Spring has finally arrived, and with it, the vibrant season of renewal, bringing an abundance of fresh, flavorful, and deliciously seasonal foods great for this time of year, and they are great for your eyes! It’s the perfect opportunity to explore and enjoy the wide variety of produce that is at its peak right now. The food we eat plays a crucial role in maintaining good eye health and preventing vision problems. A well-balanced diet abundant in vitamin-rich foods can keep your eyes healthy, and support long-term vision! But with so many options available, you might be wondering: what foods should you focus on enjoying this spring to make the most of it and reap the benefits?

Dark leafy greens are the best for eye health because they contain fiber, zinc, and high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin. These ingredients work together to protect eye health and reduce the risk of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants that help protect the eyes from harmful light such as sunlight, blue light and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in your body that leads to cell damage. Dark leafy greens are also rich in vitamin C, which helps support blood vessel health, and reduces the risk of conditions like diabetic retinopathy. Kale, spinach, and collard greens are great options, and adding them to your diet in salads and smoothies are easy ways to reap add these to your daily intake.

Fish, nuts, and seeds are excellent for eye health because they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and zinc. These foods also may help prevent Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), and dry eyes. Omega-3s help to reduce inflammation, which improves tear production and eye moisture, thereby combating dry eye symptoms!

Dairy, meat, and bright vegetables are important foods for their Vitamin A content. Vitamin A assists in producing the pigments in the retina of the eyes. More importantly, it’s a vital nutrient for the photoreceptors in your eyes, which determine vision quality in low-light conditions. Foods that have high levels of Vitamin A include:

• Milk
• Yogurt
• Eggs
• Lean meat
• Carrots
• Squash
• Sweet potatoes

In modern terms, the majority of foods listed here can be considered part of a Mediterranean diet. Next time you’re doing your weekly grocery shopping, try picking out some whole foods that match with this regimen! Your eyes will thank you!

To learn more about your eye health, schedule an exam, or eye treatments that Envision offers, give us a call at 828-254-6757, and give your eyes the attention they deserve! You can also schedule your next yearly eye health exam online. https://www.myenvisioneyecare.com/patient-resources/

The Biltmore Beacon, the weekly community newspaper serving the the Biltmore communities of Asheville, in cooperation with the Young Professionals of the Asheville Chamber of Commerce each year proudly host its annual 40 Under Forty Leadership Awards Banquet in September. The event is black tie optional. The 40 honorees are selected for the award based on their business success and their achievements as an active member of the community.

Stay on Top of Your Eye Health with Convenient Online Scheduling & Cherry Financing

Your eye health is one of the most important aspects of your overall well-being, but life can get busy, and it’s easy to put off that eye exam. Fortunately, staying on top of your eye health has never been more convenient or accessible with our online scheduling tool. If you’re overdue for an eye exam, we’ve made it easier than ever to book your appointment—plus, we offer Cherry Financing to help you manage the costs.

The Convenience of Online Scheduling

Gone are the days of trying to squeeze a phone call into your already-packed schedule. With our online scheduling option, you can book your annual eye exam from the comfort of your home, or even on the go. All it takes is a few clicks to find a time that works best for you.

Why You’ll Love Online Scheduling:

• 24/7 Availability – Schedule your appointment whenever it’s convenient for you.
• Easy-to-use Interface – Our simple online system makes it easy to book in seconds.
• No More Waiting on Hold – Forget about the hassle of phone calls or waiting for a callback.

Book Your Annual Eye Exam Today!

Taking care of your eye health is essential for maintaining a high quality of life, and it’s easier than ever to prioritize it. Whether it’s updating your prescription or catching potential issues early, your eyes deserve the best care possible.

Cherry Financial: Your Eye Care, Your Way

We understand that eye exams and prescriptions can sometimes feel like an unexpected expense, which is why we’ve partnered with Cherry to provide you with flexible payment options. With Cherry, you can break down your payments into manageable monthly installments, making it easier to keep your eye health in check without the financial stress.

How Cherry Works:

• Instant Approval – Cherry’s application process is quick and simple, with approvals often happening within minutes.
• Flexible Plans – Choose the repayment schedule that works best for you, with terms that suit your budget.
• No Hidden Fees – What you see is what you get—Cherry doesn’t charge late fees or prepayment penalties.

Why Choose Cherry?

• Peace of Mind – Get the care you need today, and pay for it over time.
• Easy & Secure – Cherry uses secure, encrypted transactions to keep your personal information safe.
• Accessible to Everyone – Whether you have excellent credit or are building your score, Cherry offers options that work for you.

Thanks to the flexible Cherry Financing option, there’s no reason to put off your eye exam any longer. Schedule your appointment with Envision today, and give your eyes the attention they deserve—on your terms. Your vision matters. Let’s make sure it stays clear for years to come.

Join us for this Free Event – Thursday, March 27th 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Kick off the season in style at our first pop-up frame event of the year on March 27, 2025! We’re thrilled to showcase our newest frameline, Ørgreen, a Danish designer brand renowned for its bold designs, technical precision, and premium materials.

Exclusive Event Perks:
Special Savings on prescription lenses with the purchase of any Ørgreen frame
Personal Styling & Expert Advice from our stellar optical team
Meet Rob, Our Frame Rep and explore Ørgreen’s stunning handmade collection

Stop by anytime between 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM to shop the collection, but don’t wait—appointments are encouraged, and slots are limited! Schedule yours today to secure a personalized styling experience.

Call 828.254.6757 today to reserve your spec fitting.

Experience the craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless style of Ørgreen eyewear. We can’t wait to see you there!

A reminder you can buy now and pay later with customized payment plans through Cherry Financial!  We vetted this option on behalf of our patients and feel it’s a valuable resource for those who are interested in taking advantage of these day-of specials. Follow this link to get pre-approved today, it takes seconds to apply and it won’t harm your credit!*

*Payment options through Cherry Technologies Inc. are issued by the following lending partners: https://www.withcherry.com/lending-partners/.  0% APR and other promotional rates subject to eligibility.

What’s In A Glasses Prescription?

When it comes to eyeglass prescriptions, one size certainly does not fit all. The diversity in prescriptions stems from the unique ways in which each person’s eyes perceive and process visual information. Understanding why prescriptions differ involves delving into the various visual issues and the tailored solutions designed to address them.

During your eye health exam at Envision, we’ll focus on the reason for your eyeglass prescriptions and help you understand the purpose for their use. Oftentimes, like the shoes we wear for different activities, we find patients benefit from different prescriptions based on their different daily demands with their eyes. All of this comes down to refractive errors, which occur when the eye’s ability to focus light on the retina is compromised. The three most common types are:

1. Nearsightedness (Myopia): This condition causes distant objects to appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. Myopia happens when the eye is too long or the cornea is too curved, leading light to focus in front of the retina. Eyeglasses for myopia use concave lenses (thinner at the center and thicker at the edges) to help focus light directly on the retina.
2. Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Here, nearby objects are blurry while distant vision remains sharp. Hyperopia occurs when the eye is too short or the cornea is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina. Convex lenses (thicker in the center and thinner at the edges) are used to bring light forward onto the retina.
3. Astigmatism: This condition results from an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, causing distorted or blurred vision at all distances. Astigmatism is corrected with cylindrical lenses that compensate for the eye’s uneven curvature, allowing for more accurate light focus.

As people age, they often experience Presbyopia, an age-related condition where the lens loses its flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects. Presbyopia typically requires multifocal lenses, such as bifocals or progressive lenses, which combine different optical strengths in one lens to aid in both near and distant vision.

Lifestyle factors also influence prescription needs. For example, someone who spends long hours in front of a computer may experience digital eye strain, and their eyes need a specific prescription, such as an Antifatigue Lens, to help focus for long periods at a certain distance, like sewing, reading or computer work. 

Furthermore, prescriptions are individualized based on the specific measurements of each eye, including the curvature of the cornea and the distance between the pupils. We conduct thorough eye exams to determine these measurements and create a precise prescription tailored to our patients visual requirements.

The variation in eyeglass prescriptions reflects the complexity of human vision and the need for personalized correction. Each prescription is a carefully crafted solution designed to address specific visual challenges, ensuring that every individual can achieve the clearest and most comfortable vision possible. 

If you notice eye fatigue, headaches or eye strain during specific activities in your day-to-day life, let our doctors know at your next comprehensive exam! Give us a call at 828-254-6757, or schedule your next yearly eye health exam online.

Learn how Envision Eye Care is building a Culture as their Product. When Larry Golson, OD, talks about leadership, he doesn’t start with titles or metrics. He starts with culture. Dr. Golson believes that every action moves culture positively or negatively. There are no neutral actions. That conviction has guided his journey from starting Envision Eyecare “cold” in Asheville, North Carolina, in 2008 to shaping one of the area’s most distinctive practices. He later launched his own consulting firm, Sherpa Consulting.

Understanding Dry Eye Disease with a Gland & Tear Evaluation Exam

When it comes to maintaining optimal eye health, the importance of a comprehensive eye examination can’t be overstated. While many people are familiar with common tests for vision acuity and eye pressure, fewer are aware of the critical role that the gland and tear exam plays in overall ocular health. Read on as we delve into what these evaluations entail, why they’re essential, and how they contribute to better long term visual outcomes.

What Are Gland & Tear Evaluation Exams?

To better understand Dry Eye Disease and to help treat and determine the severity of Dry Eye, gland and tear evaluation exams are specialized tests designed to assess the function and health of the tear production system. Keeping your eyes lubricated and comfortable is crucial to overall eye health. Tear and Glad Evaluation exams typically focus on two main components:

Tear Production: This involves measuring how much tear fluid your eyes produce and assessing the quality of these tears. Tears are essential not just for comfort but also for protecting the eyes from infection and ensuring clear vision.

Gland Health: These exams also evaluate the health of the lacrimal glands (which produce the tears) and the meibomian glands (which secrete oils that prevent tear evaporation). Dysfunction in these glands can lead to dry eye syndrome and other ocular issues.

Why Are These Exams Important?

Diagnosing Dry Eye Disease: Dry eye is a common condition that can range from mildly annoying to debilitating. Symptoms include dryness, irritation, redness, and blurred vision. Evaluating tear production and gland function helps diagnose the severity of dry eye and guide appropriate treatment strategies.

Preventing and Managing Ocular Diseases: Insufficient tear production or poor-quality tears can contribute to various ocular conditions, such as blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and even corneal damage. Identifying issues early helps prevent complications and manage chronic conditions more effectively.

Enhancing Contact Lens Comfort For Contact Lens Wearers: adequate tear production is crucial for comfort and lens health. Evaluations can help address issues related to dryness and irritation, improving overall lens-wearing experience.

What to Expect During Your Gland & Tear Evaluation

During a tear and gland evaluation, you can expect a series of tests designed to provide a comprehensive view of your tear production and gland function. The procedures are generally quick and non-invasive, though some may involve the use of dyes or specialized imaging techniques. By assessing the health of your tear production and the function of your eye’s glands, these tests can help diagnose and manage conditions that can impact your comfort and vision. We will explain each step and discuss the results with you, offering guidance on the best course of action based on your specific needs.

Customizing Treatment Plans

Our office specializes in treatment options to best address the severity and outcome of your Gland and Tear evaluations. Our doctors will discuss the benefits of at home remedies using artificial tears, heat masks and proper cleansing techniques for the lids and lashes to more advanced technologies like the OptiLight and OptiPlus combination that gently treat the glands of the eyes. Our team is certified to perform the OptiLight and OptiPlus devices, by Lumenis, which are the only FDA approved devices known to treat Dry Eye Disease. 

We also love the Epionce Skin Care line that nourishes the sensitive skin in the areas after OptiLight and OptiPlus treatments. The Recovery kit has all the essential products to protect and preserve your skin, enhancing the treatment on your road to Dry Eye relief.

To learn more about Gland and Teat Evaluations or to schedule your exam, call us at 828-254-6757.