20/20 Vision - It's Not What You Think

While many people believe that 20/20 vision refers to "perfect" vision, the truth is that it actually refers to "normal" vision. In fact, some people may even have vision better than 20/20. Let me explain. The numbers referenced in this measurement of visual acuity actually refers to the distance in feet that one is standing from the eye chart. If a person has 20/20 vision, this means that they are able to see the line on the test from 20 feet away that "normal" people are able to see at 20 feet away. If a person has 20/15 vision than that person has vision that is better than the normal person, but if a person has 20/40 vision than that person has vision that is worse than the normal person taking the test. Do you know where you rank? Schedule an eye exam.

Contact Lenses 101

If you are considering getting contact lenses, you will want to schedule an appointment with your eye care professional to determine if you are a good candidate. This will require a comprehensive eye exam followed by a contact lens fitting. There are both pros and cons to being a contact lens wearer. Here some things for you to consider when deciding if contact lens are the best option for you.

Pros 👍

• Contacts conform to your eye increasing your field of view 
• Unlike eyeglasses, you do not have to worry about breaking your contact lenses
• Sports and other activities do not require a change of contact lenses
• Contact lenses are usually not effected by weather conditions such as heat and rain
• They come in different colors 
• You can wear them with any outfit without feeling like they conflict

Cons 👎

• Some may find it difficult to insert a contact lens
• They need regular changes
• Regular cleanings are also an important part of having contact lenses
• Dry eyes and irritation may occur 
• Contact lenses may contribute to "computer vision syndrome" 

Eyeglasses 101

Did you know that eyeglasses can be traced all the way back to the year 1285? Glasses help to correct vision by using a lens to bend light rays. The light rays are then able to focus on the retina of the eye. Here are some pros and cons about wearing glasses.

Pros 👍

• Glasses sure have come a long way over the years. There are many stylish brands, colors, and styles to choose from. 
• Glasses have become so trendy that it is not uncommon for people to purchase non-prescription glasses to wear as an accessory. 
• Prescription glasses are able to provide the patient with vision correction that is accurate. 
• Unlike contact lenses, glasses do not need frequent replacing.  
• Glasses are also not known to cause any type of eye irritation. 
• Your glasses work as another line of defense protecting your eyes from dust, dirt, debris, and objects. 
• While some may experience difficulty applying and removing contacts, applying and removing glasses is simple. 
• The cost of glasses tends to be less expensive than alternatives like contact lenses or surgery. 

Cons 👎

• Glasses can be broken or lost so it helps to have a spare handy. 
• In inclement weather such as rain, glasses become wet and foggy. 
• Because glasses are easily dirtied and smudged, they require regular cleanings.       
• You may need to try on many different styles before finding the pair that best fits you.  
• You may find that your glasses get in the way when going about your daily activities or playing sports. 
• Depending on your profession and activities, you may also require prescription goggles along with your regular glasses. 

* While glasses may be fun and trendy, remember that they are a prescription tool designed to improve your vision. If you suspect that you may need glasses or if you have not had your vision checked in 1-2 years, we recommend scheduling an Eye Exam.

Eat For Your Eyes

You Eat With Your Eyes.  

"Eat For Your Eyes."

Eating healthy is an essential part of maintaining good eye health. By having a well-balanced diet full of nutrients, you improve your eyesight and decrease your chances of developing eye-related diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Some nutrients that good for your eyes include: Vitamin C, Lutein, Zinc, and Omega 3's. 

You have probably heard the myth that carrots are good for your eyes. This is true. Carrots provide your body with beta carotene, potassium, and fiber. These nutrients act as a form of protection for your cornea and can also help to prevent nyctalopia, also more commonly known as "night blindness."

Leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach also have eye health benefits. They contain lutein and zeaxanthin. Like carrots, these also help to protect the cornea. Leafy green vegetables like spinach promote good vision and work to prevent against diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration. 

As you can see, proper nutrition and eye health go hand in hand. If your body is not getting the proper nutrients, your eyes could suffer. Some additional foods that we recommend incorporating into your diet are strawberries, blueberries, oranges, nuts, and salmon.

A Good Cry

It is estimated that the average person produces approximately 5-10 ounces of tears each day. You may also be surprised to learn that there are different types of tears, made up of different layers, and that occur for different reasons! Basal tears, for example, are constantly in production. They are composed of three separate layers which are the mucus layer, the aqueous layer, and the lipid layer. They offer protection for the eyes against dirt and debris. Reflex tears are another type of tears that we produce. These tears have the ability to wash away substances that may be harmful to our bodies. They are also able to stop microorganisms because they are composed of antibodies. If you have ever gotten teary eyed while chopping onions, you were experiencing reflex tears. Chopping an onion breaks apart the cells and creates a chemical reaction which releases a chemical irritant that alerts our body to produce reflex tears. The last type of tears that I will talk about are emotional tears. These are caused when we experience an intense emotion such as sadness or even happiness. They work as somewhat of a mood stabilizer. Emotional tears differ from basal and reflex tears because they carry higher levels of stress hormones such as ACTH. They also contain high levels of endorphin, a feel good hormone that makes us happy and relieves pain.

Regardless of how you may feel about crying, there is no denying the benefits. Tears work as a line of defense against things like bacteria, illness, and stress. Next time you find yourself in tears remember that not only is it normal to cry, it is healthy to cry. Tears flush out toxins, kill bacteria, lubricate, provide nourishment, improve mood, and lower stress levels. So go ahead, have a good cry! 😂

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca - What Is It?

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, or dry eyes, is a condition that effects approximately 5 million Americans. Dry eyes may be accompanied by symptoms such as discomfort, discoloration, inflammation, and a sensitivity to light. They are the result of your eyes not producing enough tears and are most common in elderly. It can, however, effect men and women of all ages. For those dealing with dry eyes, the solution could be something as simple as limiting your screen time (cell phone, laptop, television, etc.) or using a humidifier in your home. If the problem persists for more than a week we recommend seeing your primary eye care physician. They can provide you with treatment as well as inform you of any possible underlying issues that you may have.