Eye Care & Eye Health Archives - Page 4 of 7

How To Prevent Eye Infections

Written by Envision Eyecare on November 24, 2015. Posted in Eye Care & Eye Health. No Comments on How To Prevent Eye Infections

As it is with pesky infections, many types of eye infections can easily be spread from person to person. To protect yourself and your loved ones this winter, be sure to follow these tips. First of all, we cannot stress how important it is to thoroughly wash your hands! Wash your hands before touch your eyes or eyelids and especially before handling contact lenses. This is something that should be stressed to children so that it becomes habit for them.

If you are near a person that has a red eye, it can be a warning sign and you should avoid contact with your face and eyes until you wash your hands first. You can minimize the likelihood of catching common bacterial or viral eye infections by using anti-infective sprays and cleaners liberally in public areas or areas that may have been infected. Better safe than sorry! If any family members have a red eye or have a diagnosed infection, clean their bedding, pillows, and towels daily. Do not share linens with someone who has an infection. It is a good idea to wash the infected person’s linens after each time they use them. Be sure that your family members are washing their hands often.

You should definitely avoid wearing contact lenses and eye makeup if you are infected. Be sure to avoid sharing makeup or makeup tools with a potentially infected person. Another tip is to avoid sleeping in contact lenses, even if they are breathable FDA-approved type for overnight wear. Unfortunately, sleeping in your contacts significantly increases the risk of eye infections.

We’ll say it again: don’t forget to wash your hands often!

Read more about preventing eye infections and types of infections at the American Optometric Association.

Insurance Benefits for Eye Health Exam

Written by Envision Eyecare on November 18, 2015. Posted in Eye Care & Eye Health. No Comments on Insurance Benefits for Eye Health Exam

DON’T WAIT! Be sure to schedule your eye health exam before the end of the year to maximize on your Vision Insurance Plan savings! Most vision plans offer one comprehensive eye health exam per year along with any benefits for frames, lenses or contact lenses. Don’t miss this money-saving opportunity for you and your family members! Please note that Envision Eyecare gets extremely busy the last few weeks in the year for this reason. The earlier you can book your appointment with us the better in order to make sure we can see you in a timely manner before the year’s end.

Also, FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts) and HSA (Health Savings Accounts) funds may not roll over for use year-to-year. If you have funds available then now is the time to use them. Contact your insurance provider if you have questions about your vision insurance plan.

Call Envision Eyecare at 828-254-6757 to schedule your eye health exam and take advantage of your insurance benefits this year.

World Sight Day Awareness

Written by Envision Eyecare on October 8, 2015. Posted in Eye Care & Eye Health. No Comments on World Sight Day Awareness

4 out of 5 blind people are needlessly so. Many times blindness is avoidable with proper care, protection, or early detection of issues.

Today, Thursday October 8^th is officially World Sight Day (WSD). It’s not necessarily meant to be a global day of celebrating sight, it’s more about how not everyone is fortunate enough to have sight or to even have the opportunity to correct vision impairment. Per the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), “World Sight Day is an annual day of awareness held on the second Thursday of October, to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment.”

2015 is the third year the WHO Global Action Plan and IAPB encourages their members and partners to continue with the theme of “Universal Eye Health.” This year, the “Call to Action” for World Sight Day is “eye care for all.” Everyone deserves the access to preventative eye care and the chance to have their vision corrected!

The key messages for WSD awareness from IAPB are as follows:

Approximately 285 million people worldwide live with low vision and blindness
Of these, 39 million people are blind and 246 million have moderate or severe visual impairment
90% of blind people live in low-income countries
Yet 80% of visual impairment is avoidable – i.e. readily treatable and/or preventable
Restorations of sight, and blindness prevention strategies are among the most cost-effective interventions in health care
The number of people blind from infectious causes has greatly reduced in the past 20 years
An estimated 19 million children are visually impaired
About 65 % of all people who are visually impaired are aged 50 and older, while this age group comprises only 20% of the world’s population
Increasing elderly populations in many countries mean that more people will be at risk of age-related visual impairment.

IAPB is sponsoring an #EyeCareForAll Photography competition this year. Read more about entering the competition and the great prizes.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Week

Written by Envision Eyecare on September 17, 2015. Posted in Eye Care & Eye Health. No Comments on Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Week

Our eyes matter. It’s the truth and it’s also the theme of AMD Awareness Week. AMD stands for Age-related Macular Degeneration. Here are the facts about AMD.

Age-related Macular Degeneration is an eye disease that is the leading loss of vision for people age 50 and older. Now it doesn’t necessarily cause complete blindness since it affects the macula in the center of your eye. The macula is a small spot near the center of your retina. This is where you have the sharpest vision. AMD can cause a blind spot or blurriness which can affect your ability to see, read, perform tasks, or drive.

Age-related Macular Degeneration is more likely to occur after 60 years of age. Other factors are smoking, race, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, poor diet and high sun exposure. Smoking has been shown to double the risk of AMG. Caucasians have a higher incidence of AMD. It is genetic so if your family has a history of AMD, you should have regular comprehensive eye exams.

AMD can be diagnosed by regular eye exams. Early diagnosis can help prevent or reduce loss of vision. The early stages of AMD may have little to no symptoms so it’s important to see your eye doctor. Symptoms may not occur until later stages of the disease or becomes noticeable when vision in one or both eyes are affected.

For more information about age-related macular degeneration and info about treatment, visit the National Eye Insitute.

The Next Best Thing To X-Ray Vision!

Written by Envision Eyecare on August 7, 2015. Posted in Education, Eye Care & Eye Health, Featured. No Comments on The Next Best Thing To X-Ray Vision!

Superman had X-ray vision. You can have blue-ray vision. You might not be able to see through walls, but you’ll be able to see in the next few decades to come.

It’s been dubbed the “lens of tomorrow” by many and no wonder given the advancement in technology and the powerful protection it provides. For starters, you’ve most likely not heard of BluTech before and if you did then you’re definitely one of the few. With summer in full speed mode, this is something you’ll want to have in your “arsenal” to navigate your way through hot, humid, and bright adventures that still have your name written on them.

What is BluTech and what’s the big deal?

BluTech lens technology fits high-energy blue and ultra-violet light using ocular lens pigment derived from auto-oxidation of 3-hydroxykynureine (scientifically known as 3-OHKyn). It is then combined with melanin and isolated in a durable material that is then used in an optical lens. This partnership allows the same protection for your eyes, contrast enhancement, and color perception to the eye as the natural coloration of the human crystalline lens.

So, what does that mean in laymen terms? We’re glad you asked. To keep it simple, these lenses not only help protect your eyes from the UV-rays but it also protects your vision from the electronic rays emitted from all the gadgets you carry around with you tethered on an invisible leash; think iPad, iPhone, Android, Laptop to label a few.

Why is it a good idea to consider getting BluTech lenses?

Given the fact you are exposed to “blue light” every day [think fluorescent lighting, electronic screens, [phones, tablets, computers, TV’s, etc], and the sum of them all emit damaging high energy blue light. With BluTech lenses, you are given an added extra layer of protection that goes a long way. Blue Lenses are barely noticeable with just a hint of tint to the lens.

*Note: Those who are light-colored hair, eyes, and skin and those over the age of fifty are at high risk due to the insufficient amounts of protective pigments in the eye. Also, if you’ve had cataract removal surgery you are also at high risk.*

Contact Envision Eyecare to ask about BluTech Lenses. It will make a difference in protecting your precious sense of sight today and for all your tomorrows.

Importance of Back to School Eye Exams

Written by Envision Eyecare on August 7, 2015. Posted in Asheville, Eye Care & Eye Health, Featured. No Comments on Importance of Back to School Eye Exams

Although it’s common to think of your GP when you think of back-to-school exams, making certain your child is scheduled for their annual eye exam is now right there at the top of the list. According to reports, more than half the children who get labeled “problem learners” are actually not. These children genuinely are misdiagnosed, something a routine exam could fix.

Often times a child’s lack of participation or initiation in the classroom can be the result of poor vision. Children have a tendency to hold objects extremely close to their eyes or experience squinting to see the blackboard or prime candidates for an eye exam. Reports have already indicated one in every five children entering kindergarten walk into school with undetected vision problems.

With the challenges the children of today face, learn is already hard work, this is one area all parents can help that learning curve shorten just a little.

Some signs parents can watch for are:

In ability to read a few sentences at a time without tearing
Squinting constantly
Holding objects extremely close to the face
Reading letters and numbers backwards or out of place
Physical complaints of headaches or eye aches
Losing their place when reading lines in a book
Constantly having to sit up close to the TV at home or in the first row in school
Covering one eye to read the board or watch TV
Difficulty with sports

These are just a few of the common signs your child most likely is experiencing some vision issues. A quick call to your eye doctor, schedule an appointment and you are well on your way to empowering your child’s learning experience. With children being misdiagnosed with ADD, due to undetected vision challenges, it’s always best to be safe than sorry.

Have you scheduled your child’s eye exam for the upcoming year?

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!!