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Basic Visual Skills

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Understanding Basic Visual Skills

For our eyes to function properly, they must be able to focus, coordinate, move smoothly, and accurately interpret what we see. These abilities are known as basic visual skills, and they are essential for reading, learning, physical activity, and navigating everyday life.

However, not everyone develops these skills perfectly. Some individuals—children and adults alike—may struggle with one or more visual functions, leading to a variety of challenges in academic, professional, or recreational settings.

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Signs of Visual Skill Dysfunction

If you or a loved one is experiencing a basic visual dysfunction, you may notice signs such as:

  • Difficulty reading or poor reading comprehension
  • Frequent headaches, eye pain, or fatigue
  • Double vision
  • Trouble completing visual tasks
  • Difficulty with left/right orientation
  • Problems copying from the board or page
  • Reversing letters or numbers
  • Poor coordination or rhythm

These symptoms may indicate an issue with one or more of the core visual skills described below.

Core Basic Visual Skills

Eye Movement

Category: How the Eyes Work, Basic Visual Skills

Eye movement refers to both voluntary and involuntary motions of the eyes that allow us to locate, fixate on, and track visual targets. This skill is controlled by six muscles in each eye. These movements are essential for reading, following objects, and shifting focus quickly and accurately. Poor eye movement control may lead to skipping words or losing your place when reading.

Eye Focusing

Category: How the Eyes Work, Basic Visual Skills

Focusing, also known as accommodation, allows the eyes to adjust between near and far distances. When we look at something close-up, our focusing system tightens; when we look into the distance, it relaxes. A healthy visual system can switch focus effortlessly. Trouble with eye focusing may lead to blurry vision, eye strain, or difficulty concentrating—especially during reading or screen use.

Eye Coordination

Category: How the Eyes Work, Basic Visual Skills

Both eyes see slightly different images. Through a process called fusion, the brain blends these into one clear, three-dimensional picture. Proper eye coordination is crucial for maintaining alignment and ensuring both eyes are working together. Poor coordination can cause double vision, depth perception issues, or difficulty with tasks like catching a ball or copying text.

Visual Perception

Category: How the Eyes Work, Basic Visual Skills

Visual perception involves how the brain interprets and gives meaning to what we see. It includes recognizing shapes, identifying patterns, judging distance, and remembering visual information. This skill integrates with other senses to help us make sense of the world. Visual perception problems can affect everything from handwriting to spatial awareness to memory and learning.

The Impact of Strong Visual Skills

Strong visual skills lay the foundation for success in school, sports, and daily life. If you or your child is showing signs of visual difficulty, a functional vision exam can help identify which visual skills may need support.

At our office, we’re here to help guide you through diagnosis and treatment options that improve how your eyes work—together and individually.

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How The Eyes Work

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Understanding Strabismus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Strabismus, commonly referred to as being cross-eyed, is a condition where the eyes are misaligned — one eye may look straight ahead while the other turns inward, outward, upward, or downward. This misalignment can cause double vision, difficulty coordinating eye movements, and poor depth perception. Many individuals with strabismus feel self-conscious about their appearance and may avoid direct eye contact.

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What Causes Strabismus?

Normal vision depends on the coordinated effort of six muscles surrounding each eye. These muscles work together to ensure both eyes focus on the same point. When these muscles do not function properly or are unbalanced, the eyes become misaligned.

If the brain receives two different images from the eyes, it often favors the stronger eye, causing the weaker eye to lose strength over time. This condition can lead to amblyopia, also known as “lazy eye.”

Risk Factors for Strabismus Include:

  • Family history of strabismus or amblyopia
  • Premature birth or low birth weight
  • Certain neurological or genetic conditions
  • Eye injuries or illnesses affecting eye muscles
  • Uncorrected refractive errors (like farsightedness)

Symptoms of Strabismus

  • Visible eye misalignment
  • Double vision
  • Difficulty with depth perception
  • Eye strain or headaches
  • Squinting or closing one eye to see better

Treatment Options for Strabismus

Treatment depends on the severity and cause but may include:

  • Prescription glasses or contact lenses
  • Eye patching or vision therapy to strengthen the weaker eye
  • Botox injections to temporarily relax eye muscles
  • Strabismus surgery to realign the eye muscles

Early intervention is crucial to prevent long-term vision problems and improve appearance and function.

We Can Help with Adult Strabismus

If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of strabismus, don’t wait to seek professional care. Our experienced eye care specialists offer comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans to help improve your vision and quality of life.

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Adult Strabismus

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Understanding Strabismus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Strabismus, commonly referred to as being cross-eyed, is a condition where the eyes are misaligned — one eye may look straight ahead while the other turns inward, outward, upward, or downward. This misalignment can cause double vision, difficulty coordinating eye movements, and poor depth perception. Many individuals with strabismus feel self-conscious about their appearance and may avoid direct eye contact.

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What Causes Strabismus?

Normal vision depends on the coordinated effort of six muscles surrounding each eye. These muscles work together to ensure both eyes focus on the same point. When these muscles do not function properly or are unbalanced, the eyes become misaligned.

If the brain receives two different images from the eyes, it often favors the stronger eye, causing the weaker eye to lose strength over time. This condition can lead to amblyopia, also known as “lazy eye.”

Risk Factors for Strabismus Include:

  • Family history of strabismus or amblyopia
  • Premature birth or low birth weight
  • Certain neurological or genetic conditions
  • Eye injuries or illnesses affecting eye muscles
  • Uncorrected refractive errors (like farsightedness)

Symptoms of Strabismus

  • Visible eye misalignment
  • Double vision
  • Difficulty with depth perception
  • Eye strain or headaches
  • Squinting or closing one eye to see better

Treatment Options for Strabismus

Treatment depends on the severity and cause but may include:

  • Prescription glasses or contact lenses
  • Eye patching or vision therapy to strengthen the weaker eye
  • Botox injections to temporarily relax eye muscles
  • Strabismus surgery to realign the eye muscles

Early intervention is crucial to prevent long-term vision problems and improve appearance and function.

We Can Help with Adult Strabismus

If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of strabismus, don’t wait to seek professional care. Our experienced eye care specialists offer comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans to help improve your vision and quality of life.

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What Causes Red Eyes and How Can Your Optometrist Help?

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What Causes Red Eyes?

Wondering why your eyes are suddenly red? Although seeing red when you look in the mirror can be alarming, red eyes aren’t usually a sign of a serious health condition. Fortunately, your optometrist can recommend treatment options if you develop red eyes due to one of these common conditions:

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Dry Eye

Dry eye is a common condition affecting more than 16 million U.S. adults, according to research published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology in 2017.

Your eyes become too dry if you don’t make enough tears, have tears that evaporate quickly, or the tears your body creates are poor quality. In addition to redness, dry eye can cause:

  • Burning or Itching
  • Fatigue
  • Blurry Vision
  • Sensitivity to Light
  • Foreign Body Sensation
  • Stringy Mucus

Watery eyes can also be a dry eye symptom. Although watering may seem like an unusual symptom, the eyes tear in an effort to increase moisture.

Treatment Options. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your eye doctor may recommend over-the-counter lubricating drops or prescription drops that improve tear production or decrease inflammation. Punctal plugs may be helpful if your tears evaporate or drain too quickly. The tiny plugs keep your eyes moister by blocking some of the tear ducts that drain tears from the eye. Warm compresses can be helpful if blocked oil glands are the cause of dry eye.

Infectious Conjunctivitis

Infectious conjunctivitis, commonly called “pink eye,” can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Did your symptoms start after a cold or another illness? You may have viral conjunctivitis.

Bacterial conjunctivitis occurs when your eyes are exposed to germs. Exposure that leads to pink eye can be caused by many things, including the use expired contact lens solution, inadequate hand washing, and excessive eye touching. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious.

Treatment Options. Antibiotic eye drops kill the bacteria that cause the infection in bacterial conjunctivitis. Antibiotics aren’t needed for viral conjunctivitis, as the condition usually improves on its own. Lubricating eye drops and cold compresses can improve your comfort while you recover.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Do your eyes turn red during allergy season? Redness can occur when your immune system overreacts to the presence of pollen, mold, dust mites, dander, and other allergens by producing histamines, chemicals that help your body get rid of allergens. As histamine production increases, your eyes may become red, itchy, and watery. Sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, and coughing can also occur due to an allergic reaction.

Giant papillary conjunctivitis can be a problem if you wear contact lenses. Painful, red bumps develop under the eyelids. The bumps may occur due to an allergy to contact lenses or solutions, protein deposits on contact lenses, or the lens rubbing against the eyelid, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Unlike viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis isn’t contagious.

Treatment Options. Cold compresses and artificial tears may improve eye comfort if you have allergic conjunctivitis. Using antihistamine eye drops and prescription or over-the-counter allergy medication can also be helpful. If your allergies are severe, your optometrist may recommend talking to your family doctor or general practitioner about the benefits of allergy shots. Trying a different brand or type of contact lenses and using preservative-free cleaning solutions may be helpful if you have giant papillary conjunctivitis.

Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

Your eye may look red due to a subconjunctival hemorrhage. These hemorrhages happen when a blood vessel in the sclera (white part of the eye) breaks. Subconjunctival hemorrhages won’t damage your vision and aren’t painful. They may occur after a minor blow to the eye or vomiting, sneezing, or coughing forcefully.

Treatment Options. Subconjunctival hemorrhages usually clear up in a few weeks without treatment. If your eye is still red after two or three weeks, give your optometrist a call.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis causes redness in your eyelids rather than in the whites of your eyes. The condition happens when the eyelids become inflamed due to clogged oil glands, allergies, bacterial growth, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or rosacea. Symptoms include burning, itching, crusty eyelids, blurry vision, and swelling.

Treatment Options. If you’re diagnosed with blepharitis, your optometrist may recommend prescription eye drops or ointments that control inflammation, fight infection, and reduce inflammation. Using moist compresses daily and cleaning your eyelids with eyelid cleaner or a solution of warm water and baby shampoo can be helpful.

Ready to put an end to red eyes? We can help improve your comfort. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with the optometrist.

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How Can Myopia Be Managed?

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Myopia Management: How Can We Slow the Progression of Myopia?

Myopia (nearsightedness) is increasing and is expected to affect 3.36 billion people worldwide by 2030, according to the World Health Organization. More than just a minor convenience, myopia increases the risk of several potentially serious vision conditions, including macular degeneration and glaucoma. Fortunately, optometrists offer several myopia management treatments and strategies that may slow the progression of myopia in children and adults.

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What Causes Myopia?

Myopia affects your distance vision. Although objects close by look clear, things in the distance are blurry. Nearsightedness can happen when the cornea curves too much or you have an elongated eye. Light focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it if your eyeball is too long, causing blurry vision. The light-sensing retina converts light to electrical signals the brain needs to produce images.

You may be more likely to develop myopia if one or both of your parents are nearsighted. Lack of outdoor time, digital screen usage, and spending a long time on near work can increase the risk of myopia.

Managing Myopia

Although myopia can’t be reversed, its progression can be slowed, reducing the risk for several eye diseases. According to guidelines for myopia management published in Modern Optometry in 2022, reducing myopia by 1.00 diopter can reduce open-angle glaucoma and visual impairment by 20% and myopic macular degeneration, a condition that affects central vision, by 40%. Diopters are the units of measurement used to calculate eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions.

Although myopia treatment most often begins in childhood, it can also be useful for adults who are concerned about worsening nearsightedness. Treatment options include:

  • Orthokeratology. Orthokeratology, or ortho-K, contact lenses change the shape of the cornea. The cornea, along with the lens inside the eye, bends light rays onto the retina. Wearing these contact lenses overnight flattens the cornea, ensuring that light rays focus on the retina instead of in front of it. The lenses take a few weeks to work and must be worn every night for best results.
  • Multifocal Contact Lenses. Single-focus lenses provide sharp vision at near or far distances, depending on the prescription. Multifocal contact lenses offer good vision at all distances by including several focusing powers in one lens. The central part of a multifocal lens sharpens near vision, allowing you to read and do close work. Circular bands on the outer edges of the lenses provide good vision at medium and far distances.
  • Peripheral Defocus Contact Lenses. The center portion of peripheral defocus contact lenses provides sharp vision, just like multifocal contact lenses. However, the outer bands of the contact lens blurs (defocuses) side vision. Blurring side vision could slow growth of the eye and progression of myopia.
  • Atropine Eye Drops. Atropine eye drops offer another way to slow myopia progression. The drops are placed in the eyes before bed and work by relaxing the ciliary muscles. These tiny muscles control pupil size and change the shape of the eye’s lens when you focus. According to a clinical trial published in JAMA Ophthalmology in 2023, 0.01% atropine drops slowed the elongation of the eyeball and progression of nearsightedness over a three-year period. Children aged 3 to 16 participated in the research project.
  • Lifestyle Changes. Taking frequent breaks when reading or using digital devices can be helpful in slowing the progression of myopia. Increasing outdoor time during childhood reduced the risk of myopia in young adulthood, according to a research study published in Scientific Reports in 2021.

Wondering if these methods could help you manage your myopia? Contact our office to schedule an appointment with the optometrist.

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Can Vitamins Help Your Eyesight?

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Can Vitamins Help Your Eyesight?

There are a number of vitamins and minerals that are known to improve eye health. Some of these include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Zinc. In addition, they can help prevent age-related eye damage. These nutrients are also known to reduce the risk of certain eye diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

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Lutein

Lutein is a type of antioxidant that helps protect against free radicals that can damage the eye. It is found in the macula region of the retina. These compounds have many positive effects on the eyes, including protecting them from diseases such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

The best way to get lutein is through diet, but supplements are also available. These supplements are typically made from marigold flowers mixed with oils. However, lutein can be synthesized as well. In addition, lutein may also improve the symptoms of dry eye disease, including temporary blurriness and red, itchy eyes. There is no recommended daily allowance for lutein, but higher intake is associated with reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Zeaxanthin

Zeaxanthin and lutein vitamins can help protect your eyes. Both are found naturally in your eyes, and they both act as powerful antioxidants. They also act as a natural sunblock, absorbing excess light energy and protecting your eyes from the damaging rays of the sun. In addition, these vitamins can help your eyesight by reducing the risk of cataracts.

Zeaxanthin is a nutrient found in plant foods, such as carrots, pumpkin, and goji berries. The nutrient can also be obtained from supplements and whole food sources. While there is no recommended daily intake, there is some evidence that zeaxanthin can protect the eye and improve vision.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that helps maintain healthy eyes. It can be found in fruits and vegetables, especially dark green leafy ones. It is also found in some nuts and oils. Vitamin C also reduces the risk of developing cataracts. Many eye-friendly foods contain vitamin C, including citrus fruits. These foods also contain antioxidants like vitamin E, which helps vitamin C work better. Some other great sources of vitamin C include avocados, sunflower seeds, almonds, and flax seeds.

A recent study conducted by the American Optometric Association revealed that vitamin C can reduce the risk of cataracts in women. The study showed that women who took vitamin C for at least four years had a 64% reduction in their chances of developing cataracts. This result was confirmed in other studies. Researchers recommend consuming at least 300 milligrams of vitamin C a day for eye health.

 Zinc

Zinc is an essential nutrient that improves vision and helps counteract the negative effects of aging on the eyes. It helps protect the retina, one of the layers in the eye responsible for vision. It also protects the macula, a protective layer inside the retina. Zinc supplements can improve night vision and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Vitamins contain zinc and other trace minerals that may help protect the retina from oxidative damage. Vitamins E and C are both good antioxidants and may decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Zinc is an essential nutrient and is found in whole grains, sunflower seeds, nuts, and fish.

Omega 3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids have many benefits, and they may even be beneficial for your eyesight. They promote healthy skin, reduce bad cholesterol, and improve eye health. They may also reduce discomfort caused by dry eye and even help treat blepharitis. They are most commonly found in fatty fish, but there are also several vegetarian sources of this nutrient.

Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce the risk of macular degeneration, which affects over 10 million people in the United States. They may also lower your risk of high eye pressure, which can lead to glaucoma. And because omega-3 fatty acids help regulate the flow of fluid in the eye, they can even help treat dry eye syndrome, a condition where tears are not produced adequately.

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Description: Our AREDS 2 VITAMINS formula is made in an FDA inspected facility in the United States. We use vigorous testing and quality assurance to make sure that you’re getting pharmaceutical-grade supplements. AREDS 2 VITAMINS has lutein and zeaxanthin to further support macular health. We keep up with the latest research and science to ensure you keep the best possible vision you can. Because slightly varying supplement formulations may be necessary depending on your genetics and lifestyle, be sure to see your doctor with any questions and concerns you may have.”

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How to Solve Droopy Eye Lids With Upneeq

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How to Solve Droopy Eye Lids With Upneeq

You’ve probably heard of Upneeq. It’s an eye-lift therapy that works in a non-surgical way to open up your eyelids. If your eyelids droop, you can take advantage of this once-a-day fix. It will fix the problem and will not hurt your eyes at all.

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Upneeq

If you’re looking for a nonsurgical solution to droopy eyelids, Upneeq might be right for you. This treatment works to lift up the upper eyelids, which can make the eyes appear wider and more refreshed. It can also help treat droopy eyelids, which are often caused by muscle weakness due to aging. If you’re interested in learning more, contact your eye doctor.

Blepharoptosis

Upneeq, an FDA-approved pharmaceutical eye drop, can help lift upper eyelids by 1-2 millimeters. Blepharoptosis, or droopy eyelids, is an inherited or acquired condition that causes the eyelids to hang down. The congenital form is caused by a lack of nerve connection to the eyelids, while acquired blepharoptosis is the result of aging or certain eye disorders.

Acquired ptosis

There are a number of reasons that a child’s eyelids can droop and become partially or fully closed, including a number of medical conditions. Depending on the cause, droopy eye lids may partially or fully block a child’s vision, and may even delay vision development. Acquired ptosis and eyelid drooping are often benign, but in some cases can lead to significant vision problems. These conditions can also result from problems with the eyelid muscles or the nerves. If you have concerns, contact your eye healthcare provider.

Other causes of droopy eyelids

Droopy eyelids can be caused by many different conditions. Some are everyday issues, while others are caused by diseases like paralysis. UPNEEQ, an eye drop that stimulates the eyelid muscle, can help treat these conditions. It is FDA approved and can produce results in as little as 15 minutes.

Side effects of Upneeq

Upneeq for Droopy eye lids is a prescription ophthalmology treatment that lifts low-lying eyelids. The treatment is effective for treating mild to moderate cases of ptosis. The treatment can last up to 6 hours.

Cost of Upneeq

Upneeq, a prescription medication, is affordable but there is a cost. You must consult your physician first to determine whether this treatment is right for you.

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Signs You May Need New Glasses

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7 Signs You May Need New Glasses

Wondering if it’s time to update your eyeglasses prescription? You may notice a few of these signs if you need new glasses.

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Blurry Vision

Blurry vision is the most noticeable sign that it’s time for a new pair of glasses. If everything looks a little fuzzy, make an appointment with the eye doctor. During a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist will test your vision and update your prescription as needed.

Eye exams provide important information about your visual and general health. For example, blurry vision isn’t always related to your eyeglass prescription, but may be caused by cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, diabetes, or high blood pressure.

Near Vision Changes After 40

Almost 90% of people over 45 have presbyopia, an age-related vision problem, according to the American Optometric Association’s Health Policy Institute. Presbyopia makes it hard to see clearly close-up. If you have to hold books and papers at arm’s length, you may have presbyopia.

The problem happens when the normally flexible lens inside the eye stiffens with age. Luckily, reading glasses will make it easier to read, thread a needle, or do other close work. Bifocals, trifocals, or progressive lenses are a good idea if you don’t want to switch between reading glasses and your regular glasses.

Fatigue

Does reading put you to sleep? Reading is hard work when you can’t see as well as you once did. If you tire soon after starting a chapter or find yourself nodding off when you’re surfing the web, an eyeglass update may be just what you need.

Eye Strain

Eye strain may be a clue that your vision has changed. Your eyes must work harder to provide good vision if you’re don’t have an up-to-date eyeglass prescription. As a result, you may experience:

  • Sore, Red, Tired Eyes
  • Burning or Itching
  • Blurry or Double Vision
  • Headaches
  • Dry Eyes
  • Watery Eyes
  • Tight Shoulder, Upper Back, and Neck Muscles
  • Sensitivity to Light

Although anyone can develop eye strain after visually intense work, you’re more likely to experience symptoms if you need new glasses. If you’ve noticed eye strain symptoms after using devices with screens, a pair of computer glasses could improve your comfort.

Squinting

Is everything clearer when you squint? Squinting can be helpful when you need to see a road sign or read package instructions, but it’s not a good long-term option. If you continue to squint, you may experience headaches and eye strain. Changing your eyeglass prescription will improve the sharpness of your vision and eliminate your need to squint.

Tilting Your Head

Vision changes don’t always affect both eyes uniformly. One eye may change while the other stays the same, or the vision in one eye may change more than the other. If you’ve noticed you’ve been tilting your head to read, you may be unconsciously favoring the better eye. Test your vision by looking at a book or a screen and covering one eye at a time. If the vision in one eye is blurry, you may need new glasses.

Halos Around Lights

Changing vision could cause you to see halos around lights, particularly if you have a refractive error, like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Nearsightedness affects your ability to see objects in the distance clearly, while farsightedness makes close objects look blurry. Astigmatism affects your ability to see clearly at all distances, due to imperfections in the shape of the lens or the cornea covering the iris. Halos can also be a problem if you have dry eyes, eye strain, cataracts, or other eye conditions.

Ready for a new pair of glasses. Contact our office to schedule your visit with the optometrist.

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How Often Eye Exams are Recommended for Different Age Groups

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How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

How often you should have an eye exam may depend on several factors, including your age and vision history.

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Recommendations by Age

Following the recommended schedule for eye doctor visits is an easy way to protect your eye health and keep your vision sharp. Not sure if you need to schedule an appointment for yourself or a family member? Take a look at these recommendations:

  • Infants. Infants should visit an optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam between 6 to 12 months, according to the American Optometric Association (AOA). Although low-risk babies only need one exam from birth to age 2, at-risk infants and toddlers may need more frequent check-ups.
  • Ages 3 – 5. The AOA recommends one visit between the ages of 3 and 5 for low-risk and at-risk children. At-risk children may need to be seen more often, depending on risk factors and vision conditions.
  • Age 6 – 17. Low-risk and at-risk children should visit the eye doctor once before entering first grade and annually through age 17.
  • Adults 18 – 64. Comprehensive eye exams are recommended every two years for low-risk adults and every year for at-risk adults.
  • Adults 65 and older. Older adults need annual visits, no matter their risk status.

Babies and children may be considered at-risk due to these issues:

  • Prematurity
  • Low Birth Weight
  • Use of Oxygen at Birth
  • Family History of Vision Conditions and Diseases, Including Nearsightedness, Congenital Cataracts, Genetic Diseases, Amblyopia and Strabismus
  • Certain Diseases of the Mother During Pregnancy, Including Cytomegalovirus, Rubella, Toxoplasmosis, Herpes, Venereal Disease or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
  • Difficult Labor
  • Smoking, Alcohol or Drug Use During Pregnancy
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Strabismus and Other Vision Conditions
  • Health Conditions That Could Cause Vision Problems

Adults may be considered at-risk for the following reasons:

  • High Refractive Error (strong eyeglass prescription)
  • Family History of Eye Disease
  • Diabetes and Other Health Conditions That Increase the Risk of Eye Disease
  • Medications That Can Cause Eye-Related Side Effects
  • Eye Injuries or Surgery
  • Wearing Contact Lenses
  • Working in a Job at High-Risk of Eye Injury
  • Vision Loss in One Eye

Why Following the Recommended Eye Exam Schedule Is So Important

Your eye doctor does much more than determine if you need contacts or eyeglasses (or an updated prescription) during eye exams. Optometrists also evaluate overall eye health and look for subtle signs that could mean you have a health or vision problem.

According to the AOA Eye-Q Survey 2020, 20% of Americans reported that an eye health professional diagnosed a general health issue during an eye exam. For example, narrowed blood vessels or tiny clots in vessels in the eyes could be signs of high blood pressure, while a swollen lens or leaking blood vessel might mean you have diabetes.

Your optometrist also looks for signs of common eye diseases and conditions, including cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. These conditions can happen slowly and may damage your vision without causing any symptoms at first.

Your visual acuity (sharpness of vision) will be tested to determine if you have a refractive error. Refractive errors include myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia. Fortunately, prescription contact lenses and eyeglasses correct refractive errors and improve the clarity of your vision.

Every exam includes a glaucoma screening to measure the pressure inside your eye. If the pressure is too high, you may be at risk for developing glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve and can cause permanent vision loss. Prescription eye drops, oral medication, laser therapy or surgery will reduce the pressure in your eye if you have glaucoma. Color and binocular vision, eye teaming, tracking, color and binocular vision and peripheral vision are also tested during a comprehensive eye exam.

Ready to make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam? Contact our office to schedule your visit.

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What Causes Swollen Eyelids and How Can Your Optometrist Help?

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Worried about swelling in your eyelids? Ask us about treatment options.

Did you see an entirely different person in the mirror this morning? Swollen eyelids can dramatically change your appearance in just a few hours. Whether the swelling is caused by allergies, an infection or another eye condition, your optometrist can determine the cause and recommend treatment options that relieve swelling. Your swollen eyelids may be due to the following reasons.

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Allergies

Allergies happen when your body incorrectly assumes that mold, pollen, pet dander, foods, or other harmless things are dangerous substances. It reacts by releasing histamines, natural chemicals that target allergens. Histamine production causes several uncomfortable symptoms in addition to swollen eyelids, including sneezing, watery eyes, running nose, and itchy red eyes. The Center for Disease Control’s National Center for Health Statistics reported that almost a third of adults and a fourth of children suffered from a seasonal or food allergy or eczema in 2021.

Treatment Options: Over-the-counter allergy medication and eye drops may relieve allergy symptoms. If the swelling and discomfort continues, your optometrist may prescribe prescription antihistamine or anti-inflammatory eye drops.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis, a condition that inflames the eyelids and causes redness, itching, swollen eyelids, and small white flakes that look like dandruff, could be the reason for your swollen eyelids. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), blepharitis can be caused by bacteria or skin conditions, including rosacea and scalp dandruff.

Treatment Options: Warm compresses soothe the eyes and loosen crusts that may form on the eyelids. Washing the lids with a lid cleaner or a solution of warm water mixed with baby shampoo may relieve symptoms. If blepharitis is caused by bacteria, your optometrist may prescribe an antibiotic.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, commonly called “pink eye,” affects the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid, causing redness, pain, discharge, and itching. Conjunctivitis can be caused by allergies or a viral or bacterial infection. The AOA notes that bacterial conjunctivitis infections can be worse in people who wear contact lenses.

Treatment Options: Allergy eye drops can be helpful if your allergies caused conjunctivitis. Your eye doctor may recommend prescription eye drops for a bacterial infection. Your symptoms will eventually get better on their own if you have viral conjunctivitis. Artificial tears will keep your eyes lubricated and may ease conjunctivitis symptoms. Cold compresses can also be helpful.

Injuries

Did your eyelid swell after a blow to the face or another eye injury? Although cold compresses can be helpful for minor injuries, you’ll need to visit the optometrist or go to the emergency room if the swelling is severe, doesn’t go away within a day or two, or you notice blurry vision, light sensitivity, or bleeding,

Treatment Options: Treatments depend on the type of injury and may include antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops, stitches, or surgery.

Chalazions and Styes

Chalazions are bumps that form in the eyelid due to a blocked oil gland. Styes cause bumps at the base of the eyelid and happen when oil glands become infected. Stye symptoms include foreign body sensation, watering, crusting, and sensitivity to light. Chalazions are usually less painful than styes, although the bump may be red and tender.

Treatment Options: Your eye doctor may recommend warm compresses to help shrink the bump and unclog blocked oil glands. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the bacterial infection that causes styles. If your chalazion doesn’t improve, your eye doctor may suggest a steroid injection to ease swelling. Surgical draining may be needed if your style or chalazion affects your vision or doesn’t get better on its own.

Other Causes

Swollen eyelids can also be caused by:

  • Thyroid Disease
  • Cellulitis
  • Sinus Infections
  • Graves’ Disease
  • Kidney Disease
  • Insect Bites
  • Fluid Retention
  • Shingles

Treatment Options: Treatment depends on the cause of the swelling. For example, managing underlying diseases and conditions could improve swelling, while antibiotics treatment kills germs responsible for cellulitis, a potentially serious infection that may affect the eyelids or eye sockets.

Concerned about swollen eyes? Prompt treatment can improve your comfort and prevent complications that could lead to vision loss. Contact our office to make your appointment with the optometrist.

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