Optometry.com Blog

Carrie Karasev asked:


Contact lenses improve vision as well as looks. Wearing contact lenses has gained in popularity over the years and today many people buy lens online on the internet. The field is so competitive that consumers can get great discounts if they search hard enough.

Over the years contact lens technology has transformed and today contact lens users have many choices. There are so many options that it is often a dilemma what to choose.

Here are a few guidelines:

1. Before buying contact lenses have a through eye check by a qualified doctor. Be sure to write down your medical history in detail. Determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate for contact lenses.

2. Next make the effort to educate yourself. Find out what kinds of contact lenses are available and which ones are comfortable, safe, and durable. There are several types like hard contact lenses, rigid gas permeable, soft lenses, extended wear contact lenses, and disposables.

3. Evaluate your lifestyle and weigh the pros and cons of wearing contact lenses. If you lead a busy life and rush around or play contact sports, you may not be an ideal candidate. Similarly if you are prone to eye irritations and allergies then contact lens are not for you.

4. Buying and maintaining contact lenses can be expensive. Before you invest find out from other contact lens users what the recurring expenses are likely to be.

5. Surf the World Wide Web and read articles on eye care and contact lenses. This will help you make an informed decision.

6. Once you have decided on the kind of contact lens you are going to buy make the effort of finding out the prices of the lens and who the different manufacturers are.

7. Do a comparative study of costs of contact lenses bought from the doctor’s office, optician, manufacturer, and online. Many users find that buying contact lenses online is cheaper.

8. Make sure the lenses you buy fit the prescription for contact lenses written by the eye doctor. Once the contact lenses arrive verify their power.

9. Always read the instructions for contact lens care and wear before you purchase contact lenses. Some lenses require little care while others need regular replacement, cleaning, as well as sterilization.

10. Always ask for a receipt for purchase as well as guarantee. Never compromise on quality as they are to be placed close to your eyes.

Buying a contact lens is expensive and so the decision must be well thought of. Always buy lens care products like storing and cleaning solutions that are of quality and those that are recommended by the manufacturer of the contact lens or eye doctor. Be sure to check the expiry date and whether the seal is intact.

Contact lenses need great care and you must learn how to wear them from a professional nurse or doctor. Be sure to follow instructions carefully. In case you develop any irritations or redness of eyes immediately visit the doctor.

expertvillage asked:

How to use your fingers while taking out contact lenses in this free eye care video.

Nai Deemak asked:


your eyes remain healthy and beautiful, you may need to look more closely at the value of an annual exam.

Regular eye exams are not just about obtaining optimal vision through the right eyeglass or contact prescription but can also help detect early warning signs of disease that can affect your eye health and general health.

Since an eye examination can help detect many health problems, eye care practitioners often work in conjunction with internists and general practitioners to help empower individuals on their health and wellness journey.

Many doctors offer new technology, such as digital retinal eye scans, that are quick and comfortable and produce a computerized picture of blood vessels in action. This new technology effectively provides information on eye health and certain systemic health conditions, such as diabetes and glaucoma.

With more than 50 million “prediabetics,” 65 million hypertensives and 5 to 10 million Americans with high pressure in the eyes, a regular eye exam is important for your eye and overall health.

Taking the following steps, according to the experts at LensCrafters, can help keep your eyes healthy:

1. Begin a regular routine of eye exams with an optometrist or ophthalmologist once a year or as often as the doctor recommends.

2. During the exam, talk about what the doctor is doing during the various procedures and ask for a health and wellness summary.

3. Ask the doctor how soon the next exam should be scheduled. The advice will vary depending on several factors, such as the patient’s history of health and disease, age, and use of contact lenses or other corrective lenses.

4. Make sure you explore all your options. Ask your doctor about new technologies that can help you see better. For example, Advanced View Progressive (AVP) lenses available at LensCrafters are one of the latest technologies in multifocal eyeglass lenses.

5. Like other regular health exams, set up your next appointment before you leave the doctor’s office and ask if they can send you a reminder.

6. Finally, remind your friends and family members. Make sure they also know about the importance of regular eye exams.

For more information, or to schedule an eye exam appointment with the Independent Doctor of Optometry next to LensCrafters*, visit www.lenscrafters.com.

*Eye exams available by the Independent Doctors of Optometry at or next to LensCrafters in most states. Doctors in some states are employed by LensCrafters.

A regular eye exam is about more than getting a stylish new pair of glasses. It can help keep your eyes healthy.

Patricia Woloch asked:


What is an opthamologtst?

An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats eye diseases, prescribes medications, and performs surgery to improve or prevent the worsening of vision-related conditions. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor and thus will have an “M. D.” after his or her name.

When many people refer to “eye doctors,” they might be thinking about an Optometrist. An optometrist has a Doctor of Optometry degree from an optometry school which is usually four years of training in examining the eyes and treating certain types of visual and eye disorders. However, they do not have any background in general medicine, nor do they have any training in surgical management of eye diseases.

As a general rule, if you have anything actually wrong with your eyes or have a significant eye or general medical problem, it is better to see an ophthalmologist. An ophthalmologist has received all the training of an optometrist yet has sought additional training and education to become a medical doctor specializing in eye care.

What should I expect from my ophthalmologist?

An experienced ophthalmologist will perform a complete eye exam. A complete eye exam includes dilation to check for signs of eye disease or deterioration, and will perform tests to detect conditions such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy before any permanent damage occurs.

As a medical doctor, an ophthalmologist can prescribe any medications you may need to keep your eyes healthy and to maintain your vision. Your doctor will take into consideration your full medical history when examining your eyes. Your doctor will also be checking for any medical conditions that may affect your eye health include certain types of arthritis, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.

What about LASIK surgery?

LASIK surgery is an exciting advance in the field of ophthalmology. Many people are tired of the expense and hassle involved with glasses and contacts and are choosing to get rid of them once and for all by opting for LASIK surgery.

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea, or the clear covering of the front of the eye, by using an excimer laser. Generally, a blade or laser device is used to cut a flap in the cornea. A hinge is left at one end of this flap. The flap is folded back revealing the middlesection of the cornea. Pulses from a computer-controlled laser vaporize a portion of the area and then the flap is replaced.

If need help with your eyes or are considering LASIK surgery, you need the experience and training of a skilled and compassionate ophthalmologist. Your ophthalmologist is not only here to take care of you during your eye surgery ort procedure, but to monitor you afterwards to help you keep your eyes healthy in the years to come.

Pat Wyman asked:

Does your child struggle to read or try to avoid reading altogether?

If your child makes errors like skipping lines, not seeing punctuation, knowing a word on one page and not another, or has trouble comprehending, here is some information that may turn things around very quickly.

As a reading specialist for over 30 years, I can tell you with certainty, that your child’s reading errors are not their fault.

Many children see the page in a distorted way, preventing them from becoming excellent readers. Sometimes, a condition known as contrast sensitivity or perceptual distortion goes undetected, and causes your child to see the page in an unusual way.

Reading Journal Studies reveal that placing colored filter overlays, or plastic tinted overlays, over the printed page, can raise their reading scores by more than a year and half in just one week!

In 1981, the concept of using color to eliminate or reduce perceptual problems began as a federal research project and more than 50 studies since then have documented changes in fluency, speed, accuracy and comprehension when a colored filter overlay is placed over the printed page.

These studies document actual brain chemistry and biochemical changes. I have used colored filter overlays with students since the late 1970′s, and for some children, they solve reading problems immediately.

Putting a colored overlay on a printed page can help your child: improve reading speed, raise reading grades quickly, improve comprehension, correct word and letter reversals, read for longer periods of time, read smoothly from line to line and raise self-esteem.

According to the Reading Teacher Journal,”Using colored overlays help eliminate (light) wave-lengths before they reach the retina and the brain. As a result, visual information may be more effectively analyzed.”

The Journal of Reading Disabilities said that, “After one week, those that received the correct colored transparencies gained an average of 6.6 months in reading accuracy and 19.35 months in reading comprehension.”

An article in the New York Times said, “In experimenting with colored filters, a prominent university researcher found that reading through specific filters made many children read better.”

Developmental optometrists often use colored filter overlays in their office, as part of vision therapy exercises to strengthen the entire visual system. Placing a filter on top of the printed page can improve comprehension simply because the way that the child sees the page changes immediately. Their perceptual distortion goes away.

While colored filter overlays will not solve every reading problem, I encourage you to listen to your child read. Pay close attention, and ask exactly how reading makes them feel. If your child tells you he does not like to read, there is a reason and you will want to find out more.

Have your child take the free Eye-Q Reading Inventory at the howtolearn site to find out exactly how your child sees the printed page and whether colored filter overlays can improve your child’s reading ability.

tallyhall asked:

Single from Episode 5 of Tally Hall’s Internet Show. Full episodes available at www.tallyhall.com

Lasik is a laser eye surgery that has helped millions of Americans with vision problems. If you are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism, Lasik can diminish your reliance on corrective eyewear, perhaps eliminate it altogether. In order to make an informed decision and determine if Lasik eye surgery is right for you, it’s necessary to see your doctor for a laser eye surgery screening.

Benefits of Laser Eye Surgery

Lasik is an outpatient surgical procedure with a minimal amount of recovery time. Since Lasik was first introduced, the procedure has undergone rigorous technological advancement. It’s important to note that Lasik, as with all surgical procedures, involves an inevitable degree of risk. Results vary for each person and may not last. There is a chance that your Lasik surgery may result in over-treatment or under-treatment, maybe even requiring additional procedures.

There are, however, ways to significantly reduce the risks of laser eye surgery. The doctor can make an accurate assessment as to whether you are a good candidate for Lasik. Also, understand, that if you decide to get Lasik, recovery success involves some responsibility on your part. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions before and after the procedure.

The Importance of Lasik Screening

Part of the laser eye surgery screening process involves a doctor’s assessment of potential eye conditions that may create complications during the procedure. Large pupils under dim light, as a result of certain medications, may pose a risk. Large pupils are a warning sign for potential post-operative symptoms like double vision, glare and halos.

Among other eye conditions, Lasik surgery is not for patients with thin corneas. Many laser eye surgeries serve to recondition the cornea. If the cornea is too thin, it can be potentially blinding. Conditions that cause severe dry eyes dry eyes or inflammation of the eyelids create post-operative recovery risks.

Lasik Surgery: Potential Risks

Candidates with refractive instability, a term used to describe vision fluctuation, may not be suited for Lasik surgery. Patients with diabetes, or women who are breastfeeding or pregnant may have refractive instability. Refractive instability may also be indicated by recent changes to your prescription. In order to qualify for laser eye surgery, you must be at least 18, as younger patients tend to experience vision fluctuation.

Any condition that compromises your ability to recover from Lasik surgery should be discussed you’re your doctor. Diseases that effect the immune system, such as Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, HIV or other immunodeficiency states, hinder the recovery process, as well as, the procedure itself. Also, medications like steroids and retinoic acids may interfere with recovery following refractive surgery. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.

Among other surgical procedures, your profession may prohibit Lasik surgery. Please check mandates set by your employer for any restrictions on refractive eye surgery. Patients who regularly participate in sports that involve frequent potentially hazardous contact with the eyes are generally not good candidates for laser eye surgery.

Lasik Cost

Though the cost of Lasik is becoming more affordable, the procedure is still be fairly expensive. Depending on your insurance company, laser eye surgery may not be covered. There are, however, many options available to help with Lasik cost. Be sure to inquire about financing alternatives.

Arvind asked:


Today, everyone is hastening to a lasik eye surgery to get vindicate of ritualistic glasses and enjoy the striking world as a liberated bird! Attributed to the increasing accessibility and dear affordability, lasik surgery has curved out to be the talk of the town these days.

Lasik eye centers around the country are blossoming with a bright hope for myopic patients. All the lasik eye centers are equipped with a well-trained, accountable and competent staff and subordinates along with an extensive variety of payment options.

Well, when there are hundreds of Lasik eye centers existing in the country, it become of utmost meaning to find out a good lasik eye center having qualified and, skilled doctors who will not let you down. Evidently, no one would take a menace to visit the doctors whom he or she does not trust. Especially, for an imperative and valued organ like eye, one needs to have firm assertion, strong faith and enough authentications before embarking on the endeavor. Now when we are discussing this issue, I must counsel you not to just turn the yellow pages and unfortunately fall prey to some inexpensive advertising at low cost surgery. In addition to that, you may be barraged with so many hidden costs that these people can have. And above all, you must not negotiate your eye-health! A dependable lasik eye center should extend a quality service, sound experience, fair dependability and professionalism to all the patients at any moment of time.

Now, let’s bicker something about lasik eye surgery too. Lasik eye surgery is a refractive technique that works to accurate and fix the way in which our eyes refract light. When the lens of our eye captures light i.e. the explicit portion of the eye located right behind the iris, or better say, colored part of the eye, it refracts, or bends, allocating the light to be then captured by the retina, which is a group of cells in the coating in the back of the eye.

The retina then takes up these light signals and converts them into definite messages that can be realized by the optic nerve present in our brain. But, when our eyes get any refractive complications through farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism; the light is not refracted to the retina fittingly and the brain tends to obtain a message of a blurred and fuzzy image.

Now, you should make out how lasik eye surgery corrects this complicatedness? In lasik surgery, laser is used to resurface the cornea (the thin, transparent covering that covers the iris and the lens, hence clearing the way for refractive clarity). It is an uncomplicated and valuable surgery that hardly takes minutes when executed by an experienced and skilled eye surgeon. Depending upon your medical state, the lasik surgeon can also settle on your elasticity to the surgery and can alert of any complications if supposed to be arisen.

For the sake of safety quantify, you must talk to the people who have already gone through the modus operandi and then locate out the nearest and best lasik eye center that is affordable to you. Remember! If you are fascinated in a persnickety lasik eye center, then it’s better to discuss it with the patients who have had the procedure performed in that center and who are ready to share their positive experience. Lastly, visit the centers in which you are interested to assess their organization, patient care together with their pre-operative and post-operative care, hygiene, professionalism of the staff, and every plausible financial option accessible to you.

Once you are done with a good research to decide on the best institute, it is the right time to visit the surgeons or consultants who will be performing your eye surgery. Most of fair doctors will prefer reversing the pros and cons of the surgery, lasik cost, post-operative possible complications, care to be taken, available payment options and all your suspicions, before opening with the modus operandi.

So, after you put your name down in a convicted lasik eye center, talk well about your case with the alarmed eye surgeons and doctors; be confident enough to endure the procedure, and you will unquestionably get the successful outcome. Good Luck!

davyhoby asked:

A True-Life Childhood Tale about how I got my first pair of glasses. The horror….

expertvillage asked:

How to take out contact lenses in this free eye care video.