Sleeping in Contact Lenses: How Bad Is It for Your Eyes?

Contact lenses are a modern blessing for an estimated 45 million people across the United States. However, roughly one-third of these people are sleeping with contact lenses in their eyes.

This is pretty harrowing news, especially since sleeping in contact lenses can lead to some pretty serious consequences.

Luckily, most people will wake up with nothing more than a bit of dry eye. But for some unlucky individuals, even a quick nap with lenses in can turn into a nightmare.

What Are the Risks of Sleeping in Contact Lenses?

Contact lens care is a serious business. Ignoring the instructions from your eye doctor and choosing to sleep in your contact lenses can ruin your vision if you’re not careful.

Some associated risks include things like:

Bacterial Keratitis

Bacterial keratitis is a fancy name for eye infection. Specifically, an infection of your cornea.

Corneas are the dome-shaped outer layer of the eye, designed to cover and protect the iris and pupil. When it becomes infected, it can cause eye irritation, decreased or blurry vision, and redness or cloudiness of the eye.

The good news is, most mild cases of bacterial keratitis can be effectively treated by your eye doctor. However, untreated cases can become serious. In some cases, it may even result in blindness and permanent scarring of the cornea.

Acanthamoeba Keratitis

Another type of corneal infection, acanthamoeba keratitis is caused by an amoeba that is commonly found in water sources. It is often the result of unhygienic contact lens practices, such as:

Sleeping in contact lenses, in particular, traps bacteria in the eye. Oxygen has a harder time reaching the eye. This makes it harder for the eye to flush out anything that shouldn’t be in it.

This type of infection is treated with a particularly long course of eye drops. If left untreated, or if the infection is serious, you may require surgery.

Fungal Keratitis

If you live in an area with tropical weather or mild temperatures, you may be more susceptible to fungal keratitis. Sleeping in your lenses can increase your risk for fungal keratitis, as well.

However, most cases of fungal keratitis come from eye trauma involving plant matter, such as branches and sticks.

When left untreated, fungal keratitis can lead to permanent blindness.

Which Contact Lenses Can You Sleep In?

The short answer: none of them.

Some contact lenses are specifically marketed as “safe to sleep in.” However, according to the CDC, you’re taking a gamble every time you fall asleep with your lenses in.

No matter what kind of contact lenses you wear, sleeping in them will make you 6-8 times more likely to suffer an eye infection. Eye infections can have devastating consequences, such as:

The risk is high no matter what kind of contact lens wearer you are. From teens to seniors, anyone can suffer an eye infection due to poor contact lens hygiene.

What If I Accidentally Fall Asleep With My Lenses In?

It can happen to anyone. Maybe you doze off while reading a book and your contact lenses are still in your eye. Don’t panic.

Instead, lower your risk of infection by taking the proper steps.

1. Remove the Lenses

Remove your lenses as soon as you wake up. Remember to wash your hands before touching your contact lenses.

It’s important to remove the lenses gently. Odds are your eyes are going to be dry. Instead of tugging at the dried lenses, lubricate them with a few drops of sterile contact solution.

Oftentimes, the extra lubrication can help keep the contacts from sticking to your eye. Tugging on dry lenses can not only damage your contacts, but it can also scratch up your corneas.

2. Avoid Your Lenses For a Day

After falling asleep in contact lenses, it’s best to let your eyes breathe for a bit. Avoid wearing contacts for a full day after falling asleep in them.

This will help your eyes flush out any bacteria that may have built up. Oxygen helps the eyes produce tears, which helps to keep them clean.

Throughout the day, pay close attention to how your eyes look and feel.

3. Check for Signs of Infection

There are some telltale signs of an eye infection. These include:

If you notice any of these signs, talk to your eye doctor right away. You should also bring your contact lenses with you to your appointment. This way your doctor can test them for any harmful bacteria.

It’s essential to seek treatment for an eye infection right away. Prompt treatment usually means you’ll experience much less devastating consequences.

Quick Tips You Need to Remember

You’ve only got one set of eyes for the rest of your life. Take care of them as best you can by following these tips:

Each of these steps will help keep bacteria away from your eye, limiting any chance of infection. Your eyes will thank you.

Protect Your Eyes With Proper Hygiene

Sleeping in contact lenses is just one of the ways you can get a serious eye infection. You should always remove your lenses appropriately before sleeping. Remember, even a quick nap can lead to serious long-term damage if you aren’t careful.

If you’re looking for a trusted eye doctor in Cedar Park, contact our office. Our team of professionals can ensure your eyes remain healthy for years to come.

9 Eye Health Tips to Prevent Blindness

About 12 million people 40 years and over in the US have vision impairment. Approximately 1 million of these people are blind. As you grow older, certain behaviors can impact how you see.

Some could eventually lead to blindness.

Thankfully, a few small preventive measures can have a major impact on your eye health. Here are nine simple ways you can prevent blindness.

With these tips, you can protect your eyesight and potentially avoid vision problems later in life. Sharpen your eyesight by applying these easy tips to your routine!

1. Schedule Eye Exams

Make sure to schedule comprehensive eye exams every few years to catch signs of a potential eye disease before it develops. Scheduling an exam is the only way to catch a problem like glaucoma in time for you to begin treatment.

If you already have vision problems, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor at least once a year. Otherwise, schedule a baseline eye exam when you turn 40.

During an eye exam, your doctor will gather your medical history and family history. They’ll also check your:

Your doctor will also widen (dilate) your pupil using special drops. Dilating your pupil will allow them to see the back of your eye. Then, your doctor can check for any damage to determine if you have an eye disease.

Checking in with your doctor regularly can help with preventing eye problems from developing in the future.

2. Improve Your Diet

About 92% of the US population has a vitamin deficiency. The vitamins we get from whole foods can have a major impact on our eye health.

Maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet could reduce your risk of future eye conditions. It’s important to consume foods that are right in vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. Antioxidants can also ward off oxidants that might affect your eye health in the future.

These nutrients include:

Consuming these nutrients could reduce your risk of poor night vision, glaucoma, dry eyes, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts.

You can start adding these nutrients to your diet with fruits, vegetables, dairy, and protein.

For example, fatty fish like salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats contribute to visual development. They also ensure the health of the retina in the back of the eye.

Consuming more fatty acids could prevent dry eyes, too.

To add vitamin A, lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc to your diet, consider consuming eggs more often. Vitamin A protects your cornea; the surface of the eye. Meanwhile, lutein and zeaxanthin lower the chance of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Zinc also contributes to the retina’s health and helps you see at night.

Almonds contain vitamin E, which protects your body from unstable molecules that target healthy tissue. Dairy, on the other hand, contains vitamin A and zinc to protect the retina and choroid. Diary can also help with the prevention of cataracts.

Carrots contain vitamin A and beta carotene, which help the surface of the eye. They can also prevent eye infections and other serious conditions.

Try adding these foods to your diet to prevent vision loss in the future.

3. Stay Safe From the Sun

Make sure to protect your eyes by grabbing a pair of sunglasses every time you step outside. Don’t forget to slather on sunscreen around your eyes, too. The skin around your eyes is some of the thinnest on the body.

As a result, this area is more susceptible to ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage.

Types of skin cancer like melanoma and carcinoma can also form in the eyelids or around the eyes. You could sustain damage to the eye structure as a result.

4. Avoid Smoking

Remove any form of tobacco from your routine. Otherwise, smoking allows cyanide to enter your bloodstream. Cyanide can destroy the cells in your eyes.

Smoking could also increase your risk of developing cataracts, dry eyes, or other eye problems. It also increases your risk of macular degeneration.

If you want to protect your eyes, quit smoking.

5. Prevent Diabetes

Diabetic retinopathy is the most frequent cause of new cases of blindness in adults ages 20 to 74. It’s the most common cause of blindness in the US.

The tiny blood vessels of the retina can sustain damage, leading to eye problems. Your vision could blur over time before you become blind.

Make an effort to control your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar.

6. Avoid Dry Eyes

Do you stare at a computer for hours at a time? When working in front of a computer, we neglect to blink as often as we usually do. You could develop dry eyes as a result.

Try to look away from your computer every 20 minutes for about 20 seconds. Stare at something about 20 feet away. This 20-20-20 rule could give your eyes a break, minimizing inflammation.

7. Minimize Macular Degeneration Risk

Macular degeneration can develop when your eye tissues degenerate, eventually leading to blindness.

There are two forms of macular degeneration. If fluids in the retina cause your vision loss, you can receive injections in the eye for treatment. There aren’t treatments available for the dry form of macular degeneration, though.

Make sure to check in with your eye doctor to determine if you’re at risk.

8. Reduce Cataracts Risk

Cataract symptoms include reduced night vision, double vision, glare, faded colors, and blurred vision. It’s associated with exposure to radiation therapy or UV rays.

Some medications can increase your risk of cataracts. Your doctor can recommend treatments like replacing damaged eye lenses to reduce your risk.

You can learn more about cataracts here.

9. Watch for Glaucoma Signs

Glaucoma can occur if pressure in the eye builds up, damaging the optic nerve. This condition can develop slowly before causing vision problems.

The risk of glaucoma is higher for people who have a family history of diabetes.

Treatment includes using a once-daily eye drop, though surgery is another option.

Eye Spy: Prevent Blindness Using These Nine Easy Tips

Don’t put your eye health at risk. Instead, learn how to prevent blindness using these tips. Remember to visit your eye doctor regularly for screenings as well.

With these tips, you can prevent vision loss and maintain the best possible eye health.

Ready for an appointment with your optometrist? We can’t wait to see you.

Book an appointment today to learn how we can help with your vision.

What Causes Cataracts and How Are They Treated?

Affecting over 24.4 million Americans, cataracts are one of the most prevalent vision problems in the world. In fact, over half of people age 75 and older have some form of cataracts.

With statistics like these, you’re probably wondering “What are cataracts?” and “How can I avoid them?”

No one wants to lose their clear vision. The good news is that by knowing what causes cataracts, you can prevent them before they happen.

If you’re starting to experience cloudy vision or other symptoms of cataracts, keep reading. We’ll cover what cataracts are, what you can do to prevent them, and your options for treatment for cataracts once they occur.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are dense protein clumps that build up on your ocular lens.

Your lens is supposed to be clear to let light reach your retina, which carries images to your brain, allowing you to see. When you have cataracts, proteins collect on the lens, forming a cloudy area. This prevents a clear picture from reaching your brain, so you have blurry vision.

Blurry vision is one of the most common vision problems. It might not always mean you have cataracts, but you should always see your eye doctor about it.

 

 

Symptoms of Cataracts

The protein clump that builds up on your ocular lens causes a wide variety of cataract symptoms, including:

 

Cataracts often only affect one eye at a time, so you may experience the symptoms of cataracts only in the affected eye.

Types of Cataracts

Cataracts are classified according to what causes them.

You can also classify cataracts according to where they form in the eye. Nuclear cataracts, the most common kind, form at the center of your lens. You might also experience posterior capsule cataracts, which develop fastest and occur behind the lens.

 

Causes of Cataracts

The protein buildup that causes cataracts can be caused by a range of factors, such as:

 

In many people, cataracts occur due to the normal wear and tear of everyday life. This is why cataracts are more common in older people.

Risk Factors For Cataracts

Research shows that age is the most common risk factor for cataracts. However, you might be at higher risk for developing cataracts as you age if:

Even if you don’t have any risk factors, you can still develop cataracts. That’s why it’s important to get frequent comprehensive eye exams to check up on your eye health.

Treatment For Cataracts

You can manage early-stage cataracts with good-quality glasses or contact lenses. That’s why it’s helpful to catch cataracts as soon as possible. By managing cataracts with non-surgical interventions and removing risk factors, you can maintain your eyesight without surgery.

At a certain point, however, you will need cataract surgery to correct your vision.

Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a new, artificial one. Your eye can use the artificial lens to see just like the old one.

This procedure is fast and is usually performed as a day (outpatient) surgery. It usually has a short recovery time and low complication risk.

There are two main types of cataract surgeries:

  1. Phacoemulsification: an advanced form of cataract surgery that uses two small incisions to remove the old lens and insert a new one
  2. Extracapsular cataract extraction: requires a larger incision to remove the lens, and is only performed when your cataracts are at a more advanced stage

You might be wondering, “Can I take medications for cataracts?” While there are some cataract medications available, they are mostly in the research stage. Cataract surgery is the quickest, easiest, and most complete treatment for cataracts.

Prevention of Cataracts

You can’t prevent getting older, but that doesn’t mean cataracts are inevitable. You can take lots of steps to maximize your eye health and prevent cataracts, including:

Even if you’re doing everything you can to prevent cataracts, make time for an annual vision check-up. This allows you to catch any vision problems before they progress.

The Best Cataract Care For You

Now that you’ve learned what causes cataracts, you know that prevention is key to avoiding this common eye disease. Good nutrition, avoiding risk factors, and regular eye exams are among the most important factors to keeping your vision clear for your whole life.

When it comes to your eye care, only trust the best. Cedar Park Vision offers preventative eye care, comprehensive exams, and treatment for cataracts to make sure your eyes stay the best that they can be. Contact us today to set up your local eye care appointment.

The Complete Guide to Choosing an Eye Doctor: Everything to Know

A National Institutes of Health study has discovered that 94% of Americans above the age of twelve have good vision. However, that same study found that the remaining 14 million people have visual impairments. Millions of those have uncorrected impairments, like nearsightedness.

Maybe you face one of these visual impairments and want to seek treatment. If so, the first step is choosing an eye doctor.

Eye doctors are the experts in improving eye health. They can diagnose your vision impairment and help you find the best treatments.

However, you may have many options for eye doctors in your area. So, how can you choose the best one to care for your vision?

Making this decision requires several considerations. We’ll outline these considerations to help you make the best decision!

Get a Referral Before Choosing an Eye Doctor

There are two primary types of eye doctors. First, there are optometrists. These professionals give eye exams, prescribe glasses and contacts, and treat eye conditions.

Second, there are ophthalmologists. These medical doctors specialize in more complex eye conditions, including surgery. Usually, the kind of eye doctor you’ll see is an optometrist.

Ideally, you can always ask your primary care physician for their recommendations. Doctors usually have relationships with at least one local optometrist. Once you describe your visual issues, the doctor can recommend an optometrist to assist you.

In extreme cases, a doctor may refer you directly to an ophthalmologist. However, this is a rare scenario.

Reading Patient Reviews

As the saying goes, there’s nothing wrong with getting a second opinion. Your doctor can identify an optometrist with the right skills to treat eye conditions. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean this optometrist is the best fit for your situation.

Several other factors contribute to making the best eye doctor. For example, does this optometrist treat their patients courteously? Do they explain things in a way you can understand?

Doctors may not know as much about this side of an optometrist. Fortunately, that eye doctor’s patients can answer these questions.

In fact, they’ve likely done so online! Like restaurants and stores, eye doctor clinics often have online reviews that you can read.

So, search the web to see what other patients say about this eye doctor. If the reviews seem favorable, move on to the next step!

Ensure They’re a Licensed Eye Doctor

This step is more of a formality, especially if you’ve received a doctor’s recommendation. However, it helps to know whether your optometrist has the necessary licensure to practice eye medicine.

As a minimum, eye doctors must have the following qualifications:

However, these aren’t the only factors to consider. Instead, research to determine whether these doctors have any black marks on their records.

Are there any malpractice claims against them? Have they ever undergone disciplinary actions because of a malpractice charge?

Also, investigate whether they’ve continued their education since beginning their practice. Does the doctor have additional certifications beyond the prerequisites? Have they received further training?

You can usually find the answers to these questions online. State boards often include this information.

Consider Your Eye Doctor’s Experience

Experience is a crucial qualification in the medical field. A young professional just out of medical school won’t have the hands-on experience that a seasoned eye doctor has.

This experience matters when treating such vital organs as your eyes. The last thing you want is to hear that the doctor doesn’t know what’s affecting your vision.

An inexperienced eye doctor could also misdiagnose your condition. Unfortunately, a misdiagnosis could have severe consequences later.

So, ask your eye doctor’s office what conditions they’ve treated in the past. Have they ever treated your specific eye condition?

Also, some states allow optometrists to perform limited eye procedures. One example of this is LASIK eye surgery.

If you need eye surgery, ask your eye doctor how many of them they’ve performed. Consider asking whether they’ve faced complications during an operation as well. Depending on your condition, you may have higher risk rates for complications.

Evaluate Customer Service

Another factor to consider is your optometrist’s customer service. Is it easy to schedule your eye doctor appointment? Or, does it seem impossible to reach their office?

Similarly, does the office staff treat you politely? Do they welcome questions and provide satisfactory answers?

Finally, how does your eye doctor treat you? Do they seem interested in getting to know you?

Eye doctors should treat you as an individual with personal needs and hopes. The best optometrists won’t see you as just another patient.

Another factor of customer service to consider is your health independence. Does this office make it easy for you to take control of your eye health?

To that end, it helps to learn if they use a patient portal system. Patient portals offer several services to improve your customer service.

For example, these portals include instant messaging systems so you can contact your optometrist directly. They often give you direct access to test results and other crucial medical information.

Do They Accept Your Insurance?

Another critical factor to consider is whether this office accepts your insurance. Otherwise, you could pay significantly more for your eye doctor services.

Also, consider whether your insurance covers the specific eye doctor services you require. For example, some insurance policies may not cover LASIK eye surgery. If so, consider how you can pay for these services.

Schedule an Appointment

These considerations make choosing an eye doctor manageable. All that’s left is to put them to the test. Use this information to find the best optometrist near you!

If you live in Cedar Park, Texas, the results could lead you to us! Our optometrists have practiced medicine for several years. We have the experience you need when searching for the best eye treatment.

If you’re ready to take the first step towards improving your vision, don’t hesitate! Schedule an appointment with us today.

Ease Screen Time Eye Strain with Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Between phones, computers, and TVs the average American spends over 7 hours looking at a screen each day. This means that they also spend over 7 hours straining their eyes with blue light. This can have some negative effects, as large quantities of blue light are not good for your eyes.

So, how can you address this issue, expose yourself to less blue light, and reduce eye strain? Blue light blocking glasses may be the perfect solution for a variety of different situations. Let’s find out more about them right here.

The Harm of Blue Light

Before diving into how to prevent blue light exposure, it is important to understand why blue light is harmful.

Blue light is light emitted on the most powerful end of the visual spectrum of light. If the light were any more powerful, it would be ultraviolet light. As most know the dangers of ultraviolet light, it isn’t hard to see why being constantly exposed to blue light can pose a risk.

Blue light also has a penetrating effect. While your eye filters out some of the harmful sections of the electromagnetic spectrum, it still needs to let in visible light. Since blue light is a form of visible light, it can reach your entire eye.

However, it isn’t clear the full impact of blue light danger. Because it has only recently caught the attention of researchers, there haven’t been many exhaustive studies. Unfortunately, several of the studies that have been completed indicate that blue light contributes to eye strain.

What is definitively known is that blue light exposure disrupts sleep. Blue light is one of your body’s natural signals to stay awake. The sun emits blue light so, to your body, the presence of blue light indicates that it is still daylight out and, thus, you should be awake.

This is why exposure to blue light at night can disrupt sleep. Parts of your brain think the sun is out and keep you up because of this.

Reducing Blue Light Exposure

The simplest and most effective way to reduce blue light exposure is to reduce your exposure to screens. This essentially cuts the problem out at the source, which helps out overall.

Unfortunately, for many people, this simply isn’t possible. Jobs and school often require one to stare at a computer or phone for hours at a time. Especially today, it is hard to stay away from the digital world and escape these commitments.

Even leisure time is a risk. After a long day at work, most people just want to relax in front of the TV. However, the TV is a large source of blue light.

There are even places where screens exist where they didn’t exist previously. Now, refrigerators, alarm clocks, and digital assistants have screens.

The prevalence of screens makes it hard to walk away from blue light. This is where blue light glasses can help.

Blue Light Non-Perscription Glasses

One of the best ways to block blue light on a regular basis is to wear glasses that specifically block blue light. These glasses can be used any time you want. However, they should especially be used when you are exposing yourself to a screen for an extended period of time.

Blue light blocking glasses are an option even for people who do not normally wear glasses. They function like sunglasses, in that they do not change the way you see but filter out some of the light.

With a pair of these glasses, while working on the computer, you can wear them and reduce your blue light intake. If you don’t already wear glasses, this may take some getting used to. However, the health benefits may be worth the mild discomfort.

Reading glasses are another option. If you already use readers, you can find a pair that has been treated to address blue light. Then, you can do activities that already require readers, like looking at your phone or computer, without exposing yourself to excess levels of blue light.

Blue Light Prescription Glasses

If you already wear glasses, making the switch over to blue light glasses is even easier. The next time you purchase new glasses, you simply need to add a blue light treatment to the lenses. In most cases, this will not be a problem.

The benefit of these glasses is that they can be used constantly. Most people do not like to walk around with reading glasses on. Plus, people who don’t normally wear glasses may forget to put their glasses on when sitting down to watch TV.

However, most people who already wear glasses wear them all the time. This eliminates many common places where you would be exposed to blue light. Whether you are sitting at your computer or watching TV, your eyes are under cover.

It also helps in situations where blue light is unexpected. As mentioned above, there are more screens in the world now than there ever were before. Keeping your blue light glasses on all the time helps prevent exposure even where you least expect it.

Reducing Eye Strain With Blue Light Glasses

A pair of blue light glasses is a simple way to take care of yourself. They can help reduce eye strain and provide you with a better night’s sleep. Anyone who is around screens for extended periods of time should consider making a change like this.

If you are interested in getting new glasses, contact Cedar Park Vision today!

Trouble Seeing? 9 Common Signs You Need New Glasses

Did you know the eyewear industry was valued as a $110 billion dollar industry in 2020?

People spend a lot of money on eyeglasses, but how often do you need to upgrade your eyewear?

By understanding the signs your glasses are getting old, you can determine when it’s time to invest in a new pair. On average, you should replace your glasses every one to three years.

Continue reading to learn the 9 common signs you need new glasses.

1. Trouble Reading

For many of us, trouble reading was the first sign we needed glasses. If you have to hold text far away from your face in order to see it, you should invest in a new pair of glasses.

This is also true if you adjust your screen settings a lot. You should be able to comfortably read text on your screens. If you find yourself fiddling with your settings, your eyes may be the problem.

2. Squinting

You should not have to squint in order to see well. Many people realize they are squinting when they look at computer screens, presentations, or read books.

Squinting is a primary cause of eye strain, which is more specifically digital eye strain for many of us.

Upgrading your glasses will often fix your squinting. Especially if you work on a computer, investing in glasses that also block blue light is a great way to improve your overall eye health.

3. Blurry Vision

Blurry vision is a typical sign that you need new eyeglasses. When you visit your eye doctor, your eyes are tested to determine if your prescription has changed at all.

When your eyes have changed a noticeable amount, your old prescription will likely look more blurry. Using a prescription that is too weak causes squinting and eye strain, which can make your vision worse over time.

Instead of trying to stick it out with your old prescription, it may improve your overall eye health to wear a new prescription.

4. Eye Fatigue

Though eye fatigue is often a symptom of poor eye health and sleep, it may also be an indication that you need new glasses.

Eye fatigue often comes with blurry vision or squinting, but it is sometimes experienced by itself. Eye fatigue is that feeling of heaviness you experience in your eyelids.

This is often a symptom of poor sleep quality as well, but it is not always associated with tiredness.

5. Feelings of Nausea

Feelings of nausea or even double vision can sometimes go hand-in-hand and are not symptoms to ignore. Nausea often comes when your eyes have different prescriptions.

Sometimes your difference in eye prescriptions can change at a different rate from one another. When this happens, your brain has to adjust to the difference, and this can cause symptoms of nausea.

Double vision can also cause nausea sometimes, and it also means you likely need a new pair of glasses. A visit to the eye doctor will help diagnose what is causing your nausea or double vision and determine a proper solution.

6. Headaches

Recurring headaches are often linked to a change in vision. Unfortunately, it takes time to associate recurring headaches with your eyes. There are also a number of ways glasses may cause headaches.

Your prescription is often the cause of headaches, but your glasses fit can also be the culprit. When your glasses are too small, too large, or pull on your ears, this can cause the muscles in your head to strain.

If you ever feel like you cannot relax your ears or face, your glasses may be the cause, and this may relate to your headaches.

Your eye doctor should adjust your glasses for proper fit to ensure this is not happening, but you may also return to your eye doctor to have your glasses adjusted.

7. Pick a New Style

Sometimes, you need to shake things up. Whether that is for a new career or a change of pace, new glasses can help you transition and improve your self-confidence.

There are so many types of glasses that can leave you feeling more confident or rocking a new style.

Whether it is a new daily wearer or protective summer sunglasses, a new style can be fun and exciting. Variety is the spice of life, after all.

8. Old Glasses

Eyeglass technology changes often, like your smartphone or computer technology.

In recent years, there have been many breakthroughs that make modern glasses much better for your eyes than older pairs.

If your job demands a lot of screentime, there is modern blue-light blocking technology that is infused into eyeglasses, which can improve your eye health.

Anti-reflective coatings and UV blockers are all special technologies that are rapidly improving. If your glasses are more than a couple of years old, this may be a sign to treat yourself to an upgrade.

9. Damaged Eyeglasses

Damages in your eyeglass frames or lenses are quick signs that you should upgrade soon.

We have all laid on a pair of glasses and broken off the temples. Taping your eyeglasses back together may satisfy you, but it is important to have glasses that fit properly because your eyes will strain less.

Major glass scratches are also signs to upgrade. These interfere with your vision, causing eye strain and fatigue.

Your protective coatings can also begin to chip off your glasses, which is another sign to upgrade. This often interferes with your vision and can be a safety concern.

If You Have Any of These Signs You Need New Glasses, Visit Us Today

These are many of the signs you need new glasses. Though often a personal preference, it is also great for your health to make a routine upgrade. This reduces eye strain, which is one of the best ways to care for your eyes.

If you suspect you may need new glasses, take a look at the selection during your next checkup.

Contact Cedar Park Vision to select a great new pair of glasses.

8 Common Eye Injuries and How to Deal With Them

You might think that eye injuries are rare. However, did you know that 200,000 workers in the US end up with work-related eye injuries every day?

Of which one-third require visitation to the emergency center. Meanwhile, more than 100 of these eye injuries result in a few days off work for these workers.

Indeed, what may look distinct can be a common thing when you take a close look at it. For threatening cases such as eye injuries, Thus, enough knowledge is in order. Read on to find out the most common eye injuries and how to best treat them!

1. Corneal Abrasion

A corneal abrasion occurs when you’re poked in the eye by scratching the surface. It can also be that there’s a foreign body present on your eye’s surface.

Corneal abrasions cause eye soreness and redness. It can also lead to severe light sensitivity. Abrasions in your eyes also make you more susceptible to fungus or bacteria.

Bacteria and fungus can penetrate your eye through scratch. This can result in graver harm within the next 24 hours. In some cases, contaminated eye abrasions can lead to blindness.

Hence, when something scratched your eye, don’t rub or attempt to patch it. Note that bacteria love growing in warm and dark areas. So putting a patch on the scratch will surely provide the ideal growing environment.

Instead, use an eye shield or loose tape a paper cup on the scratched eye. Immediately see a doctor and get this check out. For minor corneal abrasions, your doctor will at most give you an antibacterial drop.

2. Traumatic Iritis

Iris is the colored part of the eye that controls the amount of light that enters our eyes. When the iris receives a traumatic blow, such as when you get punched, or a ball hits you, it’ll inflame. When left untreated, it can lead to glaucoma, diminishing your vision.

Eye injuries such as traumatic iritis need professional help. Treatment includes prescription medication in the form of a pill, eye drops, or both.

3. Eye Trauma

Aside from corneal abrasions, eye trauma is one of the most common eye injuries worldwide. The majority of eye trauma cases fall under sports injuries or result from getting into fights. Like traumatic iris, eye trauma occurs when your eyes receive a direct blow.

Such a blow can cause severe eye pain, eye movement difficulties, or eye bleeding. Placing an ice pack on the injured eye is a necessary eye injury first aid treatment for such cases. However, it’s always best to visit a doctor afterward to ensure that there are no further damages.

4. Chemical Burns

Chemicals have acid and alkali in them, which can cause serious eye injuries. Acid, for one, can cause serious eye burn and redness. Meanwhile, alkali can damage both the external and internal eye structures.

Chemical eye injuries are a result of getting splashed by chemical substances. Chemicals may also transfer to your eyes when you rub them. In some cases, spraying liquid chemicals, especially near the eyes, may lead to a chemical eye injury.

Treatment for this eye injury depends on the severity of the compound. If you’re dealing with a subtle substance such as a soap or lotion, running water through the injured eye is enough. An immediate visit to the doctor is a must when the chemical substance involved is dangerous.

5. Eye Bleeding

Eye bleeding results from blood leaking from one or more breaks in the blood vessels located between the white part of the eye and its clear covering. Eye bleeding can be observable to a small part of your eyes or extend to the entire eye.

While this eye injury may look serious, the degree of its severity isn’t related to its appearance. Thus, don’t panic and proceed to schedule an appointment with your doctor to learn more about the injury.

In most cases, eye bleeding occurs spontaneously, and its causes are never found. The good thing is that this eye injury is painless. Often, they clear the way on their own after a few weeks from its appearance.

6. Hyphema and Orbital Blowout Fractures

Hyphema results from bleeding in the anterior chamber of the eyes. As blood flows into the eyes, the pressure quickly builds up, causing the eyelid to swell and the eye itself to turn red. When left untreated, hyphema can lead to permanent vision loss.

Meanwhile, orbital blowout fractures are breaks in the facial bones orbiting and supporting the eye. These eye injuries are commonly caused by blunt force trauma in the face. There is no better treatment for these eye injuries than an immediate visit to your local eye doctor.

7. Corneal Flash Burn

A corneal flash burn is a type of eye injury caused by light. This eye injury is like a sunburn but in the eyes. This is commonly caused by ultraviolet lights such as those found in tanning booths, the sun reflected by snow at higher altitudes where UV lights are intense, or welding arcs.

Treatments for eye injuries like this include use of dilating drops and medications. It also helps to cold compress the eyes to help decrease inflammation and soreness.

Meanwhile, antibiotic ointments are to prevent eye infections. Hence, don’t hesitate to visit your eye doctor to treat your corneal flash burn.

8. Foreign Objects in the Eye

Foreign objects getting into your eyes is one of the most common eye injuries today. Foreign bodies generally refer to objects made from glass, metal, wood, and the like. Whatever the case may be, you need an urgent visit to the emergency doctor.

Note that attempting to remove the foreign object yourself will do more harm than good. Thus, when a foreign object is penetrating any part of your eye, call someone who can assist you. After the visit to the emergency room, always follow up with an ophthalmologist for a more comprehensive eye care treatment.

Professional Handling of Eye Injuries by Warm Hands

While most common eye injuries result from spontaneous events, it doesn’t mean that they’re completely unavoidable. One preventive measure that you can take includes wearing protective glasses when operating power tools.

Injured your eye and currently looking for the best source of eye care provider? Perhaps you’re looking to buy new sunglasses?

Whatever it is, Cedar Park Vision is the eye health care provider you’re looking for! So visit or contact us today and experience the warmth our professional’s caring hands can provide you.

7 Foods You Can Eat to Improve Eye Health

A carrot a day keeps the eye doctor away, or so the story goes. We’ve all been told that certain foods can sharpen our vision or improve eye health—but is there any truth to that common wisdom?

If you’re wondering whether packing the right foods onto your plate can help your eyes, we’re here to help. Let’s take a look at how healthy eating can improve your ocular health, as well as a quick list of the best foods you can add to your daily diet.

Can You Really Improve Eye Health With the Right Foods?

Let’s get one thing out of the way: eating the right foods won’t help you correct refractive errors in your eyesight. All the carrots in the world can’t help you reverse nearsightedness or astigmatism, nor can they give you 20/20 vision without your glasses or contacts.

However, certain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients play a vital role in our eye health, meaning that they can improve our eyes in other ways. The right nutrients can help with everything from dry eyes to protection from conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Getting a rainbow of the healthy foods below onto your plate can help care for your eyes from the inside out!

1. Fish

Omega-3s have become a buzzword in the world of nutrition in recent years, and for good reason. These essential fatty acids are a part of every cell membrane throughout your body, meaning that they play a significant role in your overall health.

When it comes to eye care, omega-3s can help in a few key ways. First, they can protect your eyes from conditions like glaucoma or AMD. They can also help you avoid dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction.

Note that you can get both types of necessary fatty acids—DHA and EPA—from fatty fish like tuna, salmon, and trout, although some fish are healthier than others. If you don’t eat seafood on a regular basis, a nutritional supplement can help as well.

2. Eggs

It’s hard to beat the number of nutrients packed in a simple egg. Boasting zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin, as well as vitamins A, C, and E, they’re a great resource when it comes to better eye health. Even better, the presence of zinc can help your body better use the lutein and zeaxanthin!

3. Beans and Legumes

If you’d rather turn to vegetarian food sources, beans and legumes should already be a staple of your diet—and for good reason. These low-fat, high-fiber foods have been shown to help with conditions like AMD while sharpening your night vision.

Certain beans are also high in zinc, which plays a key role in maintaining your normal ocular function. For the most eye-friendly options, look to chickpeas, black beans, and lentils, the last of which are among the healthiest options thanks to their high fiber content and low saturated fat.

4. Orange-Colored Fruits and Vegetables

You might be surprised to know that there’s a kernel of truth in the common wisdom about carrots helping your eyesight!

This is because foods like carrots, cantaloupe, mangoes, and apricots are high in beta-carotene, which is a type of vitamin A. This crucial vitamin can help with night vision, sharpening your ability to see in the dark.

If you’re trying to eat more foods that are rich in vitamin A, it’s worth noting that sweet potatoes have even more beta-carotene than carrots do! They also have half of your daily recommended vitamin C as well as a healthy dose of vitamin E.

5. Leafy Greens

Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens are rich in the essential vitamins your eyes need, including vitamins C and E. In addition, they’re packed with both lutein and zeaxanthin, important carotenoids that can help lower your risk of conditions like AMD and cataracts. This combination of antioxidants can help protect your eyes from free radicals that can attack their cells.

If leafy greens aren’t your thing, other green veggies like broccoli, brussels sprouts, avocado, and peas also offer these antioxidants.

6. Nuts and Seeds

No matter which kinds of nuts you love, from almonds to walnuts, chowing down can help you get essential fiber, protein, and—most importantly—fatty acids. Some nuts, like hazelnuts and almonds, are richer in antioxidants like vitamin E than others. The same is also true of seeds like sunflower seeds, which are also a great source of zinc.

7. Citrus Fruits and Berries

Vitamin C is a crucial nutrient when it comes to eye health, as it can slow the progression of visual acuity loss as you age, and it can even lower your risk of developing cataracts. Some of the best natural resources of this antioxidant are citrus fruits and berries.

To pack in the vitamin C, look for oranges, grapefruits, and lemons, as well as blueberries and strawberries.

Rethink Your Meals for Better Eye Health

At the end of the day, your diet can help you protect and improve eye health for the long run—as long as you’re putting the right foods onto your plate! The vitamin- and nutrient-rich foods on this list are a great way to make sure you’re giving your eyes the health boost they deserve. In addition to a healthy eye care routine, they can ensure that your eyes stay healthy for longer, and they can even contribute to your overall wellness!

As you work to protect your eyesight, don’t forget that our team is here to help. At Cedar Park Vision, we’re here to offer state-of-the-art eye care treatment and comprehensive services to maintain your vision. Reach out to us for an appointment to get more personalized insights on how to care for your eyes!

How to Improve Your Eye Care Routine

Are you looking after your eyesight?

Our eyesight is one of the things that we take for granted the most when it comes to our health. But around 76% of Americans need vision correction. It’s not enough to go to the opticians once a year, you have to do your part at home too. But it isn’t easy with a busy schedule and a family to look after.

Don’t worry, we can help make it simpler! Keep reading for our guide on how to improve your eye care routine to keep your eyesight clear.

Don’t Skip Your Annual Eye Check-Up

One of the best tips for eye care we can give you is to go to your annual check-ups. They are for everyone, not only those with vision impairments already. It’s the best way to keep on top of your eye health and spot any changes.

During the exam, the doctor will ask about your medical history of genetic illnesses. They will also assess your current level of vision, and whether you need glasses or not. They will also run a few simple tests to look for diseases and illnesses like glaucoma.

Other things they look for include:

All can harm your health and point towards larger issues. Early discovery and treatment are key to keeping your eyes healthy. If needed, your doctor can refer you for specialist surgeries and care.

Keep Your Prescription Up to Date

Another important tip for your eye health is keeping your prescription up to date. If your vision changes, you could make things worse if you don’t honor that new prescription.

By changing your lenses when told to, you will give your eyes less strain. This is especially important if you’ve been noticing spotty vision or getting headaches. Not having the right prescription can lead to migraines too, which can be debilitating.

Let Your Eyes Have a Break

If you’re working in an office, you likely spend 7+ hours a day staring at your computer all day. On top of this, you likely have a smartphone, or like to watch tv when you get home.

Looking at monitors and screens for long periods of time can strain your eyes and cause other issues. To improve your eyesight, make sure you’re giving your eyes a break.

This is especially the case if you get eye pain, headaches, or sensitivity to screen light. Taking a break is simple, take a bathroom break, go for a short walk or grab a drink.

Keep a Lifestyle That’s Healthy

If you want to improve eyesight and eye health, improve your lifestyle. Not only does being healthy help your eyes, but it also helps your whole body.

Focus on getting enough exercise and improving your mental health to start with. This is where your annual physical exam is important, to get an overview of your current state of health.

During your physical, the doctor checks your blood pressure, vitals, and your weight. This will give you a starting point for improvements you can make under their direction.

Not all eye diseases start at the eyes. For example, keeping a healthy body can help prevent illnesses like glaucoma. Getting healthy doesn’t have to be a chore anymore either. With plenty of delicious recipes out there, and fun activities to get stuck into, it’s easier than ever.

Protect Your Eyes

During the summer months the sun is hotter, brighter and can cause us more harm. This is why wearing sunglasses and hats is essential. These are the two best ways to protect your eyes from damage.

When you’re choosing sunglasses, make sure they block close to 100% UVB and UVA radiation. You also want to keep a hat in your car or purse so you have easy access to it while out and about.

If you wear glasses, invest in a good pair of prescription sunglasses. The right ones can help take the strain off your eyes while out enjoying the hot, sunny days.

Also, if you work in a job with harsh chemicals or debris, make sure you use the right protective glasses. It’s important you keep your eyes safe in the workplace, as accidents can lead to damage. In the worse case, this can result in permanent blindness.

Clean Your Case and Contact Lenses

If you wear contacts instead of glasses, this is an essential tip. Make sure you always wash your hands before touching your eyes or lenses. This reduces the chance of germs getting into your eyes.

Make sure you’re using new solution and you wash your contact case each day too. This is also vital for keeping out any nasty bacteria. If you see rips or dirt, replace the lenses immediately. This will reduce the chance of tears, painful eyes, and infections.

Know Your Family’s Eye Health History

There are over 350 eye diseases that can pass down in the family. This includes glaucoma, night blindness, and color blindness. Make sure you talk with your family to find out if anyone has eye issues.

This way, you will learn what hereditary diseases might have a chance to affect you in the future. The more you know, the better prepared you can be. Your doctor can also help guide you on the right eye care routine to try to prevent these issues from occurring.

So, once you know about your family’s eye health, make sure you tell your eye doctor. Your annual eye check-up is the perfect chance to ask any questions you might have.

Get the Right Amount of Sleep

Going to sleep at a time that gives you a full night’s rest will help your eyes rest too. They’ll feel less dry and strained, and you will have less of that “heavy-lidded” feeling in the morning.

For adults ranging between 18-64 years of age, you should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep a night. If you achieve this not only will your eye thank you, but your body too. You’ll have better concentration and feel ready to face a new day.

Eye Care Tips You Won’t Want to Miss

So, there you have it! Now you know these top eye care tips you’re well on the way to better eye health.

It’s important that you take care of your body, not only your eyes. This is because some eye diseases start with poor diets and sedentary lifestyles. Make sure if you use screens a lot, you give your eyes a break too. Keep up with annual check-ups and always wash your hands before touching your face and eye area.

If you found this article helpful, check out our blog for more. At Cedar Park Vision, we have advice and tips to help with all your eye health needs.

The Key to 20/20 Vision: 5 Best Vitamins for Eye Health

Do you want to improve your vision?

A lot of things can cause damage to your eyesight, like accidents or age. But today we want to talk about how you can protect your sight by following certain vitamins that can keep your eyes in tip-top shape.

The five best vitamins for eye health are Vitamin A, C, E, Zinc, and Lutein. They can help with night blindness and macular degeneration.

Keep reading to learn more about these five vitamins.

Why is Eye Health Important?

Your eyes are one of the most important organs in your body. They allow you to see the world around you and perform many everyday tasks.

It’s no wonder that eye health is so important! Not only do we use our eyes for common activities like reading and driving, but they’re also essential for more complex tasks such as sports and work.

Plus, good vision is key to a healthy lifestyle. When our eyesight starts to decline, we can experience problems with balance and coordination. This can make it difficult to do things like climb stairs or get around in general.

That’s why it’s important to take care of your eyes by eating a healthy diet and following the best vitamins for eye health.

1. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is important because it can help improve your eyesight and reduce the risk of going blind.

It’s also a great antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage, including those in your eyes. Vitamin A, or retinol, is found in a variety of sources, such as liver and dairy products. You can also get it from fruits and vegetables that are orange or yellow.

How Do I Get More Vitamin A?

Eat more carrots! Carrots are one of the best sources of vitamin A, containing up to 400% of your recommended daily allowance.

Sweet potatoes are also a good source. You can also find retinol in cantaloupe, kale, dark leafy greens, and other types of produce.

Some foods get fortified with vitamin A, including yogurt and cereal.

Vitamin A is essential for proper eye health. It helps improve vision by keeping your cornea healthy and reducing dryness in the eyes. Vitamin A also protects your retinas from damage caused by UV rays or other types of light.

2. Vitamin C

Vitamins for eye health care like Vitamin C are a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your cells, including the ones in your eyes.

It’s also beneficial for keeping your blood vessels healthy, which is important for maintaining good vision. You can find vitamin C in citrus fruits, kale, and broccoli.

How Do I Get More Vitamin C?

You can get more vitamin C for eye health from oranges and similar types of fruit. They also make a nutritious snack when you’re on the go. Plus, if you have an orange or other citrus fruit with your meal at lunch or dinner, it may help your body absorb iron better.

Vitamin C is good for your eyes because it can help reduce dryness in your eyes caused by an imbalance of fluids. It also protects the cornea from damage, including that caused by excessive UV or bright light.

It’s especially helpful if you wear contact lenses since contact wearers are more prone to developing eye health problems like pink eye and other infections.

Vitamin C is also good for your entire body, promoting overall eye health and helping you fight illnesses.

3. Vitamin E

This antioxidant is great for eye health because it helps protect the cells of your eyes from free radicals.

Think of it as an “anti-rust” vitamin since it prevents oxidation damage to your cells. Vitamin E is also important for maintaining healthy blood vessels. You can find it in leafy green vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

How Do I Get More Vitamin E?

Nuts and seeds are among the best sources of vitamin E. You can also get it from wheat germ oil, which you can find in certain types of bread. Vegetable oils like canola oil contain some vitamin E, too.

You can also find it in avocados, mustard greens, and spinach.

Like other vitamins for eye health, vitamin E can help reduce the risk of developing age-related eye problems like cataracts and macular degeneration. It also helps protect your eyes against damage caused by UV light.

4. Zinc

Zinc is important for good vision because it helps the body to produce a protein called “opsin,” which is essential for seeing in low light.

It’s also helpful in repairing damage to the eye and keeping your eyes healthy. You can find zinc in beef, pork, and lamb, as well as nuts, legumes, and whole grains.

How Do I Get More Zinc?

Beef, pork, and lamb are all good sources of zinc. You can also find it in nuts, legumes, and whole grains. Some breakfast cereals get fortified with zinc, too.

Like other vitamins for eye health, zinc can help reduce the risk of developing age-related eye problems like cataracts and macular degeneration. It also helps protect your eyes against damage caused by UV light.

Zinc is important for overall eye health, not just vision. It helps keep your eyes healthy and functioning properly.

5. Lutein

Lutein is a nutrient that’s important for eye health because it helps to protect your eyes from harmful blue light. It also helps keep your eyes healthy by fighting inflammation. You can find lutein in foods like leafy greens, eggs, and oranges.

How Do I Get More Lutein?

Leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale are great sources of lutein. Eggs and oranges also contain this nutrient. You can get it from other types of fruit, too.

Like other vitamins for your eye health, lutein can help reduce the risk of developing age-related eye problems like cataracts and macular degeneration. It also helps protect your eyes against damage caused by UV light.

Lutein is important for more than just eye health; it’s good for your entire body, including the organs that make vision possible.

Why a Balanced Diet is Crucial for Your Eyes

A balanced diet is essential to keep your eyes healthy and maintain good eyesight. It provides necessary nutrients, including vitamin A, lutein, and zeaxanthin, to your eyes that are important to keep their health intact and prevent eye-related problems like muscular degeneration or cataracts.

When it comes to a diet good for the eyes, the first thing that comes to mind is vitamin A. It combines with a protein in the eye, opsin, to make rhodopsin, which helps us differentiate colors and see them in dim light.

It is also crucial to protect you from night blindness. Carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach are rich sources of vitamin A.

Besides, antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin that can be attained from green leafy vegetables are suitable for filtering harmful blue light and preventing muscular degeneration. Omega-3 fatty acids balance eye moisture, with salmon being a major source.

All these nutrients have different roles for your eye’s health and safeguard your eye from getting any disorders or complexities.

Natural Sources vs. Supplements: What’s Best for Your Eyes?

You might be thinking about the best source of nutrients that fulfill the requirement of healthy eyes. There are two ways to take these nutrients: natural means or supplements.

Natural food should always be your preferred option as there are a lot of nutrients in one fruit or vegetable.

Foods like kale, spinach, eggs, and orange peppers are packed with lutein and zeaxanthin, two powerful antioxidants that reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.

Fish, nuts, and seeds are wonderful sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which play a crucial role in keeping your eyes moist and helping to prevent dryness.

However, sometimes, people who do not have time to take care of their diet can choose extra supplements. In such cases, eye supplements can bridge the gap.

High-quality eye health supplements containing lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin A provide targeted support for your vision. These supplements can assist in preventing age-related eye issues.

After learning about both ways, the best approach is taking both diet and supplements together to meet the needs of your eyes. Take a diet that is good for your eyes while continuing your supplements to prevent eye-related problems.

Getting the Right Vitamins For Eye Health

As you can see from the above-mentioned list, eye health is important for more than just seeing. It’s important for your overall health and well-being.

Fortunately, you don’t have to do anything major to improve your eye health — just eat a nutritious diet rich in the right vitamins for eye health care. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables every day, especially those that contain vitamin C, E, Zinc, and lutein. You can also get these nutrients from other foods, too.

If you’re looking for other helpful tips around vitamins for eye health, call our expert team!