Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which the eye does not produce enough tears, or the tears are too thin to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision. Dry eye syndrome is a common and often chronic problem, particularly in older adults.

Tears provide lubrication and reduce the risk of eye infection. They wash away foreign matter in the eye as well as keep the surface of the eye smooth and clear. With each blink of the eyelids, tears are spread across the front surface of the eye known as the cornea. Excess tears in the eyes flow into small drainage ducts in the inner corners of the eyelids, which drain in the back of the nose.

When our eyes are not properly lubricated, our vision and comfort can suffer greatly. Thankfully, there are treatments and alternatives to help address the problem.

Causes & Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye can result from an improper balance of tear production and drainage. Advanced dry eyes may even damage the front surface of the eye and impair vision. Elderly people frequently experience dry eye, but it can happen to anyone. Medications, other diseases, obstructions of glands, hormone changes, and many various medical situations can create dry eye symptoms.

People with dry eye syndrome may experience:

• Irritated, scratchy, gritty or burning eyes
• A feeling of something in their eyes
• Excess watering
• Blurred vision

Treatment of Dry Eye

While dry eye can be a chronic condition, our doctors can prescribe treatment. This will keep your eyes healthy, more comfortable, and prevent your vision from being affected. Specific treatments aim to restore or maintain the normal amount of tears in the eye to minimize dryness or related discomfort and to maintain eye health.

To learn more about this condition, watch the video below. Please contact our office to schedule an appointment with us if you are experiencing any discomfort in your eyes, or if you feel that you have insufficient eye moisture.

Diabetic retinopathy is an ocular manifestation of diabetes, a systemic disease, which affects up to 80 percent of all patients who have had diabetes for 10 years or more. The longer a person has diabetes, the higher his or her chances are of developing diabetic retinopathy.

Despite these intimidating statistics, research indicates that at least 90 percent of new cases could be reduced. Education on diabetic eye disease and retinopathy is especially important because it is often preventable or treatable. Unfortunately, this means it can go unnoticed in the early stages. As the disease progresses, permanent vision loss is a real possibility if the patient does not receive treatment.

There are multiple forms of diabetic retinopathy, and only your doctor can determine your particular form. With one form, blood vessels may swell and leak fluid. In another, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina.

Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy

In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, many do not notice a change to their vision because there are little to no symptoms. If an eye doctor does not catch diabetic retinopathy early, one could sustain mild blurriness at near or far distances, as well as floaters. In severe cases, a sudden loss of vision may occur.

Unfortunately, diabetic retinopathy can result in permanent damage that cannot be reversed.  However, if caught in time, prescribed treatments may slow development and prevent vision loss.

Concerned about the onset of diabetic retinopathy? Please call us at 906-482-6800 to schedule a preventative eye examination today with our doctors.

Learn more about this type of diabetic eye disease by watching our video.

Conjunctivitis is a swelling and irritation of the membrane that covers the white part of the eye and eyelid lining. It is often referred to as “pink eye” due to the pink color of inflamed blood vessels.

Many irritants can cause temporary conjunctivitis. Seasonal or indoor allergens, pollutants in the air, eye makeup, contact lenses, or other kinds of debris may cause irritation and inflammation. It is usually alleviated when debris or allergens are no longer present. Washing the affected eye and keeping it clean often allows enough time to heal, and symptoms should subside.

Infection Conjunctivitis

Infection conjunctivitis may be viral or bacterial. The viral type may accompany a cold, fever, sore throat, or flu. Eye redness and watery discharge are common symptoms. Staph or strep bacteria may cause bacterial conjunctivitis. It can include eye redness and discharging mucus.

Bacterial and viral pinkeye can be highly contagious and can easily be passed between people. This is often seen in children as they can contract it during play in schools or daycares. The symptoms are generally mild and do not pose a serious threat to eye health. However, it should be treated by an eye doctor. A doctor should also see newborns with symptoms as it’s important to diagnose and treat symptoms in young babies to ensure no vision loss occurs.

Conjunctivitis is a common condition we see often at The Vision Clinic. Some eye diseases are similar, so it’s important for patients to have a professional evaluation by an eye doctor to determine their specific needs and proper treatment. Treatment is different depending on the cause, but all forms of conjunctivitis need professional evaluation to ensure good eye health. In most cases, it can be successfully treated with antibiotics, eye drops, or ointments.  

If you are experiencing symptoms, call us to schedule an appointment right away!

A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye that leads to a decrease in vision. Left untreated, it is the most common cause of blindness and is conventionally treated with surgery. Vision loss occurs because opacification of the lens obstructs light from passing through and being focused on to the retina at the back of the eye.

What Causes Cataracts?

The most common cause of cataracts is biological aging and overexposure to ultraviolet light.  The lens lies behind the iris and pupil and works to focus light onto the retina at the back of the eye. The rest of our eye structures work together to adjust and transmit images to the brain, which allows us to see objects and colors.

The lens is made of mostly water and proteins. The protein stays aligned in a way that the lens remains clear. As we age, this protein can clump together and become opaque. Much like trying to look through a foggy window, the clouding is what causes blurriness and difficulty seeing and is called a cataract.  

While there is no guaranteed way to avoid cataracts, wearing eyewear and sunwear that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays can slow the onset as well as decrease the exposure to direct sunlight. People with cataracts commonly experience difficulty in appreciating colors and changes in contrast, driving, reading, recognizing faces, and coping with glare from bright lights.

Treatment Options

Treatment for cataracts is safe and effective. The most common form of treatment is surgery. In fact, by age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract, or have cataract surgery. Cataract surgery replaces the lens inside an affected eye and restores your clear vision. Other treatment may be possible, but cataract surgery is common and very helpful for many people.

If you have questions about cataracts or other eye health conditions, please call our office or speak with our doctors at your next appointment. Learn more about other threats to your vision and how annual eye exams check for symptoms by watching our video.

Blepharitis is a common condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids. It is characterized by redness, swelling, styes, cysts, and flaky crusts at the eyelid margin and along the lash line. Symptoms also include scratchy, swollen, tender, and irritated eyes.

Various types of bacteria can cause blepharitis. It may be chronic or acute in presentation. People with skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, and eczema are more prone to have flare-ups. Poor facial hygiene can also be a contributing factor.

Types of Blepharitis

There are various types of this condition. Anterior blepharitis occurs on the outside of the eye. You may see redness, swelling, and possibly crust near the line of the eyelashes. Posterior blepharitis happens near the inside of the eyelid where it contacts the eye and can be due to problems with the lubricating meibomian glands inside the eyelids. Both forms of blepharitis require treatment to maintain appearance and eye comfort.

Blepharitis Treatment

There are many treatment options. They include over-the-counter remedies and prescription eyedrops and ointments. Occasionally, minor eyelid surgery is necessary to remove cysts when topical treatments are unsuccessful. In rare cases, ongoing treatment may be required to keep the eyes comfortable and symptom-free. Eyelid hygiene can help maintain eye comfort and appearance. Routine care includes frequent face washing, cleaning the scalp, eyelid scrubs, and sometimes doing a soak or warm compress.

our doctors can diagnose this eye health condition or spot other potential problems during a comprehensive eye exam. If you have any concerns about your eyes or questions about changes to your vision, please contact us or speak with us at your next appointment.

Millions of people wear contact lenses to help them see clearly. We’ve seen many advancements in lens materials and designs over the years. If you have tried contacts in the past, but stopped due to discomfort or poor quality, it may be time to try again. our doctors will help select the best option for your eyes! We have a variety of options for your specific type of prescription correction, tear production, lifestyle, and more. Contact us at The Vision Clinic to learn more.

Soft Contact Lenses

Soft contacts are the most common type of contact lenses and account for over 85% of contact lenses dispensed. Traditional soft contact lenses consist of soft plastic polymers and water. They allow oxygen to permeate through the lens material to the cornea. Most people find soft contact lenses comfortable. One advantage of soft contacts is that people assimilate to them almost right away. Soft lenses come in different prescriptions and designs depending on your budget and need. For some prescriptions, they do not offer the same visual acuity as gas permeable lenses or glasses. our doctors will help you determine which design is best for you.

Disposable Contact Lenses

Disposable contact lenses are soft lenses that are discarded on a daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis. With regular replacement, protein deposits do not build up. Deposits can affect vision, comfort, and the health of the eyes. These lenses are convenient and low-maintenance compared to traditional soft lenses. It is important to replace disposable contacts as suggested to avoid eye infection. Disposable lenses are available in most prescriptions.

Extended Wear Contact Lenses

Extended wear contact lenses are gas-permeable or soft lenses designed for up to 30 days of continuous safe wear. They offer the convenience of not having to take them out at night, but there are risks. Sleeping in them poses a higher risk of infection, corneal ulcers, and abnormal blood vessel growth in the cornea. These lenses need more frequent follow-ups. Some doctors will not recommend extended wear lenses for these reasons.

Tinted or Cosmetic Contact Lenses

Tinted contact lenses are soft lenses that enable some patients to change the color of their iris (the colored part of the eye). These lenses are available in interesting colors and patterns. They can provide a subtle or dramatic change in the appearance of your eyes. They are not available for all prescriptions and are not suggested for everyday wear.

Hard Contact Lenses

Before the introduction of soft contact lenses, hard polymethyl methacrylate contact lenses were common. They did not allow for oxygen transfer to the cornea and often caused the cornea to swell. For this reason, hard contact lenses are obsolete.

Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP), or just Gas Permeable (GP) lenses are sometimes mistaken for old-fashioned lenses. The old hard contact lenses that people know are rarely used today. RGP lenses are more pliable, more comfortable, and they allow oxygen to the cornea. Gas permeable lenses also allow more oxygen to the cornea than traditional soft contact lenses. They do not change their shape when you blink or move your eyes because they are rigid. This means they offer sharper vision than soft contacts. They are much more durable than soft lenses. Because they do not contain water, proteins and lipids do not adhere to them like they can do with soft lenses. RGP lenses also come in many bifocal and multifocal designs.

The biggest disadvantage of RGP lenses is that patients need to get used to them. They are not immediately comfortable like soft lenses. RGP lenses take three to four days for patients to adapt to them. They need to be worn regularly (although not every day) to achieve optimal comfort. They are smaller in size so they can dislodge from the eye more easily than soft lenses.

Toric Contact Lenses

Toric contact lenses help correct astigmatism. They are available in both soft and gas-permeable designs. These lenses have one power that is vertical and another that is horizontal. There is a weight at the bottom, allowing the lenses to center correctly on the eye. Toric lenses are more difficult to fit. They generally require more time from the patient to determine their comfort. They may need additional fitting help from the doctor.

Bifocal Contact Lenses

Bifocal contact lenses, like bifocal glasses, have more than one power. This allows an individual to have clear vision in fields that are near and far. These lenses are available in both soft and gas-permeable designs. Another alternative to bifocal contacts is monovision correction. With these lenses, one eye is used for distance and the other eye for near or reading vision. Both of these lens types require more time from the doctor for fitting. Patients need to adapt to using one eye, depending on which distance they are viewing.

There are now more choices for contact lenses than ever before. While some individuals wear contact lenses without trouble, others have to try different types to find their perfect pair. Call our office today to schedule an appointment!

Never before has there been such a variety of frame materials to use for informed, technologically-driven patients. Ask us about the features and benefits of each frame material and what best meets your lifestyle requirements.This article outlines the facts on each frame material currently used to manufacture eyeglasses available in the marketplace, to help you select the best eyeglasses for your lifestyle.

Magnesium Frames

Magnesium is the eighth-most abundant metal element on earth. Lighter than both titanium and aluminum, magnesium is either extracted from the ocean or recovered from minerals such as dolomite or magnetite. Because of its unique properties and high cost, it has been used in the high-end frame market.
Pros: Super-lightweight material is strong, durable, and hypoallergenic.
Cons: Costs almost 50 percent more than aluminum or steel.

Beryllium Frames

Beryllium is six times stronger than steel and more than 30 percent lighter than aluminum. Beryllium resists corrosion and tarnish, making it an excellent choice for wearers who have high skin acidity or spend time in or around salt water. It is also the only memory metal containing no nickel and can withstand very high temperatures.
Pros: Lightweight, durable, flexible, and is available in a wide range of colors.
Cons: A very small number of people are allergic to beryllium.

Pure Aluminum Frames

Pure Aluminum is soft enough to carve. However, mixed with small amounts of alloys, it can provide the strength of steel with only half the weight. Because it can be “sculpted,” the softer properties of aluminum break down the creative barriers present with many other strong materials.
Pros: Aesthetically pleasing, strong, lightweight, and recyclable.
Cons: Aluminum can get rigid, especially in lower temperatures. Thus, integrating elements like flex hinges into an aluminum frame can be challenging.

Titanium Glasses Frames

Titanium is a high-strength, lightweight material commonly used in everything from hubcaps to eyewear. Because titanium ranks seventh in abundance among industry elements in the earth’s crust, it is easily accessible. This material has picked up speed in the eyewear industry as a lightweight option that lends itself to unique designs and colorations.
Pros: Strong as steel, lightweight, hypoallergenic, and corrosion-resistant.
Cons: This material is more expensive than other materials. Beware of the difference between “pure titanium” and “titanium alloy.”

Ticral Eyeglass Frames

Ticral is an alloy of titanium. It is nickel-free and thus hypoallergenic. It’s also extremely lightweight and offers many of the features of titanium without the high cost. It can be cut a bit thicker than titanium, which enables it to have the popular look of a thin plastic frame while still offering lightweight durability.
Pros: Strong, durable, and available in a variety of colors.
Cons: Not yet well-known.

Stainless Steel Frames

Stainless Steel material is an alloy of iron and carbon steel with chromium and other elements. The addition of at least 10 percent chromium makes this alloy less prone to stain or rust, a factor that results in a long life compared to that of traditional steel. Because of its durability, lightweight, and sleek appearance, stainless steel has long been a choice of eyewear designers.
Pros: Non-corrosive, durable, strong, lightweight, and hypoallergenic. It can also be easily shaped into ultra-thin eyewear styles and has flexibility, which adds to the wearer’s comfort.
Cons: Not as lightweight, heat-resistant or flexible as titanium.

Nickel Titanium Frames

Nickel Titanium or NI-TI is used to manufacture Flexon™ eyewear. Ni-Ti, or titanium-based alloys, are more flexible than steel and 25 percent lighter than conventional metals.
Pros: Flexibility removes the need for spring hinge and increases comfort and durability for patients who are hard on their eyewear.
Cons: Since all Ni-Ti is nickel based, allergies and pitting may be an issue.

Monel™ Frames

Monel is a nickel alloy containing 68 percent nickel, 30 percent copper, and two percent iron. Monel,™ the most commonly used frame material today, is often used for components that require sturdiness and rigidity, such as temples and bridges.
Pros: Strong and can also be welded, brazed, and soldered.
Cons: Surface discoloration can occur from exposure to atmospheric conditions. Pitting can also occur if exposed to salt water.

Plastic Glasses Frames

Plastic materials have many style and material options. Easily colored, laminated, patterned, or even layered with fabrics, this material is one of the more creative and workable options. The two commonly used plastic frame materials are called zyl and propionate. Zyl, also known as cellulose acetate, is the most commonly used plastic frame material and is available in every color of the rainbow. Propionate is the second most common materials and is a nylon-based, hypoallergenic plastic. It’s lightweight and has a different look and feel than other plastic.
Pros: Easily molded into today’s popular wraparound styles.
Cons: Plastic frames have some drawbacks in fit. Be certain of proper fit initially since the adjustments are limited.

Gliamides and Grilamid® Eyeglass Frames

Gliamides and Grilamid is also a premier material for sports and performance frames. It is typically made of a high-quality thermoplastic material that is shock-resistant, lightweight, and non-allergenic. This material is used to manufacture Rudy Project sunglass frames. It provides structural integrity and stability that is very resistant to hot, cold, and chemical damage.
Pros: Easily molded into today’s popular wraparound styles.
Cons: Nylon frames do have some drawbacks in fit. Be certain of proper fit initially since the adjustments are limited.

Combination Eyeglass Frames

Combination frames help you get the best of both materials with frames that combine the sleek sophistication of metal with the colors and thickness of plastic. The cool contrast of these popular material duos adds visual interest.

Are You Allergic to Certain Materials?

Is your skin sensitive to certain frame materials or nose pads? Please tell our doctors or let someone on our staff know so we can help you find eyeglasses you can wear comfortably.

High definition lenses, also known as digital lenses, are now available. These advanced technology lenses offer a number of benefits over conventionally surfaced lenses. Unlike conventional lenses, HD lenses are manufactured using digital computer technology and diamond-cutting tools that allow the lenses’ surface to be customized to an individual’s eyes.

The quality of a high definition lens is similar to the quality of a digital camera. The higher the pixel count, the higher the degree of resolution, resulting in crisp vision with unmatched depth and clarity.

What are the Benefits of HD Lenses?

This customized vision correction solves unique vision problems and provides wearers with superior clarity, and sharper, brighter eyesight, whether they are nearsighted, farsighted, or have a mild astigmatism. High definition lenses also enable patients to enjoy up to a 20 percent wider vision channel for both intermediate and near distances, making computer use and reading more comfortable and enjoyable.

Are HD Lenses for Me?

High definition lenses are ideal for all patients who want to experience the latest in lens technology, while those with high prescriptions and large amounts of astigmatism will experience the greatest wow factor.

For more information on HD lenses, please ask our doctors, or a member of the The Vision Clinic staff.

Much like ultraviolet or UV light, blue light is a portion of the “visible light spectrum.” Overexposure may lead to cataracts and other eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Sources of blue light include the sun, fluorescent and LED lighting, digital televisions, computers, smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices. Since our exposure to high-intensity blue light has only been increasing in recent years, experts are still determining its long-term effects on our eye health. Still, there are steps we can use to understand risk, and there are small steps we can take to reduce our exposure.

Blue Light Affects Sleeping Patterns

Scientists also know that blue light affects our sleep. Sunlight contains blue tinted light, which signals to our brains that it is time to be awake. This is good during the day when we need to be alert.  However, sleep researchers have found that blue light interferes with sleep patterns because it suppresses melatonin production. Melatonin is the key component in our chemistry that makes us wind down and feel sleepy. Too much blue light in the evening will reduce melatonin product and have negative consequences on your sleep. The effects of blue light on sleep have been studied and the results show how nighttime exposure to blue light made it more difficult to fall asleep and reduced rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Reduced REM sleep leaves people feeling less rested in the morning, even if they get the same quantity of sleep as someone who read a book at night instead of doing an activity with blue light exposure, such as browsing information on their phone, tablet, or watching TV.

Long-Term Effects of Blue Light Exposure

Beyond sleep disturbances, many experts are concerned that blue tinted light exposure may be harmful to our vision. The American Macular Degeneration Foundation states that the most important hazard of blue light is retinal damage. The retina can be harmed by high-energy visible (HEV) radiation of blue/violet light that penetrates the macular pigment found in the eye, and the amount of retinal damage varies based on the wavelength of light, intensity, and time of exposure. It’s not clear how much blue light from screens can cause harm to the eyes. CFL lightbulbs emit much more blue light than the screen on a smartphone, for example, and sunlight is still the biggest contributor of blue light.

What does this mean for you? It’s critical to protect your eyes from the sun. Wearing a hat with a brim, and always using UV-blocking sunglasses is crucial. Many people are also finding that they’re more comfortable with alternatives to blue light-emitting LED bulbs in their homes. Many products exist to give you calming, ambient light.

Healthy Vision Habits

There are several ways to live in the digital world and protect your eyes. Make sure that you are viewing screens from an appropriate distance. Your computer screen should be at fingertip length when your arm is outstretched, directly in front of you. It’s also important to take a break from looking at a screen by focusing on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Do this at least once every 20 minutes to give your eyes a chance to rest and change focus.

Some patients also enjoy glasses with special lenses that help reflect and/or filter blue light for extended computer use and other activities that include use of blue light emitting devices.

Talk to our doctors if you’re concerned about your blue light exposure. We offer a variety of solutions to help protect your eyes from blue light.