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Warm weather is good for your eyes

Photo courtesy of Ray-Ban

Photo courtesy of Ray-Ban

Warm weather benefits more than just our moods after a long winter and chilly spring. Research shows that it is also good for our eyes to go outside.

Recently Dr. Siegel attended a seminar presented by the Illinois College of Optometry on strategies for addressing the progression of myopia. One topic that really stood out was the difference in rates of myopia in populations with increased exposure to the outdoors versus those confined indoors for a greater part of the year.

For example, the incidence of myopia in people in their twenties and thirties in the U.S. is 36 to 44 percent. In Canada, it is 72.4 percent. Furthermore, a meta-analysis of seven cross-sectional studies published in 2012 indicates that time spent outdoors can be an effective strategy for addressing myopia.

More recent research backs this up. Last year a study of more than 1,300 young adults (ages 19 to 22) in Australia was published that showed further support of an inverse association between outdoor activity and myopia. In other words, higher levels of time spent outside is correlated with lower levels of myopia.

Though it is good to be outside, for many reasons, be mindful of UV exposure. Research does not indicate that there is any reason to leave the house without your sunglasses. This is a great time to make sure yours provide 99 to 100 percent protection from UVA and UVB rays. All sunglasses at Northcenter Eye Care meet this criteria, and we have a great selection for the upcoming warm months.

As always, if you have any questions about your eye health, please feel free to call, email or message us on Facebook.

Virtual care is no substitute for a face-to-face exam

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Face-to-face care is the best way to keep your eyes healthy.

We’ve talked about digital eye strain and other eye health risks associated with technology over the past few months. Another concern with the online world is the increasing number of sites and apps that promise prescription eyeglass fitting and even exams.

An annual comprehensive eye exam performed by an eye care professional, such as one of our doctors at Northcenter Eye Care, is the single most effective way to make sure that you have the information and care you need to keep your eyes healthy and to make sure that your vision correction needs are met.

Virtual exams are very limited in scope, offering only vision correction to individuals who fit a narrow profile. Such exams do not assess any eye health or medical concerns, let alone provide consultation for fitting, adjustments, etc. In addition, many of the services that are part of a comprehensive exam are additional costs in a virtual one. The accuracy of this type of exam is highly questionable too.

March is Save Your Vision Month, and this is a great time to make sure you have your yearly appointment on the calendar. You can book with us online, by phone and even email. Keep in mind that we provide care for the whole family, including children as young as four.