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Computer Use Causing Nearsightedness?

DP Eyecare Update

Q: A recent article in WebMD discussed a growing problem…..a “pandemic” of nearsightedness. With all of us spending hours on digital screens every day, especially children, we are asked about this in the clinic every day.

A: In the U.S. today, about 42% of us suffer with nearsightedness, called myopia. That’s twice as common as in 1970! The general consensus is that excessive screen use accelerates myopia progression. A review of 27 studies, involving 27,000 kids, found that with every hour spent on near vision activities each week the risk of developing nearsightedness increased 2%.

As the evidence grows, what can we do to slow or stop the development and progression of nearsightedness?

Several guidelines have been presented:

1. For children under 4, no more than an hour a day on screens
2. Keep your kids back 18” from the screen
3. Use the 20-20- 20 rule, meaning to set a timer for yourself and/or your kids so that every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds to look at something at least 20 feet away.

Digital Eyestrain

This digital eyestrain problem also causes dry eye symptoms for adults. While we normally blink about every 5 to 7 seconds, when we stare at digital screens that “blink rate” drops in half. Our eyes cannot stay moist so we eventually feel dry, scratchy, gritty and the dry eye surface makes our visionless crisp. Admittedly, it is hard to change your blink habits, but we now can treat your eyes to hold moisture longer without using eye drops.

Blue Light

The latest research about “blue light” is unclear, in my opinion, but in our clinic, we hear most patients telling us their blue-light-blocking lenses improve their computer vision comfort. Blue light from screens may cause damage inside our eyes like ultraviolet, UV, radiation but we are still learning. The obvious solution to many of these symptoms is to prescribe computer eyewear…..to reduce the near focusing demand on our eyes, and to hold more moisture on our eye surface by slowing evaporation, and to block out blue light radiation.

Regardless of age, if you or your kids are on digital screens over four hours a day, talk with your eye doctor about your best choices to protect your eyes, to improve your comfort, and to slow the myopia progression in youth. Preventive vision care is here!

Call Morgantown Eye Associates on 304-381-5353 to schedule an eye exam with our Morgantown optometrist.

Alternatively book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT

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Just in case you missed them, here are some of our previous blog posts :

7 Eye Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Innovations in Color Blindness

Cataract Awareness Month

Parkinson’s Awareness Month and Your Vision

Why Are Blue Eyes More Sensitive To Light?

Why Do Your Eyes Need Sun Protection?

Eyes of all colors need shielding from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Exposure to UV light can contribute to the formation of short-term and long-term eye conditions such as corneal sunburn and macular degeneration.

That’s why it’s so important to choose high-quality Sunwear with 100% UV blocking lenses and to throw on a sun hat for an added layer of protection.

UV protection is important for individuals of all ages—especially children—who are more susceptible than adults to the sun’s harmful rays and tend to spend more time outdoors. It is estimated that up to 80% of a person’s lifetime exposure to UV rays happens before the age of 18.

Why are Blue Eyes More Sensitive to Light?

Lighter-colored eyes like blue, hazel, and green have less of a pigment called ‘melanin’ than brown eyes do.

Melanin helps protect the retina from UV damage and blue light, putting those with blue eyes at a higher risk of developing UV-related eye damage.

If you have blue eyes, you may have experienced this first-hand. Bright light may be uncomfortable or you may want to reach for your shades as soon as you leave the house on a sunny day.

That’s why optometrists urge blue-eyed patients to be particularly vigilant about UV protection, so as to mitigate their chances of developing eye disease and other complications.

How We Can Help

Whether you have blue eyes or not, sunglasses are an important part of keeping your eyes healthy for a lifetime.

At Morgantown Eye Associates, we’ll be happy to advise on the perfect high-quality and protective pair of sunglasses to suit your needs and personal style.

Morgantown Eye Associates, your Morgantown eye doctor for eye exams and eye care

Alternatively, book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT

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Should I wear sunglasses even when it’s not sunny outside?

Yes! You should wear your sunglasses whenever outdoors during the day, even on an overcast, winter day. UV light can pass through clouds and reflect off surfaces like car windows and pavement.

What type of sunglasses are the most suitable for blue eyes?

The most protective sunglasses are wraparound sunglasses that protect the eyes from every angle. You can also opt for photochromic lenses, which offer total UV protection but only become tinted when exposed to outdoor sunlight, and turn clear when you come indoors again. Your optometrist can help you choose the best lens and frame options for your needs and lifestyle.

Why Are Dilated Eye Exams So Important?

Morgantown Eye Associates Dilated Eye Exam near you in Morgantown, West Virginia

Having your eyes dilated during an eye exam may seem like a nuisance. But when you consider the benefits of a dilated eye exam, the temporary blurred vision and sensitivity to light that typically follow are definitely worth it.

What Are Dilated Eye Exams?

At some point during a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist will shine a bright light into your eyes to examine the back of your eye, called the retina. The problem is that bright light causes the size of the pupil’s opening to shrink, which makes it hard for the optometrist to see a large portion of the retina.

That’s why eye doctors apply special eye drops in each eye to keep the pupils open. A dilated pupil allows for a much more accurate assessment of your eye’s structures, including the focusing lens, blood vessels and tissues at the back of the eye called the retina, as well as the optic nerve and macula.

Dilating the eyes makes it easier for your optometrist to detect the following conditions and diseases:

It’s important to note that many of these conditions can develop without noticeable symptoms, until they cause vision loss at which point treatment may be more challenging, making dilated eye exams all the more crucial.

The Dilation Process

First, your eye doctor will apply eye drops to each eye to trigger dilation of the pupil. Your eyes should be fully dilated about 10-20 minutes later.

Your eyes will remain dilated for 4-6 hours, and during this time you may be sensitive to light. That’s because the larger pupil allows more light than usual to enter the eye. Many patients find it more comfortable to wear sunglasses until their eyes return to normal.

Reading and using a computer may be difficult with dilated eyes, and your vision may be blurred. Some patients report feeling a tightening sensation in their eyelids, or headaches.

Dilated eye exams are a crucial part of keeping your eyes healthy. To schedule your comprehensive eye exam, call Morgantown Eye Associates in Morgantown today!

Morgantown Eye Associates, your Morgantown eye doctor for eye exams and eye care

Alternatively, book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT

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At what age should one have a dilated eye exam?

You should have your dilated eye exam no matter your age. Most eye doctors will dilate a new patient at their first exam regardless of age to get a baseline of their retinal health.

Will I be able to return to work after a dilated eye exam?

Everyone reacts differently, so it’s hard to tell. If your job requires you to focus on small print or detail, it may be challenging. Typing and writing may also be difficult with dilated pupils. To be on the safe side, book your appointment at the end of your work day, clear your schedule after your eye exam and only plan to do activities which aren’t visually demanding.

Why Does Bono Always Wear His Signature Shades?

Ask our optometrist in Morgantown how Do Sunglasses Help People With Glaucoma?

Ever wonder why rock superstar Bono wears sunglasses, even when indoors? It’s not due to his “look”, but rather is related to managing his glaucoma.

Ever wonder why Bono always wears shades, even when indoors? U2’s frontman doesn’t wear sunglasses simply as part of his image. Bono has had glaucoma, a build-up of pressure in the eyeball, which can damage the optic nerve and potentially lead to blindness if untreated—for over two decades now.

The real reason he wears his trademark shades is due to this progressive, sight-robbing eye disease, to protect his sensitive eyes from light and glare.

How Do Sunglasses Help People With Glaucoma?

People with glaucoma experience sensitivity to light (or photophobia) and glare, among other symptoms. When the sun is strong, those with this condition will be more affected by glare emanating from a variety of surfaces, like water, snow, sand or pavement, than the average person. Furthermore, certain glaucoma medications constrict the pupils, which can further contribute to acute sensitivity to glare and light, as well as redness and irritation.

That’s why people with glaucoma — and lots of people without glaucoma — feel best wearing sunglasses when outdoors on a sunny day, in a bright indoor space, or while driving in the early evening.

Here’s How You Can Protect Your Eyes

By wearing sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection, you can reduce your risk of developing sight robbing diseases, like cataracts and macular degeneration, and reduce glaucoma symptoms. Polarized lenses, in particular, can help with glare. With yearly comprehensive eye exams, early diagnosis and consistent treatment, you can prevent vision deterioration from glaucoma or similar sight-threatening eye diseases. Contact Morgantown Eye Associates in Morgantown to book your eye doctor’s appointment today.

Book an eye exam at an eye clinic near you to learn more about your candidacy for contact lenses and which type is right for you.

Morgantown Eye Associates, your Morgantown eye doctor for eye exams and eye care

Alternatively, book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT

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Can glaucoma be cured?

While there is currently no cure for glaucoma, there are many effective treatment options available. Treatments that can help stop or slow the progression of glaucoma include eye drops, oral medications, as well as laser and surgical procedures.

How can glaucoma vision loss be prevented?

The best way to avoid glaucoma-related eyesight deterioration is to undergo regular eye exams, as glaucoma can be detected and treated even in its early stages, which can prevent significant vision loss or blindness. That’s why routine eye exams that include glaucoma testing are so important.

Are You Susceptible To Vision Loss?

Ask Our Eye Doctor in Morgantown, West Virginia, how To Prevent Vision Loss

Vision loss is more common than you may think! In fact, it’s among the most prevalent disabilities in adults and children. Knowing what puts you at risk of developing vision loss is important and can help you to be proactive about caring for your eyes.

Below, we’ll explore the most common causes of vision loss and the risk factors associated with each.

Spreading awareness and education about visual health is just one way that our eye doctors near you can help. To schedule your Comprehensive eye exam, call us today 304-381-5353.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases caused by a buildup of pressure within the eye. Too much inner-eye pressure can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss.

Since symptoms don’t usually manifest in the early stages of glaucoma, getting regular eye exams is all the more crucial. Advanced or rapidly progressing glaucoma can show a variety of symptoms, such as blurred vision, headache, severe eye pain and redness, seeing halos around lights, and nausea.

Risk factors for developing glaucoma include:

  • Being 60 years or older
  • Family history of glaucoma
  • African, Asian, or Hispanic descent
  • High myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness)
  • Previous eye injury or certain eye surgeries
  • Certain medications, like corticosteroids
  • Thin corneas
  • Certain medical conditions, like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and sickle-cell anemia

Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy. A healthy lens is clear and allows light to pass through it undisturbed.

Common cataract symptoms include cloudy or blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, light sensitivity, double vision in the affected eye, and seeing colors as faded or yellowish.

Risk factors for developing cataracts include:

  • Aging
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Smoking
  • Previous eye surgery, injury, or inflammation
  • Alcoholism
  • Extended use of corticosteroids

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is the leading cause of severe vision loss in adults over the age of 60. It occurs when the macula (the small central portion of the retina, which is responsible for sharp, colorful, central vision) begins to wear down.

Early stages of AMD usually go unnoticed, but later stages of the disease can produce symptoms like blurred vision, dark or blurry areas in your central vision, and problems with color perception.

There’s not yet a cure for AMD, but certain treatments can help prevent vision loss.

Risk factors for developing AMD include:

  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Aging
  • Long-term sun exposure
  • Hypertension
  • Heart disease
  • Family history of AMD
  • Light-colored eyes
  • Farsightedness

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a complication of Type 1 or 2 diabetes that affects the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye called the retina.

Initially, diabetic retinopathy shows no symptoms but can eventually lead to blindness. As it develops, it can cause increased floaters, impaired color vision, dark spots in your visual field, and blurred vision.

Risk factors for developing diabetic retinopathy include:

  • Length of time from diabetes diagnosis — the longer you’ve had it, the higher your chances of developing visual complications
  • Uncontrolled blood sugar
  • Obesity
  • High cholesterol or blood pressure
  • Pregnancy
  • Smoking
  • African American, Hispanic, and Native American ethnicities
  • Family history of DR

So, what’s the bottom line?

Multiple factors contribute to eye disease and vision loss, and some may even be relevant to you. If you think you may be at risk for vision loss or experience any of the symptoms listed above, speak with your eye doctor in Morgantown as soon as possible. We also recommend you have your eyes thoroughly examined every 1-2 years, or as often as your eye doctor recommends. To schedule your comprehensive eye exam, call Morgantown Eye Associates today.

Book an eye exam at an eye clinic near you to learn more about your candidacy for contact lenses and which type is right for you.

Morgantown Eye Associates, your Morgantown eye doctor for eye exams and Contact lenses

Alternatively, book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT

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Can blindness be prevented?

When caught early, many eye diseases can be treated to halt or slow the progression of the disease and potentially prevent vision loss. The best things you can do to preserve your vision for the long term is to lead a healthy lifestyle and make sure you undergo a comprehensive eye exam every 1-2 years.

Which eye diseases are genetically inherited?

More than 350 ocular diseases have some sort of genetic component. Certain diseases, like retinitis pigmentosa and albinism, are directly inherited through chromosomal information. In other cases, a predisposition to the disease is inherited, rather than the disease itself.

What You Should Know About Night Blindness

Our Optometrist in Morgantown, explains About The Causes of Night Blindness

Our eye doctor can help diagnose, manage and treat your night blindness so that you can enjoy being out at night again.

Here are 4 things you should know about night blindness:

The inability to see well at night can be the result of a condition such as:

  • Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A helps keep your cornea, the layer at the front of your eye, clear; it’s also an important component of rhodopsin, a protein that enables you to see in low light conditions. Although uncommon in North America, deficiency of this vitamin can induce night blindness.
  • Cataracts
    A buildup of protein clouds the eye’s lens, leading to impaired vision, especially at night and in poor lighting conditions.
  • Diabetic retinopathy
    Damage to the eyes’ blood vessels and nerves can result in vision loss, including difficulty seeing at night.
  • Glaucoma
    This group of eye diseases is associated with pressure build-up in the eye that damages the optic nerve. Both Glaucoma and the medications used to treat it can cause night blindness.
  • Myopia
    Also called nearsightedness, Myopia makes distant objects appear blurry, and patients with it describe a starburst effect around lights at night.
  • Keratoconus
    An irregularly shaped cornea causes blurred vision and may involve sensitivity to light and glare which tend to be worse at night.
  • Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)
    A progressive genetic eye disease which can be associated with other diseases, RP leads to night blindness and peripheral vision loss.
  • Usher Syndrome
    This genetic condition causes both hearing loss and vision loss, including night blindness and RP, mentioned above.

Symptoms of Nyctalopia

Since night blindness is a symptom of some serious vision problems, it’s important to get your eyes checked regularly to ensure that everything is in good working order. Contact your eye doctor as soon as possible if you notice that you don’t see as well in dim light as you used to, such as when driving at night or when adjusting from being outdoors in the sunshine to being indoors.

Symptoms of Night Blindness Include:

  • Reduced contrast sensitivity
  • Difficulty seeing people outdoors at night
  • Difficulty seeing in places with dim lighting, like a movie theater
  • Trouble adapting to the dark while driving
  • Excessive squinting at night
  • Trouble adjusting from bright areas to darker ones

Treatments for Night Blindness

Your eye doctor will want to diagnose the cause of your night blindness in order to treat it. For example, in the rare case of vitamin A deficiency, it can be treated with vitamin supplements and vitamin-A rich foods; Myopia can be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Other conditions may require medications or surgery.

If night blindness is caused by a birth defect, Usher syndrome, or retinitis pigmentosa, low vision aids and devices can help you make the most of your remaining vision.

Prevention

While there is no proven way to prevent night blindness resulting from genetic conditions or birth defects, consuming healthy, nourishing foods and taking certain vitamin supplements may prevent or slow the onset of some eye conditions that cause night blindness.

If you experience poor vision at night or in dim lighting, we can help. Contact Morgantown Eye Associates in Morgantown to schedule your appointment today.

Book an eye exam at an eye clinic near you to learn more about your candidacy for contact lenses and which type is right for you.

Morgantown Eye Associates, your Morgantown eye doctor for eye exams and eye care

Alternatively, book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT

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Frequently asked questions answered by our Eye Doctor in Morgantown, West Virginia:

  • What are the reasons for Cataract Removal?

    Cataracts can interfere with your ability to live normally. They may make it impossible to drive, read, use a computer, watch TV, climb staircases, or identify faces. Cataracts can also get in the way of medical treatment for other eye diseases, such as macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy because they prevent your eye doctor from inspecting the back tissues of your eye thoroughly. These are all reasons why your eye doctor may recommend cataract surgery.

  • Why Diabetic Eye Exams are Essential?

    At present, one in 10 Americans has diabetes – and the trend is continuing upwards. While routine comprehensive eye exams are important for diagnosing the early signs of diabetes, that doesn’t mean eye exams become insignificant after diagnosis!

  • What is glaucoma?

    Glaucoma describes a type of ocular disease that causes damage to your optic nerve and destroys your quality of vision. With no early symptoms, glaucoma can only be detected by a complete eye examination. When left untreated, glaucoma can result in detrimental vision loss. When treated early by one of our professional, knowledgeable eye doctors, we can help preserve your healthy eyesight.

  • What is Myopia?

    Cataracts can interfere with your ability to live normally. They may make it impossible to drive, read, use a computer, watch TV, climb staircases, or identify faces. Cataracts can also get in the way of medical treatment for other eye diseases, such as macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy because they prevent your eye doctor from inspecting the back tissues of your eye thoroughly. These are all reasons why your eye doctor may recommend cataract surgery.

EyeCare Update:  Corneal topography

DP EyeCare Update: Corneal topography

Q: I have heard that many kids get more nearsighted as they grow, but my 17 year old seems to have more astigmatism every year. Is this common and what causes this?

A: You are correct in that far too many children are becoming very nearsighted at a faster rate than ever before. Fortunately, new techniques in “myopia control” can slow or stop that progression. The same cannot be said about astigmatism.

First, astigmatism is simply one of the top three types of blurry vision, and generally is caused by the shape of the eye. Specifically the front layer, called the cornea is not round like a basketball, but rather shaped like the side of a football. That “bent” surface bends the light entering the eye causing a type of blurred vision.

My concern for your son would hinge upon knowing the shape of his corneas. Measuring and mapping the corneal shape is called “corneal topography”, or CT. In our practice we use CT imaging for every contact lens wearer to be sure the eye surface is not swelling and the health is normal. We also use CT for any young patient with progressive astigmatism to diagnose the cause of this uncommon development.

I said “young” patient, because diseases of the cornea that can cause vision distortion generally begin early in life…..teenage years, in particular. So, anyone under 30 with progressive or rapid changing astigmatism should first have CT imaging done. Frankly, we worry most about corneal dystrophies like keratoconus. This usually begins early in life ( almost never over age 50 ) and makes our cornea become thinner and more pointed, or “cone-shaped”. Accurate diagnosis is so essential, because early intervention can virtually stop the progression and protect clear sight. Untreated keratoconus can cause irreversible vision distortion, with only very difficult surgery options and more tenuous outcomes.

Today, if caught early, medication treatments and special “scleral” contact lenses can stop progression and keep clear sight for your whole life……without any surgery. Because this is a “young person’s disease”, we often encounter skepticism from parents about CT imaging for something as common as astigmatism. Keratoconus is certainly not well known in the general public, and poorly understood. The new treatments are proving to be not perfect , but very good…..and in my opinion, far better than any corneal surgeries.

Be sure your eye doctor is using CT imaging for your son, and not just prescribing stronger glasses every year. Not every practice has the technology to perform CT imaging, so you may need a referral. Nonetheless, step one is to rule out any corneal dystrophy that could be driving this progressive vision change for your son.

COVID-19 Vaccines

Q: I think I had a mild case of Coronavirus back in the spring, so since I am immune now, why get should I get the vaccine now?

A: I am not a virologist, but the experts tell us that “natural immunity” from actually having the virus is pretty good….but likely not as good as the vaccine. It’s a long story, but this is an entirely new kind of vaccine. All our previous vaccines have used a weakened form of the actual virus to trigger our immune system to produce antibodies to fight the infection. It appears that antibodies are not the best way to fight this virus in the long run, so our body uses a different method called “ T cell immunity”. This type is longer lasting than antibodies, and much harder to measure in people. Other viral studies found T cell immunity still present six years after the vaccination! But so far, we do not really know how long this protection will last.

This Covid-19 vaccine has proven in the excellent studies so far to prevent any symptomatic disease in about 95% of the people. It has been able to prevent serious, hospitalization type, disease in 100% of the people being vaccinated. This is a terrific development, because previous virus research had laid groundwork and the financial barriers were erased….allowing record speed for quality vaccine development.

People are asking if getting the vaccine prevents you from transmitting the virus to others. The answer is we really do not know yet. One small study found no measurable virus in the noses of people after the first shot in 2/3 of the people. This is not conclusive, but hints at protection. The experts tell us that the best way to be sure you are carrying Covid to others is to still wear your mask.

We all need to continue to mask up to protect others. Until we have about 70% of the population vaccinated, this virus may continue to infect and kill the most vulnerable of our family and friends. So again, it appears that even if you had a real case of Covid earlier you should get the highly effective vaccine as soon as you can. Caution: If you have ever had a serious reaction to any vaccine, you should ask your physician before being vaccinated for Covid. By “serious” we do not mean a sore arm, or slightly elevated temperature for a day, or even feeling tired for a day. Those would be normal reactions to the types of vaccines we have used up until now. The most dangerous reaction for any vaccine is having trouble breathing in that first hour after the shot. While treatable if done quickly, this “ anaphylaxis” response can be life threatening, so waiting 15-30 minutes after your shot is the standard precaution for any and every vaccine.

As a side note, it turns out that the CDC has found 86 times LESS regular flu this year so far, compared to last year! Again, we cannot say for sure it is just the masks, but likely that is the extra protection we are getting by masking up. Be safe, be smart, be healthy!

The Importance of Eye Exams for Contact Lenses

Are you planning on wearing contact lenses for the first time? Do you need a new contact lens prescription? Are your current contacts not as comfortable as you wish they were? Your eye doctor will perform a contact lens eye exam to ensure that your vision with contacts is clear, comfortable, and safe, providing you with the right lenses for you.

What is a contact lens exam?

If you wear or want to wear contact lenses, you’ll need an eye exam for contact lenses, in addition to your regular comprehensive eye exam. Special tests are performed during a contact lens exam to evaluate your eyes and vision with contacts.

Local Contact lens supplier near you in Morgantown, West Virginia

Are eyeglass prescriptions the same as contact lens prescriptions?

No, a prescription for glasses cannot be used for contact lenses. An eyeglass prescription is for lenses that are positioned approximately 12 millimeters from your eyes, whereas a contact lens prescription is measured for lenses that sit directly on the surface of your eye.

The prescription for contact lenses also includes the brand, lens diameter and curvature, which are not part of an eyeglass prescription.

Morgantown Eye Associates Eye Clinic and Eye exam, contact lenses in Morgantown, West Virginia

Many eye diseases can be quickly and easily diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. If you were diagnosed with an eye disease, such as Cataracts, Glaucoma, Macular degeneration, Diabetic retinopathy, or Dry eye, you may be overwhelmed by the diagnosis and confused about what happens next. Will you need medications or surgery – now or in the future? Our Morgantown eye doctor has prepared the following answers to your questions about eye disease.

Contact lenses fitting: One size does not fit all

One contact lens size doesn’t fit all eyes. If a contact lens is too flat or too steep for your corneal shape, you may experience discomfort or even eye damage. Your eye doctor will take certain measurements to determine the best contact lens design and fit for your eyes.

Corneal curvature

This measures the curvature of your eye’s clear front surface (cornea) so the eye doctor can select the optimal curve and diameter for your contact lenses. If your eye’s surface is somewhat irregular because of astigmatism or other conditions, you may require a special lens.

Local Eye exam, contact lenses in Morgantown, West Virginia

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Pupil and iris size

The size of your pupil and iris (the colored part of your eye) is also important in determining the best contact lens design.

Tear film evaluation

This test evaluates the quality of your tears, to determine whether they will be able to keep contact lenses and your cornea sufficiently hydrated throughout the day. If you have dry eye disease, standard contact lenses may not be right for you.

Trial lenses

Following the eye exam, you will be provided with trial lenses to verify that the chosen contact lenses offer clear and comfortable vision. This will allow the eye doctor to make any fine adjustments to the prescription.”

Contact Lens Eye Exam Near You

Wearing the correct contact lenses for your eyes allows you to enjoy all of the benefits of wearing contacts, while keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable.

If you’re already a contact lens wearer, visit your eye doctor at least once a year to make sure the lenses are still providing you with optimum vision and comfort.

Contact Morgantown Eye Associates in Morgantown to book your contact lens eye exam today!

Call Morgantown Eye Associates on 304-381-5353 to schedule an eye exam with our Morgantown optometrist.

Alternatively book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT

FOLLOW US

Just in case you missed them, here are some of our previous blog posts :

Eye Dangers in the Dorm – Eye Health for College Students

How Your Eyes Convey Emotion

Understanding Eye Color

Help! My Child Doesn't Want to Wear Glasses!

“Pink Eye” What’s The Best Treatment?

Q: I have heard many suggestions about the proper thing to do when you or your child develops “pink eye”. How contagious is it really, and what should we do?

A: This is such a misunderstood condition that even the name “pink eye” is confusing to most people. As eye physicians, we actually consider “pink eye” to be a virus-induced infection of the eye. Generally, viral infections of the eye are fairly common, and far outnumber eye infections caused by any bacteria. This is very much like the common cold, or the flu, and why antibiotics actually do no good to cure such problems.

As we all by now, viruses can be very contagious! Eye viruses are transmitted by touch…not through the air. Commonly others catch the viral infection by shaking hands with a patient who recently rubbed their eye, or by sharing a hand towel at home. Fortunately, we do have a simple and painless in-office test that can tell us if a particular patient’s “pink eye” is the highly contagious type, or less so. With a tiny sample of your tears, we can identify this in 10 minutes.

Treatments are also much better now. You have likely heard all sorts of remedies, but we now have two new techniques to cure viral “pink eye” quickly. This is critical especially because untreated viral eye infections, can take two weeks to run their natural course….and can leave permanent scarring in the cornea. Correct treatment can clear the eye/s in a day or two and allow the patient to return to work or school safely.

Both treatments are still a considered “off label”….meaning we utilize medications that were first intended for another disease or a different problem. In the office we can eradicate the active virus on the eye and under the lids with a strong ophthalmic antiseptic solution. This method typically allows the patient to return to normal activities in two days, instead of two weeks! The other technique is prescribing a medication first indicated for the herpes virus, but it turns out that it is also highly effective on these very contagious “pink eye” infections. Our experience has been that our patients using this eye drop medicine are clear and comfortable in 3-4 days.

In conclusion, we advise people that if you have a red or pink eye, you could try a topical eye lubricant or eye rinse the first day. But if the appearance is still there, or worsened, on day two you need to see your eye doctor. And I do mean your eye doctor….where we have the eye microscopes to examine your eyes accurately, and where we keep the topical eye antiseptics for treatment. A special warning: if you have any change in your vision in the affected eye/s or any real pain in the eye/s, call your eye doctor immediately. In those cases, delay can result in vision loss or permanent scarring of the cornea.