7 Warning Signs You Should See a Local Eye Doctor

Did you know that over 61% of the population needs some sort of vision correction? You or someone you know likely wears glasses, which is a common reason to visit an optometrist. What you might not be aware of is that there are a variety of other reasons why you might need to see a local eye doctor.

This guide will go over 7 warning signs that you shouldn’t ignore when it comes to your vision. If you notice any of them, it’s time to visit your local eye doctor.

Ready to learn more? Let’s get started.

1. Light Sensitivity

If you’re experiencing new sensitivity to light, it’s time to get it addressed. This usually accompanies some type of inflammation in the eye.

The issue could be with your cornea which is the thin transparent layer that covers your iris and pupil. It could also go deeper into the eye.

Whatever the problem might be, it’s something you’ll need to see your local optometrist for. Whatever the condition is that causes sensitivity could lead to scarring which can be permanent.

Although light sensitivity can also be caused by conditions unrelated to the eye, like a migraine headache, you don’t want to take any risks.

2. Difficulty Seeing at Night or While Driving

If you’re having trouble driving at night, it’s a good indicator that your vision may be starting to drop off. Everyone tends to have a harder time seeing something in the far distance or at night so if you’re already struggling, it will become more apparent during these situations.

The solution could be as simple as a new pair of glasses or it could mean that there is something problematic happening, like a cataract that’s beginning to form.

Night blindness may be a natural part of the aging process but you’ll want to get your vision checked in case it is cataracts. Cataracts can only be cured using surgery so be sure to get your eyes checked if driving at night becomes more difficult.

3. Eye Pain

Eye pain is never normal so if your eyes hurt, don’t wait to see if they improve. Severe eye pain could be caused by acute angle-closure glaucoma and it can make you go blind in a matter of days if not treated. Although this is an uncommon type of glaucoma, eye pain is one of the main symptoms.

Other causes of eye pain include irritation due to a foreign object, dry eyes, infection, headaches, or inflammation for many reasons. Even if your eye is slightly bothering you, there’s no harm in calling your eye doctor and seeing what they think.

4. Dry Eyes

Having dry eyes is a common condition, depending on where you live and who you are. For example, women are more likely than men to get dry eyes. Dry climates and certain medications can affect your eyes as well.

If your eyes tend to feel sore or like they’re full of little rocks, you can try lubricating eye drops from the pharmacy. Look for options without preservatives since they reduce the risk of eye irritation. If you don’t find relief within 1-2 days, it’s time to see an eye doctor.

5. Seeing Flashes or Spots

You may have noticed spots, sometimes called ‘floaters’, in your vision before. These can be normal but sometimes they are cause for concern. If you’re seeing flashes or spots, it could mean that your retina is torn, bleeding, or detached.

A damaged retina causes you to see little flashing lights or blobs floating in your vision. If this happens to you, you’ll need to call your eye doctor immediately.

It’s an easy condition to fix if you get it addressed quickly but the longer you wait, the more complicated it becomes to get it treated. A detached retina could lead to permanent vision loss. Any sudden onset of flashes of light, black spots in your vision, or a dark shadow in your field of vision should cause you to seek medical care.

6. Too Many Tears

Although it may not make much sense, your eyes watering too much could be a sign that you have dry eyes. Normal tear films require lots of different biochemical properties to be in perfect harmony. If they aren’t, you’ll either have dryness or your eyes will water too much.

You can have dry eye syndrome and still have tears coming down your face. Try using lubricating drops for 24 to 48 hours. If that doesn’t work, it’s time to give your local eye doctor a call.

7. Double Vision

Double vision can occur in either one eye or both eyes. It could be caused by dry eye, astigmatism, or keratoconus. There are also abnormalities in the retina, lens, cornea, nerves, or brain that cause double vision so be sure to make an appointment with your optometrist as soon as you notice.

Double vision caused by your eyes being unable to coordinate properly is called binocular double vision. This means seeing perfectly with each eye but seeing double when your eyes are at slightly different angles.

Warning Signs You Should See a Local Eye Doctor

When it comes to noticing any eye problems, time is of the essence. If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s time to visit your local eye doctor. Even if you don’t notice any of these signs, you should undergo an eye exam at least once every two years.

Any type of eye discomfort or pain can make it hard to function, it can also be an indicator of a more serious problem. You don’t want to risk a vision-impairing condition or infection so be sure to make an appointment with an eye doctor near you if there are any concerns.

Looking for the best eye doctor in Cedar Park, Texas? Look no further than Cedar Park vision. Be sure to contact us today to make an appointment.

Looking Smart and Sharp: How to Choose Glasses Frames

Glasses don’t have to be an afterthought that you avoid. You don’t have to choose the most basic pair to get out of the store quickly. In fact, glasses can be a key cornerstone of your personal style.

There are so many styles and colors for glasses available from vintage-inspired to sleek and chic. So no matter your style or face shape, there is a pair of glasses that will make you look spectacular.

Need some tips to choose glasses frames that will elevate your style without sacrificing eye care? Check out this guide that will make your glasses look like they were custom-made just for you.

First Consider Your Face Shape

The first step to finding the perfect pair of glasses is knowing your face shape. Your face shape is determined by your bone structure and muscles. And it can help you determine many stylistic choices, and eyeglasses are no different.

The five main face shapes are square, round, heart, triangular, and oval. To figure out your face shape, you’ll have to have a good look in the mirror.

Check out your jawline, the placement of your cheekbones, and your hairline to help determine your face shape. Here are examples of glasses styles that look best with each face shape.

Square

Square faces are all about the sharp angles. The cheekbones, forehead, and jaw all tend to be about the same width.

Add a little softness to square faces by opting for glasses with rounded features. Rounded, thinking frames will complement the angular features of your face.

Round

Round faces have softer angles. The cheekbones tend to be wider, while the forehead and jaw are about the same size.

If you have a round face, opt for glasses with angular shapes. Rectangular frames can add a sharpness that the face doesn’t naturally have. Thicker and bolder frames also add some angles.

Heart

Similar to the common shape, a heart face tapers in while remaining wider at the top. The forehead is the widest feature. The face slowly tapers in through the cheeks and ends in the most narrow area, the chin.

Heart-shaped faces are one of the most versatile of the shapes. For this shape, you want to balance and complement the features. Choose glasses frames that are wider than your forehead and rounded at the bottom.

Triangular

Do you have a strong jawline? If so, you probably have a triangular face. These faces feature a wider jawline compared to narrower cheeks and forehead.

Similar to heart faces, you want to compliment and balance your features. You’ll want frames that are heavier and draw more attention to the upper part of your face. Allow the lower half of your glasses to be lighter with rounder shapes.

Oval

The other most versatile face shape is oval because of the balance of features. These faces are widest at the cheekbones and narrow in at both the forehead and jaw.

Since this is a versatile face shape, your options for frame styles are near limitless because most will work with your features. But, as a rule of thumb, you should look for frames that are as wide as the widest part of your face.

Common Eyeglass Shapes

Now that you know the shape of your face and what shapes to look for, you should know the names of the most common eyeglass shapes.

Aviator

A favorite style for many, the aviators feature a teardrop-shaped lens inside sleek frames. It’s a great style for all genders and ages.

Browline

As the name suggests, these glasses highlight the natural brownie. The top portion is thicker and wider, while the bottoms have thin frames.

Cat Eye

This beloved stylistic pair piggybacks off the brownie frames. The tops feature wide, pointed edges and rounded bottoms.

Oval

Oval glasses are longer in width and rounded on the edges. These frames can soften angular faces.

Rectangle

Common for people who are new to glasses, the rectangles are wider than they are tall. They’re great for adding width to the face.

Round

Known for their circular lens shape, these have a little bit of a retro touch. They can come in a variety of sizes and frame roundness.

Square

One of the most basic styles, these glasses are as equally tall as they are wide. This style is best for round and oval faces.

Play with Color

Eyeglasses give you an opportunity to play around with your personal style. One of the best ways to do that is to experiment with color.

You always have the option to choose a neutral pair to wear in everyday situations. But since experts recommend having at least three pairs, you can get creative with your other two.

Classic colors like red, blue, and green can add a pop of color that fit well into most wardrobes. But if you’re looking for more of a stylistic choice, colors like yellow, pink, or even multicolored are a great choice.

If you aren’t sure where to start with color, try using your glasses to compliment your skin and hair tones. Look at your undertones and choose a shade that brings them out.

Universally Loved Glasses Styles

There are a few styles of glasses that look great on everyone. So if you need a good universal pair, here are some details to look for.

Black will always look sophisticated and tends to pair well with all skin tones. Similarly, tortoiseshell is also universally flattering because of the multicolor, but neutral look.

In terms of glasses shapes, round glasses tend to look great on all face shapes. Of course, it all comes down to what you love on your face. So choose your glasses frame with your preferences in mind.

Choose Glasses Frames Ideal for Your Face

Society makes people believe that glasses are not desirable or stylish. But the truth is, society is wrong! Eyeglasses present a unique opportunity to enhance and show off your personal style.

When you know what eyeglass shape best fits your face, you can choose a pair that flatters your features. And with the options of style and color, you can use this accessory to bring out your own personality.

Ready for an eye transformation? We’re excited to offer you the best eye care services to meet all of your optical needs. Book an appointment with one of our experts today!

A Guide to the Best Food to Improve Eye Health

Have you started experiencing eye strain lately? Maybe you squint every time you open a book or read a letter. You’re not alone.

In fact, about 12 million Americans over the age of 40 have vision impairment.

Your diet could have a major impact on your eye health. Otherwise, your eyes will only continue to degrade as time goes on.

Don’t let that happen. Instead, keep reading to discover the nine foods you need to improve your eye health. These healthy foods could keep your eyes strong, reducing your age-related eye health decline.

Make a major adjustment to your diet. Get started with this eye-healthy diet plan today.

1. Nuts and Legumes

As you develop your eye health diet plan, consider the vitamins and minerals your eyes need to remain strong. These vitamins include:

These five nutrients could reduce age-related eye health decline by as much as 25%.

You can add vitamin E to your diet by eating more nuts and legumes. Both could improve your vision as a result. In fact, nuts might protect your eyes from age-related deterioration.

Meanwhile, nuts, legumes, and oily fish all contain omega-3 fatty acids, too. Omega-3s might help treat dry eye disease (DED) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

As you develop your eye health diet plan, consider buying:

If you want to protect your retinas, consider lentils. Lentils are rich in zinc and bioflavonoids. They could protect you from cataracts and macular degeneration.

2. Seeds

You can also add omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E to your diet by consuming more seeds. In fact, you might want to consider mixing these seeds and the nuts above to create trail mix. The right blend could protect your eyes from macular degeneration.

For example, you can try eating more hemp, flax, and chia seeds.

If you’re not a fan of trail mix, that’s okay. Instead, sprinkle your favorite seeds on top of a bowl of yogurt. You can mix these seeds with your favorite cereals as well.

You might want to consider adding sunflower seeds to your diet plan, too. Sunflowers could prevent eye disease. They’ll keep your eyes healthy by providing zinc and vitamin E to your diet. 

3. Fish

As you review this list of eye-healthy foods, consider adding more fish to your diet as well. Fish contain omega-3 fatty acids. Other important nutrients that can benefit your eyes include:

Oily fish naturally contain oils within their body tissue and gut. Consuming these fish might help if you’re suffering from dry eyes.

If you’re not struggling with dry eyes yet, consider your lifestyle choices. For example, do you spend a lot of time in front of the computer? Oily fish can help keep your eyes hydrated, reducing irritation and eye strain.

Try different oily fish, including:

If you’re not a fan of fish, don’t worry! You can still add fish to your list of eye-healthy foods by taking omega-3 supplements.

You might want to consider flaxseed, fish, or back currant seed oil, too. These alternatives could help reduce your risk of macular degeneration.

4. Leafy Greens

Adding dark, leafy greens to your diet can benefit your overall health. Consider consuming more:

These foods are rich in zeaxanthin and lutein. These nutrients might slow the progression of macular degeneration and cataracts. These foods are also a great source of vitamin C.

Remember, vitamin C could benefit your eye health.

5. Citrus

Are you a fan of oranges and grapefruit? Consider eating these citrus fruits more often. Citrus is rich in vitamin C, which is great for your vision.

You can eat these fruits as a snack or soak them in water. Eating more citrus fruit might help fight age-related eye damage. They could reduce your risk of macular degeneration and cataracts, too.

Otherwise, try adding more berries to your diet. Berries are rich in antioxidants, which can help your body fight oxidative damage. 

6. Sweet Potato

Push aside that plate of French fries. Instead, consider eating more sweet potatoes. You can even cut them into fries as a great side dish.

Sweet potatoes are rich in beta carotene and vitamin E. Both could improve your vision.

7. Carrot

Everyone always says carrots are great for the eyes. They contain beta carotene and vitamin A. In fact, beta carotene is what gives oranges their color.

Vitamin A is necessary to create rhodopsin. This protein helps the retinas absorb light.

If you’re still concerned about your eyes, talk to your local eye doctor. They could give you lifestyle and nutrition advice for improving your eye health.

8. Eggs

Don’t forget to add protein to your diet plan. Consider consuming more eggs. Eggs contain both lutein and zeaxanthin. These nutrients could reduce your risk of age-related eyesight loss.

Here’s a complete list of the best nutrients for your eyes.

They’re also rich in zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin E, which can all play a part in your eye health.

Consider mixing two eggs with a little spinach or sweet potato. Have half an orange on the side as well for an eye-healthy breakfast.

9. Beef

Beef is another great source of eye-healthy protein, too. Eating more beef will provide your body with the zinc it needs. Zinc can benefit your long-term eye health.

It might help reduce your age-related sight loss. It could reduce macular degeneration, too.

Eye Spy Delicious Dishes: 9 Foods for Improved Eye Health

Don’t let eyestrain impact your quality of life. Instead, consider adding these nine foods to your diet plan. These foods could benefit your eye health, reducing your risk of degeneration and cataracts.

Otherwise, make sure to schedule an appointment with your local eye doctor. They can help you make informed decisions regarding your eyesight.

Ready to schedule your next appointment? We can’t wait to see you.

Contact us today to get started.

Summer Sun: How to Choose Stylish & Safe Sunglasses

The global eyewear market, including sunglasses, contacts, spectacles, and more, is estimated to top the value of USD $258.63 billion by 2027. That’s up from USD $138.7 billion in 2019.

It makes sense that this industry is booming alongside our growing knowledge of how direct, unfiltered sunlight can affect our eyes and vision. Seeing as (pardon the pun) they are one of our most treasured senses, you’re going to want to protect them as best you can.

Lucky for you, nowadays, protection is fashionable. This means you don’t have to sacrifice style to get safe sunglasses. Read this ultimate guide for tips on how to pick the best pair for this upcoming summer!

Safe Sunglasses, First

Although you want your summer sunglasses to look good, your primary concern should be whether or not they’re actually performing the way they’re supposed to. Otherwise, all they’re doing is hiding your eyes, not protecting them.

UV Rating

Go for 100% UVA and UVB protection. Most sunglasses have a little sticker on the lens or arm that advertises the level of protection they provide. These labels typically say either “100% UV protection” or “UV400”.

Apparently, almost 50% of sunglasses buyers don’t check the UV ratings before purchasing. That’s an official statistic from the American Academy of Opthalmology! If you’re buying sunglasses, you may as well ensure you’re getting quality protection for your money.

Bigger Is Better

When it comes to actual facial coverage, you’re going to want to choose lenses that go from eyebrow to cheekbone. Bigger lenses provide more protection and less chance of light leaking around the edges. Oversized and wraparound styles are good for full coverage.

Dark vs. Light

You might think that a darker lens equals more UV protection. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. In fact, darker lenses without proper defense against UV light can cause more damage to your eyes.

This is because dark lenses allow your pupils to open fully which could result in the absorption of more UV rays instead of less. Stick with the medium to light variety with 100% UV protection.

Cost

Ultimately, cost shouldn’t play a role in your decision to safeguard your vision. Trying to fix it down the road can be a whole lot more expensive. That being said, we can’t all afford $2000 dollar sunglasses.

To give you an idea of cost vs. quality, those cheap plastic ones you’ve seen at the dollar store filter out about 40% of UV light. That means you should be able to find a fully protective pair for under $100. Some even go for under $50. Just look for that sticker!

Driving Considerations

As a society always on the go, we spend a lot of time in cars. When it comes to choosing safe sunglasses for driving, you’re going to want to keep a few extra things in mind.

Style

Choosing the right sunglasses for driving is all about avoiding any styles that can obstruct your vision. Those popular oversized lenses and chunky varieties can cut into your peripherals and cause a safety hazard while you’re on the road. Some better choices are wrap-around and thin-framed sunglasses.

Lens Hue

Color matters! Lenses of certain shades can actually alter the way color is interpreted by your eyes. Some research has shown that pink, blue, and green lenses should not be worn while driving because they can actually make it hard to see red lights.

Go for grey or brown lenses. Another good option can be amber-toned sunglasses which are specifically designed to enhance contrast and definition.

Tinting

Tint density is rated on a scale of 0 (clear),  to 4 (very dark) and is the number one determining factor in how much light reaches your eyes. Class 4, for instance, should never be worn while driving.

Special Features

You can also find some sunglasses with extra features. These include:

At the end of the day, it might not be a bad idea to have one pair of fashionable shades for leisure, and one driving pair. Leave the latter in your car so you don’t misplace them.

Stylish Sunglasses

Now that safety has been covered, let’s move on to the fun part. Although, it could be argued that safe eyes are healthy eyes which are also fun eyes, but you know that.

To Complement Your Face

Did you know that when it comes to sunglasses (and glasses in general), different styles suit different face shapes? Here’s a quick guide to choosing the right style for you.

There are so many choices when it comes to finding stylish sunglasses. While out shopping, try on a few in the mirror and see if our suggestions are on point!

Outdoor Styles

Certain sunglasses lend themselves to outdoor activities better than others. While fishing, for example, you may want to wear polarised shades to increase visibility by reducing any glare from the water.

Snowboarders would also benefit from polarised lenses due to the highly reflective nature of snow. In addition, wraparounds would help keep peripherals clear while preventing snow and wind from getting in your eyes.

If you’re an avid biker, you’ll want sunglasses that offer protection from the elements and bugs as well as the sun. Baseball players would benefit from durable, high-contrast lenses so that the ball is easier to see.

Each style can be matched to a certain outdoor activity. Kind of like goggles for swimmers.

Keep Your Eyes Open

Now that you’ve gotten the full download on how to choose stylish and safe sunglasses, we’re sure you’ll have no problem finding the right pair for you.

If you’re interested in going a step further and discovering how well you’ve been protecting your eyes, contact us to book a complete eye health exam today!

A Clear Look at the Best Nutrients for Eye Health

It’s important to maintain healthy eyes if you want to keep your vision clear for as long as possible. Did you know that what you eat and the vitamins and nutrients that you take are directly related to your vision and eye health? 

You might be doing your eyes a disservice if you aren’t maintaining good nutrition! 

We’re here to talk about some of the best nutrients for eye health. You can get some in your food, while others are best taken as supplements (especially if you have dietary restrictions). 

Let’s discuss what to eat for eye health. 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is recommended for plenty of different health issues, but did you know that it’s good for your ocular health? 

Your eyes (especially your retinas) contain a high amount of fatty acids (we’ll discuss those more in a later section, don’t worry). Vitamin E protects fatty acids from oxidation. 

Some studies have speculated that vitamin E can help prevent future cataracts, though the evidence is unclear. 

If you’re deficient in vitamin E, you may suffer from blindness or retinal degeneration. That said, many people get more than enough vitamin E in their diets to prevent this problem.  

Vitamin E comes from plant sources. Even if you don’t get enough fruits and vegetables, you may still get enough vitamin E from plant-based oils, nuts and nut butters, and seeds.

Leafy greens, bell peppers, pumpkins, mangos, and avocados also have good amounts of vitamin E. In other words, as long as you get enough plants in your diet, you’ll be fine. Otherwise, try a supplement. 

Zinc

Zinc functions as an antioxidant and your eyes contain plenty of it. It’s suspected to help with the development of pigments in your retina. Without these pigments, you’re at risk of night blindness. 

It may slow the progression of macular degeneration, though this isn’t certain. 

Again, many people get enough zinc from their diets, but many over-the-counter multivitamins also contain adequate zinc. 

Food sources include red and white meat, nuts, seeds, beans, dairy products, and seafood. Oysters contain more zinc than any other food (with 605% of the daily recommended intake!).

Because many of the best zinc sources are meat and dairy, vegans and vegetarians may have trouble getting enough zinc in their diets. They should try zinc supplements as well as fortified cereals. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are good for your skin, your brain, and your overall functions. Did you know that they’re also good for your eyes? 

Taking enough omega-3 fatty acids can help with chronic dry eye, and may help to prevent ocular diseases. People who suffer from diabetes-related eye health problems may improve with omega-3 supplementation, and it may reduce the risks of diabetic retinopathy. 

This importance starts from infancy (meaning that you should make sure that your children get enough omega-3 fatty acids in their diets early on). It helps the eyes develop. A lack of DHA from omega-3 fatty acids results in a greater chance of impaired vision. 

As an adult, omega-3 fatty acids still help you maintain your vision. These fatty acids are present in high amounts in your retinas. 

Omega-3 fatty acids are mostly sourced from seafood like mackerel, oysters, and anchovies. All fatty fish are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. 

This presents a problem for vegetarians and vegans. Flax seeds and chia seeds are rich in this nutrient, but if you don’t eat them every day, it’s best to take a supplement.

While most supplements are fish-based, new algae-based supplements are available for vegans and vegetarians.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s great for keeping your immune system healthy which prevents things like colds and other viruses and promotes healing. 

It’s also good for your eyes.

Your eyes need antioxidants. Vitamin C is concentrated in the outer layer of liquid on your eye (or the aqueous humor) so getting enough vitamin C helps to maintain that layer. Without enough antioxidants, you’re at risk of getting cataracts. 

Lucky for you, most people get more than enough vitamin C in their diets (and if not, it’s also present in high amounts in multivitamins). 

If you eat fruits and vegetables, you get vitamin C. These include papaya, guava, broccoli, citrus fruits like pineapple and oranges, and even potatoes! While you should always eat your fruits and veggies for overall health, make sure you do it for your eyes if nothing else. 

Vitamin A 

Did you know that vitamin A is the absolute most important nutrient for your eye health? A vitamin A deficiency is the number 1 cause of blindness.

A lack of vitamin A presents as dry and itchy eyes on the less severe end, then night blindness, and then more serious conditions like macular degeneration. This is because vitamin A maintains your photoreceptors (or the cells that sense light). 

Most people get adequate amounts of vitamin A from foods. It’s found in egg yolks, and liver, as well as skim milk. That said, people who don’t eat dairy or meat may have trouble getting enough.

Some leafy greens and red, orange, or yellow vegetables and fruits (carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and grapefruit for example) have good amounts of vitamin A. If you don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables on your plant-based diet, take a supplement to protect your eye health. 

Use These Nutrients for Eye Health

Maintaining your eye health in your younger years will help you maintain your vision when you get older. Even if you’re already suffering from eye conditions, supplementing your vitamin intake with these nutrients for eye health may help to stop the progression of the condition or even reverse it. 

Try these supplements and foods for good vision and protect your eyes today. 

Do you want to make sure that your eyes stay healthy and your vision stays sharp? We want to help! Contact us at Cedar Park Vision and get an appointment today. 

Transition Lenses 101: How do They Work?

One of the big issues with standard eyeglasses is that they don’t play nice with the changing light levels that surround us. So, while they might allow you to see in the morning and the night, they put tremendous stress on your eyes when the sun comes out in the afternoon.

If only there were glasses that could adjust with these changing light levels. What you might not know, however, is that there are. They’re called transition lenses and they will protect your eyes at all points of the day.

Curious as to how they work? Then read on. We’re going to get into the details below.

How Do Transition Lenses Work?

Transition lenses work by reacting to UV rays. They’re made with photochromic dyes. These dyes change color based on the number of UV rays they’re being exposed to.

When they’re being exposed to a great number of UV rays, they become almost entirely black. When they’re being exposed to no UV rays, they’re clear. They operate on a spectrum, growing darker and darker as the number of UV rays increases.

The Benefits of Transition Lenses

Transition lenses offer a number of benefits. The most prominent of these include the following.

They’re Convenient

Carrying an additional pair of sunglasses around with you can be a hassle. You need to put them in your pocket or your purse or some other storage receptacle. Regardless of where you put them, they create an uncomfortable and inconvenient situation.

But transition lenses eliminate the need for an extra pair of glasses. Because they’re always correcting your vision and because they seamlessly adjust to changing light levels, they’re the only glasses you ever need. Throw them on your face before you leave the house and you’ll be good to go for the rest of the day, regardless of the conditions you come across.

They’re Quick to React

As we’ve noted, transition lenses adjust their darkness levels to combat the changing light levels that surround them. Don’t be under the impression that they do this slowly. In truth, there is no delay involved at all.

These glasses are reactive and intuitive and will adjust the second the surrounding light levels change. So, regardless of the weather conditions, transition lenses will protect your eyes from the sun.

They Offer Tons of Bang for Their Buck

You might think that transition lenses are more expensive than traditional lenses and, well, you would be right. However, that’s a pair-to-pair comparison.

When you take into account the fact that transition lenses are essentially two pairs in one, you see that they actually offer quite a bit of bang for their buck. Not only are you getting protection from the sun, but you’re also having your vision corrected on a constant basis.

As such, there’s no reason to pay additional money for high-end designer sunglasses or even gas station sunglasses, for that matter. You’ll always have an attractive and high-quality pair on your face that can get the job done regardless of surrounding conditions.

They’re Available in a Number of Styles

Think that transition lense styles will be limited? You’re thinking wrong. Transition lenses are available in a number of different styles, just as many as you’ll find with traditional eyeglasses and sunglasses.

Whether you want big lenses, small lenses, circular lenses, squared lenses, thick frames, thin frames, or otherwise, you will be accommodated. Transition lenses are made to cater to all glasses trends and all glasses types.

They Ensure That Your Eyes Are Protected

UV rays are not just hard to see through. They can be absolutely damaging to the eyes, leading to cataracts, eye sensitivity, and maybe even eye cancer. As such, you need to protect your eyes from them as much as possible.

Transition lenses ensure that your eyes are protected at all times. This is because, unlike sunglasses, you need them in order to see. So, you always have an incentive to wear them.

They Reduce Your Risk of Losing Glasses

When you have to carry several pairs of glasses around with you, you are more likely to lose or misplace one of those pairs of glasses. After all, you could easily knock glasses out of your pocket when you’re reaching for your wallet or spare change.

But when you use transition lenses, your only pair of glasses is almost always on your face. It’s much more difficult to lose a pair of glasses when you’re essentially always looking at them.

How to Get Transition Lenses

So, you’re interested in buying transition lenses. The question is: how do you get them? Generally speaking, the best option is to see your local eye doctor.

You’ll be given a fresh eye exam, after which you’ll be given a prescription for new eyeglasses. When you’re given an opportunity to choose new glasses, ask your eye doctor about transition lenses, in particular.

Many eye doctors carry transition lenses in their offices and have large selections of them for their patients to choose from. If your eye doctor doesn’t offer transition lenses in-office, you can instead use your prescription to order them online.

Interested in Buying Transition Lenses?

What do you think? Are transition lenses right for you? If so and if you’re in Cedar Park, Texas, we here at Cedar Park Vision are the people to see.

We’re the premier eye doctors in the area and have a variety of transition lenses for our patients to choose from. Regardless of your style preferences, we have you covered.

Schedule an appointment today!

Top Tips for Maintaining Healthy Eyes

Eyes are the window to the soul, but also to our health. The eyes play an important role in letting us perform our daily activities without trouble.

Many people live with eye disease, poor vision, and blindness. If you’re one of the lucky folks who have healthy eyes, we have some tips for eye care to help protect your eye health for years to come.

What are the best tips for maintaining eye health? Read on to find out.

1. Eat Right

Believe it or not, what you eat greatly impacts your eye health and vision. One of our top tips for eye care is to eat right.

What are the best foods for eye health? Fatty fish like salmon or tuna, eggs, nuts, beans, citrus, and leafy vegetables.

These foods are packed with nutrients like vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc which can benefit your eyes. A diet rich with these foods can help protect your eyes against common age-related eye problems like cataracts.

2. Reduce Screen Time

Between work and our personal lives, we stare at screens all day long. Whatever the device, cell phones, computers, or televisions, most of us have prolonged exposure.

Why does this matter? Well, too much time staring at a screen can seriously affect your eye health.

Some eye problems you can get from too much screen time are eyestrain, focus issues, blurry vision, and dry and itchy eyes.

How can we reduce the impact of screen health?

For one, you need to eat right and consume enough lutein, which is a nutrient that helps filter the screen’s blue light.

Take protective measures like making sure your glasses prescription is up to date, blink frequently, and keep your computer screen around two feet from your eyes. A handy trick is to look away every 20 minutes at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds, it is called the 20-20-20 rule!

3. Visit The Eye Doctor

For those of us that have contacts and/or glasses, we’re familiar with the importance of regular eye exams. We need to see!

But, yearly eye exams are critical, even for those who don’t wear glasses or contacts. The eyes can give a lot of information regarding your health.

Changes in your eye health can indicate problems such as diabetes, retinal detachment, blood disorders, and more. The only way to detect these problems is to go to the eye doctor.

4. Use Protective Eyewear

It is really important to protect our eyes from any potential hazards.

If you work a job where you are supposed to wear protective eyewear, do it. Thousands of people are unnecessarily blinded each year because they weren’t wearing appropriate protective gear at work.

It’s not just those who work with chemicals or building materials that need to be cautious and protect their eyes.

We all need to protect our eyes from a great hazard to eye health, the sun. Wear sunglasses when outside and don’t stare directly into the sun.

5. Don’t Smoke

One of the biggest tops for eye care from medical professionals is to not smoke. Research shows that smokers are 3 to 4 times as likely to develop age-related macular degeneration and cataracts when compared to nonsmokers.

So, is it your eyesight or a cigarette?

6. Get Your Sleep

You need your 8 hours of sleep for many reasons, but who knew that a full night’s rest can benefit your eyes?

Getting enough sleep reduces eye strain and just makes sure that your eyes are well rested to be at their best.

7. Wash Your Hands

It can be hard not to rub our eyes, especially during allergy season when eyes can be itchy and dry. It is essential that if you’re going to be touching your eyes at all, that you wash your hands.

While washing your hands is a fantastic idea for a multitude of reasons, it benefits your eyes by avoiding getting an infection or foreign objects in their by touching them.

8. Take Care of Your Contacts

For those who have contacts, it is essential that you listen to the trusted medical professional in your life. Your eye doctor will tell you what you can and can’t do with your contacts. It is different for everyone but you should follow a few basic rules.

The contact solution should be changed every day. You should wash your hands before putting in your contacts. If you can help it, you should not leave your contacts in for too long, it can cause a strain on your eyes as well as making them dry and itchy.

9. Think Twice About Eye Makeup

You should be cautious about what you’re putting around your eye.

Make sure that any makeup you’re using is up to par, clean, and doesn’t stay in your makeup bag for more than 3 months. Your mascara tube is a wonderful place for bacteria to live, and they thrive in the environment.

It is also essential that you don’t share eye makeup. As we said, bacteria can fester on eyeliner, eyeshadow, and mascara, and you don’t want to invite that into your eyes.

10. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can lead to dry eyes. One of our top tips for eye care is to drink your full 64 ounces of water a day.

Staying hydrated is important for many aspects of our health, but your eyes especially will thank you.

Are You Following these Tips for Eye Care?

Has it been a while since your last eye exam?

As we’ve said, regular visits to the eye doctor are an essential aspect of keeping your eyes healthy.

Follow these tips for eye care, see your optometrist, and keep your eyes in good health.

Bifocal Glasses: A Complete Guide to Buying and Wearing Bifocals

When people hear the term “bifocal glasses”, they often think of Benjamin Franklin. Although optometrists can’t agree on whether Franklin actually invented them, there’s no denying how helpful these lenses can actually be.

If your eye doctor recently recommended that you get bifocal glasses, you might be curious as to what they are and how to go about buying them. Well, you’ve come to the right place.

Continue reading and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about bifocal (also called multifocal) glasses.

How Do Bifocal Glasses Work?

As the name implies, bifocal glasses utilize two types of lenses. These two lenses are connected together in one lens. They’re often used to treat a condition known as presbyopia, which is when people have difficulty changing focus between distant and near objects.

Usually, the top half of the lens is used for seeing things that are far away. This is especially useful for walking or driving. 

The bottom half takes up a smaller part of the lens and it’s used for reading and seeing objects that are close.

With these two lenses right next to each other, users can easily shift their eyes between two prescriptions. 

For patients with more severe vision issues, they may be recommended by their eye doctors to get trifocal glasses.

Photochromic and Anti-Reflective Bifocals

In order to achieve the best appearance, comfort, and vision when wearing your bifocals, you should ask your eye doctor about AR (anti-reflective) coating.

AR doesn’t just get rid of reflections that can be distracting, the coating also allows more visible to light to enter your eyes for activities such as driving at night.

It also makes the bifocal lines less visible since it lessens the amount of light that reflects off of the junction lines. 

And if you spend a good portion of your day going in and out of the sun or if your eyes are sensitive to sunlight, you should ask your eye doctor about getting photochromic lenses. 

These are lenses that get darker when exposed to certain high-intensity light and they get lighter when that type of light is no longer present.

Progressive Glasses

Progressive glasses, sometimes referred to as no-line bifocals, are similar to bifocals except these glasses only have one type of lens. 

Instead of connecting two lenses of different strengths, progressives use one lens that gradually changes the magnification.

A big positive of these types of glasses is that, while the line is very noticeable in bifocals, you can’t see any junction lines in progressive lenses. 

The magnification is usually in three sections. The top is clear so that you can see normally. The middle section is intermediate and gradually increases in strength as you get to the bottom.

How Aging Affects Bifocal Prescription Needs

With increasing age, the eye’s muscles become less flexible, leading to various sight problems. The most common one is Presbyopia.

People already suffering from nearsightedness start having trouble seeing nearby things clearly and need bifocal lenses. Increasing age further promotes this problem, as well as the need to change your bifocal lenses.

Regular eye exams are vital as you age to ensure your bifocals continue to meet your evolving visual needs. These exams help detect underlying conditions, like cataracts or macular degeneration, that may affect your prescription or comfort.

Wearing Your Bifocal Glasses

While wearing bifocals, your eyes will quickly move between one vision strength to another when you look up and down. Objects may appear to jump around. This can make the wearer feel unsteady and off-balance. 

The reason you might feel dizzy is that your brain is quickly adjusting to the different strengths of the lenses. 

Older people who have never worn bifocal glasses before may have to get lenses with more dramatic differences between the top and bottom. It also might take them a little longer to adjust.

Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Bifocals: Frame and Lens Considerations

When you choose the frame for your bifocal lenses, there are multiple factors that need your attention. For the optimal use of bifocal or progressive eyeglasses, frame size matters a lot. For instance, big frame sizes own big glasses and provide you with a wide view to adjust both visions.

Tips for Wearing Bifocals

If you find it difficult to adjust to your new lenses, don’t give up. There are several tips that you can follow to start feeling more comfortable.

First, try putting on your new glasses right after you wake up in the morning. You should wear them for just a couple of hours. This will help you to slowly build up your tolerance to adjust to them.

It’s also important that you don’t switch between your new pair of glasses and your old pair. This can make it take longer for your eyes to get used to the bifocals.

You should also make sure that your glasses fit properly on your face and don’t slide down your nose. Otherwise, they may end up hurting your eyes over time.

Try to also look straight ahead when you walk. Don’t look down at your feet and attempt to point your nose in the direction that you want to look, don’t just rely on moving your eyes. 

When you’re reading, hold the book down and about 15 inches away from your face. Make sure that you’re looking through the bottom portion of the lenses.

Try to keep your eyes and head still as you read. Instead, move the page or book to continue reading.

Another helpful tip is to set your computer screen at just below eye level. You can probably adjust your seat or desk to make this happen. 

And if your lenses are still bothering your eyes after several weeks, speak with your eye doctor. They may have to change the strength of your prescription.

When Supplements Might Help Improve Your Eye Health for Bifocal Comfort

Increasing age affects the eye’s health condition, especially for those who are using blended bifocal lenses. With proper intake of nutrients, you can maintain your eye’s health, which supports the optimal use of bifocal lenses.

If you fall short of these nutrients in your diet, the best way to take these nutrients is supplements.

Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin A are good for retinal health and prevent eye strain and dryness. It increases your comfort by moisturizing your eye, easing dryness, and helping adjust your eye muscles with bifocal lenses.

However, these supplements only help you to become comfortable with your bifocals when you take them with a doctor’s recommendation.

The Importance of Figuring Which Bifocal Glasses Are Right for You

Aesthetically speaking, bifocal glasses aren’t much different than your standard eyeglasses. Albeit, that thin junction line running through it. 

By knowing how they work, and what your options are, you can be better prepared to pick the pair that fits best on you. 

And if you find your new bifocals difficult to adjust to, don’t give up! Just remember that they take some time to get used to it.

Need help finding your perfect pair? Contact us today and see how we can help you!

What Kind of Sunglasses Should I Wear to Protect My Eyes?

Do you wear sunglasses every day, or do you only sport them during the summer? Do you know if you are wearing the right one for your eyes? Surveys reveal that most Americans claim to wear sunglasses. However, more than a quarter rarely or never wear them. This is quite alarming, as 25% of Americans are placing the health of their eyes at risk.

You may ask “what kind of sunglasses should I wear to keep my eyes safe and healthy?” Continue reading below as we try to bring clarity to this serious but often-taken-for-granted question.

Sunglasses: Why You Need to Wear a Pair

Before we dive into what to look for when choosing a pair of sunglasses, let us first tackle the importance of sunglasses.

There are several reasons why you should wear sunglasses, but the more important truth is that you should use them even if it’s not yet summer. Here are some of the main reasons why:

UV Protection

First and foremost, sunglasses offer protection against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. There are two types of UV rays (we will discuss more of this later). Both can cause different kinds of eye problems.

Extensive exposure to these harmful rays can cause serious long-term problems. These problems include cataract and macular degeneration. UV rays can also result in corneal sunburn and pterygium. 

In the worst cases, exposure can lead to skin cancer.

By wearing a pair of sunglasses, you can reduce the impact of UV rays.

Vision Clarity

Another benefit is you’ll be able to see more clearly. Wearing the right pair of sunglasses can improve your outdoor experience. Moreover, it can also help you see better when driving. 

Sometimes, the sun is too bright that it causes a dangerous glare.

With a pair of sunnies, you can reduce, if not eliminate this glare. You can see better on the road and reduce the risk of accidents. Additionally, sunglasses can also reduce the incidence of headaches and migraines.

Faster Recovery

If you already underwent corrective surgery on the eyes, wearing sunglasses is a must. A pair of sunnies can protect your eyes from the sun and other outdoor elements, helping you heal faster.

What Kind of Sunglasses Should I Wear?

Now that you know the benefits of wearing sunglasses, it is time to answer the question “what kind of sunglasses should I wear?” But before you purchase, it is best to see an eye expert first for a comprehensive eye exam.

This is important especially if you noticed that your eyesight is no longer as clear as before. As for the sunglasses, here are the most important characteristics you must look for.

UVA and UVB Protection

We mentioned earlier that two types of UV rays may damage your eyes: UVA and UVB. The UVA comes with longer wavelengths that easily pass through glass.

However, the eye experts still disagree if the UVA does cause extensive damage to the eye or not. Nevertheless, it is always wise to be cautious than to be sorry in the end. 

As for the UVB rays, they present the most danger to the eyes. However, they cannot pass through glass. This makes wearing sunnies very important, especially during the summer.

Hence, you need to pick sunglasses that effectively block UVA and UVB light. With so many shops offering sunnies with UV protection, it is a must that you only get from reputable manufacturers. You want to go for one that offers the highest UVA/UVB protection level.

Check the sunglasses and read the print on the tag. The tag must indicate the level of UVA and UVB protection you are getting. 

Additionally, you want to go for one that comes with polarized lenses. These lenses provide comfort by reducing glare. This is important especially when you’re driving and the sun’s bright light reflects on various surfaces. 

Go for Wrapped Styles

Apart from the UV protection and the lenses, you also need to find the right frame for your sunnies. Thus, go for sunglasses with frames that come in wrapped styles. These are the frames that fit more snuggly against your face. 

Aviators do look fashionable, but their frames do not offer ample protection. Because they sit far from your face, more light can reach your eyes through the sides, top, and back of the frame. 

Don’t Go Flat

You should also pick sunglasses that don’t come with flat lenses. Much like the frames of aviators, flat lenses present an opening for light to reach your eyes. 

Since they are flat, light can pass through the sides, as well as the back and top of the sunnies. Hence, pick something that comes with curved lenses.

Bigger is Better

Since we are looking for the most coverage and protection for your eyes, try to go for bigger sunglasses. Also, you want something that fits you perfectly. Make sure the sunglasses don’t touch your eyelashes.

What you want is something that lines up with your eyebrows. 

The Shape of Your Face Counts

Though protection for UV rays is your priority, it doesn’t mean you should neglect aesthetics. Hence, go for something that complements your face. 

If you have a square face, go for sunnies with rounded frames. If you have a rounded face, rectangular sunglasses will give you the look that you need. 

Mind the Colors

Last but not least, you should also go for the right colors. If you have diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration, go for brown or amber lenses. These colors can improve your vision, as they effectively enhance contrast.  

Improve Your Vision, Today!

Answering the question “what kind of sunglasses should I wear” is important to keep your eyes healthy. But maintaining the health of your eyes also involves eating right and having regular check-ups with an eye expert.

If you are having problems with your eyes, we can help clear things up for you. Connect with us today and book an appointment. Our team of qualified optometrists will be more than happy to check on your eyes. 

Let’s improve your vision today!

How to Find an Excellent Eye Doctor in Cedar Park

Has your vision been fuzzy lately? You’re probably overdue to see an eye doctor. Before you rush to the nearest optometrist, you need to make sure you’re picking the right eye doctor for you.

Keep reading to learn tips on how you can find an excellent eye doctor in Cedar Park today, so you can start seeing more clearly as soon as possible.

Finding The Best Eye Doctor In Cedar Park 

There a couple of factors you’ll want to consider before you commit to an eye doctor in Ceder Park, including what type of eye doctor you need, what your eye insurance covers, and your budget as well as recommendations and reviews. Let’s first break down the different types of eye doctors.

Types Of Eye Doctors

Eye Doctors are broken down into two groups, Ophthalmologists and Optometrists. There is also a third type of eye care providers called the optician. We’ll break each professional down so you can determine which eye doctor is right for you.

Optometrists

Optometrists are eye doctors that have a Doctor of Optometry or OD degree. An optometrist will examine your eyes for both health and vision problems.

These eye doctors can correct any refractive issues you have by prescribing contact lenses or eyeglasses. There are even some optometrists that can provide you with vision therapy and low vision care.

In the United States, Optometrists are licensed to prescribe medications for eye diseases and problems. How much eye care your optometrist can provide you with depends on your state’s law. You can find out more by visiting the Texas board of optometry’s website.

You might also see an optometrist for pre and post-operative care if you are getting eye surgery from an ophthalmologist. Optometrists are typically not licensed to perform eye surgery. So pretty much any vision care you need that does not require surgery, you’ll want to see an optometrist for.

Ophthalmologists

Ophthalmologists, on the other hand, are medical doctors (MDs) or a doctor osteopathic medicine (DO) that specialize in vision care. These doctors are trained to diagnose and treat disease, perform eye exams, prescribe medication and perform eye surgery. Ophthalmologists are also able to write prescriptions for contact lenses and eyeglasses.

If you were to compare optometrists and ophthalmologists to dentistry, then the education of an optometrist is more similar to a general dentist while the education of an ophthalmologist is more similar to an oral surgeon.  In other words, you will need to see an ophthalmologist if you need eye surgery.

Opticians

While not eye doctors, opticians are a key part of your eye care team. Opticians use the prescriptions that your optometrist or ophthalmologist writes to fit and sell you eyeglasses and other eyewear, like prescription sunglasses.

Get Recommendations

One of the best ways to find any doctor is to get a recommendation from a trusted friend or family member. While you can look up reviews on Google and Yelp, it’s always best to get recommendation from someone you know and trust.

Social media is a good way to put feelers out for a good eye doctor. Ask friends who recommend their eye doctor questions that matter to you, like was the eye doctor attentive to their needs. Whatever is important to you about an eye doctor, ask your friend about it.

Consider Vision Insurance

The type of vision insurance you have has an impact on what eye doctor in Cedar Park you can go to as different eye doctors accept different eye insurance policies.

You’ll want to find an eye doctor that is an authorized provider under your insurance plan. You also will want to find out what your out-of-pocket expenses will be for your eye exam and visit.

You can usually find out this information simply by calling a perspective eye doctor’s office and telling them your insurance information. A lot of insurance companies will also have a directory of local eye doctors who accept their vision plans on their website.

Medicare

If you have Medicare, know that most optometrists and ophthalmologists that give general eye care to the entire family will accept Medicare for their older patients. But know that while Medicare will cover your visits to an eye doctor for eye care, it won’t cover routine eye exams.

So if you have Medicare and are in need of a routine eye exam, that means paying for this exam will be out of your pocket, unless you also have a vision insurance policy that covers routine eye exam.

However, if you have Medicare and a pre-existing eye condition, like macular degeneration or cataracts, part of your eye exam might be covered. You will have to ask your doctor for details.

Insurance Claims

When you call a potential eye doctor’s office to ask if they take your insurance, you will also want to find out how they handle insurance claims. You’ll want to know if you will have to pay for the exam upfront and then submit the claim, or if the eye doctor bills your insurance company directly.

If you don’t have vision insurance, you will want to know how much your potential eye doctor charges for a routine eye exam and for any special test you might need.

Of course, you don’t want to choose an eye doctor simply based on the cost, but this is a factor to consider.

Consider Your Family’s Needs

Another factor you should consider when finding an eye doctor in Cedar Park is what your family’s eye care needs are. For example, if you have kids, you might want an eye doctor who’s kid-friendly.

You will also want to consider the eye doctor’s location. Think about how far you will have to travel to see this doctor, and how that impacts taking off time from work and school to go to appointments.

Call the Eye Doctor’s Office

Once you have some recommendations, call the eye doctor’s office and ask as many questions as you like. You already need to call to make sure they accept your insurance. You also will want to ask telling questions, like how long they’ve been in business, what their hours are, and if they’re kid-friendly (if that matters to you).

Find An Eye Doctor Today 

Now that you know how to find an eye doctor in Cedar Park, it’s time to start your search. Make sure you know what type of eye doctor you need, get recommendations, and see if they accept your insurance.

To find out if Cedar Park Vision is right for you and your family, contact us today!