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Contact lenses for astigmatism

If you have astigmatism and wish you could wear contacts, we have good news for you. Contact lens technology continues to improve the wearability of lenses that provide correction for a variety of conditions, including astigmatism.

Astigmatism is an irregular shape of the cornea causing errors in light refraction. Some people think that astigmatism is a disease but it’s not. It is actually the most common refractive error because it can be associated with nearsightedness, farsightedness or exist on its own.

Most people who have astigmatism also have difficulty with near or distance vision. Because of the irregularity of the cornea in patients with astigmatism, finding the correct fit and comfort for a contact lens is more challenging. In the past, people with astigmatism were limited to gas permeable lenses, which are more rigid and, thus, even out the surface that light travels through to the eye. But not everyone finds gas permeable lenses comfortable enough for daily wear.

With the development of toric lenses, which are designed to fit the specific shape of each patient’s cornea, people with astigmatism are able to experience the comfort of soft lenses. These lenses continue to improve, and we are now fitting more patients with daily disposables. Many patients like the convenience of daily disposables, which require no cleaning. There is the added health benefit of lower risk of eye infections and discomfort, as each day starts with a fresh new lens. (Even the best cleaning regime can’t remove all the build-up on lenses.)

If you are interested in learning more about contact lenses for astigmatism, please get in touch with us.

Avoid Costume Contacts This Halloween

Special effects contact lenses have become more popular over the last few years, especially around Halloween. Unfortunately, they are also a growing health problem.

Despite efforts to crack down on the illegal sale of contact lenses, they are still available through some costume shops, online retailers, thrift stores, beauty shops and even gas stations. Consumers who are unfamiliar with wearing contact lenses don’t always know how to wear them with proper care. This makes for a disastrous witches brew for the eyes!

While many sellers and buyers perceive costume contacts as an accessory or cosmetic, the fact is they are medical devices, regulated by the FDA. This means a prescription from your eye doctor is necessary for the legal purchase of them, whether they change your eye color to yellow or not. Even if you are not wearing them for vision correction, you still need a prescription.

A poor fit can cause serious damage to your eyes, including corneal abrasions, bacterial infections, reduced vision and pink eye. A Japanese study found that some costume contacts contain chemicals like chlorine, titanium and iron. Additionally some of the decorative features create an uneven lens surface that can result in corneal damage.

Halloween is one night. Your eyes need to last a lifetime. We recommend sticking to costumes that don’t require costume contacts. But if you decide special effects contacts are a must for you, make sure you get a prescription from us and purchase your lenses only from a reputable vendor that requires one.

Trends in eyewear for kids

Kids in glassesEvery year the return to the classroom brings in several young patients who are choosing glasses for the first time or need to update their old pairs. Eyewear is much more than a fashion accessory, but choosing frames that suit your child’s sense of style makes wearing them a lot more fun. Following are some of the latest trends in eyewear for kids.

  • Color rules! Many eyewear designers are showing styles in a range of fun colors for kids of all ages. Styles favored by boys tend to feature rectangular lenses, while the girls are gravitating toward cat-eye and round shapes.
  • Classic designs that are also popular with adults are a favorite with older kids especially.
  • Younger kids are often won over by styles from brands they are familiar with like Disney, Stride Right and even Marvel Comics.
  • Fashion-oriented brands like Guess and Lucky are a hit with preteens and teens.
  • Durability is always in style! Features like flexible frames, spring hinges and polycarbonate lenses appeal to both parents and kids.

For more information about helping you child choose eyewear, check out our recent post on making the transition to glasses successful.

Protect your eyes with the right sports gear

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September is Sports Eye Injury Prevention Awareness Month — just in time for the start of basketball season, the leading sport for eye injuries, according to research by Prevent Blindness.

Basketball is big in this town, both among fans as well as the numerous school and recreational leagues in our area. Prevent Blindness estimates that more than 6,000 people a year suffer eye injuries related to basketball. Water and pool activities, gun sports (air, gas, spring and BB), baseball/softball and, another fall favorite, football round out the top five sports that pose the greatest hazard to the eyes.

The good news is that 90 percent of eye injuries are preventable with proper eye protection, which means gear that is specifically designed for the dangers of specific sports. In the case of basketball, for example, this means protective goggles that feature impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses and offer a snug, comfortable fit. Even if you wear contact lenses or do not need vision correction, these goggles should be as much a part of dressing for the game as the right shoes.

We carry Liberty Sport eyewear, a leading provider of protective sports goggles, and can work with you to make sure your eyes stay safe when you are on the court, course or field.

Tips for transitioning your child to glasses

boy in glassesYou’ve just been told that your child needs glasses. You may feel relief that your instincts about his or her vision were right. Then you may feel apprehension at the extra responsibility of selecting and getting your child to wear a pair of glasses. The following tips can help make wearing glasses a smooth transition for you and your child:

Let them choose. Children who are allowed to choose their own frames are more invested in wearing them right from the beginning. Before you head over to the optical section, give your child some parameters, especially if you are on a budget. Our optical specialists can walk you through the features you’ll want to consider, such as polycarbonate lenses and durable frames, and ensure the right fit.

Pay attention to fit. Sometimes children are so excited about their glasses that they gloss over the questions we ask during fittings. If your child finds that his or her glasses are less comfortable a few days after receiving them, know that we are always available to make adjustments. Kids need to be comfortable in their glasses, whether they are for schoolwork only or worn full-time.

Make wearing them non-negotiable. Sometimes children will resist wearing their glasses. One child may be particularly sensitive to having something on the face. Another may feel self-conscious. Find out why your child is resisting and do what you can to address the issue.

If you know your child will be uncomfortable, use the time before they receive their prescription glasses to get them used to the sensation with dress-up glasses or sunglasses. This will help prepare them for the “real thing” when it comes.

For kids who are afraid of teasing or “being different,” read them books on wearing glasses, point out people they admire who wear glasses and reassure them that their new glasses offer a great benefit — better eyesight!

Regardless of your child’s concern, wearing the glasses should be mandatory. If you do opt to give them time off from their glasses, make sure it is limited, clear and easy to follow, as well as appropriate for their vision needs.

Consider a spare pair. Sometimes the responsibility of wearing and keeping track of glasses is difficult for children. This is especially true for children who don’t need to wear their glasses full-time and end up removing them frequently throughout the day. Having a pair for home and one that your child keeps at school is a good way to ensure that when the homework comes out, your child doesn’t have to muddle through (and vice-versa).

For children who wear glasses full-time, parents should consider keeping a back-up pair for times when the primary pair breaks or is left behind somewhere that isn’t easily accessible. Giving them the choice of which pair they wear each day is another strategy for avoiding a power struggle.

Check in and check up. Once your child has adjusted to the idea of wearing glasses, he or she may not say much about them, including if they are working sufficiently. Kids’ eyes are developing more rapidly than adults’, and their glasses will need adjustments to the frames and changes to the prescription more frequently. Make sure you are communicating with them regularly about their glasses and stick to an annual schedule for comprehensive exams. Do not hesitate to contact us with questions if an issue arises between annual check-ups.

*Photo courtesy of allaboutvision.com

Protect your eyes from corneal abrasions

Wear the right eye protection for participation in sports and other hobbies.

Wear the right eye protection for participation in sports and other hobbies.

Corneal abrasions are one of the most common eye injuries. While they generally are not serious, they often cause discomfort and temporary vision impairment. Sometimes eye infections enter the abrasion and lead to more significant damage. In any case, it is important to know how to prevent corneal abrasions and seek treatment when they happen.

The causes of corneal abrasions are numerous. They can result from something as simple as rubbing your eye when there is a foreign object in it, like sand or dirt, or getting poked in the eye. If you’ve ever had a corneal abrasion — and most of us have — you know they can be painful. They also cause light sensitivity, redness, swollen eyelids, excessive tearing and a feeling that something is in your eye.

If you do experience a corneal abrasion, it is important to seek treatment with us right away. We can diagnose the severity of the injury, which isn’t always apparent, and ward off infections, some of which can lead to blindness. We also can give you prescription ointments or eyedrops that help with healing.

Because many eye injuries are preventable, the best thing you can do to keep your eyes safe.

  • Wear protective eyewear if your job, DIY projects or hobbies pose a treat to you eyes. Chemicals, even those used in household tasks, can also injure your cornea.
  • Wear protective eyewear when participating in sports, especially those where elbows, racquets, balls and pucks can cause injury. It was recently reported that a mandate from the National Federation of State High School Associations requiring protective eyewear for field hockey players resulted in a three-fold reduction in injuries.
  • If you wear contact lenses, make sure they are fitted properly and that you are keeping them clean and in good condition. If you wear disposables, stick to the schedule for changing them. Wearing them longer than recommended increases your risk for abrasions.

Talk to us if you have any concerns about corneal abrasions and protecting your eyes from injury. Keep in mind that we are available for emergencies. Make sure you seek treatment as soon as possible for any kind of injury to the eye.

Back-to-school time can reveal vision problems in children

ID-100345769Children’s eyes get a bit of a break during the summer with less time spent in the classroom. The increased visual demands of the new school year sometimes reveal issues that weren’t apparent over the summer break.

Nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism are the most common issues among school-age children. But other problems also can exist, including misalignment of the eyes (strabismus), reduced vision in one eye (amblyopia or ‘lazy eye’), color vision problems and a variety of others.

Be aware and let us know if you witness your child doing any of the following, as they are signs of a potential issue:

  • Squinting
  • Sitting too close to the TV or holding a book too close
  • Frequently losing place when reading or using a finger as a guide
  • Closing one eye when reading
  • Frequent eye rubbing
  • Sensitivity to light and/or excessive tearing
  • Avoiding reading or computer use
  • Complaints of headaches or tired eyes

According to Prevent Blindness America, one in four children has a vision problem that, if left untreated, can affect learning. So if you suspect your child is having vision problems, it’s important to schedule an eye exam.

* Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos/Stoonn

Your child’s eyes — an important tool for learning

As learning becomes more digital, taking care of kids' eyes is important than ever.

As classroom learning becomes more digital, taking care of kids’ eyes is more important than ever.

With back-to-school time approaching, we want to remind patients how important healthy eyes are to learning.

According to experts, 80 percent of what students are taught is presented visually, which makes healthy eyes one of the most important tools for the classroom. But that’s not the only reason to stay on top of regular check-ups and eye care.

  • According to the American Optometric Association, more than 41 percent of parents report their children use digital devices more than three hours a day. With increasing use of technology at school and home, it’s important to stay on top of issues related to digital eye strain.
  • One in four children has a vision problem that could affect learning if left untreated, per Prevent Blindness America. A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to detect, prevent and treat vision problems.
  • The Vision Council reports that eye care providers are seeing an increase in myopia among children. Research points to the rise in near-vision activities like using digital devices and a decline in time spent outdoors in natural light as possible contributors.

Unfortunately, many parents are unaware of the importance of annual eye exams for kids. More than half (60%) don’t feel an eye exam is an essential part of a child’s healthy checkup schedule, based on a recent survey of more than 1,000 parents. You can find more information on eye health for children here.

The State of Illinois requires that all students entering a public, private or parochial schools, starting at kindergarten, have their eyes examined by a licensed optometrist. Even if your child is returning to the same school, annual exams are recommended for keeping their eyes healthy.

Second pairs — a great investment in your eyes

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Do you work on a computer? Enjoy time outdoors? Spend a good portion of time driving?

If you wear glasses and do any of these things, you might consider getting a second pair.

When it comes to having an extra pair of glasses, convenience is important, but there are other reasons to build your eyewear collection.

Computer work. People spend time in front of computer screens more than ever before, and for many patients it’s mandatory for their jobs. Unfortunately, computer eye strain is a common outcome.

There are two primary ways that computer work impacts vision. One is that computer screens are situated in what is called the “intermediate” zone for vision. Most vision correction addresses distance or near vision, not intermediate, so there is a good chance your current prescription isn’t quite right for computer work. Second is that computers emit “blue light,” which studies indicate is harmful to the eyes because of its high level of UV rays.

Glasses specially prescribed for computer work factor in the typical distance of a monitor or laptop screen and include tints to reduce glare and block blue light. They are an ideal solution for anyone who spends four or more hours on the computer most days of the week.

Time spent outdoors. While photochromatic lenses that darken when exposed to UV rays are an option for people who wear glasses, a second pair in the form of prescription sunglasses is sometimes preferred. Contact lens wearers should consider opting for prescription sunglasses in places like the beach and the pool, where contacts can be less convenient.

Time spent behind the wheel. One place that photo chromatic lenses aren’t as effective as prescription sunglasses is in the car. Because the windshield blocks a certain amount of UV rays, these lenses do not darken enough for most drivers’ comfort. Prescription sunglasses do a better job of reducing glare while driving.

Participation in sports. The vast majority — an estimated 90 percent — of sports-related eye injuries are preventable. If you wear glasses and participate in sports, make sure you have the proper eyewear. Most protective eyewear for sports is made of impact-resistant polycarbonate, which also offers the bonus of being UV protective, and has features to boost comfort and wearability during the action.

To make it easier on our patients, we offer 20 percent off second pairs. This is also a great way to use any healthcare flex spending funds you have. Please schedule an appointment if you’d like to talk more about your second pair needs.

*Photo courtesy of usamedeniz/freedigitalphotos.net.

Tips for keeping summer fun easy on the eyes

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Summer is a beautiful season here in Chicago, but it can be hard on the eyes. Following are some common summertime eye health issues and ways to avoid them.

  • After-swim irritation. If you hit the pool, make sure you wear goggles or a mask during swims or water play. Chemicals used in pools can cause a high level of discomfort. Even “natural” water environments, like lakes and ponds, can contain irritants that affect the eyes.
  • Harmful UV rays. We recommend wearing sunglasses year round and especially in the summer. Longer days and more time spent outdoors leads to greatest exposure to UV rays, which has been linked to the development of eye diseases like cataracts and AMD. In the short term, lack of protection can result in photokeratitis, which is sunburn of the eye. Symptoms are pain, redness and a feeling that something gritty is in the eye.
  • Fireworks. According to the American Academy of Opthalmology, 2,000 fireworks-related eye injuries happen every year, and one third end up causing permanent damage. Leave the fireworks to the professionals, and if you are one, protect your eyes with safety goggles.
  • Insect bites. Insect bites around the eye can cause swelling and irritation, often more so than on other parts of the body, as skin around the eye is more tender. Never use any products to prevent or soothe insect bites that aren’t recommended for use around the eye. Use a cold compress to decrease swelling. Call our office if you are concerned about any insect bites near the eye. We have several options for treatment.
  • Sports-related injuries. Summer sports such as baseball, water sports and racquet sports have some of the highest rates of eye injury. If you or someone in your family participates in any of these, talk to us about options for protective eyewear. We can counsel you on what works best for specific sports. Keep in mind that 90 percent of sports-related eye injuries are estimated to be preventable.

As always, please get in touch with us for eye health concerns you have over the summer or any time of year.

* Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos/zirconicusso