Eye to Eye Blog

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma affects between 3 and 4 million Americans and is the number two cause of preventable blindness worldwide. About 50% of patients with glaucoma are currently undiagnosed. It is sobering to think about how many of you reading this article right now currently have...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a time to gain knowledge of what breast cancer patients are up against and how society can help. Many people are surprised to know that 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. That is 12.5% of women!...

An individual's eyes can reveal a lot about them, including their mood, feelings, and even emotions. By simply looking at them, eyes can convey a warm, bright, and inviting vibe as well as a cold and repellent one – they are the window to a person’s soul. The Iris: What...

While we all know that drinking alcohol can harm our bodies, what does it do specifically to our eyes? Short-term exposure to alcohol can alter vision, but what about repeated exposure to alcohol? Are there any permanent effects that you need to worry about? People who consider themselves to be "social drinkers"...

Cosmetic procedures have been prominent for both women and men for years. While the popularity of certain procedures tends to decrease and incline in waves, temporary facial “improvements” like Botox injections have become and remain one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. The popularity is thanks to its noninvasiveness, and...

Hey, allergy season. Welcome back to the time of year when everyone blames almost every distress on allergies! Let us help set the record straight though, since certain symptoms are easily assumed as a seasonal allergic reaction when they can actually be a result of something worth looking into further....

Putting makeup on is fun! It can also be considered one of the most relaxing and satisfying parts of getting ready... If it is being done on time, and not in a rush, which we can admit is pretty rare. Of all the little mishaps that can take place during...

White eyes have just about the same cosmetic priority as white teeth or unblemished skin. In fact, several surveys reveal that about 30% of people initially notice eyes when they first meet someone. While you can be a generally healthy human with stained teeth and imperfect skin, your eyes can...

• While it takes some time for most parts of your body to warm up to their full potential, your eyes are on their “A game” 24/7. • Doctors have yet to find a way to transplant an eyeball. The optic nerve that connects the eye to the brain is...

It happens to all of us – in the middle of an otherwise ordinary day, something strange begins to happen. As much as you try, you cannot ignore it your eyelid is twitching uncontrollably and nothing will make it stop. Eyelid myokymia, more commonly known as lid twitching, is a...

A nevus, also known as a pigment spot or freckle, can be found on the skin and in the eyes of many humans. A choroidal nevus is a benign lesion, caused by the clumping of pigmented cells normally found in the back of the eye, and can be found during...

Diabetes is a prevalent, costly condition associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Managing diabetes is complex and difficult from the patient’s perspective as well as the physicians. Evidence exists that shows diabetic care is suboptimal in many patient populations across the US. Unfortunately, for many, lifestyle behaviors like diet and...

Children with uncorrected vision conditions or eye health problems face many barriers in life. These barriers can occur academically, socially and athletically. Comprehensive vision and eye health evaluations at an early age can break down these barriers and help enable your children to reach their highest potential. Vision doesn’t just...

Cataracts and age-related macular degeneration are the leading causes of visual impairment and acquired blindness in the U.S. The potential severity of vision loss from either condition and the irreversibility of macular degeneration have generated significant interest in “preventative care” or ways to delay the progression of both conditions. Studies...

When children have trouble reading, it is imperative that parents and teachers investigate the many possible causes. Reading difficulty usually stems from a combination of problems, rather than just one. The difficulty in this is that children often do not present as though they have a vision problem. That is,...

365 days can manifest a great deal that you might not be able to set your sights on quite yet. Don’t wait until you can't see it to believe it. Quiz yourself in a quick "This or That!" and see where you stand when it comes to maintaining your eyesight...

If you are over 40 years of age, you have probably noticed changes in your vision. Difficulty seeing clearly for reading and close work is among the most common problems adults develop between ages 41 to 60. However, this is also the time when other changes in your eyes can...

With Halloween approaching, the American Optometric Association (AOA) is warning consumers about the risks of wearing decorative contact lenses without a prescription from an eye doctor. These noncorrective lenses, designed only to change the appearance of eye color, are easily accessible to consumers and are especially popular around Halloween. Federal...

When the emergency is related to your eyes, consider a trip to your optometrist's office instead of the ER. Here's why.

It’s hard to visualize how the digital world will look by the end of the decade but one thing is certain: the rate of technological change will continue to thrive. The technologies that have been shaping our lives for 10 years are just the dawning of an Information Age that...

Toxocariasis is an infection that occurs when a person ingests what is essentially a microscopic roundworm commonly found in cats and dogs. Actually, the person inadvertently ingests larvae of the dog roundworm Toxocara canis, or the cat roundworm Toxocara cati. In the US14% of the population is infected with Toxocara....

Traditionally glaucoma has been described as a condition where the pressure inside the eye, referred to as intraocular pressure (IOP), becomes too high and results in damage to the optic nerve with subsequent vision loss. Another way to think of this is your eye has pressure just like your blood....

We are all familiar with the phrase “the eyes are the window to the soul,” but what many people don’t know is that the eyes are also a window to their health! Your eyes can reveal information regarding your cholesterol levels, liver health, hypertension and risk for diabetes just to...

Fall is a great time of year, but the accompanying allergens: not so much. Let’s talk causes, effects, & solutions of allergies, & how they can affect your eyes

An ocular prosthesis, better known as a glass eye, is an artificial eye that replaces an absent natural eye. Ocular prostheses are necessary for a variety of reasons, such as congenital problems, trauma, and occasional serious infections that result in removal of the eye. The prosthetic eye fits inside the...

As you get older staying active becomes more important than ever. If you’re 65 or older, you’ve probably grown up with the idea that the transition from middle age into “senior citizen” status means slowing down. Nonsense, get up and go. Staying active allows you to stay healthy. Staying active...

We all know eye movements are a very basic part of the process of seeing. If you stop to think about it, it’s really quite remarkable that even though we look at the world through two eyes, each eye having a slightly different point of view, the world still appears...

Cold and Allergy Medications After reading package inserts for cold and allergy medications many patients ask if they can take such drugs if they have glaucoma. The answer most of the time is yes; however, these medications can cause pupils to dilate and result in a condition called acute angle...

Typically, our summer-time tips center around UV protection with sunglasses, eye injuries and infections common to the warmer months, and eye safety during Fourth of July activities. Something that is not as common as these conditions, however, is ocular infection and inflammation from Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a tick-borne...

Eye injuries caused by fireworks are often severe and can cause permanent reduced visual acuity and even blindness. Findings from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database maintained by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) indicate that approximately 12,000 persons are treated each year in U.S. emergency rooms due...

How important is good vision to learning? Vision is a dominant process in the growth, development and daily performance of children. Approximately 80 percent of all learning during a child’s first 12 years comes through vision. Undetected and untreated vision problems can interfere with the ability of a child to...

More and more children are being diagnosed with myopia, a common refractive error associated with developing serious eye diseases later in life, such as macular degeneration and glaucoma. Find out what myopia is and how to prevent it from progressing

June brings with it, not only the first day of summer, but also National Sunglasses Day.

We use our eyes in almost every activity we perform whether reading, working, watching TV, surfing the internet, driving a car, or just enjoying nature. Our eyes and vision are truly remarkable. The eye works like a high tech camera; only better. Inside the eye, just behind the pupil, is...

Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed a whitish or yellow elevation on either side of the colored part of your eye? This discoloration is called a pinguecula. Pinguecula are fairly common, non-cancerous, yellowish-tinted nodular growths that grow on the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the clear tissue covering...

Dilated eye exams make it possible for eye doctors to better assess your eye health and are the only way to detect certain eye diseases.

What does that mean for you? It means that now is the time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Find out why.

Multifocal contact lenses can help people with presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) see clearly, whether focusing on close or distant objects.

For centuries the art of medicine has been dominated by breaks, bumps, bruises or other symptoms felt by the patient or discovered by the physician. Over time, clinical findings have been enhanced by increasingly sophisticated technology like the microscope, the x-ray, CT, and the MRI. To find an illness, doctors...

Sleep apnea is a very common disorder. Apnea is a Greek word meaning “without breath”. Sleep Apnea causes you to stop breathing from a few seconds to minutes while you sleep. These breathing pauses often occur 5 to 30 times or more per hour. Normal breathing usually starts again, sometimes...

Do your eyes ever ache, become red and irritated or maybe overly sensitive? Do you ever have a sensation of pressure in or behind your eyes? A first thought might be dry eyes or a sinus infection however, if you are a middle-aged female it could be Thyroid Eye Disease....

You probably go to your doctor every year for a physical and schedule regular cleanings at your dentist but, what about your eye heath? Eyes need checkups too! Many eye conditions can be serious and occur painlessly over a short amount of time. Others are slower but difficult for patients...

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 since Oklahoma State Question 788, the Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative passed, many patients have asked about the role of marijuana in the treatment of glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve. If untreated, it can progress to complete blindness. Experts agree high eye...

For many Oklahomans, ocular allergies seem inevitable. Along with sunny skies and blooming flowers, most of us expect itchy eyes and runny noses. In fact, Northern Oklahoma has more allergy diagnoses than almost all regions of the United States, with both Payne and Pawnee counties treating seasonal allergies 365 days...

One of the fastest growing segments of the eyecare industry has been eyewear designed specifically to protect the eyes during sports. Originally, this type of eyewear was seen more in professional sports, but the need for eye protection has spread rapidly to non-professional sports as well. Today, sports eyewear can...

Eye herpes can cause several uncomfortable symptoms and recurring flare-ups. In extreme cases, it can lead to blindness. Discover how your eye doctor can help.

Many factors contribute to vision loss, some of which may even be relevant to you. Read on to learn what puts a person at risk of developing sight-threatening eye diseases, and discover what an eye doctor can do to help.

Laundry pacs, often referred to as “pods,” are a convenient replacement for jugs of liquid or boxes of powder detergent. The soap is contained within a compact, water-soluble packet that dissolves in the wash. They are simply thrown into the bottom of the washer and then clothes are added on...

Sleep apnea is associated with high blood pressure and heart failure; it also causes eye-related issues. Find out how your eye condition may be linked to sleep apnea.

Eye injuries in the workplace are very common in fact, more common than you might think. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports about 2,000 eye injuries per day occur in American workplaces. The financial cost of these injuries is enormous; more than $300 million per year...

The American Heart Association reports since the start of the 20th century, cardiovascular disease or CVD, has been the number one killer in North America. Almost 60% of all deaths each year are a result of CVD. This number is greater than the next seven leading causes of death combined....

Pink eye or conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin, transparent layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. Conjunctivitis, often called “pink eye,” is a common eye condition, especially in children....

Glare is that annoying bright light that causes you to squint. It also can cause eye strain when using your computer. Luckily, anti-glare coated glasses offer many benefits, such as reduced glare, allowing you to see and feel better.

There are many possible causes of a red eye or eyes. Some are cause for concern; some are medical emergencies. Others are of no consequence or concern at all. The degree of redness or appearance of blood usually does not correlate to how serious the situation may be. It is...

Night blindness is not an eye disease. It’s a symptom of several conditions that can range from mild to severe. Learn more about night blindness and discover ways we can help.

Ocular hypertension is a term used to describe an increase in eye pressure that is above the normal healthy range. Normal healthy eye pressure typically ranges from 10-21. Patients diagnosed as “ocular hypertensives” have eye pressure over 21 however, have no detectable changes in vision or damage to the structure...

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition. It was named after James Parkinson, the London doctor who first reported the symptoms in 1817 calling it the “shaking palsy”. Parkinson’s is mostly characterized by problems with body movements referred to as motor symptoms. The most identifiable motor symptom is a tremor....

We all know eye movements are a very basic part of the process of seeing. If you stop to think about it, it’s really quite remarkable that even though we look at the world through two eyes, each eye having a slightly different point of view, the world still appears...

It may surprise you to learn that contact lenses can be safely worn by children aged 8 and over. Read on to learn more about contact lenses for the younger demographic.

Most people are aware of the danger posed by UV light to their skin, but they may not realize exposure to UV light can also be harmful to their vision. The principle danger posed by the sun is ultraviolet radiation, more commonly known as UV light. UV radiation is a...

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases causing damage to the optic nerve that can lead to vision loss or blindness. While there is a lot of information out there on glaucoma, there are also many misconceptions. Read on to learn to discover the REAL facts.

Over the last three decades, our understanding of dry eye has evolved considerably. Dry eye is no longer considered a disorder of the tear film, but an actual disease. Dry eye disease (DED) is estimated to affect approximately 25 million Americans. It results in symptoms of discomfort, visual disturbance and...

Contact lenses that don’t fit properly can cause discomfort and even eye damage. During a contact lens exam, your eye doctor will perform various tests to ensure you get the right prescription and the proper fit.

The older one gets, the more the eye changes and the higher the risk of developing sight-threatening conditions. Learn about why middle-aged people need reading glasses and when to visit the eye doctor.

Diabetic retinopathy is a potentially sight-threatening condition caused by high blood sugar levels in diabetics. Fortunately, your eye doctor can advise on how to manage and reduce the risk of developing it.

If you or your child is new to wearing contact lenses, read our Top 5 Tips to make the adjustment easier.

Sunglasses aren’t just for summer. Why not, you ask? Read on to find out why sunglasses are just as much “fall wear” as jackets are.

Consuming certain vitamins and nutrients can support your eye health and potentially ward off serious eye diseases and conditions. Read on to find out more!

Myopia or nearsightedness is most commonly corrected with prescription glasses or contact lenses. As children grow, their prescription often gets stronger, what we call “progressive myopia”. Our eye doctors can help.

Eye floaters are usually normal. But what causes them and when do they indicate a serious eye problem that needs emergency eye care?

Driving long distances, prolonged screen time and even reading can cause eye strain symptoms like headaches and blurry vision. Here are some eye exercises that can help you relax your eyes and find relief.

Adjusting to new eyeglasses can take time, but persistent visual or eyestrain symptoms that accompany your new eyewear could warrant a call to your optometrist.

If you wear glasses and a face mask, you’ve probably struggled with “mask fog.”  Your lenses get all misty, requiring you to wipe your eyewear throughout the day. Below are a few strategies to help you prevent your eyeglasses from fogging up when wearing a mask. But First, Why Do...

To get maximal eye protection from your sunglasses, consider replacing them every two years, according to a study conducted in Brazil. Over time, protective UV coatings become less effective.

Many people don't realize they have a vision problem. Perhaps they've gone years without glasses and haven't noticed the gradual change in their vision. Or they’ve noticed a change, but put off a visit to an eye doctor. Regardless of whether you’re experiencing problems, make an appointment with Dr. David...

Countless people around the world wear daily disposable contact lenses or dailies. These popular single-use lenses are removed and discarded at the end of each day, and a new, fresh pair is inserted the next morning. Used properly, dailies promote eye health, and they’re comfortable and convenient.   Despite the...

During the COVID-19 outbreak, we have been going above and beyond to ensure that people are receiving emergency eye care. If you're having an eye emergency call your Stillwater optometrist first.

Tele-optometry is a branch of telemedicine that can cover a wide range of problems and treatments related to vision and ocular health. Tele-medicine delivers medical care through digital medical equipment and telecommunications technology, such as online videos accessible through smart phones and tablets. This allows patients to easily receive screenings,...

You and your children are likely spending more time on mobile devices and computer screens than ever before. Too much time spent staring at screens can cause computer vision syndrome, or digital eye strain, in certain people. While not serious, this condition can be very uncomfortable, potentially causing: Headaches Eyestrain...

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Coronavirus and Your Eyeglasses Did you know that our glasses (this includes the lenses and the frame) can potentially transfer viruses, such as COVID-19, to our eyes, nose, and mouth? This is because viruses — as well as bacteria —  are easily transferred from our surroundings to our hands and...

As coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads around the world, health professionals are demanding that people limit their personal risk of contracting the virus by thoroughly washing their hands, practicing social distancing, and not touching their nose, mouth, or eyes. In fact, it may surprise you to learn that the eyes play an...

Is your eye doctor's appointment coming up? Are you worried about going to the eye clinic during the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic? Rest assured, keeping our patients and staff are safe is our top priority.  We anticipate that this outbreak will continue for a while, and do not want our...

In part two of “Can We Cure Nearsightedness” we went over ways to control the progression of nearsightedness by spending more time outdoors and getting more exposure to daylight, as well as, reducing the amount a patient accommodates or focuses by practicing a safe Harmon distance. As a reminder, the...

In part one of “Can We Cure Nearsightedness” we discussed myopia, its incidence and the expected increase over the next 30 years. Currently there are a number of clinical approaches to preventing or slowing the progression of nearsightedness. These approaches include spending more time outdoors, reducing the focusing demand on...

Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a visual condition in which patients cannot see clearly in the distance however, can see clearly at near.  The level of vision a person has at distance or near varies depending on if the patient has mild, moderate, severe, or extreme myopia.  A mildly myopic person...

Everyone seems to be staring at a screen these days, whether their computer, their smartphone or another digital device. The stress it puts on your eyes can cause a condition called "digital eye strain" (DES) or "computer vision syndrome" (CVS). Symptoms include eye fatigue, dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, neck...

Nation-wide awareness about the vast dangers of obesity is at an all-time high, with TV shows like “The Biggest Loser” and health initiatives such as Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign shining a spotlight on the importance of fitness and good nutrition. However, despite the public’s knowledge of obesity’s effects on...

Playing outside in a snowy winter wonderland can be magical. Under clear skies in the sunshine, the soft white landscape becomes just about irresistible, whether at home or travelling on a winter-weather get-away.  Before you let your children run outside to build the most adorable snowman or fling themselves onto...

Did you know that people with diabetes are 20 times more likely to get eye diseases than those without it? There are three major eye conditions that diabetics are at risk for developing: cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. To prevent these sight-threatening diseases, it's important to control your blood sugar...

Your eyes aren't just the windows to your soul — they can also reveal valuable information about your general health beyond whether you need glasses, including: diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. It is not unusual for people to come in for an eye exam just to check their eyesight...

Smoking harms nearly every system in your body — including your eyes.  Though we are all aware of the health effects associated with smoking, such as lung cancer, heart disease, and bad teeth, few know about the negative impact it can have on our vision.  Smoking and Eye Disease  Smoking,...

Once you and your doctor have decided on the type of contact lenses you'll need, it's time to choose the most suitable contact lens solution for your eyes and contacts.  There exist 2 different types of solution for contact lenses: Multipurpose and Hydrogen Peroxide-based. While both remove debris and build-up,...

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...

Whether you live in a cold climate or have visited one in the winter, you have probably seen someone who just walked in from the cold outdoors sporting glasses that are no longer transparent, or perhaps you’ve experienced it yourself. Why Do Glasses Fog Up? There are several factors that...

Good Eye Care Habits & Hygiene By practicing good eye care habits and hygiene, you can prevent many vision problems from occurring. Eye problems and the risks associated with vision loss only grow as you age. By neglecting eye care, you place yourself at a higher risk of suffering from...

Countless adults, teens and even children will be wearing colored contact lenses this Halloween, but few are aware of the risks involved. Ever wondered what those cat-eye contacts are doing to your eyes? If you got them without a prescription, beware of health complications. Enjoy a safe and happy Halloween...

September Is Sports Eye Safety Month! Ocular sports trauma is among the leading causes of permanent vision loss in North America. Tens of thousands of people get treated for sports-related eye injuries a year, with the most common injuries occurring during water sports and basketball. Infections, corneal abrasions, eye socket...

This summer, heat waves with scorching temperatures have hit communities nationwide, making an already hot summer even hotter. With high temps and heat waves in certain areas, it’s now more important than ever to protect yourself. For best practices and tips for maintaining healthy vision in the summer heat, talk...

July is UV Safety Awareness Month, and no wonder! With the summer sun out in full force, it’s now more important than ever to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. During this month, people who have suffered from UV ray damage and their loved ones are encouraged to share...

This summer, whether you're headed across state lines on a family road trip, flying off to Europe, grabbing a quick weekend getaway, or taking a vacation in your own backyard, don't forget to protect your eyes! Summer Eye Care Near You Check out our top 4 tips for ensuring healthy...

June is Cataract Awareness Month. During this important time, people living with cataracts (and their loved ones) are encouraged to talk about their personal experiences by giving each other helpful information and sharing their knowledge and advice. Use the hashtag #CataractAwarenessMonth on your social media channels to encourage and support...

Do your kids need glasses in order to see clearly? Maybe they have a strong case of nearsightedness, perhaps they have astigmatism, or another type of refractive error. Whatever the cause, getting your kids to wear eyeglasses can be a parenting challenge. Dr. David Cockrell treats patients from all over Stillwater, Oklahoma...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the USA; in Canada, Mental Health week is May 6th to 12th. Since 1949, it has been observed throughout the United States as a way of drawing attention to the importance of proper mental health. This year’s theme is #4Mind4Body. The idea is...

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month in the USA and Canada, a time when those living with the disorder, their family members, friends, and community come together to raise awareness and share helpful information. People with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and their loved ones are encouraged to share their stories, struggles, and...

Spring is a season of new beginnings, when the cold harsh winter months are behind us, flowers bloom, and people begin spending more time outdoors. For people with allergies, spring means one more thing: suffering. Spring may be in the air, but for allergy sufferers, so is pollen, pet dander,...

March 8th is International Women's Day, a day when women are honored and their accomplishments celebrated worldwide. From medicine to law, entrepreneurship to corporate leadership, education to the military, women are achieving great strides in areas of business like never before. In addition to professional achievements, International Women's Day is...

Most of us have the basics: bleach, oven cleaner, air freshener, furniture polish, and window spray. Did you know that chemicals found in these kinds of cleaning products can be toxic and harmful to your health? In small amounts, they generally don’t cause much damage. But when used on a...

It’s February and that means we’re smack in the middle of winter, which is also the middle of the school year. It’s the season when kids fervently hope for snow days and parents hope they don’t happen. As we head towards the second half of the school year, you’ve probably...

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma, a silent eye disease, is the most common form of irreversible blindness in the world. It is actually a group of diseases that causes progressive damage to the optic nerve.  Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that can lead to...

Each year during the month of January we recognize World Braille Day which gives us the opportunity to take a moment and appreciate the incredible gift that Braille has given to those who are blind or suffer from vision loss.  What is Braille? Braille is a tactile representation of letters...

Nerf Guns: Popular, Projectile... Safe? With the newest Nerf guns and blasters reigning at the top of lists for the most popular toys this holiday season, many parents are excited to surprise their kids (or their spouses) with these coveted toy weapons. There is, in fact a whole culture behind these...

Whether you live in a climate with cold winter weather or you are planning a ski trip up north, winter can be a challenge if you suffer from dry eyes. Dry, cool air, cold winds and even drier indoor heating can cause eye irritation, burning, itchiness and redness, and sometimes...

Diabetes is becoming much more prevalent around the globe. According to the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 425 million adults were living with diabetes in the year 2017 and 352 million more people were at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. By 2045 the number of people diagnosed is expected to...

Brush Up Before You Dress Up Halloween is one of the most fun times of the year for children and adults alike. When else do you get to dress up as anyone (or anything) you want, socialize with friends and eat lots of treats? Nevertheless, lurking behind those costumes and...

Regular exercise is an essential component of overall health and wellness. It is proven that exercise reduces sickness and disease; it increases strength, immunity, and mental health; and it also helps regulate bodily functions and maintain a healthy weight. Research shows that exercise can lower our risk of chronic conditions...

Screen Time Pros and Cons Whether it is homework, email, gaming, chatting with friends, searching the web or watching Youtube, kids these days seem to have an endless number of reasons to be glued to a screen. Many parents out there are wondering how bad this can be for their...

Getting old doesn’t have to be synonymous with vision loss. There is a lot you can do to keep your eyes and vision healthy and prevent age related eye disease and vision loss, especially if you start early. Keeping your eyes healthy and strong may require some lifestyle changes, but...

What Is Progressive Myopia? Nearsightedness or myopia is one of the most prevalent eye disorders worldwide and its incidence is increasing. In fact by 2050, myopia is projected to affect half of the world’s population! Many children diagnosed with nearsightedness (myopia) experience a consistent worsening of their vision as they...

An online eye test may seem like a convenient way to check your vision or get an eyeglass prescription but beware, these tests aren’t all they are chocked up to be. In fact, they may even be dangerous.  What is an online eye test really testing?  An online eye test...

Healthy eyes and good vision are essential for your child’s growth and development. In fact, learning is 80% visual, which means a child’s success in school, athletics and many other aspects of life can be impacted by poor vision. Good vision goes beyond how far you can see, and also...

It’s almost back to school time for college students and whether this is your first time away from home or you are already a pro, you want to be prepared with as much knowledge as possible to live safely on your own. This knowledge includes eye and vision safety, as...

While it may seem like a harmless action, rubbing your eyes can actually cause a lot of damage. There are a number of different reasons that people rub their eyes and for the most part, it does more harm than good. While rubbing your eyes might feel really good in...

Has your son or daughter recently asked about contact lens?  Have your children complained that it’s difficult to wear their glasses while playing sports? Or has your child become more self aware and now desires to get away from glasses full time?  If you have experienced any of these circumstances...

Night blindness, also called nyctalopia (nik-tl-oh-pee-uh), is the inability to see well at night or in poor light.  It was first described over 2000 years ago.  Nyctalopia is not a disease, but rather a symptom of many different conditions, some treatable, some not.  Historically, it was known as “moonblink” and...

Children with uncorrected vision conditions or eye health problems face many barriers in life.  These barriers can occur academically, socially and athletically.  Comprehensive vision and eye health evaluations at an early age can break down these barriers and help enable your children to reach their highest potential. Vision doesn’t just...

As the first semester of 2014-2015 school year comes to an end, parents are hopeful their children are meeting and exceeding the minimum standards to excel in school.  Most have had a parent-teacher conference and have asked this question.  It is important from a parent’s perspective to know that reading...

If you have blurry vision, you’re not alone, so do about half of all U.S. adults according to a major survey conducted by researchers at the National Eye Institute. The way your eyes bend, or refract light waves can cause problems with how you see leading to common refractive errors...

I got a floater a couple of months ago, which I ignored because I’ve had many. I also then got a flashing in my right eye. I was due into the eye doctor and was going to mention this, having no idea this was important……… About three weeks ago, I...

According to the National Society to Prevent Blindness, almost 40,000 eye injuries a year are reported to be related to sports and recreational products.  This number only reflects those that were reported, and estimates have been as high as 100,000 injuries a year.  The sad part about eye injuries is...

The eyes reveal more than just the soul, particularly in police work.  Often referred to as “the mirror of the soul”, your eyes can tell if you are lying or if you’ve been drinking or taking drugs.   In addition, recent research shows your eyes can tell much about your surroundings...

Magazines, newspapers and TV smother us with images of the ideal look.  In fact, the average American woman spends 12K a year to look good!  This figure may seem high however, consider what you spend a year on all beauty and grooming products, hair and nail appointments, and of course...

Cataracts have been a medical problem throughout history.  In early times, strange concoctions and eye drops were used to treat cataracts until physicians in ancient Babylon and India began surgical treatment.  Their highly primitive method, known as couching, involved using a sharp instrument to push the cloudy cataract lens to...

For centuries the art of medicine has been dominated by breaks, bumps, bruises or other symptoms felt by the patient or discovered by the physician.  Over time, clinical findings have been enhanced by increasingly sophisticated technology like the microscope, the x-ray, and the MRI. To find an illness, doctors first...

Do your eyes ever ache, become red and irritated or maybe overly sensitive?  Do you ever have a sensation of pressure in or behind your eyes?  A first thought might be dry eyes or a sinus infection however, if you’re a middle aged female it could be Thyroid Eye Disease.  ...

If you are over 40 years of age, you’ve probably noticed changes in your vision. Difficulty seeing clearly for reading and close work is among the most common problems adults develop between ages 41 to 60. However, this is also the time when other changes in your eyes can start...

Vision screenings are an important service provided by most schools and without question provide benefits.  It is important to recognize however, that studies have demonstrated screenings are not as effective as comprehensive eye exams.  In fact, The National Institutes of Health found that school screenings catch only 37% of children...

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that was first described in 1817 by Dr. James Parkinson. The London doctor first reported the symptoms calling the condition the “shaking palsy”. It is mostly characterized by problems with body movements referred to as “motor symptoms”.  The most identifiable motor symptom is...

Vision screening programs were designed to help identify children who have eye or vision problems that could impair their ability to develop and learn normally. Visual clues are key to how children learn and function.  Vision problems that go uncorrected can affect all aspects of a child’s growth including their...

Ocular hypertension is a term used to describe an increase in eye pressure that is above the normal healthy range.  Normal healthy eye pressure typically ranges from 10-21.   Patients diagnosed as “ocular hypertensives” have eye pressure over 21 however, have no detectable changes in vision or damage to the structure...

Migraine Awareness Month: An ocular migraine is any migraine headache that involves a visual disturbance such as flashes of light, seeing stars or zigzags or the appearance of blind spots in the visual field. Ocular migraines can interfere with your ability to go about your daily tasks such as driving,...

Sure, sunglasses might add the final touches to your chic ensemble, but the real reason to purchase your shades is to protect your eyes from the sun. Not only does glare from the sun make it difficult to see, but the UV rays it reflects can cause permanent damage to...

Vision is a critical component to succeed as an athlete and this doesn’t just mean having 20/20 vision. There are a number of visual processes that are involved in optimal sports performance, whether you are playing a weekly little league game or competing in professional sports.   The eyes and the...

While we all know that regular eye exams can help detect warning signs of disease and prevent vision loss, many people fail to seek medical attention when there is an acute problem with the eye. In fact, only about half of Americans that are at risk for serious vision loss...

April is Women’s Eye Health Month in the USA and May is Healthy Vision month in Canada too, so let’s take the opportunity to look at some tips for maintaining eye and vision health, with a special focus on women.  Statistically, women are more at risk than men for eye...

If you want strong, healthy eyes and clear vision for life, a major step you can take is to protect your eyes from UV radiation.  Wearing proper eye protection from the sun reduces the risk of a number of eye diseases and other conditions that are caused or worsened by...

We all experience the occasional eyelid twitch, which is when the muscle of the eyelid spasms involuntarily. Usually, it comes and goes without intervention and while sure, it can be irritating, is a twitching eyelid ever something to be concerned about? An eyelid twitch, also known as a myokymia, can...

Infant Eyesight Despite nine months of growth in utero, babies are not born with fully developed eyes and vision - just like they can't walk or talk yet. Over the first few months of life, their visual systems continue to progress, stimulated by their surroundings. Babies will develop the ability...

It’s that time of the year again. Each February, the optometric community bands together to create awareness about age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a leading cause of vision loss for people 50 years and older; early detection plays a key role in the outcome of the disease. That’s why...

At this time of year when the sun sets early, many people are affected by night blindness. Night blindness or nyctalopia refers to difficulty seeing at night or in poor or dim lighting situations. It can be caused by a number of underlying conditions, sometimes completely benign and sometimes as a...

It’s that time of year again. January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time set aside each year to create awareness about this potentially devastating disease. The reason awareness about glaucoma is so important is because as its nickname, The Sneak Thief of Sight, describes, the disease often causes permanent...

While most people have sunglasses high on their packing list for a tropical vacation, many people don’t consider it as much of a priority for colder climate getaways. But they should, and here’s why: Wintertime vacations often include activities that involve snow and ice and in general, conditions that can...

As the season to deck the halls arrives, make sure that you aren’t one of the many people who find themselves celebrating in the urgent care clinic due to an eye injury. The holidays present many opportunities for potential eye injury so it’s important to be aware and proceed with...

The New Year is coming and many people include healthier eating and exercise in their resolutions for the year ahead. Well other than weight loss and overall health and disease-prevention, a healthy diet and regular exercise can protect your eyes and your vision. In particular, there are certain vitamins and...

November 14th is World Diabetes Day. This year, the theme of World Diabetes Day is women and diabetes - our right to a healthy future. The goal of this campaign is to promote awareness of the importance of equal and affordable access for all women, whether they are at risk...

October is World Blindness Awareness Month, an initiative started to help the public to understand the realities of visual impairment and how it affects the world population. Unfortunately, there are hundreds of millions of individuals around the world who are unnecessarily blind or visually impaired due to causes that are...

October has arrived and that means many people are already starting to plan for upcoming costume parties and trick-or-treating for the Halloween season. This is why now is the time to remind the public about some very important precautions about eye safety since there are some common costume props and...

Every good pair of eyes eventually gets old and with age comes a condition called presbyopia. Presbyopia, which usually begins to set in some time around 40, occurs when the lens of the eye begins to stiffen, making near vision (such as reading books, menus, and computer screens) blurry. You...

Even if you don’t have any eye or vision problems, the natural process of aging affects your ability to see and react to visual stimuli. It’s important to know the impact the aging can have on your eyes and vision so you can take the necessary precautions to stay safe...

Many teens who wear glasses are eager to try out contact lenses for convenience, fashion or to just provide another option for vision correction.

What’s it like to be color blind? Contrary to what the name implies, color blindness usually does not actually mean that you don’t see any color, but rather that you have difficulty perceiving or distinguishing between certain colors. This is why many prefer the term color vision deficiency or CVD...

On August 21st, for the first time since 1979, a solar eclipse will be visible across North America. What's even more historic is that it will also be the first time an eclipse will be visible across the continent, from coast to coast, since 1918. If you want to bear...

Light sensitivity, also known as photophobia, is a condition in which bright light - either natural sunlight or artificial light -  can cause significant discomfort, pain and intolerance. People that experience light sensitivity will find themselves needing to close their eyes or squint when exposed to light and often experience...

What Exactly Is a Black Eye? A black eye, also known as a periorbital hematoma, is usually not an injury of the actual eye (which is why it is called “periorbital”- around the eye). It typically occurs when there is an injury to the face or the eye socket which...

According to the World Health Organization, cataracts are responsible for 51% of cases of blindness worldwide - although this blindness is preventable with treatment. In fact, research shows that in industrialized countries about 50% of individuals over the age of 70 have had a cataract in at least one eye....

You Don’t Have to Live With Dry Eyes Have you noticed that your eyes feel chronically dry, itchy, scratchy or even sometimes watery? Many people that have these symptoms just go on with their lives until the symptoms become unbearable. What they don’t realize is that these are signs that...

Eye Doctors Weigh In: How Smoking Can Harm Your Vision & Eye Health We all know that smoking is bad for you, especially the risks that it poses to your heart and lungs. What many people do not know is that cigarette smoke negatively affects your eyes and vision too. Smoking...

In an effort to spread the word to increase awareness about Sjogren’s Disease, eye care providers are speaking out about this hard-to-diagnose condition. Sjogren’s is a systemic autoimmune disorder that can affect the whole body. One of the primary symptoms is excessive dryness particularly in the eyes and mouth. Other...

Hey women! Did you know that women are more likely to suffer from vision problems and are at higher risk of permanent vision loss than men? Well 91% of the women surveyed recently didn’t know that, which means that many of them aren’t taking the necessary precautions to prevent eye...

Hey women! Did you know that women are more likely to suffer from vision problems and are at higher risk of permanent vision loss than men? Well 91% of the women surveyed recently didn’t know that, which means that many of them aren’t taking the necessary precautions to prevent eye...

There is nothing worse than a dirty spot on your glasses - well except perhaps many dirty spots or smudges. When that happens, most of us are tempted to grab the corner of our shirt and wipe it off, but resist the temptation - this is actually not a good...

Blue light. Do you know what it is? Do you know where it comes from, or how it can be harmful to your eyes? If you don’t know the answers to these questions, you are not alone, yet it is important that you become aware to protect your eyes for...

Eye color is a hereditary trait that depends on the genes of both parents, as well as a little bit of mystery. The color of the eye is based on the pigments in the iris, which is a colored ring of muscle located at the center of the eye (around...

Age-related macular degeneration is a serious condition that can threaten your vision and general well-being. Characterized by the deterioration of the central area of the retina called the macula which is responsible for focused vision, the disease gradually reduces your central vision. This affects the ability to see fine details,...

Your toddler may show every sign of good eyesight including the ability to see objects in the distance, however that doesn't necessarily mean that he or she doesn’t have a vision problem.

Make your resolution for healthy vision this year with increased awareness of the leading cause of blindness worldwide.