What are Progressive Lenses, and Do I Need Them?

March 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Progressive lenses give you three different levels of vision for a more natural way to view the world. If you need one strength of glasses to read, one strength to drive or look at the computer, or one strength to see things far away, you may want to consider progressive lenses.

Progressive Lenses for a Simpler Way to See

Composition of progressive lenses—Most progressive lenses are divided into thirds. On the bottom third is progressive-lensesthe near vision strength of lenses you would need to read or to look at your phone. In the middle is the intermediate range, in which you look at the computer. The top third of the progressive lenses allows you to see into the distance.

Adjusting to progressive lenses—You may have heard that the adjustment process takes time. Just know that you have to continue wearing the progressive lenses in order for you to get used to them. Resist the temptation to switch back to your old glasses, as this will slow the process of retraining your brain to focus through the new lenses. You should also make sure to wear the glasses high on your nose so that you can easily see the distinction between each part of the lens.

Benefits of progressive lenses—Progressive lenses can simplify your life by reducing the number of glasses you have for each occasion. Although the adjustment process may take some time, you will grow to love wearing progressives because you will not have trouble seeing various distances.

See the world in a crisper, clearer way with progressive lenses! To learn more about this type of lens, or to schedule an appointment with an optometrist at Valley Eyecare Center, call (602) 955-2700, or visit our website.

Filed Under: Eye Care Tips, Progressive Lenses

Contact Lens Care and Safety

March 7, 2018 By Leave a Comment

If you are new to wearing contact lenses, you may have a few questions about how to properly care for your contact lenses. At conta-lens-careValley Eyecare Center, your eyes are our top priority, so we’ll go over the basics of contact lens care this week.

Do’s and Don’ts of Contact Lens Care

Keep the following safety tips in mind when you are caring for your contact lenses.

In your contact lens care routine, please do the following:

  • Wash your hands before touching your eyes or your contact lenses
  • Clean your contact lenses in contact solution
  • Stay hydrated, drinking plenty of water throughout the day and using eye drops when necessary
  • Wear sunglasses in addition to your contact lenses
  • Follow the instructions given to you by your optometrist
  • Replace makeup regularly, especially if it touches your eye
  • Come in for a regular appointment with your optometrist to check your prescription


Please do not do the following:

  • Store your contact lenses in water, especially tap water
  • Sleep with your contact lenses in. Always take them out, even just for a nap! Even if your contact lenses are specifically designed for sleep, it is still a good idea to take them out at night.
  • Reuse old contact solution, as irritants may be in the old solution
  • Put your contacts in if they are inside-out. Your contacts should look like a U, not a V
  • Put your contact lenses in after applying makeup—it’s always safest to put the lenses in before you apply your eye makeup!

Keeping up with your contact lens care routine is important! To learn more about caring for your eyes and contacts, or to schedule an appointment with an optometrist at Valley Eyecare Center, call (602) 955-2700, or visit our website.

Filed Under: Contacts, Eye Care Tips

Eye Care is Important As You Age – Understanding How Your Vision Changes as You Age

February 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Many things change as we age, and your vision is one of the things that can change from year to year, and it can also change significantly as you age. Your eye care is even more important as you age, so make sure to keep up with your eye care routine!eye-care

Eye Care as You Age

Age-related eye diseases may occur—As you age, you may be at a higher risk for certain age-related eye diseases, such as macular degeneration or glaucoma. These two diseases are usually caught first by an optometrist, so it is important that you make your regular appointments and eat a healthy diet to promote optimal vision.

Cataracts happen most often once you’re past 40 years old—Cataracts rarely affect those under 40, and they most frequently affect those over 40. Cataracts, however, are considered a normal aging change, so if you have had a cataract, know that you are not alone. About half of all 65-year-old Americans have had cataracts.

You may have a hard time focusing on things that are up close—This common problem happens to almost everyone over the age of 40. Known as presbyopia, this vision change affects your near-sighted vision so that you may have to hold things a little farther away from you to focus on them. You may notice that you need reading glasses, but have no fear; this is a natural process of aging.

Reduced pupil size—As you age, the muscles that control the size of your pupil lose some of their strength. This may cause your pupil to become smaller and perhaps less responsive to changes in ambient lighting.

Your eyesight can change every year, so making annual appointments with your optometrist is important! To learn more about age-related changes in your vision, or to book an appointment with a specialist at Valley Eyecare Center, call (602) 955-2700, or visit our website.

 

Filed Under: Eye Care Tips, Eye Conditions, Eye Health

Optometrists Indicate that Eye Color Affect Your Vision

February 21, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Although it may not seem as if it has an effect on your vision, your eye color can impact the way you see and your chances of developing certain eye-related problems. Optometrists have found that the differences between eye colors play more of a role in your vision than you might think.

Eye Color and Your Vision

Light eyes may be more sensitive—The most well-known way for your eye color to affect your vision is that if you have light eyes, you may be more sensitive to the sun. Having less pigment in your eyes may not protect them as much from the damaging rays of the sun, and optometrists have found that you may be at a greater risk for macular degeneration later in life.

Your eye color may impact your reaction times—A study has found that dark-eyed people perform better in “reactive” tasks and sports. Therefore, dark-eyed people may be better at hitting a ball or playing a defensive role in a game. Light-eyed people were found to have performed better in self-paced tasks, such as golfing or bowling.

Your eye color may change over time—Many children are born with blue eyes that change to brown or green eyes later in life. Optometrists have also found that even adults can notice slight changes in the hues of their irises as they age. This is a natural process that about 15% of Caucasians will experience. However, if your eye color changes significantly and rapidly, you should make an appointment with an optometrist.

Your eye color can affect your vision, even if it is just a slight change. To learn more about your eye color and its effect on your vision, or to schedule an appointment with an optometrist at Valley Eyecare Center, call (602) 955-2700, or contact us online.

Filed Under: Eye Care Tips, Eye Health

Optometrists Care About Your Health

January 24, 2018 By Leave a Comment

optometristIt’s flu season again, and the optometrists at Valley Eyecare Center want to make sure that you stay healthy throughout the season! Since your overall health affects your eye health, make sure to follow these tips to ensure that you stay healthy throughout the winter!

Health Tips from an Optometrist

Wash your hands frequently—One of the most common ways to spread the flu is through contact, so if you have come into contact with anyone who is sick or has had the flu, you should make sure to wash your hands as soon as you can.

Get plenty of rest—Your body is less susceptible to getting ill when you have had a good night’s rest. Optometrists also recommend getting plenty of sleep because your eyes will be more hydrated when you have a good sleep schedule and get plenty of sleep.

Eat right—Eating right is not just about eating a balanced diet but also making sure that you are getting enough vitamins. Foods that are rich in vitamin C and E can help to boost your immunity system, so if you’re concerned about catching the flu, make sure to eat more sunflower seeds, almonds, oranges, or broccoli, as these contain large amounts of either vitamin E or C.

Exercise often—Exercise is also important to boost your immunity system. Exercise can also be found to reduce stress, which allows your body to relax and can also lead to better health. We recommend exercising several times per week to ensure that your body is in its optimal condition.

Drink plenty of water—Although it may be difficult to get the recommend eight glasses of water per day, it is important that you work yourself up to this amount. Water is extremely important to many of your bodily functions.

Stay healthy this flu season! To learn more about how to maintain your optimal health, or to schedule an appointment with an optometrist at Valley Eyecare Center, call (602) 955-2700, or visit our website.

Filed Under: Eye Care Tips, Eye Health

Make Eye Care a Priority in 2018

January 3, 2018 By Leave a Comment

eye-careYour eye care is always a top priority at Valley Eyecare Center, but how can you make it a priority in your daily routine and in your health plan? Follow these simple tips to make sure that your eyes are healthy for the year ahead.

Eye Care Tips for Optimal Health

Never leave the house without sunglasses—It may seem obvious since we are in Arizona, but sunglasses are an essential item in your daily eye care routine. No matter the season, you should wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the harsh UV rays from the sun.

Wear goggles if you are cleaning with harsh chemicals—Don’t just put gloves on when you use chemicals like ammonia and bleach. You should also wear goggles or protect your eyes with other eyewear to make sure you don’t get any of these chemicals into your eyes.

Spend less time on electronics, or use them with your eyes in mind—A common New Year’s resolution is to spend less time on electronics so that you can spend more time with those around you. Making this change in your routine may also lead to better eyesight, as you may experience eye strain from looking at screens more than you should. To make sure that your vision is not impacted by screens and blue light, follow the 20-20-20 rule. For every 20 minutes you spend looking at a screen, focus on something that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Schedule an eye exam—There’s no better way to check on the status of your eyes than by coming in for an eye exam. This appointment can help to determine the optimal plan for you to maintain optimal eye health in the year to come. Whether you think your prescription has changed, or whether it’s just time to examine your eyes, it is important to make sure that your eye care is a priority.

Make your eye care a priority throughout 2018! To learn more about these tips, or to schedule an eye exam at Valley Eyecare Center, call (602) 955-2700, or visit our website.

Filed Under: Eye Care Tips, Eye Exams, Eye Health

Winter Break: Schedule an Eye Exam

December 27, 2017 By Leave a Comment

children's-eye-examScheduling children’s eye exams over winter break is always a great idea since your kids are home for the break and do not have school or other activities going on. Make sure to bring in your children for an eye exam before or after the new year!

Children’s Eye Exams for Winter Break

How do you know if your child needs an eye exam? Since your child may not be able to voice directly that he or she needs an eye exam, there are a few signs that you can look for to see if an eye exam is necessary. If your child has complained of headaches, has lost interest in reading, or has underperformed in school, these could all be signs of a visual impairment, so bring your child in for a children’s eye exam may be necessary to get your child back on track academically.

Why is a children’s eye exam important? According to the American Optometric Association, nearly 80% of learning is visual, so if your child isn’t seeing well, this can affect his or her performance in school. Vision can also affect a child’s ability to focus on certain tasks, especially those that require hand-eye coordination in sports or other activities.

Is a vision impairment common in children? Yes, about one out of four kids has a vision impairment. Some kids may grow out of the vision problem, but some kids may not, so it is important to keep coming in for children’s eye exams because as your child grows, his or her vision can change.

While your kids are out of school on break, it is important to make sure that their health and wellbeing is taken care of. To schedule a children’s eye exam with one of our optometrists at Valley Eyecare Center, call (602) 955-2700, or visit our website.

Filed Under: Children's Vision, Eye Care Tips, Eye Exams

Eye Care Plan for 2018

December 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

eye-care

With the approach of the new year, it’s important to begin making plans for the future. Since many New Year’s resolutions revolve around better health, make sure that your eye care is a priority!

Eye Care Tips for the New Year

Eat right for your health and for your vision—Make sure that you eat a balanced diet, and eat the proper amount of fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy. Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E can also help to improve your vision by preventing vision problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Make sure to eat plenty of green, leafy vegetables and oily fishes like salmon.

Wear sunglasses, no matter the season, for optimal eye care—UV rays are damaging to your skin and eyes, so it’s important to cover up your arms, legs, and face. Although the sun’s rays are most intense during the summer, the reflection with clouds during the winter can amplify the damaging effects of UV rays during the winter, so you should wear your sunglasses any time you’re out and about, regardless of what the temperature is outside.

Give your eyes a break from electronics—Your eyes can suffer from eye strain if you look at electronics at all hours of the day. We recommend the 20-20-20 rule: for every 20 minutes you spend looking at a screen, spend 20 seconds focusing on something that is 20 feet away.

Visit your eye doctor—Regular eye exams are crucial to maintaining optimal eye health. Eye exams can also help to catch certain eye diseases or problems that have no symptoms, so you should make sure to come into Valley Eyecare Center for a regular eye exam.

An eye care plan for the new year can help to make sure that you are healthy throughout 2018. To learn more about our eye care tips, or to schedule an eye exam with an optometrist at Valley Eyecare Center, call (602) 955-2700, or visit our website.

Filed Under: Eye Care Tips, Eye Exams, Eye Health

Do’s and Don’ts for Contact Wearers

December 13, 2017 By Leave a Comment

contactsKeeping your contacts in their best condition is important! If you wear contacts, make sure to follow these simple tips!

Tips for Maintaining Contacts

Do:

  • Wash your hands before touching your contacts or your eyes
  • Clean your contacts after you wash them
  • Clean your contacts if you drop one of the lenses
  • Blink often to keep your contacts clean
  • Update your prescription annually
  • Remove your contacts if your eyes are dry
  • Carry a storage case unless you need to take your contacts out during the day, and keep a pair of eyeglasses handy so that you can switch if needed
  • Replace contact solution after it has been open for a month
  • Close your eyes if you use hairspray—this product may leave residue on your lenses!
  • Apply makeup after you put your contacts in, and remove lenses before removing your makeup
  • Consult your optometrist if you are concerned about your vision

Don’t:

  • Wear contacts if your eyes are itchy, irritated, red, or dry
  • Use the wrong chemicals to clean your contacts
  • Mix up your lenses—to avoid this, make sure to pick an eye and always put your contact lens in the selected eye first
  • Rub your eyes vigorously
  • Leave your contacts out in the heat
  • Share cosmetics, especially ones around the eye
  • Apply eyeliner to the inner eyelid, as this can touch your contact lenses
  • Touch your eyes without washing them first
  • Take many naps with your contacts in

Maintaining your contact lenses doesn’t have to be difficult, but it will take some getting used to if you are new to wearing contacts. To learn more about our tips about wearing contacts, or to schedule an eye exam with one of our optometrists at Valley Eyecare Center, call (602) 955-2700, or visit our website.

Filed Under: Contacts, Eye Care Tips, Eye Exams

3 Ways to Improve Your Vision

December 6, 2017 By Leave a Comment

eye-exam

Improving your vision doesn’t have to be difficult. Of course, an eye exam is crucial to improving your eye health, and an optometrist can also tell you more about the state of your eyes to create a targeted eye care plan for you. Improve your vision by following these tips!

An Eye Exam Can Improve Your Vision

Eat right for your vision—Vitamins and minerals aren’t just great for your overall health. They can also help you to maintain good eye health. Make sure that you’re eating plenty of vitamins A, C, and E, as well also minerals such as copper and zinc. Foods that contain these vitamins and minerals include dark leafy greens, egg yolks, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and carrots.

Get an eye exam—Nothing can tell you more about the state of your eyes better than getting an eye exam. At your eye exam, an optometrist at Valley Eyecare Center can also help you to form a customized plan to improve your vision based on your individual needs. Whether you want contacts or eyeglasses, your vision will be improved by an eye exam!

Get plenty of rest—Nothing quite tires our eyes more than not getting enough sleep. Sleep also allows your eyes to rest, repair, and recover, so if you aren’t getting enough sleep, your vision may be affected. If you have been working a lot, make sure to rest your eyes every once in a while, especially if you are in front of the computer.

Put your eye health first this winter by coming in for an eye exam! To learn more about improving your vision, or to schedule an appointment with an optometrist at Valley Eyecare Center, call (602) 955-2700, or visit our website.

Filed Under: Eye Care Tips, Eye Exams, Eye Health
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