A scratched eye can be painful and irritating. It may also cause long-term damage if not treated. If you can’t get it treated by an eye doctor immediately, here’s a quick guide on what you should do while waiting for treatment.
Tips for Contact Lens Wearers With an Active Lifestyle
For contact lens wearers, keeping an active lifestyle can be challenging, but far from impossible. Today, we share tips on making contact lenses work with an active lifestyle.
How to Properly Overcome Digital Eye Strain
Whenever you browse your phone or use your computer, are you aware that you’re spending more time with them than you think? Adults look at screens for around nine hours on average per day, which is almost half of your waking hours! Regardless of whether you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, too much screen time can […]
Why It’s Important to Book a Comprehensive Eye Exam
Having 20/20 vision doesn’t always mean you have healthy eyes. Even if you haven’t noticed anything significant in your vision, you should still have it checked by a trusted eye doctor at least once a year. The month of May is also Healthy Vision Month, so make sure to book an appointment as soon as possible. Here’s why.
How to Tell if Your Child Is Ready for Contact Lenses
Eyeglasses offer a safe and effective way to correct our child’s vision problem. There is just one slight issue: not every child wants to wear them. This should lead you to consider the alternative option: contact lenses. But is your child actually ready for them?
3 Tips for Choosing the Right Sports Eye Safety Gear
Thousands of Americans are treated for sports-related eye injuries every year. But did you know that up to 90% of these cases can be avoided just by using the appropriate eye protection? With April being designated as Sports Eye Safety Month by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, now is the best time to raise awareness […]
A Beginner’s Guide to Multifocal Lenses
People who need to switch to multifocal lenses as they age find that it’s not as easy as simply wearing new eyewear. If you’re planning on getting multifocal lenses or have just started using them, here’s a quick guide on how to adjust to multifocal lenses.
How to Promote Eye Wellness to Your Employees
Every day, more than 2,000 people suffer an eye injury on the job in the United States alone, with over 700,000 eye injuries being reported every year. For some unfortunate individuals, eye injuries permanently impaired their vision, which affected both their personal and professional lives. In the spirit of Workplace Eye Wellness Month, your local eye […]
Sudden Blurred Vision: Should I Be Concerned?
Moderate changes in your vision are normal and can be expected as you age. These may also happen due to a condition called presbyopia in which the eye lenses lose their elasticity. Nevertheless, none of these reasons will cause you to suddenly have blurry vision.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration: FAQs
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that causes the eye’s macula to break down, resulting in a gradual or sudden loss of central vision. The condition happens and may worsen as a person gets older. That is why AMD is the leading cause of severe or permanent vision loss in people over 60 […]
3 Things That You Need to Know About Glaucoma
January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, and we at Guilford Eye Center like to do our part by spreading the word about glaucoma to our beloved patients. According to The National Eye Institute, more than 3 million people in the United States alone are suffering from glaucoma, and it is projected that this number will […]
How Too Much Stress Can Affect Your Eyesight
It is no secret that stress can manifest itself in physical ways. Doctors often say that high stress levels often lead to adverse health effects. According to studies, vision problems and even vision loss can also be brought on by too much stress.
The Effects of Menopause on Your Eyesight
While most think that menopause only affects the female reproductive system, it can also affect other parts of the human body due to the fluctuation of hormone levels, including the eyes. What are the observable changes and conditions that can be felt by women nearing or who have already entered menopause? What eye care procedures should they […]
The Importance of Eye Exams
You may have never needed eyeglasses your whole life. Yet, your healthcare provider keeps on insisting that you get an eye exam at least once every two years. Why?
The Truth Behind Popular Myths About Eyeglasses
Around 64% of American adults are wearing eyeglasses for vision correction purposes. Like contact lenses, this eyewear has helped millions see the world better. Despite what they can do, there are still various misconceptions surrounding them. Movies, TV shows and the media are responsible for many of these.
Daily vs. Monthly Contact Lenses: Which Is Ideal for You?
Both eyeglasses and contact lenses can help you see clearer and sharper. If you prefer the latter option, you can either go for daily disposable or monthly lenses. When deciding between the two types of contact lenses, you’ll need to consider various factors, such as your lifestyle and how frequently you will use them.
What You Need to Know About Toric Contact Lenses
Toric contact lenses are formed differently than conventional contact lenses with a spherical shape. It has a shape that is similar to a side of a donut. Often, specialists prescribe them to people with astigmatism or an eye condition where the eye is not perfectly round.
High Blood Pressure: How Does It Affect Your Eyes?
High blood pressure or hypertension can be detrimental to your organs. It can cause problems with your heart, kidneys and also your eyes. When not treated, it can damage the retina’s blood vessels, resulting in hypertensive retinopathy and other eye conditions. Moreover, getting an eye exam regularly can help with early detection and treatment of this eye […]
Issues That Can Make Contact Lens Fitting More Difficult
Your eyes may be considered “hard to fit” if your eye doctor has determined you’re not a good candidate to wear contact lenses or you have had trouble wearing them. However, that doesn’t mean you can no longer wear them. Read on as we discuss eye-related issues that can make contact lenses difficult to fit. We will […]
Is It True That Blue Eyes Are More Sensitive to the Sun?
If you have blue or green eyes, you need to wear a pair of sunglasses every time you go out on a bright day. That’s because light-colored eyes are associated with a higher risk for sun damage and certain eye diseases, such as cataracts, macular degeneration, photokeratitis or “eye sunburn,” and certain cancers.
Eye Health Tips for Safer Night Driving
Some people find it harder to drive at night due to reduced low light vision. This issue is more common in older individuals. You may need at least twice the light to see clearly at 50 than when you were younger. The older you get, the more susceptible you are to developing eye conditions, such […]
Menopause-Related Dry Eye Syndrome: Causes, Treatment and Management
Hormonal changes are normal for women who are going through the menopause transition. During this stage of your life, your body will make less reproductive hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. When the levels of these hormones are low, your health can be affected, and you may experience issues like hot flashes and even dry […]
How to Protect Your Eyes From the Sun
When going out on a sunny day, make sure that your eyes are protected from the ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun. Much like your skin, your eyes could also get sunburned due to overexposure to the sun’s UV rays – a condition called photokeratitis or ultraviolet keratitis.
Your Guide to Popular Eyeglass Frame Materials
Eyeglasses are available in a wide range of styles and materials. While you are probably most concerned about what frame style best suits your face, make sure to consider the frame material as well when you are shopping for new specs. Guilford Eye Center discusses some of the most popular eyeglass frame materials below:
Can Poor Sleeping Habits Affect Your Eyesight?
Sleep is restorative for immune and cognitive functions. In order to stay healthy and alert, it is essential to get enough good-quality sleep. But did you know that it is also important for your eyesight?
What Are the Best Cataract-Fighting Foods?
For people with cataracts, seeing with clouded vision is sort of like looking through a hazy, fogged-up window. In the United States alone, over 24 million people aged 40 and older have been affected by cataracts. One of the most effective ways to prevent cataracts and other degenerative eye diseases is by following a healthy […]
High-Index Lenses: Essential Facts That You Should Know
As part of your eye care, you should go to a trusted eye doctor at least once a year to check on your vision and eye health. This is especially important for individuals who are wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses because stronger prescriptions may be given over time, depending on your specific eye condition. In this case, […]
Does Your Screen Time Contribute to Eye Dryness?
Nowadays, a lot of work and school requirements are done online. So, even if you want to, it can be difficult – almost impossible – to limit the time you spend in front of a computer. As you may have probably heard many times, prolonged or improper use of the computer can have a negative […]
Common Misconceptions About Amblyopia
Also commonly called “lazy eye”, amblyopia is a condition that causes one eye to have reduced visual acuity even when appropriate glasses are worn. This occurs when the brain suppresses or ignores information from one eye. Statistics show that the condition affects about 2 to 3 out of every 100 children, making it one of […]
Eye and Vision Care Tips: Spring Edition
The beauty of spring can’t be denied; that’s why it is generally loved by people. However, the blooming flowers and thriving greeneries often come at a price – for those with allergies at least.
The Ten Commandments of Contact Lens Safety
Wearing contact lenses isn’t as simple as putting them in your eyes. There are precautions that you have to take to make sure your eyes stay safe when you’re wearing them. Here are the ten commandments of contact lens safety.
Blocked Tear Ducts – Symptoms and When to See an Expert
There are other kinds of eye problems aside from vision-related conditions. One of the most common problems that you may have to deal with is a blocked tear duct. What exactly is this kind of issue, and when should you see an eye doctor about it? Read on to find out.
How Often Should You Change Your Eyeglasses?
There are three main reasons to replace your eyeglasses or contact lenses. One, if your prescription has changed, resulting in headaches and dizziness when you’re wearing them. Two, if they are too old or damaged for continued use. And, while it may not be as pressing as the first two, the third reason is when you […]
What Happens if Your Eyes Have Different Refractive Powers?
Whether you wear eyeglasses or not, it’s perfectly normal for individuals to have some slight differences in the refractive power of their eyes. There is no such thing as perfect 20-20 vision as most eyes can differ in refraction by about 5%. This doesn’t usually pose any problems as the differences are too small to notice. However, […]
What Can You Do to Relax Your Eyes and Prevent Eye Strain?
Also called computer vision syndrome, digital eye strain refers to a group of eye- and vision-related problems caused by extended use of computers, cell phones or tablets. It’s usually characterized by headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes and neck and shoulder pain. Poor lighting, uncorrected vision problems, poor sitting posture and incorrect viewing distances typically trigger […]
Different Ways to Promote Glaucoma Awareness
Millions of Americans have glaucoma, which is a group of diseases that harms the optic nerve. This eye condition can lead to vision loss and even blindness. If you are at risk of glaucoma, you must see your eye doctor regularly. It is because it does not show signs until it is in its later stages.
All About Genetics and Vision Problems
From our hair and eye color to the shape of our nose, there are several characteristics that we inherit from our parents. Things indeed run in families, but are vision problems one of them? It might seem like a simple question, but the answer is quite complicated.
Comparing Prescription and Over-the-Counter Reading Glasses
You may need reading glasses if your eyes are already having a hard time focusing on small text and items held within arms’ length. When purchasing a pair, you might be wondering if it is worth purchasing the type prescribed by an eye doctor, or will the more affordable, over-the-counter (OTC) ones do?
How Often Should You Have Your Eyes Checked?
Even if you don’t need new contact lenses or if your eyes seem fine, you should still make it a point to regularly visit an eye doctor. But how often is “regularly”?
The Basics of Astigmatism
Astigmatism is an eye condition where a person suffers blurred or distorted vision. But what are the causes of this issue?
Choosing the Right Contact Lenses for Your Needs
Different types of contacts can be used depending on the specific needs of a person. These requirements can range from purely cosmetic to vision correction. Your local eye care center will likely suggest the most appropriate lenses for your needs. But just to give you an idea of the considerations you need to make when buying […]
Early Symptoms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that causes your central vision, which is typically used for activities like reading and driving, to blur. It often happens in older people and affects a particular part of the eye called the macula. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss for people aged 50 and […]
3 Possible Causes of Watery Eyes
We usually tear up because a foreign body got into our eyes. Whether it’s a speck of dirt, dust or an eyelash – anything that lodges into them triggers the body to produce more tears until it’s flushed out. But sometimes, watery eyes are an indication of a more serious issue.
4 Must-Know Tips for Scleral Lens Wearers
Scleral contact lenses refer to large, gas-permeable lenses that lie on the sclera or the white outer layer of the eye. They offer a simple and effective way to treat a number of cornea conditions, allowing for clearer and healthier vision. But to get the most of these advanced lenses, and ensure your safety and […]
Eye Freckles: Causes, Types and Possible Complications
Eye freckles are more common than you think, and they are usually not a cause for concern. Genetics and sun exposure are their usual causes. However, your eye doctor may still need to keep an eye out for it. While rare, they can become a type of cancer or melanoma. Whether you’ve always had them […]
August: Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
While 1 in 20 children ages 3 to 5 have a vision problem that can lead to vision loss, 80% of preschoolers don’t undergo eye exams. This Children’s Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month, we encourage parents to do their part in taking care of and protecting their children’s eyesight.
Dry Eye Syndrome Management for Contact Lens Wearers
Close to five million Americans have problems with dry eye syndrome, which causes the eyes to stop producing enough tears or lubrication necessary to maintain comfort. As more than 30 million people in the country wear contact lenses, having dry eye syndrome is bad news for sufferers. Dry eye syndrome can be present whether you wear […]
Are Your Headaches Connected to Vision Problems?
There are different possible reasons for a headache; some more serious than others. Many people believe one of the leading causes of headaches is eye strain. It’s always a good idea to see a professional if you have recurring headaches to find out about any possible underlying causes. If you suspect it has something to […]
Tips for Eye Allergy Relief
Eye allergies typically result in eye redness, itching, burning and clear, watery discharge. They can also accompany other allergic symptoms like sneezing, stuffy nose and sniffling. So, it’s important to take steps to relieve eye allergy symptoms.
Signs That You May Have Cataracts
Cataracts occur when the clear, natural lenses of the eye begin to harden and yellow, creating a cloudy and opaque spot over the lenses. This condition prevents light rays from passing through the lens, making it difficult for a person to see. It is common in older people, and it’s the leading cause of blindness […]
Why Ortho-K Is a Great Option for Young Athletes
Wearing prescription eyeglasses isn’t always an option for athletes or active adolescents, particularly those who play contact sports. That’s why LASIK eye surgery and contact lenses are quite popular among athletes. However, these aren’t the only options available to athletes. A lesser-known but equally effective option is orthokeratology (ortho-k) or corneal refractive therapy. What […]
3 Signs of Hidden Vision Problems in Kids
Healthy vision is essential to a child’s development because children learn by watching. As such, vision problems, which are quite common, can be detrimental to their learning. Vision problems are the single most widespread disabling condition that affects American kids, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. By the time American children […]
Vision Insurance: Which Plan Suits Your Eye Care Needs?
Keeping your vision clear can come with a hefty price tag. However, know that there is a vision insurance plan that can help you meet your eye care needs affordably. It usually covers the cost of prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses as well as eye exam visits. You can either get coverage through your employer […]
Contact Lens Discomfort: Possible Causes and Remedies
Despite the prevalence of contact lenses as the medical device of choice for correcting refractive errors, many are still experiencing discomfort while wearing them. So, what are the possible causes and remedies for this issue?
What’s the Connection Between Dry Eye and Migraines?
Are you experiencing dry eyes and migraines at the same time? This may not be an odd coincidence. In fact, there have been recent studies revealing a possible connection between the two.
