terms of Service. Any new features or tools which are added to the current store shall also be subject to the Terms of Service. You can review the most current version of the Terms of Service at any time on this page. We reserve the right to update, change or replace any part of these Terms of Service by posting updates and/or changes to our website. It is your responsibility to check this page periodically for changes. Your continued use of or access to the website following the posting of any changes constitutes acceptance of those changes. ##### SECTION 1 - ONLINE STORE TERMS By agreeing to these Terms of Service, you represent that you are at least the age of majority in your state or province of residence, or that you are the age of majority in your state or province of residence and you have given us your consent to allow any of your minor dependents to use this site. You may not use our products for any illegal or unauthorized purpose nor may you, in the use of the Service, violate any laws in your jurisdiction (including but not limited to copyright laws). You must not transmit any worms or viruses or any code of a destructive nature. A breach or violation of any of the Terms will result in an immediate termination of your Services. ##### SECTION 2 - GENERAL CONDITIONS We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason at any time. You understand that your content (not including credit card information), may be transferred unencrypted and involve (a) transmissions over various networks; and (b) changes to conform and adapt to technical requirements of connecting networks or devices. Credit card information is always encrypted during transfer over networks. You agree not to reproduce, duplicate, copy, sell, resell or exploit any portion of the Service, use of the Service, or access to the Service or any contact on the website through which the service is provided, without express written permission by us. The headings used in this agreement are included for convenience only and will not limit or otherwise affect these Terms. ##### SECTION 3 - ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS AND TIMELINESS OF INFORMATION We are not responsible if information made available on this site is not accurate, complete or current. The material on this site is provided for general information only and should not be relied upon or used as the sole basis for making decisions without consulting primary, more accurate, more complete or more timely sources of information. Any reliance on the material on this site is at your own risk. This site may contain certain historical information. Historical information, necessarily, is not current and is provided for your reference only. We reserve the right to modify the contents of this site at any time, but we have no obligation to update any information on our site. You agree that it is your responsibility to monitor changes to our site. ##### SECTION 4 - MODIFICATIONS TO THE SERVICE AND PRICES Prices for our products are subject to change without notice. We reserve the right at any time to modify or discontinue the Service (or any part or content thereof) without notice at any time. We shall not be liable to you or to any third-party for any modification, price change, suspension or discontinuance of the Service. ##### SECTION 5 - PRODUCTS OR SERVICES Certain products or services may be available exclusively online through the website. These products or services may have limited quantities and are subject to return or exchange only according to our Return Policy. We have made every effort to display as accurately as possible the colors and images of our products that appear at the store. We cannot guarantee that your computer monitor's display of any color will be accurate. We reserve the right, but are not obligated, to limit the sales of our products or Services to any person, geographic region or jurisdiction. We may exercise this right on a case-by-case basis. We reserve the right to limit the quantities of any products or services that we offer. All descriptions of products or product pricing are subject to change at any time without notice, at the sole discretion of us. We reserve the right to discontinue any product at any time. Any offer for any product or service made on this site is void where prohibited. We do not warrant that the quality of any products, services, information, or other material purchased or obtained by you will meet your expectations, or that any errors in the Service will be corrected. ##### SECTION 6 - ACCURACY OF BILLING AND ACCOUNT INFORMATION We reserve the right to refuse any order you place with us. We may, in our sole discretion, limit or cancel quantities purchased per person, per household or per order. These restrictions may include orders placed by or under the same customer account, the same credit card, and/or orders that use the same billing and/or shipping address. In the event that we make a change to or cancel an order, we may attempt to notify you by contacting the e-mail and/or billing address/phone number provided at the time the order was made. We reserve the right to limit or prohibit orders that, in our sole judgment, appear to be placed by dealers, resellers or distributors. You agree to provide current, complete and accurate purchase and account information for all purchases made at our store. You agree to promptly update your account and other information, including your email address and credit card numbers and expiration dates, so that we can complete your transactions and contact you as needed. For more detail, please review our Returns Policy. ##### SECTION 7 - OPTIONAL TOOLS We may provide you with access to third-party tools over which we neither monitor nor have any control nor input. You acknowledge and agree that we provide access to such tools ”as is” and “as available” without any warranties, representations or conditions of any kind and without any endorsement. We shall have no liability whatsoever arising from or relating to your use of optional third-party tools. Any use by you of optional tools offered through the site is entirely at your own risk and discretion and you should ensure that you are familiar with and approve of the terms on which tools are provided by the relevant third-party provider(s). We may also, in the future, offer new services and/or features through the website (including, the release of new tools and resources). Such new features and/or services shall also be subject to these Terms of Service. ##### SECTION 8 - THIRD-PARTY LINKS Certain content, products and services available via our Service may include materials from third-parties. Third-party links on this site may direct you to third-party websites that are not affiliated with us. We are not responsible for examining or evaluating the content or accuracy and we do not warrant and will not have any liability or responsibility for any third-party materials or websites, or for any other materials, products, or services of third-parties. We are not liable for any harm or damages related to the purchase or use of goods, services, resources, content, or any other transactions made in connection with any third-party websites. Please review carefully the third-party's policies and practices and make sure you understand them before you engage in any transaction. Complaints, claims, concerns, or questions regarding third-party products should be directed to the third-party. ##### SECTION 9 - USER COMMENTS, FEEDBACK AND OTHER SUBMISSIONS If, at our request, you send certain specific submissions (for example contest entries) or without a request from us you send creative ideas, suggestions, proposals, plans, or other materials, whether online, by email, by postal mail, or otherwise (collectively, 'comments'), you agree that we may, at any time, without restriction, edit, copy, publish, distribute, translate and otherwise use in any medium any comments that you forward to us. We are and shall be under no obligation (1) to maintain any comments in confidence; (2) to pay compensation for any comments; or (3) to respond to any comments. We may, but have no obligation to, monitor, edit or remove content that we determine in our sole discretion are unlawful, offensive, threatening, libelous, defamatory, pornographic, obscene or otherwise objectionable or violates any party’s intellectual property or these Terms of Service. You agree that your comments will not violate any right of any third-party, including copyright, trademark, privacy, personality or other personal or proprietary right. You further agree that your comments will not contain libelous or otherwise unlawful, abusive or obscene material, or contain any computer virus or other malware that could in any way affect the operation of the Service or any related website. You may not use a false e-mail address, pretend to be someone other than yourself, or otherwise mislead us or third-parties as to the origin of any comments. You are solely responsible for any comments you make and their accuracy. We take no responsibility and assume no liability for any comments posted by you or any third-party. ##### SECTION 10 - PERSONAL INFORMATION Your submission of personal information through the store is governed by our Privacy Policy. To view our Privacy Policy. ##### SECTION 11 - ERRORS, INACCURACIES AND OMISSIONS Occasionally there may be information on our site or in the Service that contains typographical errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may relate to product descriptions, pricing, promotions, offers, product shipping charges, transit times and availability. We reserve the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions, and to change or update information or cancel orders if any information in the Service or on any related website is inaccurate at any time without prior notice (including after you have submitted your order). We undertake no obligation to update, amend or clarify information in the Service or on any related website, including without limitation, pricing information, except as required by law. No specified update or refresh date applied in the Service or on any related website, should be taken to indicate that all information in the Service or on any related website has been modified or updated. ##### SECTION 12 - PROHIBITED USES In addition to other prohibitions as set forth in the Terms of Service, you are prohibited from using the site or its content: (a) for any unlawful purpose; (b) to solicit others to perform or participate in any unlawful acts; (c) to violate any international, federal, provincial or state regulations, rules, laws, or local ordinances; (d) to infringe upon or violate our intellectual property rights or the intellectual property rights of others; (e) to harass, abuse, insult, harm, defame, slander, disparage, intimidate, or discriminate based on gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, race, age, national origin, or disability; (f) to submit false or misleading information; (g) to upload or transmit viruses or any other type of malicious code that will or may be used in any way that will affect the functionality or operation of the Service or of any related website, other websites, or the Internet; (h) to collect or track the personal information of others; (i) to spam, phish, pharm, pretext, spider, crawl, or scrape; (j) for any obscene or immoral purpose; or (k) to interfere with or circumvent the security features of the Service or any related website, other websites, or the Internet. We reserve the right to terminate your use of the Service or any related website for violating any of the prohibited uses. ##### SECTION 13 - DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY We do not guarantee, represent or warrant that your use of our service will be uninterrupted, timely, secure or error-free. We do not warrant that the results that may be obtained from the use of the service will be accurate or reliable. You agree that from time to time we may remove the service for indefinite periods of time or cancel the service at any time, without notice to you. You expressly agree that your use of, or inability to use, the service is at your sole risk. The service and all products and services delivered to you through the service are (except as expressly stated by us) provided 'as is' and 'as available' for your use, without any representation, warranties or conditions of any kind, either express or implied, including all implied warranties or conditions of merchantability, merchantable quality, fitness for a particular purpose, durability, title, and non-infringement. In no case shall Volunteer Eyecare, our directors, officers, employees, affiliates, agents, contractors, interns, suppliers, service providers or licensors be liable for any injury, loss, claim, or any direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, special, or consequential damages of any kind, including, without limitation lost profits, lost revenue, lost savings, loss of data, replacement costs, or any similar damages, whether based in contract, tort (including negligence), strict liability or otherwise, arising from your use of any of the service or any products procured using the service, or for any other claim related in any way to your use of the service or any product, including, but not limited to, any errors or omissions in any content, or any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of the service or any content (or product) posted, transmitted, or otherwise made available via the service, even if advised of their possibility. Because some states or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or the limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, in such states or jurisdictions, our liability shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law. ##### SECTION 14 - INDEMNIFICATION You agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Volunteer Eyecare and our parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, officers, directors, agents, contractors, licensors, service providers, subcontractors, suppliers, interns and employees, harmless from any claim or demand, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, made by any third-party due to or arising out of your breach of these Terms of Service or the documents they incorporate by reference, or your violation of any law or the rights of a third-party. ##### SECTION 15 - SEVERABILITY In the event that any provision of these Terms of Service is determined to be unlawful, void or unenforceable, such provision shall nonetheless be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, and the unenforceable portion shall be deemed to be severed from these Terms of Service, such determination shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any other remaining provisions. ##### SECTION 16 - TERMINATION The obligations and liabilities of the parties incurred prior to the termination date shall survive the termination of this agreement for all purposes. These Terms of Service are effective unless and until terminated by either you or us. You may terminate these Terms of Service at any time by notifying us that you no longer wish to use our Services, or when you cease using our site. If in our sole judgment you fail, or we suspect that you have failed, to comply with any term or provision of these Terms of Service, we also may terminate this agreement at any time without notice and you will remain liable for all amounts due up to and including the date of termination; and/or accordingly may deny you access to our Services (or any part thereof). ##### SECTION 17 - ENTIRE AGREEMENT The failure of us to exercise or enforce any right or provision of these Terms of Service shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. These Terms of Service and any policies or operating rules posted by us on this site or in respect to The Service constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between you and us and govern your use of the Service, superseding any prior or contemporaneous agreements, communications and proposals, whether oral or written, between you and us (including, but not limited to, any prior versions of the Terms of Service). Any ambiguities in the interpretation of these Terms of Service shall not be construed against the drafting party. ##### SECTION 18 - GOVERNING LAW These Terms of Service and any separate agreements whereby we provide you Services shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee. ##### SECTION 19 - CHANGES TO TERMS OF SERVICE You can review the most current version of the Terms of Service at any time at this page. We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to update, change or replace any part of these Terms of Service by posting updates and changes to our website. It is your responsibility to check our website periodically for changes. Your continued use of or access to our website or the Service following the posting of any changes to these Terms of Service constitutes acceptance of those changes. ##### SECTION 20 - CONTACT INFORMATION Questions about the Terms of Service should be sent to us at contactus@volunteereyecare.com . --- ## Pediatric Eyecare URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/pediatric-eyecare/ ## Children (0-18) ##### Infant Vision: Birth to 24 months The AOA recommends your child’s first eye exam should at 6 – 12 months of age.* Parents should look for some common signs of eye and vision problems such as: • Excessive tearing • Red or encrusted eye lids • Constant eye turning • Extreme sensitivity to light • Appearance of a white pupil ##### Preschool Vision: 2 to 5 years The AOA recommends an eye exam at least once between the 3 and 5 years of age.* Parents should watch for signs that may indicate a vision problem, including: • Sitting close to the TV or holding a book too close • Squinting • Tilting their head • Covering an eye • Frequently rubbing their eyes • Short attention span for the child’s age • Turning of an eye in or out • Sensitivity to light • Difficulty with eye-hand-body coordination when playing ball or bike riding • Avoiding coloring activities, puzzles and other detailed activities ##### School-Age Vision: 6 to 18 years The AOA recommends an eye exam before first grade and annually thereafter.* Signs that may indicate a child has a vision problem include: • Complaints of discomfort and fatigue • Frequent eye rubbing or blinking • Short attention span • Avoiding reading and other close activities • Frequent headaches • Covering one eye • Tilting the head to one side • Holding reading materials close to the face • An eye turning in or out • Seeing double • Losing place when reading • Difficulty remembering what he or she read *If you notice any of these signs in your preschooler, arrange for a visit to your doctor of optometry. Here is a list of risk factors placing an infant, toddler, or child at significant risk for eye and vision problems: • Prematurity, low birth weight, prolonged supplemental oxygen at birth • Family history of myopia, amblyopia, strabismus, retinoblastoma, congenital cataracts, metabolic or genetic disease • Infection of mother during pregnancy (e.g., rubella, toxoplasmosis, venereal disease, herpes, cytomegalovirus or human immunodeficiency virus) • Maternal smoking, use of alcohol or illicit drug use during pregnancy • Cortical visual impairment • Difficult or assisted labor, which may be associated with fetal distress • High or progressive refractive error • Strabismus • Anisometropia • Academic performance problems • Known or suspected neurodevelopmental disorders • Systemic health conditions with potential ocular manifestations • Wearing contact lenses • Having functional vision in only one eye • Eye surgery or previous eye injury • Taking prescription or nonprescription drugs (e.g., over the counter medications, supplements, herbal remedies) with potential ocular side effects * Source: www.aoa.org --- ## Eyeglasses URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/eyeglasses/ ## Eyeglasses ###### All Eyeglasses Choose By Gender Mens Eyeglasses Womens Eyeglasses Boys Eyeglasses Girls Eyeglasses Unisex Eyeglasses Top 5 Staff Picks --- ## Eye Care Products URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/eye-care-products/ ## Eye Care Products ###### All Eye Care Products --- ## Accessories URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/accessories/ ## Accessories ###### All Accessories --- ## Patient Forms URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/patient-forms/ ## Patient Forms ##### At Volunteer Eyecare, we value your time. Please take a moment to fill out the new patient forms in the following link. Don’t forget to bring your driver’s license and insurance card(s) to your first appointment. Our forms are HIPAA compliant; your information is protected.If you are an existing patient and have had any changes to your contact or insurance information, please make sure to let us know at your next appointment so we can get a new copy of your driver’s license and/or insurance card(s). It would also be helpful if you could bring the following physical items with you as well: • Current eyeglasses • Copies of prior spectacle or contact lens prescriptions (even if expired) • Any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) Eye Drops you have used or are currently using • Empty Contact Lens Boxes (we love to know what brand you currently wear and the prescription is on the box) If you prefer not to fill our forms online, please print, fill, and bring the following forms with you to your next appointment. --- ## Wishlist URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/wishlist/ ## Wishlist Items ##### Try On In-Store We understand that choosing your perfect eyeglass frames is an important decision. If you are not ready to checkout online before trying on the items in your wishlist, please call our office at (877) VOL-EYES or email us at contactus@volunteereyecare.com to reserve these wishlist products and schedule a visit to try before you buy. --- ## STATE Optical URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/state-optical/ ## STATE Optical Eyewear An average of 75 steps goes into handcrafting every STATE Optical Co. frame in Chicago. No short-cuts, no outsourcing, just 65 men and women in Chicago determined to redefine what makes American luxury eyewear. Each frame is meticulously handcrafted from premium, globally sourced materials to be a genuine expression of one’s personal style and distinct personality. ###### STATE Optical Eyewear Frames --- ## iGreen Frames URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/igreen-frames/ ## iGreen Eyewear iGreen Eyewear is the result of years of research and development in order to produce technologically superior frames while being friendly to our environment. Thanks to Thema’s investment in eco-friendly equipment and processes, iGreen frames are not only stylish, incredibly light, flexible and highly customizable but also fabricated using significantly less water and electricity during manufacture, making them a sensible and unrivaled choice in the marketplace. Since Thema’s debut in the North American market a few years ago, the release of iGreen CUSTOM has truly revolutionized the manner in which the selling of eyewear is accomplished. ##### iGreen CUSTOM Imagine being able to wear what represents you best. Endless possibilities to express your creativity without limitations, envision yourself wearing a frame created and designed by you! Our iGreen Custom program brings this vision to life, where you are the designer of your own unique frame. We have created a program to ensure everyone has the perfect fit no matter which style they love from our 4.0 Collection and that’s why we offer up to three different eye-sizes for every custom shape. ##### iGreen PLUS Collection Transform everyday prescription eye-wear into protective and attractive sunglasses! Each pair comes with a polarized (grey) magnetic clip-on lens that stays in place using a strong built-in magnet discretely placed under the rivet. Four more clips are available with different lenses (Polarized Green Mirrored Lens, 3-D, Blue Lens and Yellow Lens). ##### iGreen 4.0 Collection Our iGreen 4.0 Acetate frames combine the lightness of polyamide with the strength of acetate for optimal balance of comfort and function. All Acetate Styles are available for customization offering multiple eye sizes as well as nose pads. ##### iGreen Polymer Collection Designed with active lifestyles in mind, iGreen Polymer frames provide unmatched impact protection and lightweight comfort without sacrificing style. ##### iGreen ULTRA-THIN Our latest series adapts perfectly to different face shapes and truly provides a “you don’t even know it’s there” feeling! All iGreen frames have interchangeable temples with a wide selection of colors for endless fun! ##### ASSEMBLY Changing the temples on your iGreen glasses is very simple. In less than a minute your "new" glasses will be ready to wear! Lift the temple where it protrudes from the front, lever it on the inside a bit, as if you were using a corkscrew. Then clip the new temple to the front and your new iGreen is ready to be shown off!Thema is a global company that respects the importance of sustainability and the major role each of us play as stewards of our earth. In 2019 Thema announced a new recycling program in partnership with the international recycling company TerraCycle . Under this new program and with TerraCycles help, Thema will recycle all excess acetate left over from their manufacturing process. ###### Shop iGreen Hi-Tech Frames --- ## Flexure Frames URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/flexure-frames/ ## Flexure Frames by Capri Made from memory metal/titanium alloy, this series is lightweight, durable, and always a stylish favorite for the patient looking for a frame that can handle whatever life adventures come their way. ###### Shop Flexure Frames --- ## Contest Rules URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/contest-rules/ ### National Sunglasses Day Contest Get your cameras ready! We are celebrating #NationalSunglassesDay on June 27, and we want to see you rocking your favorite pair of shades! Post your #SunglassSelfie and be sure to include #VolunteerEyecare for a chance to win a $300 voucher* for a sweet pair of sunglasses from our eyewear gallery. ##### How do I enter the contest? In order to enter the giveaway you must complete the following steps. LIKE our Facebook Page and FOLLOW us on Instagram Click here to like us on Facebook  and  Click here to follow us on Instagram. POST your sunglass selfie on Facebook or Instagram and be sure to include #VolunteerEyecare . SHARE your post with at least one person. ##### Need a new pair of sunglasses? We've got you covered. Whether you are shopping in-store or online, Volunteer Eyecare offers a coupon code to help you save on your purchase. Use coupon code "SUNGLASSES25" to save $25 off in-store purchases, or use coupon code "SUNGLASSES50" to save 50% off all online sunglasses purchases. Offer ends June 27th so don't miss out!*Giveaway Rules: $300 voucher is valid toward any brand of non-prescription sunglasses we have in stock. Voucher does not have a cash value. Patient pays overage if sunglasses chosen are more than $300. May not be used for prescription glasses or sunglasses. One winner will be chosen randomly by computer generated software. Sunglasses will include a 30 day warranty. Winner must sign an agreement/release for name and photo to used on all Volunteer Eyecare social media. May not be combined with insurance, offers, or discounts. Contest ends 11:59PM, EST on June 27th, 2020. Does not apply to past purchases or out-of-stock items. Offer valid to residents of the United States only. --- ## Care and Warranty URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/care-and-warranty/ ## Using Your New Eyewear Often a new prescription, or a different design or material, may require an initial learning period. It is best to wear your new prescription as much as possible to learn quickly to use them. With correction for astigmatism, things may appear tilted, slanted or bowed. You may feel as though you are walking uphill, downhill, or in a valley. This sensation normally subsides within 1-2 weeks if the glasses are worn on a regular basis. Your new progressive lenses may require a training period as you learn to use the functions of a multifocal lens. Be careful walking up and down stairs and stepping off of curbs because of the new reading vision in the bottom of the lenses. To help you learn to use your new progressives, sit at a table or desk with reading material and objects at arms length. Practice pointing your nose and tilting your chin up and down to bring objects and reading materials into focus. From time to time, look off into the distance and notice your eyes focus on objects far away. ##### Caring for Your Eyewear • Never wipe the lenses while they are dry. Particles and dirt on the lenses can damage the surface. Rinse with tap water, apply a cleaner, and clean with fingers. Use a soft cotton or silk polishing cloth to dry the lenses. • Clean anti-reflective lenses with a cleaner made especially for those lenses. Very dirty lenses should be cleaned with mild soap and water before being polished with soft cloths. • Always clean your frames and lenses with a cleaner safe for eyeglasses. Some household cleaners contain solvents which can damage your lenses or frames. • Never leave your eyeglasses near a source of heat or on the dash of a car. Excessive heat may damage or warp plastic frames and some types of lenses. • Keep your eyeglasses in a clean, protective case when not wearing them. ##### Peace of Mind • We stock high quality, fashion frames backed by at least a one-year warranty against manufacturers’ defects. • Scratch resistant plastic lenses are backed by a one year/ one time redo for scratching under normal wear. Radiance Anti-reflection lenses are covered for two years. • Prescription changes are sometimes necessary to fine-tune your prescription. Changes prescribed by your doctor will be made at no-charge within 60 days of when the eyeglasses are first received. • Periodically your new glasses may require a fine-tuning adjustment to stay comfortable and functional. • Over time, screws may loosen. Come in any time for a free adjustment. • Don’t try repairs at home. Glues and putties will void the warranty. --- ## Top 5 Staff Picks URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/top-5-staff-picks/ ## Top 5 Staff Picks ###### Coach ###### Harley Davidson ###### Michael Kors ###### Oakley ###### Peace ###### Rafaella ###### Swarovski ###### XOXO --- ## Vision Problems URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/vision-problems/ ## Vision Problems Vision is the foundation of all that we do here at Volunteer Eyecare. We will do whatever is it takes to ensure that you leave our office seeing your very best. We are laser focused when it comes to your eyeglass/contact lens prescription. --- ## Reviews URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/reviews/ ## Reviews Let us know how we’re doing! We take pride in offering the best in customer service, and we want to hear from you. Please take a few minutes to let us know about your visit. ###### Google Reviews Write a Google review for: Clinton  |  Halls  |  SoKno  |  Maryville  | Dunlap | Central ## What Our Patients Are Saying --- ## Costa Frames URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/costa-frames/ ## Costa Eyewear ##### Built By Hand Setting themselves apart from the very beginning, nearly all Costa sunglasses are assembled by hand in their Daytona Beach, Florida, workshop. The building process includes no less than eight pairs of hands, all striving to maintain an attention to detail and adhering to the high standards Costa is known for. But at Costa they also know that you didn’t buy their products to stay still – and when something happens that isn’t covered by their Limited Warranties, Costa’s experts can quickly return frames and lenses to "like-new" standards*. *See Costa’s website here for their terms, conditions, and associated fees with their Limited Warranties and their repair program. ##### Beyond Polarized Most traditional Polarized lenses work by only blocking reflective light, but Costa did more. Their patented 580® lenses go the distance by blocking the ideal amount of harsh yellow light and potentially harmful blue light, while simultaneously enriching beneficial reds, blues and greens. This all adds up to less haze, less blur, and improved clarity and contrast. And if those innovations weren’t enough, they offer both a lightweight, impact resistant polycarbonate lens (580P), and a more traditional glass lens (580G). So no matter which Costa lens type you choose, your worldview is about to go hi-def. ##### Looking After What They Love At Costa, they love the water and they love everything living in it. From their Indifly Foundation to their Kick Plastic® initiative, they devote a substantial amount of time, resources, and efforts, to conservation, raising awareness, protecting fisheries, and enriching water-based communities. Visit their Protect page for more information on all of the things that Costa does to help. ###### Shop Costa Frames --- ## Frame Brands URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/brands/ ## Frame Brands --- ## Oakley URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/oakley/ ## Oakley Eyewear ###### Oakley Eyewear Frames --- ## Life Is Good URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/life-is-good/ ## Life Is Good Eyewear As a brand known for promoting a lifestyle of optimism, Life is Good is known for helping people focus on the good . With eyewear, they help people do that through a whole new lens. Life is Good is a widely recognizable brand with something to offer the whole family.The Life is Good eyewear line has premium hand-designed styles for men , women , boys , and girls . Offered at an attainable price point for managed care/insurance coverage and no buy-in requirements, the Life is Good eyewear selection is a must-have in your optical showroom. Your purchase has a purpose - Life is Good donates 10% of its annual net profits to help kids in need. ###### Life Is Good Eyewear Frames --- ## Haggar URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/haggar/ ## Haggar Eyewear For generations, Haggar has been an industry innovator in style and comfort and synonymous for high standards of quality and performance. These elements were the starting point in developing the Haggar Eyewear collections. The 200 and 500 Series are tailored yet casual utilizing pattern and texture as key design elements while the ACTIVE Series was introduced for those who appreciate a sportier, athletic look. Made from quality acetates, stainless steel, or flex-titanium components in a palette of neutral colors. Select Wide-Fit styles are proportioned for those who require larger eye sizes, temples, and bridge. ###### Haggar Eyewear Frames --- ## Scott Harris URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/scott-harris/ ## Scott Harris Eyewear Scott Harris isn’t about prescribing uniform eyewear; it’s about providing you with the options to best suit your unique self. Across men’s, women’s, and unisex options - Scott Harris offers fresh, timely, colorful stylings free of heavy embellishments. “Eyewear should fit both your face and your personality naturally, and it should be unique enough to fit them both perfectly.” - Scott Harris Shapiro ###### Scott Harris Eyewear Frames --- ## BluTech Lenses URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/blutech-lenses/ ## BluTech Lenses Artificial blue light from screens and energy-efficient lighting disrupts your biological clock and causes digital eye strain—negatively impacting sleep, health, and productivity. BluTech lenses reduce your exposure to blue light, helping you live healthier and happier. ##### True Color and Protective • Offers the most near-clear protection against blue-light emitted by digital devices and artificial light without distorting color • Filters harmful wavelengths known to be associated with digital eyestrain, headaches and sleeplessness • Proprietary treatment infused into the lens-not a coating that can scratch off or wear off. ##### Which level of protection is right for you? BluTech Lenses are infused with Blue Light Plus, a proprietary combination of pigments and dyes which protects your eyes the way nature does. Depending on your need, choose from these formulations. More color means more protection. ##### 455 nm is Where it Matters Indoors. *Blue light comparisons must be made at 455 nm. Digital devices and LED lights emit blue light from about 430 nm to 500 nm with an intense spike at ~ 455 nm. Do not be tricked by other “wannabe” blue light “blocking” lenses that only provide blocking percentages in the part of the spectrum where digital devices emit little to no blue light, making their protection insignificant. Note: BluTech MAX lenses are only available in non-Rx. Contact us today for more information on how BluTech lenses can help reduce digital eye strain while improving your sleep, health, and productivity. --- ## Eye Conditions URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/eye-conditions/ ## Eye Conditions Our doctors have received advanced training and certification in diagnosis and therapeutic management of most medical eye conditions . We have always strived to be at the cutting edge and work hard to incorporate the latest technological innovations and most efficacious treatments to assist us in providing the best care for our patients in need of medical eye care. We make every effort to communicate and work hand in hand with your primary care physician and personal medical care team to keep them updated on your ocular health status. Here is a list of some of the most common eye diseases and treatments that our doctors manage. #### Amblyopia #### Cataracts #### Conjunctivitis (Red Eyes) #### Diabetic Retinopathy #### Dry Eyes #### Flashes & Floaters #### Glaucoma #### Keratoconus #### LASIK #### Macular Degeneration #### High Risk Medications #### Strabismus --- ## Shop URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/shop/ ### $25 OFF #### In-Store Sunglasses Mention code "SUNGLASSES25" to save $25 off your in-store sunglasses purchase. Offer expires July 1, 2020. ### 50% OFF #### Online Sunglasses Use code "SUNGLASSES50" to save 50% off your online sunglasses purchase. Offer expires July 1, 2020. #### Whats Trending Now #### Shop By Category ###### Mens Mens Eyeglasses Mens Sunglasses ###### Womens Womens Eyeglasses Womens Sunglasses ###### Kids Boys Eyeglasses Girls Eyeglasses ###### Unisex Unisex Eyeglasses Unisex Sunglasses ###### Accessories Eyeglass Cases Eye Drops & Vitamins #### Most Recent Frames --- ## Content Bottom URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/content-bottom/ ###### Shop Online ###### Order Contacts ###### Schedule an Eye Exam ###### Eye Diseases ###### 24/7 Urgent Care ###### Our Locations --- ## FAQ URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/faq/ ## Frequently Asked Questions Please click here to view our latest response to COVID-19. » Learn More Please click here to schedule a telemedicine visit. » Learn MoreThe cost of your eye exam and other visits will depend on your insurance coverage and whether you wear contacts or glasses. Please contact your insurance plan to find out what they cover. As a courtesy to our patients, we do our best to obtain an authorization before your visit to determine your plan benefits. This authorization is not a guarantee of payment or coverage so until both parties receive an EOB (explanation of benefits), exact costs and coverage is subject to change. If you do not have vision insurance, please check out our wellness eye exam offer. » Learn More 4. How much are glasses? The total cost of your glasses will depend on your prescription, upgrades you choose, insurance coverage and whether you wear contacts or glasses. Please contact your insurance plan to find out what your specific plan covers. As a courtesy to our patients, we do our best to obtain an authorization before your visit to determine your plan benefits but this authorization is not a guarantee of payment or coverage. Exact costs and coverage is subject to your EOB (explanation of benefits). If you do not have vision insurance, please check out our offers. » Learn More In general, our prescription glasses take no more than 10 days to make in our own lab. In certain cases, like single vision prescriptions, we can have them make in one or two days. We generally give you a promise date and an appointment when you order in-store so that you can know approximately when you can pick up. Quality glasses are almost never made in a day or a few hours. Additionally, certain vision plans require us to use their lab and send your frame to them for processing. In this situation, we have seen it take several weeks to get your eyeglasses back.We always offers free adjustments and cleaning for any pair of glasses or sunglasses. Check out our wellness eye exam offer. » Learn More First of all, a contact lens is a medical device that requires a prescription. All contact lenses, even purely cosmetic ones, are considered medical devices and require a prescription. If contact lenses are right for you, our doctors will provide you with the lenses, lens care kits, individual instructions for wear and care and follow-up visits over a specified time. Contact lens prescriptions generally expire on a yearly basis, unless otherwise determined by your doctor of optometry. Prescriptions for contact lenses and glasses may be similar, but are not interchangeable. Also, different contact lenses often are made from different materials and in different sizes, some of which can be comfortable and healthy for you to wear, while others can lead to discomfort and even eye health problems. A prescription for contact lenses therefore involves more than simply knowing the optical power that corrects for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Our fitting and evaluation fee covers this extra service. » Learn More The cost of contact lenses varies greatly. We only fit and sell branded contact lenses that we know are safe and provide the best vision and comfort. We do not sell generic contact lenses that you may find at big box stores or online. We want you to have a lifetime of vision and see your best while maintaining comfort and good eye health. » Purchase Contacts Online » Learn More About Rebates As a courtesy to our patients, we do our best to obtain an authorization before your visit to determine your plan benefits. This authorization is not a guarantee of payment or coverage so until both parties receive an EOB (explanation of benefits), exact costs and coverage is subject to change. » Click Here for Insurance Information Yes, we are always search for new team members to add to our team. » Learn More --- ## Contact Lenses URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/contact-lenses/ ## Contact Lenses As part of our goal to provide our patients with clear, comfortable, and healthy vision, we provide comprehensive contact lens services. For all contact lens wearers, it is important that you have your eyes evaluated at least every year or more frequently, if needed. Whether you are a current contact lens wearer, or simply interested in finding out if you are a candidate for contact lenses, our doctors will be able to evaluate your eyes and make appropriate recommendations about the healthiest contact lens options available to you. The ultimate goal for all contact lens wearers is to see well, be comfortable, and not harm his or her eyes by wearing the lenses. Our doctors are committed to helping you achieve this goal! #### Here is a list of the contact lens services we provide: ##### Contact Lens Evaluation This is for current contact lens patients at the time of the comprehensive eye exam. This service includes verification of current contact lens prescription to determine if any power updates are necessary, evaluation of the appropriateness of the current contact lens fit for your visual needs, a review of contact lens solutions and hygiene and recommendations for contact lens wearing schedule, and evaluates the health of your eye in relation to your contact lenses. ##### Contact Lens Insertion & Removal Instruction This service applies to new contact lens patients only. It includes the teaching of contact lens insertion and removal, contact lens hygiene and proper use of contact lens cleaning solutions. ##### Contact Lens Fitting and Management This service applies for new contact lens wearers or refitting of an established contact lens patient switching to another type of contact lens for medical, visual, or personal reasons. Depending on your visual needs, baseline prescription, and eye health status, our doctors will discuss your options and will recommend one of the following categories of lens options: • Single Vision Contact Lenses (soft) • Astigmatic Contact Lenses (soft toric and gas permeable lenses) • Bifocal Contact Lenses • Keratoconus or Corneal Rehabilitation • Specialty Lens Designs (including Bi-toric gas permeable lenses) • Color Contact Lens analysis and fitting (single vision soft) One affordable fee (varies by category) covers the fitting and the contact lens office visits for a set global period until our goal of clear, comfortable, and healthy vision is met. #### We offer specialty contact lens fitting: New advances in contact lens technology allow most people to successfully wear contact lenses, even those with astigmatism or bifocal requirements. You will quickly recognize that we go beyond the “one size fits all” approach to contact lenses and understand the importance of personal attention when it comes to your vision and comfort. Our experienced optometrists will thoroughly evaluate your visual needs, prescription, and long term eye health to determine which brand and type of contact lens provides you the most convenience, comfort, and eye health. ##### RGP Lenses For those patients that have had a difficult time finding lenses that provide good enough vision for their lifestyle, there are RGP or “hard” contacts. These lenses do provide better vision in most cases, but are usually a bit more difficult to adjust to comfort wise. There are many patients in these lenses that are completely happy and unwilling to switch to soft contact lenses. ##### Silicone Hydrogel Lenses Another category of lenses that are fairly new to the market are the silicone hydrogel lenses. These lenses can provide many times more oxygen to the eyes compared to other category of lenses. These lenses are actually providing some patients with a second chance to remain in soft contact lenses. If there is a significant risk of failing ocular health due to lack of oxygen to the cornea, then these lenses may provide the needed oxygen and therefore may extend a patient’s ability to remain in soft lenses. ##### Hybrid Lenses Hybrid contact lenses combine the visual clarity and therapeutic aspects of Gas Perm lenses with the comfort of Soft Lenses. ##### Scleral Contact Lenses Scleral lenses are large-diameter rigid gas permeable lenses. If you want to wear contact lenses but have had trouble wearing them in the past, or you’ve been told you are not a good candidate for contacts, scleral contact lenses may be the solution you are looking for. They are called “scleral” lenses because they completely cover the cornea (the clear dome of tissue that covers the colored part of the eye) and extend onto the sclera (the white part of the eye that forms the outer wall of the eye). Because of their size, they do not fall out and dust or dirt particles cannot get under them during wear. They are surprisingly comfortable to wear because the edges of the lens rests above and below the eye lid margins so there is no lens awareness. ##### Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) Corneal Reshaping with CRT Contact Lenses can be an ideal vision correction method for active children, especially those involved in sports, or children who are genetically prone to having their nearsightedness progress year after year. The principle is similar to the use of a dental retainer used by an orthodontist to realign crooked teeth. The vision retainers are similar to contact lenses and are only worn at night while sleeping. They are then removed upon awakening to provide clear vision without using glasses or contact lenses! The retainers are comfortable and very easy to care for. CRT does not work on everyone and needs to be performed in a very exact and meticulous manner. --- ## COVID-19 URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/covid-19/ ## Our Latest Response To COVID-19 ##### FACE MASK REQUIRED (March 21, 2022) As of Monday, March 21, 2022, we will be updating our mask policy for patients. Masks are now encouraged, but not required for patients that come to our offices. All staff will still wear masks until further notice. (July 15, 2020) In addition to our other COVID-19 policies, customers are required to wear masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our business and community.   If you are unable to wear a mask, please ask for other accommodations.   Thank you for your cooperation.   ##### Volunteer Eyecare COVID-19 Response (April 27, 2020) Volunteer Eyecare considers the health, safety, and well-being of our patients, team members, and communities to be our top priority. We understand the concern and uncertainty that our patients may be experiencing surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are committed to being responsive to the needs of our patients and employees as the situation evolves. Based on current guidance from Governor Bill Lee, CDC and The American Optometric Association and our own standards and practices, we have adapted the following schedule to provide exceptional patient care experiences. Until May 1st: Reduced Office Hours 11am - 3pm Essential/Urgent care only Beginning May 4th: Normal Business Hours. Routine eye exams available. ##### Volunteer Eyecare Screening Protocols for Staff and Patients: 1. We will screen patients, visitors and staff members for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to and/or upon their arrival at the facility, including utilizing non-contact temperature readers. (NOTE: Temperature alone does not assess or exclude disease.) The CDC defines a fever as a temperature at or above 100.4°F. 2. We will ask and have you sign a form upon arrival to our practice that confirms the following: For the safety of all and to help stop the spread of COVID-19, please tell us if you have, or recently had, a fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle aches or pain, dizziness, confusion, headache, sore throat, lack of appetite, airway bleeding, runny nose, chest pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, loss of sense of smell, presence of conjunctivitis, recent travel, and/or contact with sick individuals. 3. If patients or staff report or appear ill, we will recommend that they consult and/or seek medical care from their primary care physician (PCP) the same day. 4. We will ask that you tell us about recent COVID-19 test results obtained for yourself or close contacts. 5. Patients or staff should consult their PCP first unless they are experiencing emergency warning signs. If they develop any emergency warning signs for COVID-19 they should seek medical attention immediately: a. Trouble breathing. b. Persistent pain or pressure in the chest. c. New confusion or inability to arouse. d. Bluish lips or face. 6. Any staff member showing signs of being sick will not be permitted to work. 7. Patients and visitors exhibiting signs of being sick will be rescheduled, unless an emergency dictates otherwise, and referred to their PCP. 8. We will outline workload plans for staff so as to prepare for cleaning and sanitizing, while safely keeping up with patient flow as best as possible. a. We are preparing our office space and clinical areas based on suggested guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing the medical office and dispensary, and how long this process may take. b. We have a plan and process to sterilize all equipment and materials, including frames, with the best available disinfectant (best is diluted bleach solution or alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol). We currently use Cavicide but will go to diluted bleach if we run out of Cavicide. c. We will ensure HVAC filters are high-quality, pathogen-attractive, fresh and exchanged regularly. We will make the air exchange rate higher if possible. 9. For the first two weeks, our strategy for our practices will be to manage patient flow and ensure appropriate physical distancing, including, but not limited to: a. Scheduling routine visits every hour instead of our normal every 30 minutes. b. Requesting patients call or text the office upon arrival so entrance to and movement through the facility can be coordinated by staff. c. Instructing patients that companions should remain outside of the facility and not accompany the patient into the facility unless they are a parent/guardian of the patient or if they are a true caregiver and need to assist the patient. d. Establishing a longer timeframe in between patient appointments for at least 2 weeks. e.  Requesting all patients and companions in the building to please bring and wear a cloth or disposable mask at all times. f. While in the facility, please maintain a safe distance between you and others of at least six feet and avoid touching surfaces and your face. g. At check-in, patients will receive a sterilized pen and sterilized clipboard to complete paperwork. h. Contact lens patients will receive a sterile, unopened bottle of solution and a case for their personal use in the office. They may take this bottle and case home. i. We will disinfect all frames in our optical after being touched. j. We have temporarily removed all books, magazines, and refreshments from our waiting area. We will be updating you and our staff as new details become available. If you have questions or concerns about this information, please reach out to us. We will deliver both routine and emergency eye services to our patients in the safest way possible in the coming days, weeks and months and will continue to monitor this ever-evolving situation. Thank you for your understanding, help, and cooperation! Sincerely, Volunteer Eyecare Team ##### COVID-19 Keeping Our Patients Healthy (March 24, 2020) Our patients may have concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) so we want to let you know what we are doing, as well as the extra precautions we are taking to keep everyone healthy as you visit our offices. • Our locations are open but in accordance with CDC recommendations, we have limited services to non-routine, emergency and essential services.   We are asking all patients in the high-risk category to reschedule their visit. • Monitoring daily updates and recommendations from the CDC as well as the American Optometric Association • Educating our staff and discussing prevention measures we can take each day • Increasing frequency of cleaning and disinfecting heavy-use patient areas • Ensuring any employees displaying symptoms of illness do not come to work • Continuing our practice of cleaning our instruments in front of our patients in our pretesting, testing and exam rooms. • To comply with the CDC's social distancing guidelines, we would appreciate if only the patient being seen that day comes inside for treatment, unless they require being accompanied by a caregiver or guardian.   • If you prefer to limit your exposure to other patients, you are welcome to wait in your car after signing in, and we will text or call you when it is time for your exam to start. • We are happy to bring products like eyeglasses and contact lenses to your car so that you do not have to come inside.   Simply call the location and we can make arrangements. • If you have an upcoming appointment with our office and are experiencing fever, cough, flu or coronavirus like symptoms, we respectfully ask that you stay home and be well.   Please call and notify our staff and we will be happy to reschedule your appointment. • If you have traveled outside of the US or have been in contact with someone who has in the past 14 days, please notify about this as well.   We want to make every effort to reduce the risk of sickness for our patients and staff. At Volunteer Eyecare we are focused not only on good vision and eye health but also on keeping you safe and healthy.   We will continue to closely monitor this situation and make the decisions necessary for the health and safety of our patients and staff as COVID-19 progresses. --- ## Madison Montgomery URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/madison-montgomery/ ## Madison Montgomery Madison Montgomery’s approach to eyewear is that of a true Fashion Designer. Each collection is based on a unique design inspiration, using the finest materials. The Moroccan Collection, draws its’ inspiration from the mystique of an exotic land. The colors are representative of the inspired bysea coast of Morocco, the intensity of the spices at local bazaars, and the colors of the villages. Each piece is embellished with genuine Cubic Zirconia for that diamond look. Madison designs eyewear to be an accessory for the sophisticated American Woman. Each Madison Montgomery frame, comes with a limited production, seasonally appropriate handbag. ###### Limited Edition Handbag ###### Madison Montgomery Frames --- ## Adult Eyecare URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/adult-eyecare/ ## Adults (18+) ##### Young Adults: 19 to 40 Years of Age The AOA recommends that adults aged 19 to 40 receive an eye exam at least every two years. Most adults between the ages of 19 and 40 enjoy healthy eyes and good vision. The most common eye and vision problems for people in this age group are due to visual stress and eye injuries. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and protecting your eyes from stress and injury, you can avoid many eye and vision problems.Good vision is important as you pursue a college degree, begin your career, or perhaps start and raise a family. Here are some things you can do to maintain healthy eyes and good vision: • Protect your eyes from short-wavelength visible light. Most digital devices and newer LED and fluorescent lights emit more wavelengths near the shorter, or bluer, part of the spectrum. High and continual exposure to these wavelengths can cause slow damage to the retina, which may result in problems like age-related macular degeneration later in life. Special glasses and lens coatings are available to block short-wavelength visible light. • Protect your eyes from the sun. The sun emits harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that can damage your eyes over the long term. Choose sunglasses with UV-A and UV-B protection with adequate coverage. Additionally, use sunscreen around the delicate skin around your eyes, and wear a hat or visor in addition to sunglasses to improve protection. • Don't smoke. Smoking exposes your eyes to high levels of noxious chemicals and increases the risk for developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. • Eat a balanced diet. As part of a healthful diet, eat five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Choose foods rich in antioxidants, like leafy, green vegetables and fish. • Get regular exercise. Exercise improves blood circulation, increases oxygen levels to the eyes and helps remove toxins. • Get an eye examination annually. Although vision generally remains stable during these years, problems may develop without any obvious signs or symptoms. The best way to protect your vision is through regularly scheduled professional eye examinations . The American Optometric Association recommends that adults aged 19 to 40 receive an eye exam at least every two years. If you are at risk for eye problems due to a family history of eye disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or past vision problems, your doctor of optometry may recommend more frequent exams. In between examinations, contact your doctor if you notice a change in your vision. Detecting and treating problems early can help maintain good vision for the rest of your life. ### Dealing with Visual Stress at School or on the Job Eyestrain is common in today's visually demanding world. A typical college schedule or office workday involves long hours reading, working at a desk or staring at a computer. A poorly designed study or work environment that includes improper lighting, uncomfortable seating, incorrect viewing angles and improper reading or working distances can add to the visual stress. As the day progresses, the eyes begin to fatigue, and eyestrain and discomfort can develop. The following are key signs of eyestrain: • Sore or tired eyes • Itching or burning sensations in the eyes • Sensitivity to light • Dry or watery eyes • Headaches • Difficulty focusing Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize eyestrain, particularly during computer work: • Adjust your computer in your work space. Position the top of your computer monitor below eye level so you look slightly downward at the screen. This will help minimize strain on the eyes and the neck. If you are typing from copy, position the text at the same level as the screen. Adjust the screen brightness so it is most comfortable for you. Avoid glare on the computer screen by wearing anti-reflective lenses, adjusting window curtains or blinds, repositioning the monitor or using a glare reduction filter on your screen. Wear special glasses or lens coatings that block short-wavelength visible light if you use digital devices for many hours during the day. • Use proper lighting. Examine the lighting in your work area. Overhead lights can be harsh and often are brighter than necessary. Consider turning off some lights for a more comfortable lighting situation. Use an adjustable shaded lamp to provide specific task lighting as needed. • Take rest breaks. Use the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look 20 away for 20 seconds. This allows your eyes to readjust. Consider standing up and walking around or doing alternate tasks that do not require extensive near focusing. Blink often to refresh the eyes and use artificial tear solutions, if necessary. • Maintain proper posture. When seated at a desk, make sure your feet are flat on the floor. Use an adjustable chair that provides adequate support for your back. When working at a computer, your arms should form a 90-degree angle at the elbows, and your hands should be tilted up slightly to allow your fingers to travel freely over the keyboard. Making these simple adjustments to your study or work area can do a lot to prevent or reduce eyestrain. If you continue to experience eye-related symptoms, you may have a vision problem that requires treatment. Ask your optometrist. * Source: www.aoa.org ##### Adults: 41 to 60 Years of Age The AOA recommends that adults aged 41 to 60 receive an eye exam at least every two years. Beginning in the early to mid-40s, many adults may start to have problems seeing clearly at close distances, especially when reading and working on the computer. This is among the most common problems adults develop between ages 41 to 60. This normal change in the eye's focusing ability, called presbyopia, will continue to progress over time. Initially, you may need to hold reading materials farther away to see them clearly. Or you may need to remove your glasses to see better up close. Print in the newspaper or on a restaurant menu may appear blurred, especially under dim lighting. If you already wear prescription glasses or contact lenses to see clearly in the distance, these changes in your near vision can be corrected by switching to bifocal or multifocal lenses. Fortunately, people with presbyopia now have many options to improve their vision.During these years, schedule a comprehensive eye examination with your optometrist at least every two years to check for developing eye and vision problems. Don't rely on the limited driver's license vision test or other insufficient vision screenings to determine if you have an eye or vision problem. Adults over 40 who have the following health or work issues may be particularly at risk for developing eye and vision problems: • Chronic, systemic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. • A family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration. • A highly visually demanding job or work in an eye-hazardous occupation. • Health conditions related to high cholesterol, thyroid, anxiety or depression, and arthritis for which you take medications. Many medications, even antihistamines, have vision side effects. ### Understanding Age-related Vision Changes Just like your body, your eyes and vision change over time. While not everyone will experience the same symptoms, the following are common age-related vision changes: • Need for more light. As you age, you need more light to see as well as you used to. Brighter lights in your work area or next to your reading chair will help make reading and other close-up tasks easier. • Difficulty reading and doing close work. Printed materials can become less clear, in part because the lens in your eye becomes less flexible over time. This makes it harder for your eyes to focus on near objects than when you were younger. • Problems with glare. When driving, you may notice additional glare from headlights at night or sun reflecting off windshields or pavement during the day. Changes in your lenses in your eyes cause light entering the eye to be scattered rather than focused precisely on the retina. This creates more glare. • Changes in color perception. The normally clear lens located inside your eye may start to discolor. This makes it harder to see and distinguish between certain color shades. • Reduced tear production. With age, the tear glands in your eyes will produce fewer tears. This is particularly true for women experiencing hormone changes. As a result, your eyes may feel dry and irritated. Having an adequate amount of tears is essential for keeping your eyes healthy and for maintaining clear sight. ### Encountering Problems with Near Vision after 40 If you have never needed eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct distance vision, then experiencing near vision problems after age 40 can be concerning and frustrating. You may feel like you've abruptly lost the ability to read the newspaper or see the cell phone numbers. Actually, these changes in your focusing power have been occurring gradually since childhood. Now your eyes don't have enough focusing power to see clearly for reading and other close vision tasks. Losing this focusing ability for near vision, called presbyopia , occurs because the lens inside the eye becomes less flexible. This flexibility allows the eye to change focus from objects that are far away to objects that are close. People with presbyopia have several options to regain clear near vision. They include: • Eyeglasses, including single vision reading glasses and multifocal lenses • Contact lenses, including monovision and bifocal lenses • Laser surgery and other refractive surgery procedures As you continue to age, presbyopia becomes more advanced. You may notice that you need to change your eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions more frequently than you used to. Around age 60, these changes in near vision should stop, and prescription changes should occur less frequently. Presbyopia can't be prevented or cured, but most people should be able to regain clear, comfortable near vision for all of their lifestyle needs. ### Warning Signs of Eye Health Problems This is also the time in life when your risk for developing a number of eye and vision problems increases. The following symptoms could be the early warning signs of a serious eye health problem: • Fluctuating vision. Frequent changes in how clearly you can see may be a sign of diabetes or hypertension (high blood pressure). These chronic conditions can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. This vision loss can sometimes be permanent. • Seeing floaters and flashes. Occasionally, you may see spots or floaters in your eyes. In most cases, these are shadowy images of particles floating in the fluid that fills the inside of the eye. Although they can be bothersome, spots and floaters typically don't harm vision. They are a natural part of the eye's aging process. But if you suddenly see more floaters than normal, along with bright, flashing lights, see your optometrist immediately. This could be a sign that you have a tear in your retina, and it could detach. This should be treated immediately to prevent serious loss of vision. • Loss of side vision. Losing peripheral or side vision may be a sign of glaucoma. Glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve is damaged and no longer transmits all visual images to the brain. It often has no symptoms until damage to your vision has begun. • Seeing distorted images. Straight lines that appear distorted or wavy or an empty area in the center of your vision could be signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The disease affects the macula, which is the part of your retina that is responsible for central vision. The disease causes a blind spot in the middle of your field of vision. Regular eye examinations and early diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases can help you preserve good vision throughout your life. * Source: www.aoa.org ##### Seniors: Over 60 Years of Age The AOA recommends annual eye examinations for everyone over age 60. Regular eye exams are even more important as you reach your senior years. See your doctor of optometry immediately if you notice any changes in your vision. Vision changes occur as you get older, but these changes don't have to affect your lifestyle. Knowing what to expect and when to seek professional care can help you safeguard your vision.As you reach your 60s and beyond, you need to be aware of the warning signs of age-related eye health problems that could cause vision loss. Many eye diseases have no early symptoms. They may develop painlessly, and you may not notice the changes to your vision until the condition is quite advanced. Wise lifestyle choices, regular eye exams and early detection of disease can significantly improve your chances of maintaining good eye health and vision as you age. You may not realize that health problems affecting other parts of your body can affect your vision as well. People with diabetes or hypertension (high blood pressure), or who are taking medications that have eye-related side effects, are at greatest risk for developing vision problems. ### Age-related Eye and Vision Problems In the years after you turn 60, a number of eye diseases may develop that can change your vision permanently. The earlier these problems are detected and treated, the more likely you can retain good vision. The following are some vision disorders to be aware of: • Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that affects the macula (the center of the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eye) and causes central vision loss. Although small, the macula is the part of the retina that allows us to see fine detail and colors. Activities like reading, driving, watching TV and recognizing faces all require good central vision provided by the macula. While macular degeneration decreases central vision, peripheral or side vision remains unaffected. • Cataracts are cloudy or opaque areas in the normally clear lens of the eye. Depending upon their size and location, they can interfere with normal vision. Usually cataracts develop in both eyes, but one may be worse than the other. Cataracts can cause blurry vision, decreased contrast sensitivity, decreased ability to see under low light level conditions (such as when driving at night), dulling of colors and increased sensitivity to glare. • Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that occurs in people with diabetes. It is the result of progressive damage to the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina. These damaged blood vessels leak blood and other fluids that cause retinal tissue to swell and cloud vision. The condition usually affects both eyes. The longer a person has diabetes, the greater the risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. In addition, the instability of a person's glucose measurements over time can impact the development and/or severity of the condition. At its most severe, diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness. • Dry eye is a condition in which a person produces too few or poor-quality tears. Tears maintain the health of the front surface of the eye and provide clear vision. Dry eye is a common and often chronic problem, particularly in older adults. • Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve resulting in loss of peripheral (side) vision. It often affects both eyes, typically one eye before the other. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to total blindness. People with a family history of glaucoma, African Americans and older adults have a higher risk of developing the disease. Glaucoma is often painless and can have no obvious symptoms until there is a significant loss of side vision. • Retinal detachment is a tearing or separation of the retina from the underlying tissue. Retinal detachment most often occurs spontaneously due to changes to the gel-like vitreous fluid that fills the back of the eye. Other causes include trauma to the eye or head, health problems like advanced diabetes, and inflammatory eye disorders. If not treated promptly, it can cause permanent vision loss. ### Driving Safely After 60 If you are 60 or older, driving a car may be increasingly difficult. Age-related vision changes and eye diseases can negatively affect your driving abilities, even before you are aware of symptoms. Some age-related vision changes that commonly affect seniors' driving are: • Not being able to see road signs as clearly • Difficulty seeing objects up close, like the car instrument panel or road maps • Difficulty judging distances and speed • Changes in color perception • Problems seeing in low light or at night • Difficulty adapting to bright sunlight or glare from headlights • Experiencing a loss of side vision These tips can help you stay safe when driving, especially at night: • Use extra caution at intersections. Many collisions involving older drivers occur at intersections due to a failure to yield, especially when taking a left turn. Look carefully in both directions before proceeding into an intersection. Turn your head frequently when driving to compensate for any decreased peripheral vision. • Reduce your speed and limit yourself to daytime driving. If you are having trouble seeing at night or your eyes have difficulty recovering from the glare of oncoming headlights, slow down and avoid driving at night. • Avoid wearing eyeglasses and sunglasses with wide frames or temples. Glasses with wide temples (side arms) may restrict your side vision. • Take a driving course for seniors. Participate in a program for older drivers in your community, such as those offered by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). This can help you learn how to compensate for the physical changes that may affect your driving ability, and may even lower your insurance premium. • Have an annual eye examination. Yearly eye exams can ensure your eyeglass or contact lens prescription is up to date. It can also ensure early detection and treatment of any developing eye health problem. ### Dealing with Vision Loss Unfortunately, some people over 60 lose sight beyond the normal, age-related vision changes. Macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy are among the eye health conditions that can lead to permanent vision loss in varying degrees and forms. Visual acuity alone is not a good predictor of a person's degree of visual difficulty. Someone with relatively good acuity (e.g., 20/40) can have difficulty functioning, while someone with worse acuity (e.g., 20/100) might not experience any significant functional problems. Other visual factors, such as poor depth perception, limited side vision, extreme sensitivity to lights and glare, and reduced color perception, can also limit a person's ability to do everyday tasks. Low-vision rehabilitative services can provide people with the help and resources they need to regain their independence. These services can teach people with low vision a variety of techniques that allow them to perform daily activities with their remaining vision. Your doctor of optometry can help plan a rehabilitation program so that you can live an independent life within your condition's limitations. A wide variety of rehabilitation options are available to help people with low vision live and work more effectively, efficiently and safely. Most people benefit from one or more low-vision treatment options. The more commonly prescribed devices are: • Spectacle-mounted magnifiers. A magnifying lens is mounted in spectacles (this type of system is called a microscope) or on a special headband. This allows you to use both hands to complete a close-up task, such as writing a letter. • Handheld or spectacle-mounted telescopes. These miniature telescopes help people see at longer distances, such as across the room to watch television. They can also be modified for near (reading) tasks. • Handheld and stand magnifiers. These are often portable and convenient for short-term reading tasks, such as viewing price tags, labels and instrument dials. Both types can include lights. • Video magnification. Table-top (closed-circuit television) or head-mounted systems enlarge reading material on a video display. Some systems can be used for distance viewing. Some are portable systems, and some can be used with a computer or monitor. Users can customize image brightness, image size, contrast, foreground/background color, and illumination. In addition, numerous other products can assist those with a vision impairment, such as large-type books, magazines, and newspapers; books on tape; talking wristwatches; self-threading needles; and more. Talk with your optometrist to learn more about your available options. * Source: www.aoa.org We believe that there is so much more to a eye exam than just an accurate glasses prescription. Why? Our eyes and visual system can produce very similar symptoms. For example, blurred vision can be caused by something as simple as an uncorrected refractive error or as serious as uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, or even a brain tumor. Because of this, during our comprehensive eye and vision exam, we thoroughly evaluate the function and health of the eyes and total visual system to obtain ample information to diagnose the cause of signs noted by our doctors or symptoms reported by our patients. In addition, potentially blinding conditions such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy may cause no symptoms until they are far advanced and the damage is irreparable. That’s why we dilate the majority of our patient’s eyes to allow us to look at all of the ocular structures to identify the presence of any conditions that may exist without symptoms. We incorporate the latest technology and rely on thorough objective examination of the eyes to ensure that all eye and related systems are evaluated. At the conclusion of the comprehensive vision exam, we take time to thoroughly explain all of our findings, make recommendations, and answer any questions you may have. Our adult eye and vision examination includes: • Dilation, as necessary, to help view the internal structures of the eye. • General health screening of physical conditions and prescription medications that may affect your eyesight. • Evaluation of current glasses prescriptions • Visual acuity measurement and refraction to determine the degree to which you may be nearsighted, farsighted, presbyopic or have astigmatism. • Muscle test to identify any muscle weakness or involuntary eye movement. • Binocular vision skills assessment to assure your eyes work together as a team; important for proper depth perception, eye muscle coordination, detection of lazy eye conditions including strabismus and amblyopia, and the ability to change focus from near to far objects. • Applanation tonometry to measure internal eye pressure and detect glaucoma. • A comprehensive internal and external eye health assessment using the latest technologies to evaluate all anterior segment aspects of the eye and all posterior segments of the eye. Other testing may include: • Visual field test to measure peripheral vision and detect diseases of the eyes or neurological disorders. • Color vision screening for color perception and neurologic evaluation. • Stereopsis or depth perception evaluation. • Gonioscopy or anterior segment evaluation. • Pachymetry to measure corneal thickness to aid in the diagnosis of glaucoma. • Digital retinal photography. • Screening blood pressure testing. • Glucose tolerance --- ## Clinton URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/clinton/ ## Clinton Location 2681 Andersonville Hwy, Suite 101, Clinton, TN 37716 Phone: (865) 457-2020 Fax: (865) 494-3930 Email:  contactus@volunteereyecare.com Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Doctors at this location: Steven Elliott, O.D. Savannah Hammer, O.D. Jackson Hawkins, O.D. 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 --- ## Savings URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/savings/ ## Savings ## $125* #### Wellness Eye Exams For New and Established Patients. Includes vision exam with dilation. *This exam will provide a spectacle prescription that is valid for 24 months from the date of the exam. Wellness eye exams do not include contact lens fits, contact lens evaluations, or contacts lenses. May not be combined with insurance. ## $119* #### Big Orange Value Package Includes any Casino or Flexure frame with Single Vision, Polycarbonate Lenses. *Rx limited to +/-4.00D and/or +/- 2.00 CYL. Upgrades are not included and are at full retail price. Available in-store only. Other frames are not available for Big Orange Value Package. Valid prescription required. Valid on multiple pairs. Cannot be combined with other offers, insurance, previous purchases, readers or non-prescription sunglasses. Casino and Flexure frames are available at all locations to try on in-store. See team member for additional details. ## $199* #### Big Orange Value Package Includes Any Casino or Flexure Frames with Lined Bifocal Lenses (ST-28) or Plastic Lenses (CR-39) up to +/-6.00D and/or +/-2.00CYL. *Upgrades are not included and are at full retail price. Available in-store only. Other frames are not available for Big Orange Value Package. Valid prescription required. Valid on multiple pairs. Cannot be combined with other offers, insurance, previous purchases, readers or non-prescription sunglasses. Casino and Flexure frames are available at all locations to try on in-store. See team member for additional details. ## $269* #### Big Orange Value Package Includes Any Casino or Flexure Frame with No-Lined Progressive Lenses (Peak Brand) or Plastic Lenses (CR-39) up to +/-6.00D and/or +/-2.00CYL. *$149 Big Orange Value Package includes any Casino or Flexure frame with lined bifocal lenses (ST-28), plastic (CR-39) lenses up to +/-6.00D and/or +/- 2.00 CYL. Upgrades are not included and are at full retail price. Available in-store only. Other frames are not available for Big Orange Value Package. Valid prescription required. Valid on multiple pairs. Cannot be combined with other offers, insurance, previous purchases, readers or non-prescription sunglasses. Casino and Flexure frames are available at all locations to try on in-store. See team member for additional details. ## $25** #### Off Any Pair of Non-Prescription Sunglasses With Annual Supply Contact Lens Purchase **Receive $25 Off any pair of plano (non-prescription) sunglasses when you purchase an annual or year supply of contact lenses. Cannot be combined with vision benefits, other offers, previous purchases, readers or online purchases. Valid prescription required. This offer is for in-store only, same day purchases. ## 20%** #### Off Any Second Pair Purchase This Offer is for In-Store, Same Day Purchases Only. **In-store only. Complete pair (frame and lenses) purchase required. Cannot be combined with vision benefits, other offers, previous purchases, readers or non-prescription sunglasses. Valid prescription required. Discounts are on full retail price. See team member for additional details. --- ## Sunglasses URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/sunglasses/ ## Sunglasses ###### All Sunglasses Choose By Gender Mens Sunglasses Womens Sunglasses Unisex Sunglasses --- ## Contact Us URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/contact-us/ ## Contact Us --- ## Order Contact Lenses URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/order-contact-lenses/ ## Order Contact Lenses ## Order Now Please select your preferred office location before placing your order. BEARDEN 404 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919 Phone: (865) 601-2020 CENTRAL 1053 N. Central Street, Knoxville, TN 37917 Phone: (865) 524-8521 CLINTON 2681 Andersonville Hwy, Suite 101, Clinton, TN 37716 Phone: (865) 457-2020 DUNLAP 15449 Rankin Avenue, Dunlap, TN 37327 Phone: (423) 949-2020 HALLS 6719 Maynardville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918 Phone: (865) 922-3937 MARYVILLE 730 W. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37801 Phone: (865) 982-2020 SOUTH KNOX 4300 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920 Phone: (865) 577-2020 #### Free Shipping Ground shipping is FREE on any order of two (2) boxes or more. #### Renew Your Prescription Click here to schedule your contact lens exam with an eye doctor today. » Learn More #### Rebates Click here for current manufacturer’s rebates . ## Order Now Please select your preferred office location before placing your order. #### Free Shipping Ground shipping is FREE on any order of two (2) boxes or more. #### Renew Your Prescription Click here to schedule your contact lens exam with an eye doctor today. » Learn More #### Rebates Click here for current manufacturer’s rebates . #### Free Shipping Ground shipping is FREE on ANY order. #### Renew Your Prescription Click here to schedule your contact lens exam with an eye doctor today. » Learn More #### Rebates Click here for current manufacturer’s rebates . --- ## Rebates URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/rebates/ ## Rebates on your Contact Lenses Discover all of our brands and products eligible for rebates on annual supply purchases. --- ## Home With New Menu URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/home-with-new-menu/ Latest on our response to COVID-19 ## Welcome to Volunteer Eyecare. Knoxville eye doctors providing comprehensive eye care: eye exams , eyeglasses , sunglasses , contact lenses , and much more! Visit one of our seven Knoxville eye clinic locations and see why we are the preferred optometrists in our region. ###### Shop Online ###### Order Contacts ###### Schedule an Eye Exam ###### Eye Conditions ###### 24/7 Urgent Care ###### Our Locations #### Stay Connected --- ## Dry Eye Center URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/dry-eye-center/ ## Dry Eye Center Dry eye disease (DED) is one of the most common eye conditions, reportedly affecting about 49 million Americans of which only half are diagnosed.1 Other reports suggest that the actual number of people suffering from DED symptoms is much higher, up to 130 million American adults.2 Therefore, it is not surprising that 45% of existing ophthalmology and optometry patients suffer from DED. Yet treatments have remained widely unsatisfactory, until now. #### Schedule A Dry Eye Evaluation Discuss your dry eye condition and explore treatment options at our Bearden office location today. Click below to schedule a dry eye evaluation with our eye care professionals today.Lumenis presents the first and only IPL FDA-approved for the management of dry eye disease. OptiLight uses Lumenis’ patented Optimal Pulse Technology (OPT™) for a safe, precise, and effective treatment, clinically supported by over 40 clinical studies. This light-based therapy offers your patients an effective solution to a frustrating and persistent problem, and a timely opportunity for you to elevate your practice. With the huge market for DED treatments still largely unanswered, there’s never been a better time to introduce OptiLight into your practice.As patients’ demand and interest in dry eye disease continues to soar, existing treatments remain largely ineffective. As these treatments mostly address the symptoms, but not the underlying condition and require daily intake, patients are left frustrated and in pain. A Gallup poll found a whopping 82% of patients wished a more effective treatment for DED was available, with another study reporting that merely 36% of patients strongly believe that the treatment they received was effective. OptiLight is the first and only light based treatment for dry eye disease. It utilizes Lumenis' patented Optimal Pulse Technology (OPT™) and built-in clinically validated treatment protocols to provide an effective and safe treatment that finally breaks the dry eye vicious cycle of inflammation. Thanks to the patented OPT™ handpiece, the treatment is easily customizable to fit every curve and outline of the delicate treatment area. It is intuitive, easy to use, and requires only minimal training and setup.Each treatment session takes only 10-15 minutes (including prep time), so you can easily integrate it into your workflow. With over 20 clinical studies demonstrating its safety and effectiveness, Lumenis’ OptiLight is a transformative, must-have tool in your dry eye armamentarium. ### What Should You Know About OptiLight? • Multifactorial treatment for a multifactorial disease • Patented Optimal Pulse Technology (OPTTM) transforming the use of light • Design-driven elements for maximum precision and safety • Upgradable system offering unlimited growth potential • Four sessions, 2-4 weeks apart • Only 10-15 minutes per session • Non-invasive, drug-free treatment • Easily integrates into your existing workflow --- ## After Hours Urgent Care URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/after-hours-urgent-care/ ## After-Hours Urgent Care For Established Patients ##### After-Hours Emergency (Knoxville area) ##### After-Hours Emergency (in Dunlap) ##### Life-Threatening Emergency (United States) ### What Symptoms Indicate That You Have An Eye Emergency? An eye emergency is when symptoms happen suddenly and are the result of eye trauma or they affect your vision noticeably. Symptoms range from eye pain to vision loss. This can be the result of many different factors such as a blow to the eye, objects in the eye, chemicals in the eye, or an eye infection. These include, but are not limited to: • Eye infection • Painful eyes • Loss of Vision • Sudden Double Vision • Eye Trauma • Scratch or cut in the eye • Chemicals, objects in the eye • Flashes of light • Extensive, new floating spots / floaters • Severe Light Sensitivity • Eye Discharge If you experience any of these symptoms, please call: ##### After-Hours Emergency (Knoxville area) ##### After-Hours Emergency (in Dunlap) ##### Life-Threatening Emergency (United States) --- ## Maryville URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/maryville-eye-doctors/ ## Maryville Eye Doctors 730 W. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37801 Phone: (865) 982-2020 Fax: (865) 970-2020 Email: contactus@volunteereyecare.com Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Doctors at this location: Victoria Long, O.D. Jared Dix, O.D. --- ## Halls URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/halls/ ## Halls Location 6719 Maynardville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918 Phone: (865) 922-3937 Fax: (865) 922-8412 Email:  contactus@volunteereyecare.com Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Doctors at this location: Steven Elliott, O.D. Wayne Connell, O.D. Caroline Poveromo, O.D. Jackson Hawkins, O.D. --- ## Careers URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/careers/ ## Why Work with Volunteer Eyecare? ## Engage We know how vital each of our employees is to our business. Although we’re constantly growing, we still take efforts to make sure that everyone feels valued in their role. Through social events, charity drives, competitions, and more, you can be sure to feel connected with your co-workers here. Oh, and if that’s not enough, we have a cake for every birthday.Volunteer Eyecare hires people with all levels of education and work experience. We value the unique abilities of all of our employees and allow them to use their skills as they learn more about our ever-growing field. ## Training ## Connect Dr. Elliott opened Volunteer Eyecare in Clinton, TN nearly 18 years ago. Now, with six offices throughout East Tennessee, we keep our local connection by supporting area charities and working with our long-term patients. As a staple in our communities, working with Volunteer Eyecare allows you to connect with those around you while serving them in a unique way.We believe that when our team wins, everybody wins. As Volunteer Eyecare continues to grow, you’ll have the opportunity to grow with us. Want to join? Email us an application to learn out how you can be a part of our team. ## Grow ## Current Openings To apply, please email your resumé to contactus@volunteereyecare.com or fax to (865) 922-8412. ##### The Lasting Impression of our Practice The optical professional is responsible for helping patients understand their options and finding eyewear that looks great and is functional. The job requires good people skills and the ability to take and record critical measurements and data. The optical team member is also responsible for learning about new products, managing inventory, and ensuring quality. Experience in retail sales is very helpful and the ability to listen well and to explain complex information to people is critical. Duties: • Provides eyeglasses and contact lenses by filling written optical prescriptions; determining client’s current prescription, using lensometer or lens analyzer. • Evaluates client’s vocational and avocational visual requirements by reviewing optical requirements. • Suits customers’ needs by recommending specific lenses, lens coatings, and frames. • Measures customer by measuring bridge and eye size, temple length, vertex distance, pupillary distance, and optical center of eyes using millimeter rule and light reflex pupillometer. • Helps clients select frames by offering commentary on styles, colors, coordinating frames with facial and eye measurements and optical prescriptions. • Provides instructions for grinding lenses by completing work order. • Maintains quality by verifying finished lenses are ground to specifications. • Ensures that eyeglasses fit customer by adjusting frames. • Educates customers by offering instructions in eyeglass and contact lens care and use. • Sells optical goods by displaying and promoting binoculars, sunglasses, magnifying glasses, low-vision aids, and optical cleaning supplies. • Collects revenues by preparing charges; collecting payment. • Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations. • Enhances optical center reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments. ##### The First Impression of the Practice The receptionist has the crucial job of making everyone feel welcome in person and on the phone. They utilize our practice management system to schedule patients, gather data at patient check in, and record fees and payments upon check out. Some administrative duties include processing recalls, sending statements, and reconciling insurance and patient payments. Experience with a medical database is very helpful and a pleasant demeanor while balancing multiple tasks is a requirement. Duties: • Welcomes patients and visitors by greeting patients and visitors, in person or on the telephone; answering or referring inquiries. • Optimizes patients’ satisfaction, provider time, and treatment room utilization by scheduling appointments in person or by telephone. • Keeps patient appointments on schedule by notifying provider of patient’s arrival; reviewing service delivery compared to schedule; reminding provider of service delays. • Comforts patients by anticipating patients’ anxieties; answering patients’ questions; maintaining the reception area. • Ensures availability of treatment information by filing and retrieving patient records. • Maintains patient accounts by obtaining, recording, and updating personal and financial information. • Obtains revenue by recording and updating financial information; recording and collecting patient charges; controlling credit extended to patients; filing, collecting, and expediting third-party claims. • Helps patients in distress by responding to emergencies. • Protects patients’ rights by maintaining confidentiality of personal and financial information. • Maintains operations by following policies and procedures; reporting needed changes. • Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed. ##### The Patient Care Coordinator The optometric assistant is responsible for keeping patient visits on track and recording information vital to the doctor’s care. The job requires the ability to move quickly, think on the run, and be aware of situations. Experience recording data into EHR is very helpful and the ability to learn, attention to detail, and a heart of care is required. Duties: • Verifies patient information by interviewing patient; recording medical history; confirming purpose of visit. • Checks condition of patients’ eyes by observing pupils, muscle, visual acuity, extraocular movements, blood pressure. • Prepares patients for eye examination by dilating their pupils; reporting patient history summary, changes in visual acuity, elevated extraocular pressure, or blood pressure to the eye doctor. • Saves eye doctor time by helping with office procedures • Secures patient information and maintains patient confidence by completing and safeguarding medical records; completing diagnostic coding and procedure coding; keeping patient information confidential. • Counsels patients by transmitting physician’s orders, use of drops, contact lenses, drugs, and questions about surgery. • Schedules surgeries by making arrangements with the surgical center; verifying times with patients; preparing charts, pre-admission and consent forms. • Maintains safe, secure, and healthy work environment by establishing and following standards and procedures; complying with legal regulations. • Keeps supplies ready by inventorying stock; placing orders; verifying receipt. • Keeps equipment operating by following operating instructions; troubleshooting breakdowns; maintaining supplies; performing preventive maintenance; calling for repairs. • Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications. • Serves and protects the eye care practice by adhering to professional standards, policies and procedures, federal, state, and local requirements. • Enhances eye care practice reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments. ##### The Eyewear Artist An ophthalmic lab technician is responsible for maintaining high quality standards and producing eyewear in a timely and cost-effective manner. The lab technician works with delicate machinery and precise measurements to fabricate prescription eyewear. Experience with ophthalmic lens fabrication is very helpful and an attention to detail and deadlines is critical. Duties: • Provides eyeglasses by filling written optical prescriptions; determining client’s current prescription, using lensometer or lens analyzer. • Fabricate eyewear to industry standards • Repair eyewear • Maintain lab equipment in good working order • Work with optical technicians to ensure job timeliness and quality • Work with ophthalmic wholesale labs to ensure quality and delivery • Maintains lens stock inventory Backs up optical team: • Ensures that eyeglasses fit customer by adjusting frames. • Educates customers by offering instructions in eyeglass and contact lens care and use. • Sells optical goods by displaying and promoting binoculars, sunglasses, magnifying glasses, low-vision aids, and optical cleaning supplies. • Collects revenues by preparing charges; collecting payment. --- ## Bearden URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/bearden/ ## Bearden Location 404 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919 Phone: (865) 601-2020 Fax: (865) 601-2020 Email:  contactus@volunteereyecare.com Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Doctors at this location: Jackson Hawkins, O.D. Derek Anderson, O.D. 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 --- ## Dunlap URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/dunlap/ ## Dunlap Location 15449 Rankin Avenue, Dunlap, TN 37327 Phone: (423) 949-2020 Fax: (423) 949-7435 Email:  contactus@volunteereyecare.com Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Doctors at this location: Rochelle Parks, O.D. Derek Anderson, O.D. --- ## Our Doctors URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/our-doctors/ ### Eye Doctors ##### Select By Office Location ### Retired Doctors ### Eye Doctors ##### Select By Office Location ### Retired Doctors ### Team Members ##### Select By Office Location ### Administrative Office --- ## South Knox URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/south-knox/ ## South Knox Location 4300 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920 Phone: (865) 577-2020 Fax: (865) 579-3688 Email: contactus@volunteereyecare.com Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Doctors at this location: Jackson Hawkins, O.D. --- ## Locations URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/locations/ ## Seven Convenient Locations Volunteer Eyecare offers comprehensive eye exams at each one of our seven office locations in the Knoxville area including  Bearden , Central ,  Clinton , Dunlap , Halls,   Maryville  and South Knoxville . ##### Bearden 404 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919 Phone: (865) 601-2020 Fax: (865) 601-2020 Email:  contactus@volunteereyecare.com Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Bearden Eye Doctors: Caroline Poveromo, O.D. Jared Dix, O.D. Derek Anderson, O.D. ##### Central 1053 N. Central Street, Knoxville, TN 37917 Phone: (865) 524-8521 Fax: (865) 521-9033 Email:  contactus@volunteereyecare.com Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Central Eye Doctors: Savannah Hammer, O.D. ##### Clinton 2681 Andersonville Hwy, Suite 101, Clinton, TN 37716 Phone: (865) 457-2020 Fax: (865) 494-3930 Email:  contactus@volunteereyecare.com Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Clinton Eye Doctors: Steven Elliott, O.D. Savannah Hammer, O.D. Jackson Hawkins, O.D. ##### Dunlap 15449 Rankin Avenue, Dunlap, TN 37327 Phone: (423) 949-2020 Fax: (423) 949-7435 Email:  contactus@volunteereyecare.com Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Dunlap Eye Doctors: Rochelle Parks, O.D. Derek Anderson, O.D. ##### Halls 6719 Maynardville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918 Phone: (865) 922-3937 Fax: (865) 922-8412 Email:  contactus@volunteereyecare.com Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Halls Eye Doctors: Steven Elliott, O.D. Wayne Connell, O.D. Jackson Hawkins, O.D. ##### Maryville 730 W. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37801 Phone: (865) 982-2020 Fax: (865) 970-2020 Email:  contactus@volunteereyecare.com Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Maryville Eye Doctors: Michael Kolarik, O.D. Victoria Long, O.D. Jared Dix, O.D. ##### South Knox 4300 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920 Phone: (865) 577-2020 Fax: (865) 579-3688 Email:  contactus@volunteereyecare.com Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm South Knoxville Eye Doctors: Jackson Hawkins, O.D. --- ## All Pages URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/all-pages/ ### All Pages --- ## Volunteer Cares URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/volunteer-cares/ ## Volunteer Cares Our team at Volunteer Eyecare has a commitment to our community in which we work and live.  We are passionate about improving vision one patient at a time but we are equally excited about volunteering our time and services, such as: ### Inner City Mobile Food Bank Our team members and doctors are invested in our community and enjoy giving back through acts of service. ### Norris Lions Club Dr. Elliott has been a member of the Norris Lions Club since April 2003. ### Remote Area Medical Our doctors have volunteered for multiple RAM events throughout the years. ### Mission of Hope We love participating in the Mission of Hope campaign. Their outreach serves the people of rural Appalachia so please help us fill our barrels this coming holiday season. ### Health Fairs We participate in health fairs, vision screenings and other outreach opportunities. We would appreciate the opportunity to be a part of your next event. Email us at contactus@volunteereyecare.com or call 877-VOL-EYES . ### Second Harvest Food Bank Members of our team have served at Second Harvest events which are designed to engage and interact with the community. We love their ultimate mission of fighting and ultimately ending hunger in East Tennessee. --- ## Our Story URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/our-story/ ## Our Story ### Our Beginning The Volunteer Eyecare story began in 2002 in a small farm house turned office in Anderson County, Tennessee. Our founder, Dr. Steven Elliott , knew then that he wanted a hometown eye care practice where folks would feel welcome and important at each and every visit. As a student doctor, Dr. Elliott onced asked a private practice optometrist, “What does it take to have a successful optometry practice?” and the answer was simple. “Treat people the way you want to be treated and strive to do your best each and every day.” The rest is history. Dr. Elliott opened Elliott Eyecare after graduation in May of 2002 and saw his first patient in this little farm house. (from left to right) Pam Tolson, L.D.O.; Alison Elliott; Steven Elliott, O.D.; Sharon Smith. Volunteer Eyecare started with two full-time employees in 2002. Sharon Smith was the first full-time employee. She has done almost every job there is in the practice. She currently serves as office manager and insurance administrator. Pam Tolson, L.D.O. was instrumental in getting our optical established. Doctor Elliott’s wife worked part-time in the evening after coming home from her full-time job and on Saturdays. Today, we employ over forty team members and are always looking to hire new team members who are humble, hungry and smart. ### Our Growth ### Our Commitment Our vision is for you to feel welcome and important every time you visit us. We want you to feel like a member of our family of patients. It is our desire that you will enjoy our services and products so much that you will send your friends and family to us as well. ### Our Future 2020 is the year of the eye doctor and we are excited about our future. This year we are adding two new doctors to our team. Additionally, by popular demand we plan to open a West Knoxville office in October to serve our patients who live/work in this area. ### Our newest location in Bearden, est. 2021 ### Our Future Our practice continues to grow thanks to the continued support of our patients and community. Consequently, we added four new associates to our team in 2022. Our future is focused on you. --- ## Central URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/central-knoxville-tn/ ## Central Knoxville Location 1053 N. Central Street, Knoxville, TN 37917 Phone: (865) 524-8521 Fax: (865) 521-9033 Email: contactus@volunteereyecare.com Hours:  Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Doctors at this location: Jackson Hawkins, O.D. --- ## Pay Bill Online URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/pay-bill-online/ ## Online Bill Pay This page is currently under construction. Please check back soon. (June 18, 2025) --- ## Insurance Information URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/insurance-information/ ## Insurance Information We accept most vision and medical plans. If you find that we are out-of-network for your plan ask us about reimbursement forms that may be available for you to submit following your visit. Please refer to your provider manual or call your insurance representative to verify your benefits and our participation. ##### In-Network Vision ##### Out-of-Network Vision Davis Vision ( reimbursement form ) Superior ( reimbursement form ) Americhoice Cigna HealthSpring ##### Medical Insurance --- ## Schedule Eye Exam URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/schedule-eye-exam/ ## Schedule An Eye Exam Please click on the location button below to schedule a real-time appointment. --- ## William Pedersen, O.D. URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/staff/william-pedersen/ ## William Pedersen, O.D. ###### Undergraduate Degree East Tennessee State University ###### Doctorate Degree Southern College of Optometry Memphis ###### Externship Rotations Commonwealth Eye Surgery Lexington, Kentucky ###### Associations • American Optometric Association • Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians • East Tennessee Society of Optometric Physicians ###### My Office Locations Retired ###### Biography Optometric Physician William Pedersen was born and raised in Knoxville. He graduated from East Tennessee State University and received his doctorate from the Southern College of Optometry in 1974. After graduation, he immediately began his successful optometry practice in Maryville. He fell in love with Maryville and has practiced there for over forty years. Dr. Pedersen practices adult and pediatric primary eye care, including routine examinations for glasses and contact lenses; surgical pre- and post-operative care for cataract and refractive surgery; and ocular disease management including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, injuries and infections. Dr. Pedersen has served on the board of directors for the Tennessee Association of Optometrists. He has held the position of President for the East Tennessee Optometric Society and the Baptist Eye Institute advisory board. He is active in the community and a member of First United Methodist Church. He has a passion for all things football and is a proud member of the Vol Navy. --- ## Michael Kolarik, O.D. URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/staff/michael-kolarik/ ## Michael Kolarik, O.D. ###### Undergraduate Degree Birmingham Southern College ###### Doctorate Degree University of Alabama in Birmingham ###### Externship Rotations Commonwealth Eye Surgery Lexington, Kentucky ###### Associations • American Optometric Association • Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians • East Tennessee Society of Optometric Physicians ###### My Office Locations Maryville ###### Biography Optometrist Michael Kolarik earned his undergraduate degree from Birmingham Southern College in 1975, and his doctorate from the University of Alabama in Birmingham in 1979. Although born in Maryville, Dr. Kolarik grew up in North Canton, Ohio, with stops in Scottsboro and Birmingham, Alabama before returning to Maryville after Optometry School graduation. Dr. Kolarik has practiced optometry in Maryville for 36 years. His focus is on his practice and patients, but he does find time for enjoying the Great Smoky Mountains, reading science fiction, and traveling when time permits. He and his wife Janet are members of New Providence Presbyterian Church in Maryville. Their daughter Annie is a third year medical student at Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City. Dr. Kolarik practices adult and pediatric primary eye care, comprehensive eye exams for glasses and contact lenses; surgical pre- and post-operative care for cataract and refractive surgery; and ocular disease management including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, injuries and infections. Dr. Kolarik has been a member of the American Optometric Association , Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians and East Tennessee Society of Optometric Physicians. --- ## Janet Parker, O.D. URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/staff/janet-parker/ ## Janet Parker, O.D. ###### Undergraduate Degree University of South Florida ###### Doctorate Degree Southern College of Optometry ###### Externship Rotations SouthEast Eye Specialists Knoxville ###### Associations • American Optometric Association • Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians • East Tennessee Society of Optometric Physicians ###### My Office Locations Retired ###### Biography Optometric Physician Janet Parker was born and raised in Sanford, Florida. She graduated from the University of South Florida in 1980 and received her Doctorate from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis in 1985. Dr. Parker and her husband, Optician John Parker, established Parker Vision in Maryville where they were in private practice for twenty-nine years. They both joined Volunteer Eyecare in January 2018 and continue to practice part-time. Dr. Parker practices adult and pediatric primary eye care, including routine examinations for glasses and contact lenses; surgical pre- and post-operative care for cataract and refractive surgery; and ocular disease management including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, injuries and infections. Dr. Parker is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians. Dr. Parker lives in Maryville and is an active member of East Maryville Baptist Church where she is also part of the Audio Visual Team. --- ## John Condry, O.D. URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/staff/john-condry/ ## John Condry, O.D. ###### Undergraduate Degree Southern College of Optometry ###### Doctorate Degree Southern College of Optometry ###### Associations • American Optometric Association • Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians • East Tennessee Society of Optometric Physicians ###### My Office Locations Retired ###### Biography Optometric Physician Mike Condry attended Cumberland College and earned his undergradate and doctorate degrees from Southern College of Optometry in 1967. Dr. Condry is a former Captain in the United State Army where he served two years as a military optometrist.   He owned and operated a six location optometric practice, Condry Eye Centers, for over forty years. Dr. Condry practices adult and pediatric primary eye care, including routine examinations for glasses and contact lenses; surgical pre- and post-operative care for cataract and refractive surgery; and ocular disease management including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, injuries and infections. --- ## Derek Anderson, O.D. URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/staff/derek-anderson-o-d/ ## Derek Anderson, O.D. ###### Undergraduate Degree The University of Tennessee ###### Doctorate Degree The Southern College of Optometry ###### Externship Rotations Karns Vision Center James H. Quillen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center The Eye Center of Memphis ###### My Office Locations Bearden Dunlap ###### Biography Optometrist Derek Anderson graduated from The University of Tennessee in 2020 and received his doctorate from Southern College of Optometry in 2024. Dr. Anderson completed external rotations at Karns Vision Center in Knoxville, The James H. Quillen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Johnson City, and The Eye Center in Memphis. Dr. Anderson grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, and quickly became a Vol For Life. He continued to cheer on the Volunteers by playing saxophone for the Pride of the Southland Marching Band. Dr. Anderson spends his free time volunteering for Remote Area Medical, listening to music, playing trivia, and watching sports with friends. Dr. Anderson practices primary eye care for adults and pediatric patients, comprehensive eye exams for glasses and contact lenses, pre- and post-operative care for cataract and refractive surgeries and ocular disease management including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, injuries and infections. --- ## Jackson Hawkins, O.D. URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/staff/jackson-hawkins/ ## Jackson Hawkins, O.D. ###### Undergraduate Degree Frostburg State University ###### Doctorate Degree The Southern College of Optometry ###### Externship Rotations Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Volunteer Eyecare ###### Associations Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society Student Society of the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians (ssTAOP) ###### My Office Locations Central Clinton Halls South Knox ###### Biography Optometrist Jackson Hawkins graduated from Frostburg State University in 2018 and received his doctorate from the Southern College of Optometry in 2022. Dr. Hawkins completed external rotations at The Eye Center in Memphis, Tennessee, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, and Volunteer Eyecare in Knoxville, TN. Dr. Hawkins was raised and attended college in the mountains of Western Maryland. He is excited to make East Tennessee his new home and serve the patients of the Knoxville area. Dr. Hawkins practices primary eye care for adults and pediatric patients, comprehensive eye exams for glasses and contact lenses, pre- and post-operative care for cataract and refractive surgeries and ocular disease management including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, injuries and infections. --- ## Jared Dix, O.D. URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/staff/jared-dix/ ## Jared Dix, O.D. ###### Undergraduate Degree University of Tennessee Chattanooga ###### Doctorate Degree Southern College of Optometry Memphis ###### Externship Rotations The Eye Center in Memphis, Tennessee, The Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center Collierville Eye Associates ###### Associations T.B.A. ###### My Office Locations Bearden Maryville ###### Biography Optometrist Jared Dix graduated from The University of Tennessee Chattanooga in 2017 and received his doctorate from the Southern College of Optometry in 2022. Dr. Dix completed external rotations at The Eye Center in Memphis, Tennessee, The Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Collierville Eye Associates. Dr. Dix grew up in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and met his wife Rebecca during their time in Chattanooga. Rebecca is originally from Sevierville, and it did not take very long for Dr. Dix to fall in love with East Tennessee. Dr. Dix enjoys being active and spending time on the farm. Dr. Dix practices primary eye care for adults and pediatric patients, comprehensive eye exams for glasses and contact lenses, pre- and post-operative care for cataract and refractive surgeries and ocular disease management including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, injuries and infections. --- ## Victoria Long, O.D. URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/staff/victoria-long/ ## Victoria Long, O.D. ###### Undergraduate Degree West Virginia University ###### Doctorate Degree Southern College of Optometry ###### Externship Rotations The Eye Center, Memphis, Tennessee O’Brien Vision Center, Southaven, Mississippi ###### Associations • American Optometric Association • Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians • East Tennessee Society of Optometric Physicians ###### My Office Locations Maryville ###### Biography Optometrist Victoria Long graduated from West Virginia University in 2015 and received her doctorate from the Southern College of Optometry in 2020. Dr. Long completed external rotations at The Eye Center in Memphis, Tennessee and O’Brien Vision Center (a private practice) in Southaven, Mississippi. Dr. Long is a West Virginia native, but is excited to make East Tennessee home. Dr. Long practices primary eye care for adults and pediatric patients, comprehensive eye exams for glasses and contact lenses, pre- and post-operative care for cataract and refractive surgeries and ocular disease management including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, injuries and infections. --- ## Rochelle Parks, O.D. URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/staff/rochelle-parks/ ## Rochelle Parks, O.D. ###### Undergraduate Degree Tennessee Technological University ###### Doctorate Degree Southern College of Optometry ###### Externship Rotations SouthEast Eye Specialists Knoxville ###### Associations • American Optometric Association • Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians • East Tennessee Society of Optometric Physicians ###### My Office Locations Dunlap ###### Biography Optometrist Rochelle Parks earned her undergraduate degree from Tennessee Technological University in 2003, and her doctorate from Southern College of Optometry in 2007. She has been in practice in her hometown of Dunlap since graduation. Dr. Parks practices adult and pediatric primary eye care, comprehensive eye exams for glasses and contact lenses; surgical pre- and post-operative care for cataract and refractive surgery; and ocular disease management including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, injuries and infections. Dr. Parks is a member of the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians . She loves to perform school screenings for the children in Dunlap and the surrounding areas. In her spare time, Dr. Parks enjoys scrap booking, reading, and spending time with her children. --- ## Caroline Poveromo, O.D. URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/staff/caroline-poveromo/ ## Caroline Poveromo, O.D. ###### Undergraduate Degree The University of Tennessee Knoxville ###### Doctorate Degree The Southern College of Optometry ###### Externship Rotations SouthEast Eye Specialists Knoxville ###### Associations • American Optometric Association • Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians • East Tennessee Society of Optometric Physicians ###### My Office Locations Bearden ###### Biography Optometrist Caroline Poveromo graduated from The University of Tennessee Knoxville in 2012 and received her Doctorate from The Southern College of Optometry in 2016. Dr. Poveromo completed external rotations at SouthEast Eye Specialists in Knoxville, as well as a private practice externship in Newport, TN. An East Tennessee native, Dr. Poveromo returned to the area she calls home to practice optometry. Dr. Poveromo practices adult and pediatric primary eye care, comprehensive eye exams for glasses and contact lenses; surgical pre- and post-operative care for cataract and refractive surgery; and ocular disease management including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, injuries and infections. Dr. Caroline Poveromo is a member of the American Optometric Association , the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians , and the East Tennessee Society of Optometric Physicians. --- ## Wayne Connell, O.D. URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/staff/wayne-connell/ ## Wayne Connell, O.D. ###### Undergraduate Degree University of Memphis ###### Doctorate Degree Southern College of Optometry Memphis ###### Externship Rotations Commonwealth Eye Surgery Lexington, Kentucky ###### Associations • American Optometric Association • Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians • East Tennessee Society of Optometric Physicians ###### My Office Locations Halls ###### Biography Optometrist Wayne Connell graduated from the University of Memphis in 2004 and received his doctorate from the Southern College of Optometry in 2008. Dr. Connell completed external rotations at Commonwealth Eye Surgery in Lexington, Kentucky as well as at a private practice in Miami, Florida with Dr. Stephen Morris. A native Tennessean, Dr. Connell relocated to East Tennessee, where he has been in practice since 2008. Prior to joining Volunteer Eyecare he practiced in Morristown and Knoxville. Dr. Connell practices adult and pediatric primary eye care, comprehensive eye exams for glasses and contact lenses; surgical pre- and post-operative care for cataract and refractive surgery; and ocular disease management including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, injuries and infections. Dr. Connell is a member of the American Optometric Association , the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians and the East Tennessee Society of Optometric Physicians. --- ## Steven Elliott, O.D. URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/staff/steven-elliott-knoxville-eye-doctor/ ## Steven Elliott, O.D. ###### Biography Knoxville Optometrist Steven Elliott earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1996, and his doctorate from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis in 2002. Dr. Elliott completed externship rotations at the James H. Quillen Veterans Administration Hospital in Johnson City, as well as with a private practice in Athens, Tennessee. A native of Anderson County, Dr. Steven Elliott has been in private practice in Anderson County since 2002 and Knox County since 2004. Dr. Steven Elliott is the founder and president of Volunteer Eyecare. Dr. Steven Elliott practices adult and pediatric primary eye care, comprehensive eye exams for glasses and contact lenses; surgical pre- and post-operative care for cataract and refractive surgery; and ocular disease management including glaucoma , macular degeneration , diabetic retinopathy , injuries and infections. Knoxville eye doctor, Steven Elliott, is a member of the American Optometric Association , Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians and East Tennessee Society of Optometric Physicians. He served as President of the East Tennessee Society of Optometric Physicians in 2013. ###### Undergraduate Degree University of Tennessee Chattanooga ###### Doctorate Degree Southern College of Optometry Memphis ###### Externship Rotations James H. Quillen Veterans Administration Hospital, Johnson City ###### Associations • American Optometric Association • Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians • East Tennessee Society of Optometric Physicians ###### My Office Locations Clinton Halls Bearden ###### Volunteer Eyecare is East Tennessee’s Premier Eye Care Optometry Center With seven Knoxville eye clinic locations , Dr. Steven Elliott and his professional team of eye doctors provide comprehensive eye care including  eye exams , eyeglasses , sunglasses , contact lenses , and much more. This helps us to better serve you and your family with all of your vision needs. Visit one of our Knoxville area locations and see why we are the preferred optometrists in the East Tennessee region. --- ## Savannah Hammer, O.D. URL: https://www.volunteereyecare.com/staff/savannah-hammer/ ## Savannah Hammer, O.D. ###### Undergraduate Degree Carson Newman University ###### Doctorate Degree Southern College of Optometry ###### Externship Rotations Toyos Clinic Germantown, Tennessee ###### Associations • American Optometric Association • Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians • East Tennessee Society of Optometric Physicians ###### My Office Locations Central Clinton ###### Biography Dr. Hammer is passionate about providing personalized and comprehensive eye care to the community. With a focus on ocular disease and primary care, she excels at identifying underlying health issues through eye examinations, clear communication with patients, and extensive expertise in eye health management. Dr. Hammer’s services include comprehensive ocular exams that analyze eye health and visual function. In addition to vision exams, she also specializes in testing and treatment for glaucoma, macular degeneration, corneal diseases, infections, diabetic eye disease, dry eye, and ocular trauma.Dr. Hammer completed her undergraduate schooling at Carson Newman University, earning her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry in 2014. As a native of East Tennessee, Dr. Hammer was eager to return to the Knoxville area to begin her career. She has been with Volunteer Eyecare since obtaining her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry in 2019. She completed her externships with a specialty in corneal and refractive surgery with Toyos Clinic and a private practice rotation with Jones Eyecare in Germantown, TN. She is a member of the East Tennessee Society of Optometric Physicians, American Optometric Association, and Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians. Dr. Hammer and her husband, Chase, are expecting their first child, Bodie, in the spring of 2025. They currently live in North Knoxville with their 3 dogs. Outside of work, she enjoys photography, traveling, fishing, visiting the theater, and exploring new restaurants. ---