Our optometry team is always looking for ways to educate our patients about eye health and vision wellness. We are here to answer your questions and help with any of your optometry needs! Here are answers to some of the common questions that we hear in our office:
The frequency of your appointments depends on your visual health. If you don’t wear contacts or glasses, then you should schedule appointments every two years. People who wear corrective lenses or who are over the age of 60 should visit annually. More frequent checkups might be needed for certain health conditions, such as diabetes, or other eye diseases.
The term “20/20” refers to the sharpness of the vision. The top number is the viewing distance between the eye chart and the patient. The bottom number refers to the line on the chart. It is a measurement of how much a person can read when they are 20 feet away from the chart.
Sometimes, you might see small things that look like cobwebs or spots in your vision. They are protein fibers that can clump together and cause a “floater.” Most of the time, 1 or 2 floaters are nothing to worry about; however, if you see a lot of them suddenly or bright flashes of light, you need to see an eye doctor right away.
Even if you are using extended wear lenses, it is best to remove your contacts when you go to sleep. Wearing your lenses while sleeping will increase your risk for an eye infection. Also, keep in mind that the contact lenses sit on the eye directly, which decreases the amount of oxygen that is available.
Many people experience digital eye strain after long hours in front of a screen (whether desktop or mobile). It won’t result in long-term damage, but the short-term symptoms can be unpleasant enough on their own. A great trick to avoid the effects of eye strain is to follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every twenty minutes, simply look away from the screen and spend twenty seconds focusing on something at least twenty feet away to give your eyes a break! You can set timers until it becomes a habit.
The treatments and care for your eyes depend on your medical history and overall health and wellness. If you have questions about your vision, then the best thing that you can do is schedule an appointment with an eye doctor. We invite you to call our office to learn more about the services that are available.
