What Are Neurolenses®?

What Are Neurolenses®?

Experts say that there is finally an answer to endless headaches and neck pains. Many people experience these pains that are usually accompanied by eye irritation. The treatments they receive often fail because they are misdiagnosed. Their doctors don’t see that the real root of these pains is binocular vision dysfunction (BVD) or the slight misalignment of your eyes. To correct the symptoms of BVD, eye care providers prescribe Neurolens® glasses. If you want to understand what Neurolenses are, here’s what you should know.

The System

The Neurolens system aims to determine the size of the problem in every patient. When the results come out, your eye care provider will customize Neurolens glasses to reduce or even put an end to your eye issue. The slightest misalignment of your eyes can cause chaos in how you see. You tend to feel dryness and pain because there is an imbalance in your peripheral and central vision. Patients who use Neurolens glasses experience painless, irritation-free eyesight.

The Steps

Neurolenses are prescription lenses that have minute amounts of contoured prism in them. To get these specialized glasses, you should go through a specific measuring system. The Neurolens eye-tracking device measures the degree of misalignment of near and distance vision. The rotating stars and planets you see in the device examine your central and peripheral vision. Your eye care provider can then assess your eye synchronization and alignment.

If you are being evaluated as a Neurolens patient, you should go through these five steps:
 

  • Answer a lifestyle index questionnaire to see if you are a good candidate.
  • Go through a Neurolens measurement exam if you’re a good candidate.
  • Review and discuss the results with your eye care provider.
  • Place an order of Neurolenses online.
  • Wear Neurolens glasses for a few weeks to see if there is a level of relief.

If patients experience eye pain or dry eye symptoms but their diagnostic findings indicate otherwise, they usually need Neurolens glasses. Experts say that these patients are usually misdiagnosed because their doctors don’t see the possible BVD that contributes to the condition. Contoured prism glasses are the answer to BVD. Some patients take a while to adjust to Neurolens glasses. After a while, their discomfort fades and their visions sharpen.

The Positive Results

Below are some of the positive outcomes you can get from using Neurolens:

  • Reduces eye strain
  • Decreases double vision
  • Enhances coordination
  • Prevents you from skipping lines when you read
  • Allows you to read for longer periods
  • Reduces migraine or headache episodes
  • Decreases your light sensitivity
  • Lowers your level of anxiety
  • Reduces or eliminates motion sickness
  • Improves your depth perception
  • Provides about 50 percent improvement in eyesight and 80 percent decrease in BVD symptoms
     

With Neurolens, you get a customized prism lens that can address BVD at every distance. The lens slowly increases from distance vision to near vision, relieving your eye strain, headaches, and shoulder or neck pains. We, at Advanced Eyecare Center, assist our patients as they go through an extensive eye exam first. Then, we provide them with the right treatment they need. Please visit our clinics in Perry, Georgia, for a Neurolens consultation  Feel free to contact us by dialing 478-412-4200 for appointment scheduling or inquiries about our Neurolens.

Our Office

Parkchester

1332 Metropolitan Avenue
Bronx, NY 10462
(718) 829-5605

Westchester Square

25 Westchester Square
Bronx, NY 10461
(718) 597-6162

Hunts Point

1038 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, NY 10459
(718) 328-7137

Throggs Neck

815 Hutchinson River Parkway
Bronx, NY 10465
(718) 569-5680

TESTIMONIALS

What Patients are Saying

Slowing Nearsightedness With Myopia Control

The National Eye Institute recognizes that nearsightedness (myopia) is a progressive eye condition in children. Pediatric eye doctors should start myopia control as soon as they establish a diagnosis. Once children start myopia control, the risk of having vision-threatening complications, such as cataracts or glaucoma during adulthood, decreases. If you want to provide myopia control for your child, here’s what you need to know.

Atropine Drops

Using atropine drops on your eyes can decrease the pain due to inflammation. These drops can also ease focusing exhaustion. They limit the eye’s ability to change focus temporarily and dilate the affected eye’s pupil. Clinical studies show that using atropine drops can provide a 77 percent decrease in the progression of myopia in children.

Known as an anticholinergic agent, atropine attaches to receptors that have agonists like acetylcholine. Atropine activates mydriasis by blocking the contraction of your pupillary sphincter muscle. It also makes the radial iris dilator muscle contract and cause cycloplegia. These actions of atropine make it a viable treatment for myopia control.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Ortho-K or corneal reshaping lenses are special gas permeable (GP) contact lenses. You need to wear them only while you sleep at night. By morning, you remove the Ortho-K lenses and you go about your day with short-term corrected vision. With these lenses, you don’t need to wear corrective eyewear at all during the day.

A two-year study on myopic children proved that Ortho-K lenses decrease eyeball elongation by 43 percent. Children who wore regular corrective eyeglasses did not improve well. Ortho-K lenses are for the correction of low-level to moderate myopia. It may treat myopia that may or may not have astigmatism

With the help of Ortho-K lenses, parents can handle the application and removal of the lenses. They don’t need to worry about their kids losing contact lenses at all during sports or play activities. Children don’t even have to rely on eyeglasses anymore when they use Ortho-K lenses.

Multifocal Eyeglasses

Multifocal eyeglasses help those with presbyopia see clearly at all distances. They work like multifocal lenses. Experts have also established that these lenses can delay the progression of myopia in children. There was three-year research on myopic children. The study revealed that multifocal eyeglasses delayed the worsening of their condition by 51 percent.

Your child’s pediatric doctor can catch myopia and delay it with myopia control treatments. At Advanced Eyecare Center, we make sure your child undergoes myopia control comfortably and safely. Please visit our clinics in Perry for a walk-in consultation. You can also call us at 478-412-4200 if you want to set an appointment or ask questions about our myopia control treatments.

Our Office

Parkchester

1332 Metropolitan Avenue
Bronx, NY 10462
(718) 829-5605

Westchester Square

25 Westchester Square
Bronx, NY 10461
(718) 597-6162

Hunts Point

1038 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, NY 10459
(718) 328-7137

Throggs Neck

815 Hutchinson River Parkway
Bronx, NY 10465
(718) 569-5680

TESTIMONIALS

What Patients are Saying

What Does 20/20 Vision Actually Mean?

You’ve no doubt heard of the term 20/20 vision before, and it’s likely to have been in reference to someone with extremely good eyesight. But what does it actually mean to have 20/20 vision? Let’s find out. 

The role of visual acuity

To understand what it is to have 20/20 vision, you first need to know more about visual acuity and how it is measured. You’ve almost certainly had this done before at your routine eye exams, even if you don’t realize it. That’s because visual acuity is measured using an eye chart called a Snellen chart. It gets its name from the ophthalmologist that invented it as a tool for measuring how clearly you can see. 

Visual acuity refers to the clarity of your eyesight, and this is determined by measuring how well you can see from a specific distance. A Snellen chart contains a range of letters in different sizes, getting progressively smaller as you read down it. Your eye doctor will ask you to read the letters out to assess how accurately you can see them. This may not necessarily happen in order, and your eye doctor may also switch to alternative charts depending on how your visual acuity assessment goes. 

What affects visual acuity?

Visual acuity is determined by several different factors, including:

  • How accurately the cornea refracts light that enters the eye (so that it passes through and lands directly onto the retina)
  • How well the lens of the eye works in focusing this light
  • The sensitivity of the nerves in the retina and the brain
  • The ability of the brain to interpret the information received 

If there are issues with any of the above, you may find that you can’t see clearly at all distances.

What is 20/20 vision?

The 20/20 term is a fraction that is used to explain how clearly you can see at different distances. The first number refers to the distance between yourself and the eye chart, which is 20 feet. The second number explains the distance at which you can see a specific letter on the Snellen chart clearly. 

For example, someone who has 20/100 vision can see from 20 feet what a person with normal visual acuity can see from 100 feet away. This would indicate that you have very poor vision. Although it is possible to have vision that is clearer than 20/20, it’s not at all common. The letters on the very bottom row of a Snellen chart represent 20/15 vision, and while you may potentially be able to identify some letters, it’s unlikely you’d get them all correct. 

Do I need to have 20/20 vision to drive?

Only around 35% of adults have 20/20 vision without using glasses, contact lenses, or corrective surgery. However, when using prescription lenses, it’s possible to dramatically increase this number. You don’t have to have 20/20 vision to drive. The legal driving standard is 20/40, but this is with prescription lenses. 

If you would like to find out more about what it means to have 20/20 vision, or to make an appointment for a visual acuity assessment, contact Advanced Eyecare Center at our office in Perry, Georgia. You can call (478) 412-4200 today to schedule an appointment.

Our Office

Parkchester

1332 Metropolitan Avenue
Bronx, NY 10462
(718) 829-5605

Westchester Square

25 Westchester Square
Bronx, NY 10461
(718) 597-6162

Hunts Point

1038 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, NY 10459
(718) 328-7137

Throggs Neck

815 Hutchinson River Parkway
Bronx, NY 10465
(718) 569-5680

TESTIMONIALS

What Patients are Saying

How Can I Stop Myopia From Progressing?

According to health experts, nearly half of the population in America is myopic. That is 42 percent of adults and children, to be exact. That figure has doubled within the past thirty years and continues to increase.

Myopia makes things at a far distance look blurry. Controlling myopia is essential in ensuring clear eyesight. If you have been diagnosed with nearsightedness, here is how you can stop it from progressing.

Reduce Eyestrain

Myopia causes you to squint or strain your eyes to keep focus. The situation worsens when you spend a lot of time on your phone or computer. Research shows that too much screen time changes your eyes. It makes your eyeballs grow longer, thus changing the natural curve of your eyes.

As a result, your eyes stop bending light the way they should and increase nearsightedness. Taking regular breaks from your screen and allowing your eyes to rest properly can slow down myopia.

Spend More Time Outdoors

Spending time outdoors can stop myopia from getting worse. Sunlight activates vitamin D that promotes healthy eye growth. Moreover, studies show that the violet light rays from the sun help control the size of your eyes. That enables your eyes to maintain a regular shape.

Wear Protective Sunglasses When Outside

Too much ultraviolet (UV) light is harmful to your eyes, especially when sunlight is the strongest. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and during summer.

However, your eyes can get sunburned even on an overcast day or during winter. Wearing protective sunglasses can guard your eyes against harmful UV light if you spend too much time outdoors. It can also help delay the progression of myopia.

Eat Healthily and Stay Hydrated

Include vegetables, leafy greens, and fruits in your diet to increase your vitamin intake. Your eyes benefit when you also take foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and walnuts. Also, avoid drinking too much caffeine and stay hydrated by drinking adequate water.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking gradually weakens your immune system. It lowers your body’s defense against illnesses, including eye health problems such as myopia.

Wear Corrective Lenses

Corrective lenses can help enhance your vision. They optimize your eyesight by making your eyes focus better on objects far away. You may find that your distance vision is broader and sharper with corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Undergo Refractive Eye Surgery

People with advanced myopia may be candidates for refractive eye surgery. Your ophthalmologist uses a stream of laser light to adjust your cornea. That way, your eyes can bend light more suitably and improve distance vision. While refractive eye surgery reduces the need for corrective lenses, you may still need to wear eyeglasses occasionally.

See Your Eye Doctor Regularly

Taking good care of your eyesight and slowing down myopia also means seeing your eye doctor regularly. Regular eye exams can help monitor the health of your eyes as you track the progression of myopia.

Regular eye checkups are also important when it comes to updating your prescriptions and ensuring a healthy eye care routine.Have your eyes checked often, even if your vision is okay.

For more on how you can stop myopia from progressing, call Advanced Eyecare Center at (478) 412-4200 to reach our office in Perry, Georgia. 

Our Office

Parkchester

1332 Metropolitan Avenue
Bronx, NY 10462
(718) 829-5605

Westchester Square

25 Westchester Square
Bronx, NY 10461
(718) 597-6162

Hunts Point

1038 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, NY 10459
(718) 328-7137

Throggs Neck

815 Hutchinson River Parkway
Bronx, NY 10465
(718) 569-5680

TESTIMONIALS

What Patients are Saying

How Does TempSure® Envi Work?

As you age, your skin loses its ability to generate collagen and elastin. The result is skin sagging, wrinkles, and cellulite. However, you do not have to endure wrinkles and sagging skin anymore. You can try TempSure® Envi. It will give you the results you are looking for and leave you feeling young and confident.

TempSure Envi

The treatment tightens your skin and softens your fine lines in 20 minutes. It has virtually no side effects, and you do not need to take time off work for healing. TempSure Envi uses a heating device that emits radiofrequency energy into your skin to tighten it.

How Does It Work?

The treatment begins with placing the device directly on the treatment area. It delivers gentle heat to your skin and makes the body think that you have injuries. The body’s healing system sends growth factors into the area. The building of new collagen leads to tighter and firmer skin with fewer wrinkles.

TempSure Envi can use higher temperatures on their devices since it stimulates your nerves less than other devices. It has a Therapeutic Logic Control (TLC) that senses when tissue reaches therapeutic temperature and activates a timer. The technology allows for proper delivery of radio frequency every time. It is faster and more effective than other heating devices that use radiofrequency technology. 

Results

You can get your TempSure treatment during your lunch break. The noninvasive treatment takes about 20 minutes, and you will start noticing some results immediately. The improvements are more noticeable within four to six weeks.

You will need multiple treatments, about four in total, with the technician spacing these treatments to every two to four weeks, in accordance with the treatment you need. The results and collagen your body generates are permanent. Still, that does not prevent gravity from acting on your body. To mitigate this, schedule a touch-up session every six months.

Benefits of TempSure Envi

TempSure Envi is a radiofrequency therapy with better results than other RF technologies. It has many benefits that include:

No Downtime

You do not need to take time off work to heal from stitches. The treatment is noninvasive and nonsurgical. You can get it over lunch break and dash back into the office. 

Noninvasive

The treatment will not leave you with scars that need healing. The radiofrequency waves trick the body that it has injuries. It does not inflict any actual wounds on your body.

Safe for All Skin Types

The TLC is the best temperature sensing technology. It has about 100 times faster response time than other devices and a sensor that activates a timer when skin tissue reaches therapeutic temperature. It also has a specific design for treating the delicate skin surrounding the eyes. Hence, it is safe for all skin types.

Effective

The results are long-lasting, and you will start to see results within a few weeks. You only need to go for a touch-up every six months.

For more information on TempSure Envi, visit Advanced Eyecare Center at our Perry, Georgia office. Call (478) 412-4200 to book an appointment today.

Our Office

Parkchester

1332 Metropolitan Avenue
Bronx, NY 10462
(718) 829-5605

Westchester Square

25 Westchester Square
Bronx, NY 10461
(718) 597-6162

Hunts Point

1038 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, NY 10459
(718) 328-7137

Throggs Neck

815 Hutchinson River Parkway
Bronx, NY 10465
(718) 569-5680

TESTIMONIALS

What Patients are Saying

3 Surprising Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome and How to Avoid Them

Dry eye is a common condition that affects people of all ages but is more common in women, older adults, and people who live in dry or windy climates. It is estimated that dry eye affects between five and 33 percent of the general population. 

Dry eye occurs when the quality or the quantity of the eyes tears is affected. Tears are essential in maintaining the health of the eye’s front surface and providing clear vision. When the eyes are not properly lubricated, they can feel dry, scratchy, and uncomfortable. 

Causes of Dry Eye: Mites

Mites, also known as Demodex, are tiny insects that live on humans’ and animals’ skin and hair follicles. They are usually harmless and are found on the face, including the eyelashes. In some cases, an overgrowth of mites on the eyelashes, demodicosis, may contribute to the development of dry eye.

Demodicosis can cause inflammation of the eyelids, which can lead to the production of fewer or poorer-quality tears. The mites may also directly damage the eye’s surface, leading to dry eye symptoms.

What Can You Do to Avoid This?

Practice Good Hygiene

Keep your face clean, especially around the eyes. Gently clean your eyelids with mild soap and warm water once or twice daily. Avoid sharing makeup and makeup brushes, as these can harbor mites.

Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

Rubbing your eyes can irritate the eyelids and increase the risk of demodicosis.

Medications

Certain medications can cause dry eye syndrome by decreasing tears’ production or altering the tears’ composition. It can lead to dry, uncomfortable eyes and impaired vision. Medications that are known to cause dry eye syndrome include:

  • Antihistamines: These can decrease tear production.
  • Decongestants: These also decrease tear production.
  • Antidepressants: Some can decrease tear production and alter the composition of the tears.
  • Blood pressure medications: Some, like beta blockers, can cause dry eye syndrome.
  • Birth control pills: These can alter the composition of the tears.
  • Acne medications.

What Can You Do to Avoid This?

If you are taking a medication and experiencing dry eye symptoms, it is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider. They can recommend treatment options or adjust your medication regimen to help alleviate your symptoms.

Screen Time

Prolonged screen time can contribute to dry eye syndrome. When we look at screens, we tend to blink less frequently, which can lead to dryness of the eyes. The blue light emitted by screens can also contribute to dry eye by reducing the production of tears.

Other factors contributing to dry eye during screen time include poor lighting, dry indoor air, and poor posture.

What Can You Do to Avoid This?

  • Take breaks: Look away from the screen every 20 minutes and frequently blink to help keep your eyes lubricated.
  • Adjust your lighting: Make sure your lighting is not too bright or dim, as this can contribute to eyestrain.
  • Use a humidifier: Increasing the humidity in your home or workplace can help reduce dry eye symptoms.

For more on the causes of dry eye syndrome and how to avoid them, visit Advanced Eyecare Center at our office in Perry, Georgia. Call (478) 412-4200 to book an appointment today.

Our Office

Parkchester

1332 Metropolitan Avenue
Bronx, NY 10462
(718) 829-5605

Westchester Square

25 Westchester Square
Bronx, NY 10461
(718) 597-6162

Hunts Point

1038 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, NY 10459
(718) 328-7137

Throggs Neck

815 Hutchinson River Parkway
Bronx, NY 10465
(718) 569-5680

TESTIMONIALS

What Patients are Saying

The Importance of Eye Health in Children

Good eyesight and eye health are crucial to child development. Vision accounts for as much as 80 percent of their learning then. As such, it is vital to keep their eyes healthy and happy. As your child grows, their eyes change quickly. Keep abreast with the changes. It will help you catch any problems before they become critical. Here are some tips to help you do this.

A Balanced Diet

The eyes need nutrients to help them fight free radicals that could damage them. These nutrients include lutein, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins C, A, and E. Fruits like oranges, mangoes, and strawberries provide vitamins C and E. These are vital for preventing infections and restoring tissues. 

Leafy greens like kale and spinach provide vitamin A. The nutrient is vital in preventing night blindness and fighting dry eye. Another nutrient that is good for fighting dry eye is omega-3 fatty acids. These are present in fatty fish like salmon. They help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. A healthy diet will also reduce the risk of hypertension and obesity, which can lead to eye diseases.

Use Protective Eyewear

Protective eyewear is vital when children are outside playing in the sun, using their computers, or engaging in projects. Research shows that 90 percent of their eye injuries are preventable. They need to have eyewear with protective, shatterproof, polycarbonate lenses. Also, check any hazardous materials or equipment where they are playing or experimenting. 

When they are out in the sun, they risk exposure to UVA and UVB rays which can harm their eyes. These rays can lead to the early onset of age-related eye diseases. However, they can use protective sunglasses to help mitigate this. Get them sunglasses with at least 99 percent protection.

Limit the Use of Digital Screens

Protecting children from the light that computers and other digital screens emit will go beyond getting them protective eyewear. You need to limit their use of these gadgets. Blue light from digital devices can lead to dry eyes and blurry vision. It can also cause focusing problems. 

You can get them to follow the 20-20-20 rule when using these devices. Also, ensure they keep their screens 18 to 24 inches away from their eyes when running the devices.

Boost Their Visual Skills

When they are toddlers or as young as newborns, engage them with high-contrast patterns or colors. Do this using décor or toys within their view. Give them time to engage with their environments or to approach their toys. 

Allow your child to get comfortable with a wide field of vision. You can engage them in games like peek-a-boo. It stimulates their hand-eye coordination. As they grow into toddlers and school-age, you can play catch.

Regular Eye Exams

These are as crucial for your child as they are for you. They should get their first eye exam when they are six months old. The first and subsequent visits will help their eye doctor catch any issues and mitigate complications. They will also start early treatment in case of disease.

For more information on how to keep your children’s eyes healthy, visit Advanced Eyecare Center at our office in Perry, Georgia. Call (478) 412-4200 to book an appointment today.

Our Office

Parkchester

1332 Metropolitan Avenue
Bronx, NY 10462
(718) 829-5605

Westchester Square

25 Westchester Square
Bronx, NY 10461
(718) 597-6162

Hunts Point

1038 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, NY 10459
(718) 328-7137

Throggs Neck

815 Hutchinson River Parkway
Bronx, NY 10465
(718) 569-5680

TESTIMONIALS

What Patients are Saying

Scleral Lenses for Dry Eye: How These Specialty Lenses Can Provide Relief

Dry eye is a prevalent eye ailment that can result in discomfort and blurry vision. While several treatment options are available, scleral lenses are gaining popularity for their ability to provide significant relief for those with dry eyes.

What are scleral lenses?

Scleral lenses are a type of specialty contact that is typically larger in diameter than conventional soft lenses. They are designed to cover the cornea completely. They rest on your eye’s white area, scientifically known as the sclera. This unique design allows scleral lenses to provide clear vision and a comfortable fit for those with various eye conditions, including dry eye.

How Do They Help With Dry Eyes?

Scleral lenses help with dry eyes by creating a reservoir of fluid between the cornea and the lens. The fluid acts as a barrier, preventing the cornea from drying out. It also helps protect the eye from the elements. Additionally, the design of scleral lenses allows for increased oxygen permeability, helping reduce inflammation and promoting the healing of the ocular surface.

Benefits of Scleral Lenses for Dry Eye

There are several benefits to using scleral lenses for dry eyes, including

  • Improved Comfort: The added layer of fluid between the cornea and lens helps reduce discomfort and irritation associated with dry eye
  • Clearer Vision: Scleral lenses provide clear, crisp vision by compensating for irregularities in the corneal surface
  • Longer Wear Time: Scleral lenses can be worn for longer periods than traditional contact lenses, as they do not dry out or become uncomfortable
  • Reduced Risk of Complications: The unique design of scleral lenses reduces the risk of complications associated with traditional contact lens wear, such as infections and corneal abrasions

Are Scleral Lenses Right for You?

If you are experiencing dry eye symptoms, scleral lenses may be perfect for you. But if you are interested in them, speaking with an eye care professional is imperative. They can help determine if this type of lens suits you.

It is worth noting that insurance may not cover scleral lenses and that they can be more expensive than traditional contact lenses. But the benefits outweigh the cost, and wearing this specialty lens is an investment in eye health.

Tips for Caring for Scleral Lenses

If you do decide to try scleral lenses for dry eyes, it is essential to follow proper care instructions to ensure the lenses remain clean and comfortable. Here are some tips for caring for scleral lenses:

  • Clean your lenses daily with a saline solution recommended by your eye care expert
  • Store your lenses in a clean, dry case
  • Avoid using tap water or homemade solutions to clean your lenses, as they can cause infections
  • Follow the recommended wearing schedule provided by your eye doctor
  • Attend regular follow-up appointments with your eye care professional to ensure the lenses are fitting properly and to monitor any changes in your eye health

The scleral lenses’ unique design helps protect your cornea and promote healing while providing clear vision and improved comfort. Scleral lenses may not be right for everyone. But if you are struggling with dry eye symptoms and are looking for a long-term solution, they are worth considering. Be sure to speak with your eye doctor to determine if scleral lenses are right for you and to receive proper care instructions.

For more on scleral lenses, visit Advanced Eyecare Center at our Perry, Georgia, office. Call (478) 412-4200 to schedule an appointment today.

Our Office

Parkchester

1332 Metropolitan Avenue
Bronx, NY 10462
(718) 829-5605

Westchester Square

25 Westchester Square
Bronx, NY 10461
(718) 597-6162

Hunts Point

1038 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, NY 10459
(718) 328-7137

Throggs Neck

815 Hutchinson River Parkway
Bronx, NY 10465
(718) 569-5680

TESTIMONIALS

What Patients are Saying

Can Dry Eyes be a Side Effect of Too Much Screen Time?

As we navigate through the digital age, the time we spend in front of screens has skyrocketed. Whether it’s for work, entertainment, or staying connected, screens are an integral part of our daily lives. This increased screen time can have unintended side effects, one of which may be dry eyes. Dry eye is a condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, causing discomfort and potential vision problems.

Dry eyes are often associated with various factors such as age, certain medical conditions, and environmental conditions. But recently, our lifestyle choices, particularly the extended use of digital screens, have emerged as potential contributors to this condition. 

Understanding the Connection Between Dry Eye and Screen Time

Our eyes are not designed for long hours of screen viewing. The blue light emitted by screens, the concentration required, and the lack of blinking while focusing all contribute to the development of dry eyes. To better understand the connection between dry eye and screen time, it’s crucial to comprehend how the eyes work. The human eye has a tear film that consists of three layers: the outer oily layer, the middle watery layer, and the inner mucus layer. This tear film is essential for clear vision and eye comfort.

When we stare at screens for extended periods, our blink rate decreases significantly. Blinking is critical as it helps spread the tear film evenly across the eye, keeping it lubricated and protected. Additionally, the blue light emitted by digital screens may cause eye strain and fatigue, which can exacerbate feelings of dryness.

Symptoms of Dry Eyes Caused by Excessive Screen Time

The symptoms of dry eyes due to excessive screen time can range from mild to severe. They include a stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in the eyes; stringy mucus in or around the eyes; increased eye irritation from wind or smoke; sensitivity to light; difficulty wearing contact lenses; and experiencing eye fatigue more quickly than usual.

In some cases, you might also notice that your eyes feel like they have a foreign object in them, a condition known as foreign body sensation. You may also experience blurred vision or eye redness. These symptoms can significantly affect your quality of life, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks that require visual attention, such as reading, driving, or using a computer.

Tips to Reduce Screen Time for Eye Health

There are several strategies to help reduce screen time and alleviate the symptoms of dry eyes. One of the most effective is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This simple practice can help reduce eye strain and dryness caused by prolonged screen viewing.

Adjusting the brightness and contrast of your screens to match the lighting in your surroundings can also help. A darker screen in a brightly lit room or a bright screen in a dimly lit room can cause eye strain. Consider using a blue light filter on your devices, or wearing glasses with blue light blocking lenses, to reduce the amount of blue light your eyes are exposed to.

Treatment Options for Dry Eyes Due to Excessive Screen Time

There are several treatment options available for those suffering from dry eyes due to excessive screen time. The most common are artificial tears, which can provide temporary relief by supplementing your natural tear production. Lubricating eye drops, gels, and ointments can also be used.

In more severe cases, your eye care professional may recommend procedures to close your tear ducts, either temporarily or permanently. This can help keep your tears from leaving your eyes too quickly. Other treatments may include special contact lenses, light therapy, eye inserts that work like artificial tears, and therapies to stimulate the production of tears.

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams for Screen Users

Regular eye exams are crucial for everyone, but they take on added importance for those of us who spend a significant amount of time in front of screens. These exams can help detect early signs of dry eyes and other vision-related issues, many of which can be exacerbated by excessive screen time.

Regular eye exams also provide an opportunity for you to discuss any concerns or symptoms you may be experiencing with your eye care professional. They can provide guidance on how to manage these symptoms and prevent them from worsening. Regular eye exams also allow your eye care professional to monitor the health of your eyes over time and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Balance Screen Time for Your Eye Health Today

While technology has undoubtedly enriched our lives in countless ways, its impact on our eye health underscores the need for a balanced approach to screen time. Dry eye and screen time are interconnected, and understanding this connection is the first step towards safeguarding our eye health in the digital age.

Regular eye exams are crucial in detecting and managing this condition. In between those visits, adopting habits that reduce screen time and alleviate eye strain can go a long way in preserving your vision. If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eyes, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

For more information on dry eyes and too much screen time, contact Advanced Eyecare Center at our Perry, Georgia, office. Call (478) 412-4200 to schedule an appointment today.

Our Office

Parkchester

1332 Metropolitan Avenue
Bronx, NY 10462
(718) 829-5605

Westchester Square

25 Westchester Square
Bronx, NY 10461
(718) 597-6162

Hunts Point

1038 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, NY 10459
(718) 328-7137

Throggs Neck

815 Hutchinson River Parkway
Bronx, NY 10465
(718) 569-5680

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Understanding Myopia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Myopia is a prevalent eye condition that affects about a third of the world’s population. It is a refractive error where objects close to the eye appear clear, while distant objects appear blurry. Understanding this condition can help manage it more effectively. 

Causes of Myopia

Myopia is primarily caused by an elongation of the eyeball. This elongation leads to a mismatch between the optical power and the eye’s length, causing light to focus in front of the retina, rather than directly on it, which leads to blurry vision when looking at distant objects.

The exact reasons for this elongation are not fully understood, but both genetic and environmental factors play a role. Research shows that if both parents are myopic, there is a higher likelihood of their children developing myopia. Environmental factors such as prolonged close-up tasks like reading or screen time can also contribute to the development and progression of myopia.

Another critical factor contributing to myopia progression is the lack of time spent outdoors. Studies have found that natural light can play a significant role in eye health. Children who spend more time outdoors have been shown to have a lower incidence of myopia.

Identifying the Symptoms of Myopia

Recognizing the symptoms of myopia early is crucial for timely intervention and management. The most common symptom of myopia is difficulty seeing distant objects clearly. For example, if you find it hard to read the board in a classroom or see the television clearly from a distance, you might be experiencing myopia.

Other symptoms include frequent squinting, eye strain, and headaches, which are often a result of straining to see distant objects clearly. Children with myopia may also exhibit symptoms such as sitting too close to the television, holding books very close while reading, or not being able to see distant objects that others can see clearly.

The Importance of Slowing the Progression of Myopia

Slowing the progression of myopia is crucial, especially in children, as it can reduce the risk of developing severe eye conditions later in life. High myopia, which is a more severe form of the condition, increases the risk of conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment.

Slowing the progression of myopia can also lead to better quality of life. It can reduce dependency on corrective lenses and improve performance in activities that require good distance vision like sports or driving.
 

Myopia Management Treatments

There are several treatment options available for managing myopia. These treatments aim to slow down the progression of myopia and reduce the risk of developing associated eye conditions.

One of the most common treatments is corrective lenses, including glasses or contact lenses. These can correct the refractive error and help the person see distant objects clearly. However, they do not slow the progression of myopia.

Exploring Myopia Control Interventions

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is a non-surgical procedure that uses specially designed contact lenses to reshape the cornea and reduce myopia. These lenses are worn overnight and temporarily reshape the cornea, allowing for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Atropine eye drops have been used for many years to manage myopia. Atropine works by temporarily paralyzing the eye’s focusing mechanism, thereby slowing the progression of myopia.

Another treatment option for myopia is multifocal glasses or contact lenses. These lenses have different powers in different zones of the lens to correct nearsightedness and help reduce eye strain.

Navigating Myopia Effectively

Myopia is a common eye condition that affects a significant number of people globally. Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and being aware of the importance of slowing the progression are crucial in managing this condition. Various treatment options, including Ortho-K, atropine eye drops, and multifocal lenses, can help manage myopia effectively.

For more information on the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for myopia, visit Advanced Eyecare Center at our Perry, Georgia, office. Call (478) 412-4200 to schedule an appointment today.

Our Office

Parkchester

1332 Metropolitan Avenue
Bronx, NY 10462
(718) 829-5605

Westchester Square

25 Westchester Square
Bronx, NY 10461
(718) 597-6162

Hunts Point

1038 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, NY 10459
(718) 328-7137

Throggs Neck

815 Hutchinson River Parkway
Bronx, NY 10465
(718) 569-5680

TESTIMONIALS

What Patients are Saying