Debunking Contact Lens Myths

October 29, 2021/in General Optometry /by Carolina Clavijo

Imagine a life without glasses: no foggy lenses, no stopping to take them off before a workout, and no anxiety about losing or breaking them. If you wear glasses, you probably agree that those benefits sound pretty good! However, some common myths about contact lenses might be keeping you from making the switch to a simpler form of vision correction. Let’s delve into these misleading myths and learn why contact lenses just might be the change you need.

Myth 1: I’m too old for contact lenses

The only age restriction for contact lenses is whether you’re old enough. In the past, older adults were told not to wear them due to their higher likelihood of suffering from dry eyes or presbyopia (also called aging eye condition). The materials that contact lenses were made from in the past could make these conditions worse. Contact lenses are now made from a variety of materials, and your eye doctor can help you choose the best option for any eye condition you may have. These days, there are contacts specifically made for people who suffer from dry eyes. Some of them even contain added fluid to help moisturize your eyes, which helps to relieve the symptoms of dry eye.

Myth 2: Contact lenses can get stuck behind your eye

This is a scary one! Fortunately, it is not physically possible for a contact lens to get behind your eye. Our eyes are covered by a membrane that connects to the back of our eyelids to prevent anything from going behind the eye. If you can’t find your contact lens, it is most likely hiding under your upper eyelid. A contact lens can get “stuck” in your eye, but it is usually a soft lens and it cannot possibly migrate behind your eyeball. Adhering to proper guidelines for wearing your contact lenses will prevent them from getting stuck.

Myth 3: Contact lenses are too expensive

There are many options when purchasing contact lenses, and you should be able to work with your eye care provider to find one that fits your budget. If you have vision insurance, your policy may cover some or all of the cost of contacts, so be sure to call your insurance company for information. It’s also important to note that glasses require a large upfront investment, while contact lenses are generally a small monthly expense. While the annual cost of contact lenses might be slightly higher than that of glasses, many patients are willing to pay the difference for the freedom that contact lenses offer.

Myth 4: Contact lenses are a lot of trouble to take care of

Modern contact lenses require far less care than their predecessors. For minimal care requirements, you can choose daily disposable contact lenses, which require zero care. Even if you choose reusable contact lenses, most types can be cleaned, disinfected, and stored with one bottle of multiuse contact lens solution. Your eye care provider should instruct you on how to care for the type of contact lenses you choose. Eye infections can be easily prevented by following all instructions for the correct cleaning and storage of contact lenses.

Myth 5: Contact lenses are uncomfortable

While many contacts made 40 to 50 years ago were uncomfortable, modern contact lenses are thin, flexible, and soft. In fact, after a brief adjustment period, most people get so comfortable that they don’t even remember that they are wearing them! If you still experience discomfort after the adjustment period, there are several remedies that can help once your eye care doctor pinpoints the exact cause.

Contact Lens Services in Rockville With Visionary Eye Doctors

If you’re interested in trying contact lenses, we invite you to make an appointment with Visionary Eye Doctors. Our friendly team will help you decide if contact lenses are right for you. If you feel that you’re ready, we’ll work with you to find the best option for your eyes and lifestyle. If you’re nervous about making the change, our patient-centered team will help you test the waters with care and compassion. Nothing is more important to us than your eye health and overall well-being — and that may include beneficial lifestyle changes such as switching to contact lenses.

Call Visionary Eye Doctors at (301) 591-1763 or contact us online today to schedule an eye exam in the Washington, DC, area. We’d love to talk about switching to contact lenses!

Glasses held close to the camera with a man's blurry face behind them

LASIK Recovery Guide

August 15, 2021/in Refractive Surgery /by Carolina Clavijo

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) eye surgery is one of the most common elective surgical procedures in the United States. The procedure usually takes about 10 minutes, and you should see dramatically improved vision in just 12 to 24 hours! Still, your eyes may need up to six months to make a full recovery. Use this LASIK recovery guide so you know what to expect during each phase of the healing process.

What Happens During LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK is a type of laser vision correction surgery that involves the use of a femtosecond laser to create a precise, thin flap in the cornea, the front part of the eye. This crucial step prepares the eye for the next phase of the procedure, where another laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue. This reshaping corrects the eye’s focus by improving how light rays are directed onto the retina, enhancing your visual acuity. After the cornea is reshaped, the flap is replaced, healing naturally without stitches. This process significantly improves vision, offering a swift and effective solution for correcting refractive errors.

Immediately After LASIK

The recovery process from laser eye surgery begins right away. Slight swelling may occur, so you may notice foggy or blurry vision or halos around lights, especially at night. These side effects should improve as the swelling goes down within 24 hours, though minor haloing may linger for up to a month.

Other typical, temporary side effects may include:

Mild stinging and redness
Eye-watering or dry eye
Gritty feeling in the eye
Light sensitivity

In the first few hours after LASIK, use the anesthetic eyedrops your surgeon gives you to combat mild discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help.

Then, even if you feel perfectly normal, follow these post-operative instructions:

Get a ride home on LASIK treatment day.
Refrain from rubbing your eyes, or you could displace the corneal flap and cause complications.
Go to bed early on the day of your surgery to help your corneas begin healing.
Wear the protective eye shields your surgeon gives you while you sleep.

The First Few Weeks After LASIK

Your first post-operative follow-up appointment will take place 24 hours after your laser eye surgery. A clinician will check the condition of your corneas and ensure everything looks right. You may have another appointment for a one-week post-op. However, contact your eye doctor immediately before your next checkup if you experience any pain, redness, discharge, or degraded vision.

Your vision should settle two to three months after LASIK. In the meantime, follow your doctor’s instructions about using antibiotic eye drops to guard against infection and steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation. You can also combat dryness with artificial tears.

Then, follow these precautions to further avoid injury and infection:

Wear sunglasses always until your eyes no longer feel light-sensitive.
Continue wearing your eye shields while you sleep.
Continue to avoid rubbing your eyes.
Avoid dusty environments and gardening for one week.
Don’t wear eye makeup for a week.
Avoid sports and exercise for the first week, and don’t play contact sports for at least a month.
Keep water out of your eyes for a week and avoid swimming or hot tubs for at least a month.

One to Six Months After LASIK

You can resume all normal activities after a month, with the exception of some contact sports. Continue keeping your eyes lubricated with artificial tears, especially when working at a computer for long hours.

If you have a high prescription, your vision may take up to six months to settle. At your six-month appointment, your clinician will determine if your vision has reduced at all. While this is rare, re-treatment is easily performed if necessary.

One Year After LASIK

You’ve gotten used to the freedom of not wearing glasses and contact lenses by now, but you need one final follow-up at the one-year mark. At this point, you can expect to be discharged to the care of your local optometrist. Continue to schedule routine eye exams every one to two years to monitor your eye health and ensure clear vision for the foreseeable future!

How Does LASIK Recovery Time Compare to Other Vision Correction Surgeries

LASIK recovery time is generally shorter and more comfortable compared to other vision correction surgeries, such as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). While LASIK patients often experience significant improvement in vision within 24 hours and can resume most regular activities within a day or two, PRK recovery is a bit more prolonged. In PRK, the outer layer of the cornea is completely removed to reshape the cornea beneath, requiring several days to a few weeks for this layer to heal and vision to stabilize. Consequently, PRK patients might face a longer period before they can return to their regular activities and experience full visual acuity. This makes LASIK a preferred option for many seeking a quicker return to normalcy post-surgery.

Schedule LASIK With Visionary Eye Doctors

Are you ready to achieve crystal-clear vision with LASIK? The first step is to schedule a consultation with an experienced eye surgeon at Visionary Eye Doctors. We can determine if you’re a candidate for LASIK and assess the overall health of your eyes to establish a long-term vision plan for you.

Meet Our Expert LASIK Surgeon

Dr. Daniel Sarezky, our Rockville office’s cornea expert and LASIK surgeon, brings an invaluable perspective to laser vision correction with his specialized focus on the cornea. His deep understanding of corneal health is crucial in providing exceptional postoperative care for LASIK patients. This expertise ensures that any potential issues are swiftly identified and managed, promoting a smoother recovery and optimal visual outcomes. Dr. Sarezky’s commitment to the latest in corneal treatment techniques offers patients not just advanced surgical options but also the reassurance of comprehensive care following their procedure.

To get started, please contact us online or call us at (301) 591-1763. We have offices in Rockville, MD; Damascus, MD; and Washington, DC, to better serve you.

What Does LASIK Feel Like? A Comprehensive Guide to Laser Eye Surgery

June 15, 2021/in Refractive Surgery /by Carolina Clavijo

LASIK surgery is a revolutionary procedure that has helped millions of people around the world achieve clear vision and reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Understanding what a LASIK procedure feels like is crucial for anyone considering this life-changing procedure. We will delve into the basics of LASIK eye surgery, including its purpose, procedure, and expected outcomes.

LASIK, which stands for “Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis,” is a refractive surgery that aims to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. During the procedure, a skilled surgeon uses a laser to reshape the cornea and improve its ability to focus light onto the retina, resulting in clear vision.

Understanding LASIK Surgery

The surgery itself typically takes about 15 minutes per eye, and the actual laser time is usually less than a minute. However, the entire process, from pre-operative preparations to post-operative care, requires thorough attention and care. At Visionary Eye Doctors, we believe in providing a comprehensive approach to LASIK surgery, prioritizing safety, precision, and patient satisfaction.

There are different types of laser vision correction surgeries available, each with its own advantages. LASIK is the most popular procedure, and it involves creating a thin corneal flap to access the underlying tissue. Another widely used technique is known as PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), where the surgeon removes the outer layer of the cornea and reshapes it without creating a flap.

The cornea acts as the eye’s front window and refracts light onto the lens and retina, allowing us to see. During LASIK surgery, the surgeon uses specialized equipment, including a femtosecond laser and an excimer laser, to create a precise corneal flap and reshape the underlying tissue.

The Preparation Process

Before undergoing LASIK surgery, thorough preparation is necessary to ensure optimal results and minimize any potential risks.

The journey to clearer vision begins with an initial consultation with one of our experienced eye doctors at Visionary Eye Doctors. During this LASIK consultation, our dedicated team will evaluate your overall eye health, review your medical history, and perform a series of tests to determine your candidacy for LASIK. These tests may include measuring your corneal thickness, assessing your refractive error, and mapping the curvature of your cornea.

Once you have been deemed a suitable candidate for LASIK, we will guide you through the necessary preparations leading up to the surgery. One important step is to discontinue the use of contact lenses for a specific period before the procedure. A contact lens can alter the shape of the cornea, and its removal allows the cornea to return to its natural shape, ensuring accurate measurements for the surgery.

On the day of your LASIK surgery, we will administer numbing eye drops to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. These drops effectively minimize any potential discomfort or pain during the surgery. Some patients may experience a slight stinging sensation when the drops are initially applied, but this usually subsides quickly.

It is important to note that LASIK surgery itself is painless due to the use of anesthetic drops. Patients typically describe the sensation during the surgery as a slight pressure or minor discomfort.

During the surgery, you may notice some unusual sounds or smells; this is a normal part of the procedure and is not indicative of any complications. Additionally, it’s important to remain calm and relaxed throughout the surgery, as this will help ensure optimal results.

LASIK Surgery Experience

The LASIK surgery experience can vary slightly from person to person, but there are some common elements that most patients can expect.

When you arrive for your LASIK surgery at Visionary Eye Doctors, you’ll be greeted by our friendly staff who will make sure you feel comfortable and well-informed about the process. Our laser suite is designed to provide a calming and professional atmosphere, with state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the highest level of precision and safety.

During the procedure, you will be positioned on a reclining chair, and a small device may be placed to keep your eyelids open. This is done to prevent blinking and ensure that your eye remains steady throughout the process. Rest assured that you won’t feel any pain during the surgery, thanks to the numbing drops administered earlier.

At Visionary Eye Doctors, our skilled LASIK surgeons utilize advanced laser technologies to create a small flap on the cornea and reshape the underlying tissue. The first step of the surgery involves the creation of a thin corneal flap, which is accomplished using a femtosecond laser. This laser creates precise, microscopic incisions, enabling the surgeon to lift the flap and access the cornea.

Once the corneal flap is lifted, the underlying tissue is reshaped using an excimer laser. This laser emits cool ultraviolet light pulses that gently remove microscopic amounts of tissue, precisely reshaping the cornea to correct your refractive error. The excimer laser is highly accurate and allows for customization based on your specific prescription.

During the surgery, you may experience slight pressure or discomfort as the surgeon works on your eye. Some patients describe a sensation of something touching their eye, but it is important to note that this is not painful. Remember to remain still and follow the instructions provided, as this will assist the surgeon in achieving the best possible results.

Furthermore, it is important to clarify that the light you are asked to focus on during the surgery is not the excimer laser itself. This light serves as a reference point to help you keep your eye still and aligned properly. The actual laser is focused by the surgeon and is controlled remotely.

Recovery and Post-Operative Care

After undergoing LASIK surgery, proper recovery, and post-operative care are crucial for achieving the best possible results. Immediately after your LASIK surgery, your eyes may experience watery eyes and mild discomfort. This is normal and should subside within a few hours. At Visionary Eye Doctors, we will provide you with specialized eye drops to help promote healing and minimize any potential dryness or irritation.

It is essential to follow the post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon diligently. These instructions may include using prescribed medicated eye drops, wearing protective eye shields at night, and avoiding activities that could potentially put a strain on your eyes. Your surgeon will also guide you when it is safe to resume daily activities, including working, driving, wearing eye makeup, and playing contact sports.

In the days following your surgery, you may experience some temporary side effects, such as blurry vision or light sensitivity. Don’t be alarmed; these are typically normal and will improve gradually as your eyes heal. It is important to rest your eyes and avoid rubbing or touching them during this time.

Dryness is a common side effect after LASIK surgery, but it is usually temporary. To alleviate the slight discomfort caused by dry eyes, you can use artificial tears as directed by your surgeon. It is advisable to have these drops on hand to keep your eyes lubricated throughout the day. Additionally, it may be beneficial to avoid environments with dry air, such as heated or air-conditioned spaces, as they can exacerbate dryness.

While most patients experience significant improvements in their vision immediately after LASIK surgery, everyone’s healing process is unique, and it may take a few days or even weeks for your vision to stabilize fully. Be patient and follow up with your surgeon as scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure a successful outcome.

It is important to note that LASIK surgery does not guarantee perfect vision for a lifetime. As we age, natural changes in the eye can occur, leading to the need for reading glasses or further vision correction. However, LASIK can still provide a significant improvement in your overall visual acuity, reducing your dependence on glasses or contact lenses in most cases.

Remember, the healing process is a crucial part of your LASIK journey. By following your surgeon’s recommendations and attending all scheduled follow-up visits, you are giving yourself the best chance for a successful outcome and long-term visual satisfaction.

Visionary Eye Doctors’ Services

In conclusion, undergoing LASIK surgery is a life-changing experience for many individuals looking to improve their up-close and distance vision and reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

At Visionary Eye Doctors, we are committed to providing safe, precise, and personalized LASIK surgery. With our team of experienced eye doctors and advanced laser technologies, we strive to deliver exceptional results and the highest level of patient satisfaction. Contact us at 301-896-0968 today to learn more about LASIK or any of your eye health needs.

Computer screen light reflect from glasses. Close up of eyes. Business man, coder or programmer working late at night with laptop. Thoughtful focused guy in dark. Reflection of monitor.

Does Computer Screen Use Cause Myopia?

March 25, 2021/in General Optometry /by Carolina Clavijo

Myopia (nearsightedness) affects 40% of North Americans with a staggering growth rate over the past two decades that has qualified the condition as a global epidemic. Myopia is projected to affect 58% of the population by 2050. The recent spike in myopia cases has spurred research into the effects of computer screens, and the blue light they emit, on our eye. Learn more about what myopia is, how computer exposure is connected to the condition, and how you can prevent it to protect one of your essential senses.

Contact Visionary Eye Doctors, to learn how to safeguard your eyesight with responsible myopia management. Call us today at (301) 591-1763.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia is not an eye disease but an eye-focusing disorder. It is caused by the inability of the eye to refract or bend light as it should. Instead, light from a distant object forms an image before it reaches the retina. This refractive error causes blurry vision of distant objects while keeping near objects clear. Myopia occurs when either the eye is too long or the cornea is too steep. Untreated myopia can lead to headaches, eye discomfort, and a further decline in vision. Myopia’s growing prevalence has made it a real public health issue for the world to confront.

Computer Screen Exposure Puts You at Risk for Developing Myopia

According to a recent study from the American Optometric Association, those who clock considerable hours working/reading from a computer screen, or engaging in other close visual activities, have been shown to be more likely to develop vision problems like myopia. This is especially true in children who engage in excessive screen time before the age of 10 when the eye is still developing. The quantity of time spent in front of digital devices at close range, coupled with the blue light of digital devices and LED screens, is what can ultimately cause permanent damage to eye health.

While the eye can block many damaging UV light rays, blue light is able to pass straight through the lens and cornea to the retina and light-sensitive nerves, degrading the macular pigment in the eye. This damage leads to macular degeneration and ultimately blindness.

While macular degeneration is commonly seen in American adults 40 years and older, health professionals predict that many more of the younger generation will develop macular degeneration at an accelerated rate due to electronic devices. Glaucoma, dry eyes, and other degenerative diseases can also stem from too much exposure.

Do Blue Light Blocking Glasses Help Prevent Digital Eyestrain?

72% of our population is unaware of the dangers of blue light despite its newfound prevalence. Specialized blue light-blocking lenses and eyeglasses can offer you protection from dangerous blue light exposure, but they shouldn’t be used as a stand-alone approach.

To mitigate the risks associated with prolonged exposure to blue light, consider incorporating the 20-20-20 rule into your daily routine. This rule advises that for every 20 minutes spent looking at a screen, you should look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This practice helps to reduce eye fatigue by giving your eyes a chance to rest. It is especially crucial during consecutive hours of screen use, which can occur during long periods of work or gaming. Taking frequent breaks not only lessens the strain on your eyes but also contributes to overall eye health.

Additionally consider reducing screen time, dimming your screen brightness, or installing a matte screen filter. Practicing these healthy habits along with check-ins with a trained optometrist skilled in myopia progression and prevention can offer you the best strategies for success. If schoolwork, a job, or hobbies like social media and video games are exposing you to blue light, consult with your eye doctor on how to protect your eye health.

Myopia Treatment and Prevention in Rockville with Visionary Eye Doctors

Myopia control, treatment, and prevention strategies can help slow the progression of myopia and in certain situations prevent it from occurring. A combination of health-conscious measures, including lifestyle changes, dual-focus contact lenses, Ortho-K corneal reshaping, and low-dose atropine drops, yield the best results.

Decrease your household’s risk of worsening myopia by engaging the help of our board-certified optometrists at Visionary Eye Doctors in Rockville, MD. Our doctors are skilled at myopia treatment and prevention and possesses a chairside manner that is welcoming to both youth and adults alike.

Call Visionary Eye Doctors in Rockville, MD, at (301) 591-1763 to schedule a myopia evaluation and consultation for improved myopia management.

November Continuing Education Event

November 12, 2020/in Newsletters /by Carolina Clavijo

Updates in COVID-19 and the Eyes, Cataract, Pterygium, Cornea and Glaucoma

Thank you to all of our partner physicians that attended our event. Please find the recording and presentations below:

Dr. Martinez, Updates in Pterygium Surgery

Dr. Allen, Updates in Glaucoma

Dr. Cremers, Updates in COVID and the Eyes

Dr. Sarezky, Updates in Keratoconus

Make Getting an Eye Exam Your New Year’s Resolution

December 31, 2019/in General Optometry /by Carolina Clavijo

Woman in hoodie wearing glasses and playing with sparkler.

When New Year’s rolls around, most people make resolutions to focus on their health. This is a good idea, but you may be making the wrong resolution. If you’re focusing on losing weight or exercising more in the New Year, you may be overlooking a very important part of your health, and that is your vision. This year, in addition to the normal resolutions to get a little trimmer, consider making a resolution to protect your vision by scheduling a routine eye exam.

Screen for Diseases & Prevent Vision Loss

Why should you schedule a routine eye exam in the new year? An eye exam does much more than check your glasses prescription. It helps screen against disease and disorders that could put your vision and your overall health at risk.

One of these is glaucoma. Glaucoma has few symptoms in its early stages, but once it causes vision loss, the results are permanent. This is the second leading causing of blindness around the globe, and the best way to prevent it is to have your routine screening. If caught early, glaucoma’s effects can be reduced, helping to preserve your vision.

Though glaucoma is the most common problem that leads to vision loss, it is just one in a long list of potential diseases that could rob you of your vision. Many of these have few symptoms early on, and some can be treated if detected early. If you want to protect your vision, you need to start with your eye exam.

Protect Overall Health With Vision

Not only does your vision screening test for diseases that could cause you to lose your vision, but it also screens for vision problems that can be connected to other health problems, like hypertension and diabetes. Sometimes, the eye doctor is the first one to notice these problems, giving you the chance to get help from your medical doctor for these serious health concerns. By keeping your eye exam this year, you may get insight into things you can do to protect your overall health.

Schedule Your Eye Exam Today

If you want to schedule your eye exam for the new year, Visionary Eye Doctors is here to help. We offer eye exams to patients throughout Maryland and Washington, DC, DC. Our eye doctors are passionate about helping you protect your health, and this starts with routine eye exams.

Visit our Maryland or DC offices to have your eye exam. Schedule it now by calling (301) 591-1763. You can also contact us online for more information about our vision services. With the help of Visionary Eye Doctors, you can take the next step in protecting your vision, and your health, with routine eye examinations.

Preventing Dry Eyes in Winter

December 20, 2019/in Dry Eyes /by Carolina Clavijo

Portrait of cheerful mom with siblings. Noel morning gathering. Grey-haired cheerful grandparents, grandchildren, sister, brother, son, daughter, relatives at house feast, vacation

When you think of winter, what comes to mind? Snow? Holidays? If you’re one of the millions of Americans suffering from dry eye syndrome, then chances are you think of that itchy, scratchy, uncomfortable feeling that comes along with the dryness of winter. While dry eye syndrome can be a complex issue requiring a mixture of treatment options, there are still a few things you can do to combat dry and uncomfortable eyes this winter season.

Tips to Relieve Dry Eyes

Eye Drops

There are a number of over-the-counter eye drops you can utilize to keep your eyes from drying out this winter. From your run-of-the-mill artificial tears to overnight eye gel, the options are nearly endless. While it might take a little trial and error to find the eye drops that work for you, one kind we do suggest avoiding is redness eliminating. These eye drops work by temporarily constricting blood vessels, thus making your eyes appear whiter. These types of eye drops can just cause further irritation in your eyes.

Warm Compresses

This technique not only helps with dry eyes, but can also prove to be a good winding down activity at the end of a busy day! Simply dampen a washcloth with warm – not hot – water and rest it on your eyes before bed.

Humidifiers

If your eyes are already prone to dryness, having dry air in your home is only going to make this worse. Turn to your trusty humidifier to keep the air in your bedroom full of moisture during the night. Having moisture in the air will help prevent your eyes from drying out during the night and make opening your eyes in the morning a little easier.

Sunglasses

Besides the sun, sunglasses can help protect your eyes from other elements as well. Keep harsh temperatures and strong winds out of your eyes by wearing sunglasses outside during the winter. Keep a few pairs in various locations so that you’re always prepared.

Prescription Treatments

If all else fails, turn to your trusted eye care professional for prescription treatments that can help relieve your dry eye symptoms. Visionary Eye Doctors’ EyeDry Center of Excellence is specifically focused on helping patients find relief. We create multifaceted treatment plans that include both prescription treatments and at-home remedies.

This winter, don’t just suffer through dry eyes. Test out a few or all of the suggestions above to seek relief from dry, scratchy eyes. And, if you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of our dry eye experts, give us a call at (301) 591-1763.

Happy 4th of July and what you need to know to keep you and your eyes safe!

July 2, 2019/in General Optometry /by Carolina Clavijo

Keep an eye out, firework-related eye injuries in the U.S. have doubled!

It’s almost the 4^th of July and time to fire up the barbie, enjoy some cold drinks, and make sure your eyes are protected from the UV rays of the sun during the day and the fireworks that are sure to be part of your celebration that night.

While most of us love the fireworks with the bright lights, colorful sparks and huge sounds that go BOOM, please keep in mind that fireworks are still explosives. The statistics surrounding fireworks-related eye injuries are alarming. In 2017 alone, emergency rooms across the country treated an estimated 12,900 injuries from fireworks, and nearly 2000 of those were eye injuries. Over a third of these injuries were sustained by children under the age of 15, often because of sparklers or bottle rockets.

To help prevent these injuries, here are four myths about consumer fireworks risk:

Small doesn’t equal safe. A common perpetrator of fireworks injuries is one that is often handed to small children — the popular sparkler. Many people mistakenly believe sparklers are harmless due to their size. However, they can reach temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees — hot enough to melt gold. Yes, melt gold!
Even though it looks like a dud, it may not act like one. Injury and serious eye trauma can occur when people mistakenly think that a firework is no longer active or hot. Never touch unexploded fireworks and you may want to call your local fire or police department to properly handle it.
Just because you’re not lighting or throwing it doesn’t mean you’re out of the firing line. An international study of fireworks-related eye injuries showed that nearly half of the people injured by fireworks are bystanders. The research also found that one in six of these injuries caused severe vision loss.
The holiday can be complete without using consumer fireworks. While legal in many states, they can be extremely dangerous and can cause significant injury, one of the more common injuries is to your eyes. Best to leave the lighting of fireworks to the professionals.

Please see the below safety tips for a safe and happy 4th:

Never let children play with any type of firework, including sparklers. They are the number one cause of fireworks injuries.

People who handle fireworks and all bystanders should wear protective eyewear that meets the parameters set by the American National Standards Institute. Avoid carrying fireworks in your pocket. The friction could actually set them off, and that wouldn’t be pleasant.
Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
Keep a bucket of water nearby, just in case if lighting fireworks.
Keep an eye on your pets. If your pooch isn’t cowering indoors, make sure he’s not in the line of fire either.
When viewing a professional firework display, view fireworks from at least 500 feet away and respect all safety barriers.

If you or a friend or family member experience a fireworks-related eye injury:

Seek medical attention immediately.
Avoid rubbing or rinsing the eyes or applying pressure.
Do not remove any object from the eye, apply ointments or take any pain medication before seeking medical help.

We wish you a wonderful and safe 4^th of July holiday! VED is closed on the 4^th and will open again on July 5^th with regular hours. We hope this information was helpful to you and If you need some fashionable sunglasses or safety glasses – you know where to find us. Happy 4th!

How to Find Your Perfect Eyeglasses Choice

February 25, 2019/in General Optometry /by Carolina Clavijo

When trying on new glasses, do you struggle to know which glasses may work best for you? We have some tips which may help and once you know which shape your face most closely resembles, then you can start narrowing down glasses to make your decisions easier.

Glasses Based on Your Face Shape

To choose the right eyeglasses for you, start by determining your face shape. There are seven basic face shapes, including oval, base-up or base-down triangle, oblong, square, diamond, and round, as seen in the photo above. Eyeglasses should contrast your facial features but be in scale with your face size. The end piece should best fit at the widest point of your face at the temples. The proper fit of the frame and lens height is more important than the lens size. Find your face shape in this image above and try out our recommended frames for more accurate measurement:

Oval:

Frames that suit an oval face have a strong bridge size, are wider than the broadest part of the face, and are geometric in shape.
Frames to Avoid: Eyeglasses that are overly large and cover up more than half of your face will throw off the natural balance and symmetry of the oval face.

Heart-shaped, Base-up triangle:

Frames that balance the width of the forehead with the narrowness of the chin are ideal. Eyeglasses with low-set temples and bottom heavy frame lines will add width to that narrower part of your face. Round eyeglasses or square eyeglasses with curved edges will help draw attention away from a broad, high forehead.
Frames to Avoid: Steer clear of any style or color of frames that draw attention to the forehead. This includes frames with decorative temples or embellished tops.

Oblong:

Frames with more depth than width.
Frames to Avoid: Narrow and rectangular shapes will make your face appear longer, so steer clear.

Square:

Eyeglasses that soften the angularity and sit high on the bridge of the nose look best on square faces. Oval or round eyeglasses will balance and add a thinner appearance to the angles of a square face.
Frames to Avoid: Angular and boxy eyeglass frames will sharpen and draw attention to your angular features, making a square face appear bulky.

Diamond:

Play up a narrow forehead and chin with eyeglass frames that sweep up or are wider than the cheekbones, such as cat eye glasses and oval frames. These frames will accentuate your cheekbones and delicate features.
Frames to Avoid: Boxy and narrow frames will accentuate the width of your cheeks, drawing attention to your narrow features rather than enhancing them.

Round:

Eyeglass frames that are square or rectangular tend to be wider than a round face. This quality can enhance your face by making it appear slimmer and longer, adding balance to your round features.
Frames to Avoid: Rimless frames, round frames, and small frames will accentuate the roundness, making your round face look even rounder.

Base-Down Triangle:

This face shape can easily be identified by the cheek and chin areas being wide and the forehead being narrow. Like the diamond face shape, with a base-down triangle, you want to try to bring attention back towards the upper part of your face to balance out your features. Try cat-eye-shaped frames or semi-rimless frames. Also, frames that are heavily decorated and detailed on the top half would complement this face shape.
Frames to Avoid: Frames that have a lighter upper rim, or darker lower rim because these attributes accentuate the wider lower portion of the face and will bring attention to the widest lower jawline

Other Considerations When Picking Your Eye Glasses

Highlight Your Features

Pick your best or favorite feature and pick a frame to highlight it. Some features to consider highlighting would be your eyes, hair, skin color, and face shape. For example, if you have blue eyes, try different styles of blue or blue-gray frames to match and highlight your eye color.

Match or Complement Colors

Your skin, eyes, and hair work together to create your overall coloring. Everyone has either a cool (blue or pink undertones) or a warm (yellow or orange undertones) overall color. Try a frame from our color list below to complement your coloring.

Warm coloring: Stay away from contrasting colors such as pastels. White and black frames may tend not to be flattering either. Instead, the perfect frames for you are light tortoise, brown shades, gold or honey, copper, red, beige, warm blue, and olive green.
Cool coloring: Avoid colors that wash you out and instead reach for frames that are silver, black, dark tortoise, pink, purple, blue, rose-brown, mauve, and gray.

Find the Perfect Size

Try on multiple pairs to see what frame measurements fit your face shape best. Look into your facial measurements such as temple length, bridge width, pupillary distance, or nose bridge height.

Try to avoid ill-fitting glasses. If the frame size is too small your peripheral vision will be limited and could potentially feel tight on the head. The right glasses should not pinch your nose, leave red marks, slide down your nose, or easily slip off your head. The tightness around your ears can be adjusted to get the perfect fit.

Fit Your Frames to Your Lifestyle

Make sure your glasses frames will work for every part of your life and will be a representation of you and your personality. Try different facial expressions while trying on glasses to see which frame is right for you.

Pick the correct measurements to match your unique lifestyle and hobbies and find the right fit. Consider your common activities when choosing frames. For example, if you are more active you may want a pair of sports eyewear or a wraparound band. If you spend a lot of time on the computer, you may want eyeglasses with a tinted lens.

Lifestyle Lens Specialty Coatings – ZEISS DuraVision Blue Protect and ZEISS DuraVision DriveSafe

Blue Protect blocks harmful computer, smartphone, tablet, etc rays from harming your eyes, relieves eye strain, and helps in vision clarity.

DriveSafe Lens provides a more clear vision in low-light conditions for safer and more comfortable driving, reduces glare at night from oncoming cars or street lights, and provides up to 43% larger mid-distance zone for easier focus switching between dashboard and mirrors.

Are Weight and Material Important to You?

Frames are most commonly made of plastic, metal, or a combination of materials. This combination determines the longevity, weight, and average cost of a frame.

Key Features:

Stainless steel and titanium are long-lasting
Metal frames often have adjustable nose pads
Metal frames can come in hypoallergenic materials
Plastic frames tend to be lighter
Plastic frames typically need less maintenance than metal frames
Flexible hinges allow the temple arms to bend more than regular hinges

Pick Your Next Frames at Visionary Eye Doctors

Our opticians can help you in selecting the perfect pair and with our WOW grantee – it’s great to shop local and small! Our experienced optometry professionals work closely with you to select the proper frames to fit your budget as well as your cosmetic, lifestyle, and vision needs.

Early Detection is Key with Glaucoma

January 7, 2019/in Glaucoma /by Carolina Clavijo

Glaucoma Awareness Month

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month and the perfect time to spread information and awareness about this sight-stealing disease. More than 3 million people in the United States suffer from glaucoma, a number predicted to continue to increase significantly over the next several years. This disease is not preventable but, if left untreated, can cause as much as 40% of vision loss without any noticeable symptoms.

What are the Risk Factors for Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is acknowledged as the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Its impact, however, is unevenly distributed across different ethnic groups, with a notably higher prevalence in African American and Latino populations. Specifically, glaucoma is found to be 6 to 8 times more common in African Americans compared to Caucasians.

Other high-risk groups include people over 60, family members of those already diagnosed, diabetics, and severely nearsighted people. Regular eye exams are especially important for those at higher risk for glaucoma and may help to prevent unnecessary vision loss.

What Causes Glaucoma?

Old man examines his own eye in the mirror

Glaucoma is often hereditary but it can also be caused by medications, prior eye surgeries, or an injury to the eye. The most common type of glaucoma is called open-angle glaucoma. The first symptoms of this condition are often patchy blind spots in your peripheral vision. In an advanced stage of this type of glaucoma, you might experience tunnel vision. A less common form of the disease called, acute angle-closure glaucoma, often has a more rapid onset. You should seek immediate medical care if you experiencing a combination of some of the following symptoms:

Severe Headache: The rapid increase in intraocular pressure can cause intense headaches. The pain is often severe because the pressure inside the eye transmits to surrounding tissues, affecting the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for facial sensation and motor functions such as biting and chewing.
Eye Pain: This symptom directly results from the dramatic rise in eye pressure pressing on the optic nerve and other structures within the eye. The pain is often described as deep, throbbing, and unbearable, signaling that the eye is distressed.
Nausea/Vomiting: These symptoms may seem unrelated to eye conditions but occur because severe eye pain and elevated pressure can trigger a vagal response. When stimulated excessively, the vagus nerve can lead to a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, causing nausea and vomiting as a reflex action.
Blurred Vision: The increased pressure inside the eye can affect the shape and clarity of the eye’s lens and cornea, distorting vision. Fluid buildup can also lead to swelling and clouding in the eye’s structures, further impairing vision.
Haloes Around Lights: This symptom arises because the elevated eye pressure causes corneal edema, where fluid builds up in the cornea, leading to visual disturbances. Patients might notice rings or haloes around lights due to light scattering as it passes through the swollen cornea.
Eye Redness: The eyes may appear red due to the dilated blood vessels in the sclera (the white part of the eye). The pressure increase can cause blood vessel congestion, making the eyes look bloodshot and inflamed.

With a diagnosis of glaucoma, it’s best to follow up with an ophthalmologist who specializes in glaucoma at regular intervals to determine the best course of treatment and ensure that your treatments are working effectively. All glaucoma treatments are aimed at protecting the patient from further, irreversible vision loss. Daily eye drops that help reduce eye pressure are typically the early treatment followed by laser treatment and incisional surgical procedures.

How Visionary Eye Doctors Treat Glaucoma

At Visionary Eye Doctors, we prioritize the health of your eyes through our comprehensive eye exams, which play a crucial role in the early detection of various eye diseases, including glaucoma. These exams are thorough and cover multiple aspects of eye health.

Glaucoma Testing: As part of our routine eye exams, we include specific tests for glaucoma – a group of eye conditions that can cause blindness. This includes a simple and painless procedure to measure the intraocular pressure (IOP) of your eye, which is a key indicator of glaucoma. Elevated IOP can lead to damage to the optic nerve, which is vital for good vision.
Optic Nerve Assessment: During the exam, your doctor will closely examine your optic nerve for any signs of damage. This is crucial as glaucoma often causes no symptoms in its early stages and can only be detected through a comprehensive eye exam. Detecting optic nerve damage early is vital for preventing irreversible vision loss.
Field of Vision Measurement: Glaucoma can affect your peripheral (side) vision without you noticing. We conduct field of vision tests to check for any blind spots or areas of impaired vision, which might suggest the presence of glaucoma or other eye problems.
Dilated Eye Exam: A key part of our comprehensive dilated eye exam is pupil dilation. By using special drops to widen your pupils, your eye doctor can get a better view of the inside of your eyes. This allows for a more detailed examination of the retina and optic nerve for signs of damage from diseases like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration.
Regular Monitoring: If any signs of glaucoma or other eye conditions are detected, we will recommend a suitable treatment plan and regular monitoring. Early detection and treatment can help control conditions like glaucoma, reducing the risk of total vision loss.

Remember, regular comprehensive eye exams are vital, even if you aren’t experiencing any vision problems. Early detection of eye conditions like glaucoma can save your sight. We recommend adults have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once every two years, or more frequently if recommended by their eye doctor.

Meet Our Glaucoma Specialists

Our glaucoma specialists, Dr. Reena Garg and Dr. Georgina Medina are board-certified, fellowship-trained in both glaucoma and cataract and refractive surgery and utilize the latest in glaucoma research, treatment, and surgical options.

Schedule Your Glaucoma Screening

The significance of glaucoma screenings cannot be overstated, especially when considering the nature of glaucoma as a potentially devastating eye condition that can lead to irreversible vision loss. While it’s true that there is currently no cure for glaucoma, early detection, and timely treatment can significantly alter the course of the disease. Treatment options available today are highly effective in managing eye pressure, the primary risk factor for glaucoma, thereby slowing the disease’s progression and helping to prevent further vision loss. This proactive approach is crucial in reducing the likelihood of significant visual disability that can accrue over a patient’s lifetime.

Glaucoma often progresses silently, sometimes without noticeable symptoms until significant vision has been lost. This stealthy nature of glaucoma underscores the importance of regular screenings, especially for those at higher risk due to factors like age, family history, or underlying health conditions. Screenings are simple, non-invasive, and can be the first line of defense in safeguarding your vision.

Making a resolution to schedule a glaucoma screening with Dr. Reena Garg & Dr. Georgina Medina is a step toward prioritizing your eye health. By calling (301) 591-1763 or requesting to schedule online, you’re taking a proactive stance in preventing glaucoma’s silent threat to your vision. These screenings are an essential component of eye care, serving not just as a preventative measure but as a peace of mind for those at risk. Remember, preserving your vision starts with taking action—don’t wait until it’s too late to address the health of your eyes.