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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

Breakup to Makeup: Is Your Old Makeup Causing Eye Infections?

Many people use makeup to convey their style and mood. Funky. Dramatic. Casual. Professional. Romantic.

The average American woman spends $8 a day on facial cosmetics. That can add up to $300,000 over a lifetime. It’s a significant investment in enhancing your beauty.

But, there’s a hidden danger with makeup. Poor application and old makeup cause infections, injury, and allergic reactions. The result is scary instead of appealing.

It’s easy to avoid problems when you follow makeup best practices. Keep reading for details on enhancing your appearance without irritating your eyes.

First, let’s look at issues caused by improper use of eye makeup.

Eye Infections

Conjunctivitis (aka Pink Eye) is the most common eye infection. It makes your eyes red, itchy, and watery. It’s caused by bacterial and viral infections or an allergic reaction.

Bacterial

A bacterial infection causes redness, swelling, and extra discharge from your eyes. It can be contagious. It’s caused by contact with some form of bacteria.

Makeup contains preservatives to stop bacteria growth. But, if the product isn’t sealed right, bacteria gets inside.

Makeup used past the end date is also prone to bacteria and fungi. You risk infection when you use old makeup.

Viral

People often get viral eye infections after an upper respiratory infection. Along with irritated eyes, swelling often occurs near the ears.

A viral infection is very contagious. The viral particles can remain on objects for weeks before infecting another person.

If you experience any of these symptoms schedule an eye exam right away.

Scratched Cornea

It’s easy to hurt your cornea while putting on mascara and eyeliner. Use extra care not to touch your eyeball with the applicator.

Avoid applying makeup in a moving vehicle where the potential for poking your eye is high.

A scratched cornea can lead to a corneal abrasion. Scratching your eye with old makeup containing bacteria can cause a serious infection.

Allergic Reactions

Always check the product label if you have allergies. Makeup formulas change often. It’s a good idea to check every time you buy a product.

Chemicals, fragrances, and preservatives in makeup cause allergic reactions in some users. Nickel and iron oxide are common irritants found in cosmetics.

An allergen makes your eye to water, turn red, swell, or become infected.

Don’t assume a hypoallergenic product is allergen-free. If your eyes are sensitive try one new cosmetic at a time. This helps determine which product causes the reaction.

Use Caution with Contact Lenses

If you wear contact lenses, you may be more susceptible to eye makeup problems. Small particles can contaminate your lenses. Oil or makeup on or under a lens can become an infection fast.

It’s best to put in your contacts before applying makeup. If you insert contacts after applying makeup, make sure your hands don’t have oil or makeup on them.

Avoid products with glitter and sparkles that can flake off. The particles could get trapped underneath the contact lens.

Next, let’s dig into ways you can prevent eye problems caused by makeup.

How to Prevent Eye Problems

Yes, you can wear makeup and protect your eyes at the same time. Follow these steps to reduce the risk of makeup-induced eye problems.

Not Sharing is Caring

When it comes to makeup it’s best not to share. It’s common to share makeup when a group of friends is primping for a night out together. But shared cosmetics spread bacteria and infection.

Get single-use applicators and individual mascaras for a makeup session with friends.

Throw Away Old Makeup

Every eye makeup product has an expiration date.

Mascara is good for 3 months. Creamy eyeshadow can last 6 months. Liquid and gel eyeliner expire after 4 months.

Bacteria and fungi grow in old makeup. Avoid bacterial infections by keeping your makeup up-to-date.

Replace products if the texture or smell changes. Toss eye makeup if it clumps, crumbles or changes color.

The best plan is to replace eye makeup every 3 to 4 months.

Check the Ingredients

Always look at the ingredients. This is vital if you’re prone to allergies.

A sensitivity can trigger a serious infection. The only way to stop an allergic reaction is to avoid ingredients that cause problems.

Avoid any makeup that contains untested or harmful chemicals or ingredients

Wash Your Face

Washing your face before you apply makeup prevents eye infections. Make sure your eyelids and lashes are clean. It’s a small but effective step.

Never go to bed with makeup on. Remove all your makeup before your head hits the pillow. It prevents stray mascara or makeup from irritating your eyes while you sleep.

If you use makeup remover, rinse your eyes with water to keep the remover out of your eyes.

Use a Soft Touch

A soft touch works when applying casual or dramatic eye makeup. Always be gentle when applying eye makeup. The skin around the eyes is sensitive.

Slow and steady application and removal protect your eyes from irritants.

Try not to apply eye makeup when you’re driving or riding in a vehicle. A sudden stop could result in trauma to your eyes.

Eyeliner Tips

Avoid putting eyeliner on the inside of your lash line. It makes you susceptible to scratches on your eye and eyelids.

Always sharpen your eyeliner pencil. A precise point makes it easy to apply without risk to your eyeballs.

Replace All Your Makeup After an Infection

It’s tempting to keep that expensive mascara, but it’s dangerous. Get rid of all your eye makeup after an infection. It’s the only way to avoid spreading bacteria.

Keep Your Eyes Safe and Healthy

It’s easy to reduce the risk of eye infection throwing out your old makeup. Follow all the steps above to keep your eyes safe when wearing makeup.

If you have concerns related to your eyes and makeup use, don’t hesitate to get treatment.

Contact Cedar Park Vision for an appointment today. We’re here to keep your eyes healthy and beautiful.

Top Eyewear Trends 2019 Ushered In by Social Media

Seeing is believing, and your vision is about to become clear.

The eyewear trends in 2019 are out of this world. If you don’t believe us, then take a look at the latest frames to hit the runway.

This year you can revamp your look with the latest frames to highlight your best features. If you have to wear glasses to see, then you might as well feel great sporting a new pair of eyeglasses.

Whether you’re planning to ditch your contacts or replace your sunglasses, you’ll want to show off these stylish frames for 2019. Check out our list of shapes, sizes, and colors to find out where eyeglass fashion is headed this year!

Nerd Alert

The nerd trend is still on point for 2019, but with a modern edge. Large plastic frames are still in. Celebrities are sporting these oversize frames in square shapes and dark colors. You can mix it up this year by expanding your color palette or picking a traditional pattern like tortoiseshell.

Go extra nerdy with a pair of round wire frames. The metal frame is chic and simple, but the shape will be modern and fashion forward. This year you can pull off the Harry Potter look with this new approach to an old classic.

Modern Vintage

If you like the retro look, then this year won’t disappoint. This year we continue to see modern twists to our favorite fashion eras.

Topline frames are two-toned and offer a vintage feel. Typically they have a dark color on top and a starkly different lighter shade halfway down. These make for a modern meets vintage look. The style frames your eyes without feeling too heavy and closed-in.  

They’re a great alternative to purchasing all black frames. You can wear this soft look can be in a variety of shapes and sizes, such as round or cat eye, to match a variety of face shapes.

Go Big or Go Home

If you’re ready to make a statement with your frames, then you can snatch up these frames that extend outside the width of your face. Rather than trying to hide your glasses, why not make them the main part of your style?

The biggest trend this year are aviators, which are being worn extra large. Metal aviator frames look chic and fashion forward. Get lenses that transition into sunglasses and your aviators can play double duty throughout your day.

Aviators are a great option for both men and women. They’re a timeless shape so you can’t go wrong with this style.

Mod Squad

Speaking of big, 2019 is bringing chunky back in the best ways. There’s a new trend on the rise and it’s 70’s-inspired. We love these large frames that are big and bold with a throwback feel.

If you want to be fashion forward with your new glasses, then you can hop on this growing style trend then get yourself to a disco. Plus, you don’t have to pair these with bell bottoms. They go with modern and hipster looks.

Subtle Yet Stylish

Don’t want your glasses to distract from your smiling face? One of the latest eyewear trends in 2019 is transparent frames. These plastic frames come in light and airy colors like pink or tan that are more subdued.

The transparency takes away from the harsh lines of darker frames while still being fun and flirty. They also make it easier to match with your daily style. These glasses showcase your style without shouting it.

You can also go for an even more barely-there approach with these frameless wire glasses.

Geometric

Tired of the same old shapes? Frames are taking on new geometric shapes to add dimension to your look.

Don’t settle for a circle or a square, you can find glasses with more angles. Pair it with a transparent color if you don’t want to get too bold. You can also go for it and get them in bright colors and patterns.

Right Meow

Some of your favorite trends are still having their day in the sun with new twists. The cat-eye shape is still a favorite among designers, but with even more variations to choose from.

These new styles match solid colors with patterns, and you can also try unique shapes like hearts like those seen on the runway. Even triangle shaped glasses are making the scene but in a futuristic approach.

Which brings us to our next trend…

Spaced Out

This year we are seeing a new trend that takes your eyewear out of this world. You can try this trend in the eyeglasses and sunglasses variety. Protecting your eyes from the sun is more than trendy. It’s a matter of safety.

These glasses look like they’re straight out of a sci-fi movie. The space cadet look has already landed on the runway and we suspect they’ll be blowing up in stores near you.

Patterned

Take your color palette to the next level with some patterned eyewear. Gone are the solid and tortoiseshell varieties. We’re going to see a boost in patterns and color combinations that take on a life of their own.

Sure, you may have a hard time matching these to every outfit you own. But sometimes you can’t hold back from something you love.

Double Bridge

For a sophisticated look, you’ve got to try out the double bridge. This look works for men and women and can come in a variety of styles. Including a sporty or contemporary feel.

Try it in gold or dark metal and you’ll be turning heads on your next walk around town.

Which of these Eyewear Trends in 2019 Will You Choose?

This year try an eyewear trend that will make you stand out. It’s a year of fun, flirty, and far out.

Whether you plan to try a new bold color or a classic look with a new twist, 2019 is your year to get creative.If you’re looking for the best eyewear trends in 2019, we’ve got something for everyone. Contact us to learn how you can get your hands on some great new glasses!