We will explore what it means when the white of your eye is red. Red is a bold color, commonly associated with roses, romance, stop signs and Christmas. When the white of your eye takes on this color, and you’re not pretending to be a dragon for Halloween, it typically means that something is wrong. A common cause of eye redness is the swelling of the blood vessels that are on the surface of the white of your eyes. At times, this redness may not require medical attention but at other times it may. Here are three conditions that may cause your eyes to become red. Pink Eye Conjunctivitis, otherwise called “pink eye” is fairly common. It can be caused by:
Dry Eyes Did you ever think it was possible to not have enough tears? Well, it’s possible. And not producing tears or good quality tears can result in having dry eyes. Signs that you have dry eyes vary; they include your eyes appearing red, the feeling that there’s something in your eye or the presence of mucous in or around your eyes. Dry eyes frequently happen in situations such as:
Computer Vision Syndrome Staring at a computer screen for too long without blinking much can cause your eyes to burn, become tired and red. Extended use of your favorite tablet, e-reader or your cell phone can have similar effects. These types of vision-related problems are called Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) or Digital Eye Strain. There are a few ways to combat this condition. They include:
Yellow looks great on sunflowers and red is fabulous for roses but neither color is great for the white or sclera of your eyes. In fact, they are a sure sign that something is wrong. Sometimes the problems are mild and can be taken care of with rest. Other times, they are a sign that you have serious medical problems and should visit a doctor. In general, a good practice is to get regular eye exams, which is easier when you have a good vision plan. This way, your eye care provider may be able to catch any problems before they develop or when they first begin. Our experienced eye doctors offer comprehensive vision examinations at our Houston optometry office and specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of eye diseases, conditions, and problems. We use advanced diagnostic technology and vision correction products and are committed to improving the quality of life of persons in the Houston community through enhanced vision. Give yourself the gift of clear vision – schedule an appointment with your eye care provider today. Source: http://visionsource-westview.com/contact/
0 Comments
Properly caring for your contact lenses is synonymous with caring for your eyes. Contact lenses are safely used by millions of people everyday. They do, however, carry a risk of eye infection if worn or cleaned improperly. Your eyes allow you to see and experience the world around you, so it’s important to protect them, especially if you wear contacts. Safeguard Your Sight Unfortunately, a whopping 40 to 90 percent of contact lens wearers don’t follow care instructions for their contact lenses. If contacts aren’t worn and cleaned as directed, eye infection and even vision loss can be the unhappy result. When you practice good contact lens hygiene and care, you are safeguarding your sight! Choose the right contacts It’s important to choose contact lenses that fit your personality and lifestyle. If you are less diligent about your hygiene habits, then perhaps daily disposable lenses are for you. If you choose two week or monthly contacts, daily cleaning is required. Wear as directed The first step in caring for your contacts is wearing them as directed by your eye care provider. Follow the appropriate replacement schedule and don’t try to stretch them out longer than they are meant to last. That goes for cases as well–they should be replaced at least every three months. Develop proper cleaning technique Basic cleaning care for contact lenses consists of five easy steps.
Consult your optometrist
Remember, contact lens prescriptions expire, typically within one year. In addition, your prescription may change from one year to the next, which is why seeing your eye care provider on a yearly basis is recommended. At your yearly eye exam, your optometrist will not only renew your prescription, they will also check for infection and make sure your eyes are in tiptop shape. Another reason to see your optometrist is if you are looking to switch care regimens. Some products aren’t compatible with each other and can harm your eyes if used incorrectly. If you’re wondering what routine and products are best for you, call us or come into our office! We Love To Hear From You Regularly seeing your eye care provider is crucial to ensuring your vision health. So whether you have questions about proper contact lens care or simply want to set up your yearly appointment, we’d love to hear from you! Our patients mean the world to us! Top image by Flickr user Steven Leonti used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original. Source: http://visionsource-westview.com/2016/11/23/how-to-care-for-your-contacts/ Refraction is a process your eye care professional uses to measure your refractive error, or vision problem.
What Is a Refractive Error? A refractive error is an optical defect that does not allow light to be brought into sharp focus on your retina, resulting in blurred or distorted vision. Examples of refractive error are myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. What Does a Comprehensive Eye Exam Include? During a comprehensive eye examination, your doctor uses refraction to determine how much power is needed to bring your eyes to normal, perfectly focused vision. Your doctor will decide if glasses, contact lenses or laser vision correction will yield you the most clear eyesight. Refraction consists of two parts, objective and subjective. Objective Refraction An objective refraction is a refraction obtained without receiving any feedback from the patient. An objective refraction is obtained by using different instruments. Your doctor will use a retinoscope or auto-refractor to measure your refraction without asking for subjective responses from you.
A concise guide to some of the most common vision problems treated at Vision Source Westview in Houston
There are many different types of vision problems that could be affecting your eyesight. But, for the purposes of this guide, we will be focusing on four of the most common causes of impaired vision. These, along with many other vision impairments, are treated with care and precision by the eye care providers at Vision Source Westview in Houston. Astigmatism Astigmatism is an uneven or irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, which results in blurred or distorted vision. Other symptoms of astigmatism include the need to squint, eye strain from squinting, headaches and eye fatigue. In reality, most people have some degree of astigmatism, which is usually present at birth and is believed to be hereditary. In minor cases, treatment may not be required but is certainly beneficial. Moderate to severe astigmatism can be treated with corrective eyewear or LASIK surgery. Hyperopia (Farsightedness) Farsightedness, medically known as hyperopia, refers to vision that is good at a distance but not at close range. Farsightedness occurs when the eyeball is shorter than normal, as measured from front to back, or when the cornea has too little curvature. This reduces the distance between the cornea and retina, causing light to converge behind the retina, rather than on it. If you are mildly farsighted, your eye care provider may not recommend corrective treatment at all. However, if you are moderately or severely hyperopic, you may have several treatment options available, including eyeglasses, contacts, LASIK and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Your eye care provider at Vision Source Westview will help you determine the best treatment option for you. Myopia (Nearsightedness) Nearsightedness, medically known as myopia, refers to vision that is good at close range but not at a distance. It generally occurs because the eyeball is too “long” as measured from front to back. Nearsightedness is diagnosed during routine eye exams and possible treatments include eyeglasses, contacts, acrylic corneal implants, LASIK, radial keratotomy (RK) and photorefractive keratotomy (PRK). Your eye care provider will suggest the best treatment option for you. Presbyopia (Aging Eyes) Aging eyes, medically known as presbyopia, is a condition in which the lens of the eye gradually loses its flexibility, making it harder to focus clearly on close objects such as printed words. Distance vision, on the other hand, is usually not affected. Unfortunately, presbyopia is an inevitable part of aging and cannot be prevented by diet, lifestyle or visual habits. However, it is treatable with several types of corrective lenses, including progressives, bifocals and trifocals, single-vision reading glasses, multifocal contact lenses and monovision therapy. Your eye care provider at Vision Source Westview will work with you to diagnose your vision problem and suggest the best treatment option for your eyes at our optometric office in Houston. For more information, schedule an appointment with your eye care provider, and we’ll be in touch with you shortly. Source: http://visionsource-westview.com/vision-care-products/vision-problems/ A quick look at some of the most common eye diseases diagnosed and often treated at Vision Source Westview in Houston
“Eye diseases” is a blanket term that refers to a host of diseases relating to the function of the eye. Below we describe some of the more common types of eye diseases and how they are generally treated. For more in-depth information, please speak with your eye care provider at Vision Source Westview. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva – the thin, protective membrane that covers the surface of the eyeball and inner surface of the eyelids. Caused by bacteria, viruses, allergens and other irritants like smoke and dust, pink eye is highly contagious and is usually accompanied by redness in the white of the eye and increased tearing and/or discharge. While many minor cases improve within two weeks, some can develop into serious corneal inflammation and threaten sight. If you suspect conjunctivitis, visit your eye care provider at Vision Source Westview for an examination and treatment. Diabetic Eye Disease Diabetic eye disease is a general term for a group of eye problems that can result from having type 1 or type 2 diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma. Often there are no symptoms in the early stages of diabetic eye disease, so it is important that you don’t wait for symptoms to appear before having a comprehensive eye exam. Early detection and treatment of diabetic eye disease will dramatically reduce your chances of sustaining permanent vision loss. Glaucoma Often called “the silent thief of sight,” glaucoma is an increase in the intraocular pressure of the eyes, which causes damage to the optic nerve with no signs or symptoms in the early stages of the disease. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to a decrease in peripheral vision and eventually blindness. While there is no cure for glaucoma, there are medications and surgery available that can help halt further vision loss. Early detection and regular eye exams are vital to slowing the progress of the disease. Macular Degeneration Macular degeneration is a chronic, progressive disease that gradually destroys sharp central vision due to a deterioration of the macula, a tiny spot in the central portion of your retina comprised of millions of light-sensing cells. Because it is so commonly associated with aging, it is also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). There are two forms of AMD called “dry,” most common and with no known treatment, and “wet,” less common and treated with laser procedures. Genetic testing is now available to help identify those most likely to develop “wet” macular degeneration. In most cases, reversing damage caused by AMD is not possible, but supplements, protection from sunlight, eating a balanced diet and quitting smoking can reduce the risk and progression of macular degeneration. For suggestions, speak with your eye care provider at Vision Source Westview. Vision Source Westview has the experience and equipment necessary to diagnose and often treat the eye diseases detailed above, as well as many other eye diseases, at our office in Houston. For more information please schedule an appointment with your optometrist, and we’ll be in touch with you shortly. Source: Eye Diseases Diagnosis Below are brief descriptions of the various eye conditions we commonly see and treat at Vision Source Westview in Houston.
There are many different types of eye conditions that could be affecting your eyesight or could have long-term consequences if not treated properly or promptly. We list some of the more common conditions below. If you think you or someone in your family has one of these conditions, please contact Vision Source Westview in Houston for an exam and recommendations. Amblyopia (Lazy Eye) Lazy eye, medically known as amblyopia, is a loss or lack of development of vision, usually in one eye. This degenerative process usually begins with an inherited condition and appears during infancy or early childhood. Lazy eye needs to be diagnosed between birth and early school age since it is during this period that the brain “chooses” its visual pathway and may ignore the weaker eye permanently. Lazy eye is not always easy to recognize since a child with worse vision in one eye does not necessarily have lazy eye. Because of this, it is recommended that all children, including those with no symptoms, have a comprehensive eye examination by the age of three and sooner if there is a family history of any eye condition or disease. If you suspect a problem, or need to set up your child’s first eye examination, contact Vision Source Westview to set up an appointment. Blepharitis Blepharitis is a general term for an inflammation of the eyelid and eyelashes. It is among the most common and stubborn eye conditions usually resulting from poor eyelid hygiene, a low-grade bacterial infection (usually staphylococcal), an allergic reaction and/or abnormalities in oil gland function. Like some other skin conditions, blepharitis can be controlled but not cured. The main goals in treating it are to reduce the amount of bacteria along the lid margin and open plugged glands. Contact Vision Source Westview to assess the severity of your problem and the best treatment method. Cataracts A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s normally clear lens, which leads to a progressive blurring or dimming of vision. It is the world’s leading cause of blindness and among the most common conditions related to aging – by age 65, you have a 50 percent chance of developing a cataract, and, by age 75, it jumps to 70 percent. A cataract starts out small and initially has little or no effect on vision. As the cataract progresses, it becomes harder to read and perform other normal tasks. In the early stages, your doctor may recommend stronger eyeglasses and adjusting your lighting to reduce glare. When cataracts disrupt your daily life, your doctor may recommend cataract-removal surgery, which is one of the most frequent and successful procedures done in the U.S. Computer Vision Syndrome Computer Vision Syndrome is characterized by neck pain, blurry vision, stiff shoulders, headache and watery eyes when working in front of a computer screen. The symptoms are typically due to posture, dry eyes, eye muscle coordination and poorly corrected vision. Since computer monitors are typically 20 to 26 inches from your eyes, your regular glasses may not be the best option for computer work. This distance range is considered intermediate – closer than what you use to drive a car but farther away than what you use to read. Special lens designs for computer work provide you with a larger intermediate area for viewing the computer and your immediate work area like the top of your desk. Vision Source Westview can help you determine if these special lenses are appropriate for you. Dry Eye Syndrome Dry eye syndrome refers to a breakdown in the quantity or quality of tears to moisten, cleanse and protect the eyes. This is significant because, with each blink, tears protect the surface of the eye, washing away dust and microorganisms. When this protective coating dries up, the eyes may feel “gritty” or burn and can be more sensitive to light. In extreme cases, vision can be blurred. If you suspect that you have dry eye, see your eye doctor. Proper care will not only increase your comfort – it will protect your eyes. Your eye care provider can perform a series of tests to determine if you have dry eyes. Strabismus Cross-eyed, medically known as strabismus, refers to a condition in which eyes are misaligned. It commonly occurs when the muscles that control eye movement are not properly working together. The result is one or both eyes turning inward, outward, upward or downward, or one or both eyes moving irregularly. Strabismus is usually diagnosed during childhood and affects about 4 percent of children, afflicting boys and girls equally. Though it cannot be prevented, its complications can be avoided with early intervention. Even if you notice symptoms intermittently – when your child is ill, stressed or fatigued – alert your eye care provider. Vision Source Westview has the experience and equipment necessary to diagnose and often treat the eye conditions detailed above at our office in Houston. For more information please schedule an appointment with your eye care provider, and we will be in touch with you shortly. Source: http://visionsource-westview.com/vision-care-products/eye-conditions/ Vision Correction Procedure in Bunker Hill and Houston TX Area by Vision Source Westview11/20/2016 Vision Source Westview in Houston provides treatment, consultation and referrals for these common vision correction surgeries and procedures.
Red Eyes Red eyes can be a sign of many things detrimental to the eyes. If your eyes have been feeling tired, hurting, painful, sore, itchy come in for a check-up. Dry Eyes Do your eyes feel sandy and gritty all the time? Do your eyes feel exhausted after being on the computer or tablet all day? These could be signs of dry eyes which can be treated to make them feel well again. Corneal Reshaping (Orthokeratology) Orthokeratology is a procedure for correcting myopia (nearsightedness) and mild astigmatism by gently reshaping the cornea with special contact lenses, which the patient places in his or her eyes overnight. When successful, patients will experience clear vision during the day without contact lenses or eyeglasses. However, the results are temporary, so the patient must continue to wear the lenses regularly at night to maintain optimum results. LASIK LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure that uses a laser beam to reshape the cornea. Patients who are nearsighted, farsighted or astigmatic may benefit from this type of procedure. While millions of patients have seen successful results from LASIK, the procedure is not right for everyone. Your optometrist will need to thoroughly examine your eyes to determine which type of vision correction best fits your needs. Low Vision Therapy Low vision is a general term that refers to a partial loss of vision that cannot be adequately corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, medications or surgery. Common causes of low vision include macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, inherited retinal degenerative diseases, glaucoma and optic nerve atrophy. Low vision therapy typically includes an evaluation of the patient’s visual abilities, prescription of low vision devices and training in their use. The goal is to maximize the use of the patient’s available vision for reading, writing, hobbies and work-related tasks such as working at a computer. Vision Source Westview has the experience and equipment necessary to provide treatment, consultation and referrals for the vision correction procedures and surgeries detailed above at our office in Houston. Schedule an appointment with your eye care provider, and we will be in touch with you shortly. Source: http://visionsource-westview.com/vision-care-products/vision-correction/ Vision Source Westview offers many options for contact lenses.
Reasons to have contacts or try them for the first time
Silicone Hydrogel Soft Contact Silicone hydrogels are soft contact lenses that have high oxygen permeability, excellent anti-dryness technology and sharp HD vision optics These lenses are comfortable to wear and must be replaced monthly, weekly or daily depending on the type discussed with the Doctor. Soft lenses are often recommended for sports because they fit closer to the eye and are more difficult to dislodge. Monovision contacts These contacts allow a patient to use one eye for distance and one eye for up-close for patients who have entered their 40’s. This is a good set-up depending on the needs of the patient and a recommendation from the Doctor. The upside to these contacts are they are generally less expensive than multifocal lenses but the biggest drawback is that there can be a longer adaptation period. Multifocal Lenses Multifocal lenses offer patients both distance and near vision correction similar to that of progressive/no line bifocal wearers that simulates more natural vision. Multifocal lenses help patients see far and upclose at the same time and allow for easier adaptation than monovision contacts. Color Contact Lenses Enhance your eye color or even change it completely. Colored contact lenses are fun and come in a variety of colors for both light and dark eyes. Gas-Permeable (GP) Lenses Made of moderately flexible plastics, GP lenses offer sharp vision and correct most vision problems. They are more durable than soft contact lenses and can be easier to handle and care for but require a longer adaptation period and consistent wear to maintain adaptation. These lenses may benefit patients with previous LASIK surgery, patients with Keratoconus, or patients with extremely high prescriptions. Regardless of the type of contact lenses you wear, an annual eye exam is recommended to ensure the continued good health of your eyes. Schedule an appointment for an assessment and advice at Vision Source Westview in Houston, and we will be in touch with you shortly. Source: http://visionsource-westview.com/vision-care-products/contacts/ A brief description of the types of lenses and variety of frames available at Vision Source Westview in Houston.
Selecting your lenses and frames is a very personal choice. A wide variety of options are available that can be tailored to suit not only your medical needs but also your fashion preferences. Highlight your features, play with color, and augment vision for different functions such as reading, driving and playing sports. With all the choices available, the experience can be daunting without the right guidance. Vision Source Westview in Houston makes the choice easy. Eyeglasses Design, material and treatments are the three components that make up a pair of prescription lenses. It is important to select the right combination of these elements for your particular visual needs and to always consult your eye care professional. The knowledgeable staff at Vision Source Westview will consider long-term wearing comfort, style, features and function when suggesting a new pair of eyeglasses. The eyeglasses become as unique as the person taking them home. Eyeglass Lenses The type of lenses you will need are based on your age and which range of vision you are having problems with: Single Vision- These type of lenses will help you for a particular range of vision that you are having trouble with Distance- these lenses help nearsighted patients Near- these lenses help farsighted patients Intermediate- these lenses help people who are on the computer Bifocal- These type of lenses have a visible line which assists patients with distance and upclose however, they do not help with intermediate/mid range portion of your vision Progressive/No-line Bifocal- These lenses are considered true multifocals as they help with all range Distance- anything farther than arms length Intermediate- at arms length Near- closer than arms length Frame Styles When choosing a frame, the shape and size of the frame should enhance the color of your eyes, complement your skin tone and play up the best features of your face shape. Plastic/Zylo Metal Rimless Semi-Rimless Most people need more than one pair of glasses, such as one for everyday wear and another for outdoor activities. Having different style frames for different activities and moods makes wearing glasses more fun. Sunglasses Sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet radiation, which is present even on cloudy days. Quality sunwear provides 100% UV protection and can significantly reduce the risk of vision problems caused by sunlight such as cataracts and retinal damage. Anti-Reflective Lenses Wearers of prescription glasses and sunglasses commonly encounter annoying glare and reflections caused by light bouncing off their lenses. This glare makes it more difficult to see, especially at night. Anti-reflective lenses reduce these reflections allowing more light to pass through to your eyes. All lens surfaces naturally reflect light and this reflection can prevent between seven to 14 percent of the light needed for optimal vision. Wearing non-AR lenses is like trying to read a book in a dimly lit room. Since AR lenses allow more light to reach your eyes by reducing reflections, it’s like turning up the lights in a room, making it easier to see. Source: http://visionsource-westview.com/vision-care-products/lenses-and-frames/ Our mission is to perform the best eye exam you have ever had. We use the newest cutting edge technology to check your eyes. NO more Air puffs! We use the icare tonometer which allows us to check for glaucoma and other high eye pressure diseases without having you deal with the air puff! Wide-Field Imaging The Daytona Optos allows us to get very detailed views of the retina which is the back of your eye. This imaging enables us to detect early signs of:
Automated Refraction We want to ensure you have the sharpest vision possible and with the Marco RT-5100 digital refraction system assures us that will be a reality. A faster more accurate way to get your prescription without having you say 1 or 2 – too many times. Ability to show you the difference between your old and new prescription. Less likelihood for doctor assistant or doctor transcription errors. |
Vision Source Westview
About Vision Source Westview
|