Author: Envision Eyecare

10 Foods That Can Help Improve Your Vision

Written by Envision Eyecare on May 3, 2015. Posted in Asheville, Eye Care & Eye Health, Featured, Food, Personal Development. No Comments on 10 Foods That Can Help Improve Your Vision

Hopefully most of us have made it through allergy season with our mental and well-being in tack – not to mention our visuals as well. It’s been a rough road to recovery with piles of tissues, bottles of nasal sprays, vials of lubricating eye drops for those dry eyes. And as usual, the schedule for eye appointments always peaks right around allergy season time here at the office.

If there is one thing we locals in Asheville know is one the best remedies for combating allergies, it’s the fact you must eat the local honey! It’s pretty much common knowledge the local honey infuses your body with the necessary antibiotics to fight off or minimize allergies. Isn’t it funny how we’re quick to access this local wisdom when it comes to something as common as allergies, but when it comes to knowing what you can eat to prevent dry eyes, macular degeneration and even cataracts not so much?

Most of the time we don’t really give much thought to our vision until something goes wrong. Given the fact we’re living in an age of “information overload,” life has become very busy. Sometimes we’re not aware something is broken or not operating properly until the warning signals start to beep and go off. In the world of eye health care that would be blurry vision, headaches and/or watery eye symptoms. Yet, much of what we see can be prevented or kept at bay with one simple step.

WATCH WHAT YOU EAT.

One powerful and simple step you can take in protecting your precious sense of sight is by taking mindful steps around your diet; watch what you eat. We don’t often connect the dots between our vision and what we had for breakfast, lunch or dinner but we should. When we bring a sense of intention to what we eat, we empower ourselves to better care for our vision long before a visit to the eye doctor is required.

So, we thought we’d give you a hand by providing you a quick “check list” of foods that are powerful health agents and high in antioxidants. This way the next time you’re out to grab a bite to eat or you’re at the grocery store shopping for your weekly meal plans, you’ll have a head start on what to include on your food list.

Fish
Cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may help protect against dry eyes, macular degeneration and even cataracts. If you don’t eat seafood, you can get a good supply of omega-3s by using fish oil supplements or taking vegetarian supplements that contain black currant seed oil or flaxseed oil.

Leafy Greens
Spinach, kale and collard greens, to name just a few, are packed full of lutein and zeaxanthin, important plant pigments that can help stem the development of macular degeneration and cataracts. Broccoli, peas and avocados are also good sources of this powerful antioxidant duo.

Eggs
The vitamins and nutrients in eggs, including lutein and vitamin A (which may protect against night blindness and dry eyes), promote eye health and function.

Whole Grains
A diet containing foods with a low glycemic index (GI) can help reduce your risk for age-related macular degeneration. Swap refined carbohydrates for quinoa, brown rice, whole oats and whole-wheat breads and pasta. The vitamin E, zinc and niacin found in whole grains also help promote overall eye health.

Citrus Fruits and Berries
Oranges, grapefruits, lemons and berries are high in vitamin C, which may reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Nuts
Pistachios, walnuts, almonds — whichever type tickles your fancy — are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E that boost your eye health.

Legumes
Kidney beans, black-eyed peas and lentils are good sources of bioflavonoids and zinc — and can help protect the retina and lower the risk for developing macular degeneration and cataracts.

Fish Oil, Flaxseed Oil and Black Currant Seed Oil
These super supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids and have many eye health benefits, including helping to prevent or control dry eye syndrome as well as reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.

Sunflower Seeds
Help keep your eyes healthy and disease-free by snacking on sunflowers seeds, which are excellent sources of vitamin E and zinc.

Beef
In moderation, lean beef in your diet can boost your eye health. Beef contains zinc, which helps your body absorb vitamin and may play a role in reducing risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration.

The Play Of Life

Written by Envision Eyecare on April 22, 2015. Posted in Asheville, Education, Eye Care & Eye Health, Eyewear, Featured. No Comments on The Play Of Life

In preparation for this months’ SPORTS EYE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH we read quite a few articles, blogs and social media newsfeed to see what the latest is in the world of Optometry and Ophthmalogy. Now, if you’ve read one, you’ve pretty much read them all when it comes to eye safety and sports. Every parent [for the most part] understands the need to protect their child’s precious sense of sight when it comes to sports activity. But, do we understand the emotion, psychological and mental ramifications when the importance of healthy vision is overlooked.

Studies show that only four in ten kids, between the ages of 6-12 years, are actively engaged in neighborhood sports. In addition, studies also an increase in the decline of these numbers in the near future. The lack of mobility and engagement for our children increases their risk for other health related challenges. In America alone, obesity is the number one reason our children become high risk for cardiovascular disease, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem. For most families this is just the beginning.

It seems farfetched and an extreme stretch to see the connection between healthy eye sight and our children’s over well-being. And yet, it [a child’s vision] is usually one of the first signs to alert us there is a deeper issue at hand; especially if your child is active in sports. Like with most things in life, one circumstance has the power to affect all areas of our lives. The same applies for our kids.

However, the signs that your child needs glasses are not always clear. And so, to help you know what to look for, here are a few tips to help you out:

Tilting their head.This can indicate an eye muscle imbalance.
Covering one eye/frequent squinting one eye to see the ball either far or near.
Losing their place in an attempt to catch, throw or follow the ball or apparatus.
Physical complaints like headaches, watery eyes or dry eyes.
Problems seeing outdoors, losing sight of the ball, the pitch, especially during quick movement.
Disruptive behavior during practice/at school, such as talking while the teacher/coach is talking or distracting other students.

These are just a few tips to help you gage your child’s eye health development. Keep in mind, one or two incidents may not be cause for alarm but if you notice a consistency over time, you’ll want to schedule an eye exam just to be sure. And remember, children don’t know the difference between impaired vision and correct vision. They rely on us to catch the signals and notice the signs. When it comes down to it, isn’t it up to us to be team players in protecting their precious sense of sight?

We thought so…game on!

Your SPRING SURVIVAL GUIDE For Allergy Season.

Written by Envision Eyecare on March 31, 2015. Posted in About Envision Eyecare, Asheville, Education, Eye Care & Eye Health, Featured. No Comments on Your SPRING SURVIVAL GUIDE For Allergy Season.

It’s that time of the year again: SPRING ALLERGY SEASON! There’s nothing more frustrating and confusing than getting a handle on your allergies. If it’s not the itchy eyes, it’s the running nose and even red dry eyes. What’s an individual to do, right? Introducing your spring survival guide for this season!

Well, stick with us and we’ll make certain you’ll go places; albeit only those of your choosing with as little pollen as possible. Here are a few tips, tools and information to help you manage this year’s allergy season. As we all know, allergy season affects each person differently. What works for some, won’t necessarily work for all. So, take what applies or what you are comfortable with and leave the rest.

IS IT BEST TO MANAGE MY ALLERGIES WITH OVER THE COUNTER DRUGS OR HOMEOPATHIC?

The truth is you can do either. This is an issue of preference and not just personal preference but body wisdom preference. If something along a homeopathic remedy is much more effective in providing you relief and comfort, then stick with that by all means. However, always make certain you are consulting with your primary healthcare doctor as well as your eye doctor. Certain medications and/or homeopathic remedies do effect your blood pressure as well as your overall body health. And, as we all know your overall body health affects your vision at times.

ASIDE FROM MEDICATIONS OR HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES, IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I CAN DO?

There’s always plenty you can do to alleviate allergies during the spring season. For starters, begin at home where you spend a good portion of your time. Sticking to regular cleaning/dusting, around the house, will help to reduce triggers such as dust build up or even pollen that accumulates over time. Consistency is the name of the game.

Also, daily monitoring of the pollen count is always a good method to follow. There is nothing like driving around town with your eyes streaming water or your noses dripping, while you attempt to make your way to your next meeting, to make this a hard lesson to learn. Each day is a different day during allergy season, so keep track of pollen counts to keep a firm handle on your allergies. It goes without saying, when the pollen count spikes, it best to stay indoors.

HOW DO I KNOW IF OR WHEN I NEED PRESCRIPTED MEDICATION FOR MY ALLERGIES?

Chance are if you’ve spent the last few allergy season bending over backwards [sometimes literally], trying every homemade remedy under the sun or you’ve gone through just about all of the strongest over the counter remedy’s from the drugstore, it’s time to consult your doctor.

A great place to start is to get an allergy test to know exactly what it is that triggers an allergic response. Once you have taken your test, consult with your physician about what your options are moving forward. Combined with your personal medical history, it will be much easier for you to design an all around health plan that will enhance your quality of life and allow you to enjoy springtime as much as possible.

Remember, a great health plan for the allergy season will always incorporate a plan for your eye health as well. Given the fact we experience our strongest allergy symptoms in our eyes and nose, be sure not to leave them out of your plan!

4 Tips For A Cool, Fresh & Fun Spring Fever!

Written by Envision Eyecare on March 24, 2015. Posted in About Envision Eyecare, Asheville, Education, Eye Care & Eye Health, Eyewear, Featured. No Comments on 4 Tips For A Cool, Fresh & Fun Spring Fever!

Finally after a long and wet winter season, Spring has arrived! We’re just as excited as you are to leave the wintry clothing at the bottom of the closet and give the heater a rest in the car. Who’s ready for a little spring break, a few road trips and a handful of adventure? Hands down one of the prettiest times of the year in Asheville, here are a few friendly reminders to ensure your spring fever stays cool, fresh and fun!

DON’T FORGET TO BE MINDFUL OF…

SRING ALLERIES. Pay extra attention to what triggers your seasonal allergies so you know what to avoid. See an eye doctor if your eyes become itchy, red, watery and swollen. You’ll want to make certain you have your cupboards stocked of all your favorite and necessary eye relief remedies. Placing extra bottles or container or remedies in your car is also a useful tip.

SPORTS EYEWEAR. Almost 90 percent of sports related eye injuries are preventable with protective eyewear. Normally, this is the season the kiddies are rearing to get back out a hit a homer or get those cleats in the dirt for some real spring sporty action. It’s also a good time to investigate sport eye wear for both you and the kids. You know the old adage: “Better to be safe than sorry.”

EYE SAFETY AT HOME. Are you planning on spring cleaning, thinking of a few home-improvement projects or backyard gardening? IF so, then don’t forget to wear safety glasses or goggles to help avoid eye injuries. If you have experience with dry eye or any other eye health discomforts that cause dis-ease, be careful of what you’re spraying around the house and be mindful of what you’re using in your gardening. Check the labels, read the ingredients and stock up on your favorite protective eye wear. There’s nothing that can spoil a beautiful day in the garden like itchy, watery eyes or an accidental poke when you’re not looking.

SUN PROTECTION. The truth is everyone in the family should wear sunglasses while outdoors, even on cloudy days. Believe it or not, the sun’s harmful UV rays can cause cataracts, eyelid cancer and more. Easily the number one underestimated tip for healthy eyes all around, regardless having protecting sun wear is a must. How do you know if you’re at risk? Here is how: If you have fair skin, are greater in age, and/or have light eyes, the higher your long-term risk, especially if your work or recreation involves prolonged sunlight exposure. Light eyes are at risk certain eye diseases because they contain less of the protective pigment melanin.

So, before we’re in a rush to grab our hiking boots and get out in the warm sunshine and air, let’s first remember to give thought to how we’re protecting our precious sense of sight. HAPPY SPRING!!

To Be Or Not To Be Lazy…

Written by Envision Eyecare on March 4, 2015. Posted in About Envision Eyecare, Asheville, Education, Eye Care & Eye Health, Featured, Personal Development. No Comments on To Be Or Not To Be Lazy…

The truth about that “lazy eye.”

There is so much conversation that happens around the topic of “lazy eye,” also known as amblyopia, we thought we should take a little time to clarify some points and highlight a few others. Despite popular belief, for starters, ‘lazy eye’ can happen in both eyes and not just one. In truth of the matter is the term lazy eye is inaccurate as the condition is caused by a development problem in the brain and not the eye.

The truth is amblyopia is a brain thing and not a ‘lazy eye’ issue at all. For instance, if one eye hasn’t had the opportunity to develop fully or as well as its counterpart, the brain will ultimately work harder [over compensation] to use the ‘good eye’ over the ‘lazy eye.’ When detected in early childhood, often times wearing a patch solves the problem straight away. However, it is not the only means of treating ‘lazy eye.’ Consulting with your eye doctor is always the best route to take when you have questions or notice early signs of this condition in your child.

Nevertheless, it’s always good to have a little information in your back pocket when you begin researching and delving into this process of uncovering “the truth about lazy eye” and all the ways it may or may not affect your child’s life. We thought we’d help by give you a little head start.

A few things to keep in mind when discussing ‘lazy eye’:

it is a condition that develops from an early childhood when one eye does not develop properly
‘lazy eye’ can actually happen in both eyes though one will be weaker than the other
wearing an eye patch alone is not the only form of rehabilitating the eye
blurred vision, double vision and lack of eye coordination are signs of ‘lazy eye’
a combined effort of vision therapy and wearing a patch is an optimal form of treatment
amblyopia and strabismus [crossed eyed] are not the same thing
it is not true that once a child reaches adulthood ‘lazy eye’ is untreatable

Remember, making sure your child’s annual eye exam is a regular occurrence is one way to keep an eye out for an early warning signs. As with most things in life, knowledge is power and empowering your child’s precious sense of sight is priority! At least that’s what we think here at Envision.

50 Shades Of Great!

Written by Envision Eyecare on February 24, 2015. Posted in Asheville, Education, Eye Care & Eye Health, Featured, Personal Development. No Comments on 50 Shades Of Great!

They say the eyes are the windows of the soul and to a large degree [if not completely true depending on your school of thought]; it can said most agree with this point of view. Much truth about our overall health can be detecting with a simple eye exam. From one simple routine check-up, your eye doctor can tell how your blood pressure is doing, your mental health [early detection of brain aneurysm], your risk level for diabetes, whether or not you have a vitamin deficiency, if you have melanoma and the list goes on!

Clearly your relationship with your eye doctor should be one at the top of the list among many. Not to put all the pressure nor responsibility of your health on your eye doctor, we wanted to share with you our ’50 Shades Of Great’ ideas to help you in your self care for the remainder of the year. Not only are these tips simple, but they’ll go a long way in strengthening your precious sense of sight!

So far this is what we’ve come up with [feel free to add to it]:

Sip some hot tea first thing in the morning.
Implement some form of exercise into your life.
Put more herbal in your meals [as in herbal liquids.]
Before you grab that pain killer, rub your temples first.
Eat more ginger.
Grab a little sniff of rosemary [Yup, you read correct! Sniff away.]
Embrace more bitters, decrease the sugar intake.
Go fish! No, not the game, eat the actual fish.
Pop-A-Pro! — as in a Probiotic. Get more ‘good bacteria’ into your system.
Give yourself the benefit of Bilberry – a cousin to the blueberry helps with night vision.
Eat more bananas.
Lavish yourself with some lavender! Put it in your bath or your tea.
Put a cap on the joint pain with some capsaicin
Book yourself a massage. Relax. Release. Let Go.
Eat some garlic. Yes, garlic it’s an antibacterial agent.
Use tea tree oil for fungus.
Try drinking Tulsi as a tea.
Eat more avocados.
Stock some Echinacea in your cupboard.
Invest in a Neti Teapot [you’ll need it to brew your herbal teas.]
Keep things regular with a little Triphala.
Stay open to life. Talk to people.
Spend time/walk your pet; if no pet borrow one.
Grab a little GLA for hair loss [Google it.]
Go natural…avoid products that compromise your health.
Eating more Japanese food. Wasabi and Shitake mushrooms are good for you!
Use a little Black Cohosh for menopause.
Drink lots of water DAILY.
Be mindful of your carb intake.
Try using products that contain Calendula a natural antiseptic.
Keep things hot! Throw a little cayenne pepper into the mix.
Keep things sweet. A little licorice [powder form] goes a long way for canker sores.
Load up on lots of love. Connect with your family and friends often.
Drink more cranberry juice.
Grab a bottle of alcohol and take a swab –under your feet that is! Keep bacteria at bay.
Put a little pep in your step. Drink more peppermint tea.
Increase your daily intake of vitamin D.
Purchase or invest in a tongue scraper. Keeps bacteria from building in the mouth.
Form a friendship with friendly fungi. It helps strengthen your lungs.
Duct tape it! — your warts that is. [Don’t ask old family recipe.]
Wash after yourself. Keep hands clean to prevent spread of germs.
Put a little tincture in it. For truly upset stomach issues, this blackberry root will help.
Grab a fistful of fennel and chew it. Yup, and swallow.
Eat more honey.
And, eat more broccoli.
Strengthen those bones with an increase in calcium.
Soothe your sore throat with some slippery elm.
Be sure to laugh a little each day. No scratch that – laugh a lot every day.
Do one thing each week to take you out of your comfort zone; keep things exciting.
Each year check off one thing from your bucket list; keeps things moving.

The End!

Remember, though some of these tips may seem simple they’re also a means of empowering your overall quality of life. In the end, you can always wait until your next eye appointment where the eyes will have it and alert your doctor if anything is not as it should be. Carry on…

The Truth About CVS!

Written by Envision Eyecare on February 18, 2015. Posted in Asheville, Education, Eye Care & Eye Health, Eyewear, Featured, Personal Development. No Comments on The Truth About CVS!

For starters, we won’t blame you if you thought for a nanosecond this might be about CVS the drugstore; oh not at all! The truth is not many people know what CVS means or what the acronym stands for when it comes to eye health. Since, according to the Vision Council, over two thirds of us actually suffer from this [CVS], we thought it would be a good idea to help you get clear on exactly what that means for you and your quality of life.

CVS, better known as Computer Vision Syndrome, has become one of America’s leading causes for blurry visions, headaches, dry eye syndrome, backaches and even neck aches. Since hurtling into our “Age of Technology” in the last few decades, we’re spending more than half of our time viewing smaller screens at less than two feet of distance. Between our smart phones, iPhones, tablets, and computers it’s a wonder we’ve not completely lost sight of the forest from the trees!

Have you ever wondered why after working on your computer for several hours per work day your eyes begin to water? Experiencing increased fidgety feelings that cause you to take a walk around the office or move around in your chair constantly? Or, do you find yourself taking off and putting on your eyeglasses throughout the day; compensating for clarity and focus in your vision?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then chances are you are experiencing CVS. Part of enhancing and protecting your quality of life is keeping abreast of conditions that compromise it to begin with. For instance, be aware your prescription glasses are made specifically for either extremely near distance or very far distance –not in-between. If you have reading glasses, they are for very close proximity; a distance much less than two feet. The strain on your eyes, when viewing smaller screens to then switch over to viewing distance, increases tremendously when you don’t have the proper eye wear to assist you with your changing points of view — literally.

Not to mention, the strain on your vision when you pupils have spent several hours dilating back and forth is just plain exhausting mentally and physically. Also, the strain on your body from sitting for several hours per day, readjusting your posture, and hunching over to compensate for your blurry vision becomes even more challenging as you try to keep up with the demands of your day. In the end, what might appear as few or minor inconveniences can surmount into a greater concern down the road. Of course, having your ophthalmologist or your Ophthalmologists exam in your eyes moderately throughout the year is always your best course of action.

You may find that obtaining an additional pair of eyewear is just the investment you need and not the extra unnecessary expense many believe. So, the next time you’re in the eye doctors office and the Medical Assistant or Optician on hand asks you those “pesky list of questions” pertaining to your lifestyle, understand that’s just their way of getting a clear view of all the factors that might be robbing you of your precious sense of sight. Remember, it’s not just about 20/20 vision but it’s also about 100% quality of life.

Why Healthy Eyes = A Happy Heart

Written by Envision Eyecare on February 12, 2015. Posted in About Envision Eyecare, Asheville, Education, Eye Care & Eye Health, Featured. No Comments on Why Healthy Eyes = A Happy Heart

So, because we love you, we wanted to fill you in on a little secret. Okay, maybe it’s not a huge little secret and maybe there are several we’ll reveal, but there is something we thought you should know. For starters and officially speaking February is Heart Month and we’re completely on board!

Of course we could probably do with a little less papier mache hearts, candied heart, cards filled with hearts, signs designed with hearts but do keep the chocolate covered hearts. Don’t you agree? And let’s not forget the most important kind of heart of all — the happy heart. With all the holiday decor, talk about special date nights and weekend, and the words ‘Happy Valentine’s Day’ everywhere y

ou look, I bet you didn’t know you had a valentine all along already?

Secret #1: You Have A Secret Valentine Already!

That’s right. Secretly, albeit not in the romantic sense, your eye doctor has had love for you all along. And your eye doctor’s care for your precious sense of sight has indirectly helped to save your life! Yes, we realize this is huge and we wouldn’t be in the least surprised if you needed a minute to digest this all. But, while you’re still digesting, allow us to let you in on another little secret.

When your visit your eye doctor, regularly we hope, there are several things he or she is hoping to accomplish. Of course, making sure you can see 20/20 is always right up there on their list. However, there are a few other things they’re looking for as well. As would be expected by any serious admirer, your eye doctor is looking for culprits that would impede your quality of life. Anything that would hinder your happiness or your ability to have a happy heart.

Secret #2: Why A Healthy Eyes = Happy Hearts

Believe it or not, there is one culprit that attempts to threaten the quality of life for many of us and our loved ones. That culprit is hypertension. As serious as this sounds [and it is] there is one quick and simple way to monitor your blood pressure and that would be keep your date with your eye doctor!

When your eye doctor exams the health of your eyes, they are also checking, inadvertently, the health of your heart. Since, one of the very first telltale signs of a heart condition is little hemorrhages in the tiny blood vessels at the back of your eyes, your routine eye exams become something rather special. An eye doctor can spot this right away and confirm that your blood pressure is not just a transient glitch. In fact, eye doctors are trained to look for a distinctive picture that indicates extreme hypertension, the kind that would require immediate hospitalization.

Though there are several ways to take good care of your heart, we thought you appreciate knowing someone in your life has been looking after your happy heart all along. So this Valentine’s Day share the love and encourage family, friends and neighbors to get a ‘happy heart check’ soon.

For more information on maintaining a happy and healthy heart, click this link to read more!

The Important Thing About Change…and your vision.

Written by Envision Eyecare on February 3, 2015. Posted in About Envision Eyecare, Asheville, Education, Eye Care & Eye Health, Featured. No Comments on The Important Thing About Change…and your vision.

If there is one thing in life that we can always count on it is the experience of change we’re all liable to visit at one time or another. Life is all about change. And, depending on your disposition, experience and belief system, you’ll either experience change with some degree of apprehension or pure delight. Either way, we all agree, change will happen.

Take it from us! Change is inevitable. We feel akin to experts in this matter. Have you noticed our recent location change, team dynamics change, and even our “look” has changed? Exactly. We’re pros at this…or not.

Nevertheless, the question remains: “What is the best way to navigate one of life’s more challenging changes we may all experience at some point or another? What is that change you may ask? How about the change in our vision. This can be a very scary experience for some and for others, it can go unnoticed resulting in new experiences we would rather not have.

To help you navigate an otherwise intimidating landscape, here are a few tips to keep you balanced, clear and happy — if and when a change in vision becomes your experience.

SIGNS YOUR VISION MIGHT HAVE CHANGED:

Losing Focus: The most common age-related vision change — presbyopia — happens to almost everyone beginning between the ages of 40 and 50. A natural result of aging, the lens begins to lose elasticity, making it harder to focus vision up close for such activities as reading. But presbyopia can be corrected easily with reading glasses or glasses with bifocal, trifocal or progressive (“no-line”) lenses.
Declining Sensitivity: The lens of the eye also becomes increasingly dense and more yellow with age. These changes may affect color perception and contrast sensitivity. For instance, the color blue may appear darker and harder to distinguish from black. And it may become difficult to tell where an object ends and its background begins, making it difficult to see curbs or steps, for example.
Needing More Light: As the eye ages, the pupil gets smaller, resulting in the need for more light to see well, along with more time to adjust to changing levels of illumination (going from daylight into a dark theater or dimly lit restaurant, for example).

The good news is if you experience any of the following symptoms rest assured it’s normal. The most important thing to remember is a change in vision does not mean nor does it indicate an end result of a loss of sight. A great way of intentionally working towards keeping your sight and promoting optimal eye health is:

Schedule And Keep Routine Eye Appointments. Just like most of our healthcare concerns, our precious sense of sight is equally as important as visiting our family doctor, dentist or OB GYN.
Exercise Daily and Monitor Blood Pressure. For many of us a daily routine or even weekly habit for exercise does the body good. One early sign of vision change is our blood pressure and a great way of maintaining optimal health is to exercise regularly.
Guard Your Eyes From The Sun. Yes, believe it or not, it’s normally not a good idea to gaze directly at the sun and given the effects of UV rays, our eyes are sensitive creatures and require our attention to detail. That detail can be as simple as grabbing those shades on the way out the door.
Protect Your Eyes. In the event of any injury, whether you deem it big or not, be sure to wear protective eye gear when you are at higher risk for eye injury. So, if you’re an active sports player or you’ve experienced a cornea scratch or abrasion, protect your eyes from further injury. It’s always better to be safe, than sorry.
Consult Your Doctor When Taking Supplements. As healthy as we all want to be, we also want to be smart. When taking supplements, be sure to consult your family doctor and to know of any and all side-effects that may occur to your body system

In the end, no matter the change, it’s important we exercise caution, wisdom and care when protecting our vision. And remember, when in doubt, consult your Optometrist or Ophthalmologist!

How Do I Know if My Child is Ready to Wear Contact Lenses?…

Written by Envision Eyecare on September 16, 2014. Posted in Asheville, Contact lens, Education, Eye Care & Eye Health, Eyewear, Featured. No Comments on How Do I Know if My Child is Ready to Wear Contact Lenses?…

Have you ever wondered about fitting your child in contact lenses, but are unsure if he or she is ready, or if it is safe? The answer might surprise you!

According to a recent study, children 8-11 years old typically have no trouble handling, inserting and removing daily disposable contact lenses, even without the help of their parents. Learning to insert and remove the lenses may take some time and dedication from both you and your child’s eye care professional s, but with patience and good instruction this process can be faster and easier than expected!

One of the most important considerations for deciding if your child is ready to wear contacts is their overall personal hygiene and dedication to their responsibilities. Maintaining overall eye health with contact lens use depends on regular, thorough cleaning of the lens, and proper storage and handling techniques. Responsible children with good hygiene habits tend to have little issue with this element of contact lens wear, and would be great candidates to try contacts! If your child still struggles with these areas, waiting awhile to fit him or her with contacts may make the process easier for you and your child.

In fact, children can be great candidates for contact lens wear! Most children are more compliant than teenage or adult wearers, because that have not yet formed bad handling and wearing habits, such as over-wearing their contact lenses or using the incorrect solution. Also, children tend to suffer from dry eye syndrome less frequently than adults, so comfort is less of a problem for them.

Contact lenses can also help your child build their confidence, and can even improve their performance in physical activities. Children who are tired of wearing glasses, or have a high prescription, may feel more confident at school and while socializing with contact lens use. Also, contact lenses remain stable on a child’s eye while he or she is running or being active, which can help improve his or her sports performance. And if you are the parent who is constantly replacing your child’s glasses due to damage or loss, you can rest easy knowing contact lenses are another option for your child!

The best way to determine your child’s readiness to wear contacts is considering these facts, and weighing the pros and cons of your particular situation. Your eye care professional would be happy to discuss fitting your child in contact lenses further, and help you decide what the best choice for you and your child may be!