What’s New

Q:  I tend to get allergy issues every spring and summer, and my most annoying part is my itchy, gritty, watery eyes!  My eyes get red, and with so much rubbing, my eyelids look red and puffy too.  What is the best treatment? A:  So many people have some form...

Looking for an eye doctor in Morgantown, WV? Morgantown Eye Associates is easy to find—right off Stewartstown Road and across from Suncrest Town Center. Learn how to reach us and what to expect when you arrive.

Q:  Since my mid forties, I have been using readers or “cheaters” to read, and had one pair of glasses prescribed also.  I just didn’t find the bifocal lenses easy to use.  Any new options? A:  Yours is a very common situation, and yes, you have a couple good options....

Q:  Patients often ask us if they should schedule an annual eye examination.  The answer depends. A:  Many people should have a medical eye exam each year, not just a screening at your family physician office or your child’s pediatrician.  For kids, the major difference is your eye doctor’s ability...

Q:  My wife was just in a car accident, struck by a driver who claimed he just “ did not see” her vehicle in the glare of the sun.  How best to prevent such things? A:  You would be surprised by the large number of vehicle accidents attributed to “blinding...

Q:  My eye doctor told me that I needed to come back for glaucoma tests after we finished my regular vision exam.  What kind of tests am I in for? A:  Your “regular” annual eye exam should include a test for eye pressure, as well as your vision testing, and...

Q:  I have used regular sunglasses all my life, but recently bought “polarized” sunglasses.   They seem to do a lot more than just darken sunshine…..how do they work? A:  Glad to hear that you are enjoying your new polarized lenses, and indeed, they do a lot more than just darken...

Q:  I noticed my months-old glasses have lots of tiny scratches on the lenses.  I use those lens wipes from the store and and pretty careful, so what’s going? A:  Without a doubt, the very best cleaning cloth is the small microfiber cloth that came with your new eyewear.  While...

Q: My job has me on a screen mostly all day, and of course I spend more time at home that evening on my laptop and tablet. I hear different stories about why I feel more tired after my work day, and not sure what really might help. A: We...

Q:  I am like most people today, spending all day on my computer and two monitors at work, then another hour or two at home in the evening.  My new glasses are fine for driving and reading up close, but it seems I struggle to find the “sweet spot” in...

Q:  When I took my mom in for her pre-cataract surgery exam, they asked what kind of implant she wanted.  We were at a loss, having no knowledge about this sort of thing!  How should we decide? A:  We hear this often, as your primary eye care doctor likely referred...

Q:  My son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes last year, and we are trying to learn how best to protect his eyesight.  What should we be doing? A:  Type 1 diabetes is the type that most often impacts younger people, while type 2 more often affects adults.   Type 1...

Q:  I started taking Ozempic Wegovy a few months ago for weight loss, and have lost a few pounds, but I am hearing about some kind of vision risk.  Tell me more. A:  Many Americans are now taking one of these semaglutide medications in an effort to lose weight.  These...

Q:  I have had migraines off and on all my life, and have missed a lot of work and good days because of them.  I’ve heard about some new vision treatment, can you tell me more? A:  As you may know, migraine headaches can have many causes, or triggers.  Commonly...

Q:  While it seems most people are not terribly sick with Covid anymore, the after effects really worry me.  Should I be concerned? A:  In a word, yes.  The ongoing studies continue to show many “long Covid” health issues for many people.  The most recent I found, published in JAMA...

Q:  I have worn glasses for years, but would like to be free of them for outdoor activities , especially in colder weather.  Do they make “part time” contacts for people like me? A:  I have noticed in recent years, more and more people are just like you.  Many folks...

Q:  I’ve worn glasses since I was a child, but I can never remember what it means to be near or farsighted, let alone having astigmatism.  Can you explain the basic terms and what they mean? A:  I must be asked this a million times a day!  I think the...

Infection or inflammation: The tiny tubes that draw away our tears with each blink can become blocked or plugged.

Q:  At my last eye exam, my doctor found a “freckle” in my right eye. He wants to see me back in a few months.  How concerned should I be about this? A:  What you describe is fairly common, but still under 10 % of all patients in general.  Like...

Q:  My job has me on a large monitor all day, and I am finding my progressive glasses just not easy to use anymore.  They are fine for driving and for close up reading, but my computer seems to be an issue.  What should I do? A:  First, let’s be...

Q:  I was recently shopping for new glasses, but it seems there are lots of lens types available.  How to choose? A:  I think most people would be surprised to learn how many options and choices there really are in ophthalmic lenses today!  First, the best lens material is not...

Q:  I am trying to learn more about anything to prevent me from developing Alzheimer’s or dementia.  I heard that even vision and hearing may be involved in prevention.  True? A:  You are right.  While many of the risk factors that increase your risk of dementia are more “medical” issues,...

Q: I have been putting off my eye exam, honestly because I just hate those dilation eye drops! I can’t see the rest of the day and the sun is painfully bright. What can I do to help? A: Yours is a very common concern, but we have good news...

I used to wear contacts, and loved being free of glasses, but about age 40 I couldn’t do my digital work comfortably….and left my contacts.  Any chance I could again be free of my glasses?

I need to schedule cataract surgery pretty soon, as my driving is getting more difficult after dark.  I hear that I will need to choose what kind of “implant” lens I will want.  I have no idea how to choose!

Q:  I have noticed seeing a ghost image or maybe a double vision image lately.  Am I just tired or what could be causing this? A:  There could be many causes, but “being tired” is not likely the answer.  We have 12 muscles,  6 per eye, that hold our eyes...

Diagnosing glaucoma is not dependent on one test.  In fact, we use at least three tests to decide if you have glaucoma.

Q: I was telling my eye doctor about my fuzzy vision with my computer and he recommended some sort of “tear testing”. This seems pretty far fetched to me, is this useful or valid? A: This will perhaps surprise you, but the number one symptom of dry eye disease is...

Q: Recently my daughter had a painful red eye and we were not sure where best to seek care. Should we go to an urgent care place, or the emergency room, or where? A: This is a very common dilemma for people, and too often is not handled well. While...

Again, these components are the ingredients. How your optician actually makes your lenses will require measurements of your pupil centers through your new eyewear frame.

Q:  At my last eye exam, my doctor told me my vision had gotten better.  I have never heard of such a thing, and wonder how less prescription could make me see better?

Q:  Several of my doctors have retired lately so I am seeking new specialists.  For my eyes, I am not sure whether I need an Ophthalmologist or an Optometrist?   How should I choose? A:  Yours is a great question because it seems so many people really are not sure who...

If a vision disorder is found, correction can be kid’s eyewear or daily use contacts or even eyedrops to slow the progression.

Finally, some good news!  Many people find their glasses prescription can get better with time.  Nearsighted patients often discover better vision with a milder prescription.

We always stress the importance of regular, preventive eye exams simply because most eye disease give absolutely no pain or discomfort to warn you.

Glaucoma is known as "the sneak thief of sight" because it can cause irreversible vision loss without obvious symptoms at first. That's why early detection through comprehensive eye exams is crucial. We use advanced diagnostic technology to assess all aspects of your eye health and catch problems early on. Enhanced...

I have been noticing some cloudiness in my vision once in a while. The haziness comes and go, with no pain, and seems to move around. What is going on?

We fairly commonly see patients whose glasses prescription is correct for each eye, but there has been no testing or prescribing for how your two eyes work together.

Q:  My eye doctor thinks I may have diabetes after looking my eyes.  How could she tell? A:  Your eyes give us a most unique opportunity to evaluate your overall health.  Examining your eyes involves looking inside your eyes. We actually do this two ways, by directly looking in with...

Q:  I am working in my office again, and having tired eyes and some fuzzy vision driving home at the end of my day.  My work is mostly on my computer workstation.  Is this that “blue light” thing?   A:  Actually, probably not.  While exposure to “blue light” from computer...

Q: My father had a mini-stroke last year and recovered pretty well, but he lost the left side of his vision. This causes all kinds of problems, and a lot of frustration for him. What could we do? A: Your dad’s situation is far too common, in my opinion. And...

Q:   My eye doctor told me I have farsightedness, but I have more trouble up close.   These vision terms always confuse me…..can you explain these to me? A:  So glad you asked, as we are asked this exact sort of question many times every single day!  I do...

Q:  I know glaucoma can cause blindness, but because it does not hurt how would I know I have it? A:  You are right about the dangers of  glaucoma, and it is also true that it does not cause any discomfort or blurry vision.  It truly is silent.  For starters,...

Q:   I love my contacts, but I am never quite sure how best to order more when I am running out.   I see online ads,  store ads, and my eye doctor prefers I buy from them……can you help sort this out? A:    This is such a messy...

Q:  My eye doctor tells me I need to come back every 6 months to have my eyelids cleaned, like I get my teeth cleaned twice a year.   Is this common these days? A:  Probably not a real common practice in most eye care offices, yet……but I believe it...

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of permanent vision loss in people over the age of 60. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the treatment outcome. Learn more here, at your local optometrist.

Q: I have tried countless over the counter eyedrops, and seen several eye doctors, but still have itchy eyes. Sometimes my eyelashes look a little crusty, if that helps any. Do I just have to live with this? A: In a word….no. I do not know what treatments have been...

Q: I’ve heard various explanations, but not really sure what this vision problem is, and does it get worse over time? A: So glad you asked, as this must be the most common question asked of eye doctors since time began! In our clinic, I explain this many times every...

Swimming in a pool with your contacts on or topping off your solution may seem harmless, but they could compromise your contact lenses and your vision. Below are daily habits to adopt for optimal contact lens care: Wash Your Hands Regularly Whether you use daily or monthly contact lenses, make...