Stop Your Vision from Getting Worse

Some people are born with poor eyesight, while others develop poor eyesight when they are young. Almost everyone experiences some deterioration in their eyesight as they age. How can you stop your vision from getting worse?

Nutrition
In today’s health-conscious society, the prevalent theory is that proper nutrition will slow down, and perhaps even improve, deteriorating vision. While studies have not proved this to be 100 percent effective, it certainly does no harm to one’s vision and definitely improves health.

Foods important to good vision are high in fiber and in vitamins such as C, D, and beta carotene or Vitamin A. Examples of such foods are carrots, spinach, kale, broccoli, raw cabbage, cauliflower, grapes, blueberries, bilberries, and cranberries. Sunflower seeds, flax seeds, and almonds are also good sources.

Egg yolks are a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin, both of which are thought to be beneficial in protecting vision and slowing macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of poor vision and blindness in elderly people

Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential to eye health. They’re found in supplements and fatty fish like Atlantic mackerel, herring, salmon, rainbow trout, tuna, and sardines. Omega-3s have many health benefits ranging from lowering cholesterol and blood sugar, to reducing the risk of macular degeneration.

Lenses
For most people correcting vision is as simple as seeing a qualified optometrist and getting a prescription for contact lenses or glasses.

Contact lenses have become popular for many reasons. Some people don’t like the way they look in glasses, or find them cumbersome depending on their lifestyle. Contact lenses are also available in many different colors that allow the wearer to change their eye color or even the appearance of their eyes if they choose cosmetic lenses. Contact lenses should be fitted properly to avoid injuring the eye, and care must be taken to avoid infection.

Eyeglasses are the most common option for improving vision and, in some cases, stopping it from deteriorating. Eyeglasses come in two parts, the lens, which is where the prescription from the eye doctor comes in, and the frame, which the wearer usually gets to choose. Lenses may be made of glass or plastic. Thickness is determined by the strength of the prescription. Most people with very poor vision choose plastic lenses because they are lighter than glass. Frames also come in several different styles, colors and may be plastic or metal, and costs vary greatly according to the options chosen.

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The most important thing you can do to keep your eyes healthy is to get an annual eye examination. You may need to go more often if you have an eye disease such as Glaucoma. Many degenerative eye diseases such as Glaucoma, Cataracts and Retinal Disorders need to be caught early as it’s often too late once you get symptoms. If you notice symptoms such as pain, changes in vision or flashes of light, visit your local Optometrist right away. Early treatment from an Optometrist can prevent vision loss.  Each 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore has an Independent Optometrist. Walk-ins are welcome. All we ask is that you come 20 minutes early so we can complete all of the required paperwork. Contact us for more information.

Take A Moment To Blink Your Eyes

20/20 Eyeglass Superstore is a family owned and operated business with locations in Orlando, Melbourne and Orange City.

Drop into 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore for all your eye care needs. We have a frame for every face and a price for any budget. We also have Independent Optometrists located on site who will be happy to examine your vision. Walk-in’s are welcome but we ask that you come 15 minutes prior to your desired appointment time.

UV light radiation can damage our eyes

We all know the value of guarding against sunburn and skin cancer by slathering on sunscreen, and most of us wear sunglasses in summer to shield our eyes from glare. When it comes to preserving eyesight over the long term, however, many of us have misconceptions about the sun’s dangers. Do you know the facts behind these myths?

• Myth #1: Sunglasses are not necessary in winter.
  Fact: The damaging effects of UV rays are present during winter as well as summer. Sunglasses with UV protection are necessary whenever you spend time outdoors during daylight hours, all year round.
• Myth #2: On overcast days, UV rays are not harmful.
  Fact: Just because the sun is not glaring brightly does not mean its UV rays are not affecting the eyes. If there’s daylight, UV rays are present. They penetrate through haze and clouds, and reflect off water, white sand, pavement and snow.
• Myth #3: Our eyesight deteriorates with age simply because we get older.
  Fact: This is true to some extent, but the fact is that a lifetime of exposure to UV light increases the likelihood of developing macular degeneration, cataracts and other eye conditions. T
• Myth #4: Adults’ eyes are at a higher risk of sun damage than children’s.
  Fact: Just the opposite is true. Children’s eyes are especially vulnerable to sun damage because they are still developing. Their pupils are larger, allowing in more light, and the lenses of their eyes are more transparent. They also spend more time outdoors than most adults. Brief but intense UV contact may cause corneal sunburn, the most immediate danger to children’s eyes from sun overexposure.
• Myth #5: Only the sun emits ultraviolet light.
  Fact: Artificial light sources, such as tanning beds and welding machines, also produce UV radiation and require eye protection during use.

Remember: Shades, Hat, Veggies
Here are the best ways to protect your eyes:

• When spending time outdoors, wear protective eyewear, such as polarized sunglasses, that blocks 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap, which will block about half of UV rays.

Children’s eyes are especially vulnerable to sun damage because they are still developing.

• Remember that UV rays reflect off bright surfaces such as water, snow, white sand and pavement, making it critical—especially for children—to wear sunglasses and hats in the snow or at the beach, swimming pool or playground.
• Always wear protective goggles when using a tanning bed or welding machine.
• Eat a healthy diet. There is scientific evidence that a diet rich in brightly colored fruits and vegetables helps reduce the risk of sun damage to your eyes.

Many bright summer days are ahead. Enjoy outdoor activities safely by protecting your eyes—and those of your children—from the sun!

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Our eye care tips will help you prepare your eyes for the warmer season. Keep your eye drops in the fridge, preparing for allergies, and visiting your optometrist for an eye examination.
If you’re on the market for new sunglasses, eyeglasses or contact lenses this Spring, check out our deals page for discounts and sales.

Color Blindness

Color blindness means that you have trouble seeing red, green, or blue or a mix of these colors. It’s rare that a person sees no color at all.
Color blindness is also called a color vision problem.

A color vision problem can change your life. It makes it harder to learn and read, and you may not be able to have certain careers. But children and adults with color vision problems can learn to make up for their problems seeing color.

What causes color blindness?

Most color vision problems are inherited (genetic) and are present at birth.
A color vision problem isn't always inherited. In some cases, a person can have an acquired color vision problem. This can be caused by:

• Aging.
• Eye problems, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, or diabetic retinopathy.
• Injury to the eye.
• Side effects of some medicines.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of color vision problems vary:

• You may be able to see some colors but not others. For instance, you may not be able to tell the difference between red and green but can see blue and yellow.
• You may see many colors, so you may not know that you see color differently from others.
• You may only be able to see a few shades of color, while most people can see thousands of colors.
• In rare cases, you may see only black, white, and gray.

How is color blindness diagnosed?

Tests measure how well you recognize different colors.

• In one type of test, you look at sets of colored dots and try to find a pattern in them, such as a letter or number. The patterns you see help your doctor know which colors you have trouble with. 
• In another type of test, you arrange colored chips in order according to how similar the colors are. People with color vision problems cannot arrange the colored chips correctly.

How is it treated?

Inherited color vision problems cannot be treated or corrected. 

Some acquired color vision problems can be treated, depending on the cause. For example, if a cataract is causing a problem with color vision, surgery to remove the cataract may restore normal color vision. 

You can find ways to help make up for a color vision problem, such as:

• Wearing colored contact lenses. These may help you see differences between colors. But these lenses don't provide normal color vision and can distort objects.
• Wearing glasses that block glare. People with color vision problems can see differences between colors better when there is less glare and brightness.
• Learning to look for cues like brightness or location, rather than colors. For example, you can learn the order of the three colored lights on a traffic signal.

Read the original article published on webmd.com

When was the last time you and your family members had an eye examination? As May is the vision health month.  Drop in at any 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore location meet with an Independent Optometrist and get additional 10% off on polarized lenses and buy one get one free.

We look forward to assisting you regarding your eyeglasses, contact lenses and sunglasses needs.  Contact us with any questions you may have.

Eye Exam For Children

As a parent, you may wonder whether your preschooler has a vision problem or when you should schedule your child's first eye exam.

Eye exams for children are extremely important, because 5 to 10 percent of preschoolers and 25 percent of school-aged children have vision problems.* Early identification of a child's vision problem can be crucial because children often are more responsive to treatment when problems are diagnosed early.

For school-aged children, the American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends an eye exam every two years if no vision correction is required. Children who need eyeglasses or contact lenses should be examined annually or as recommended by their optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Early eye examinations are crucial to make surechildren have normal, healthy vision so they can perform better at schoolwork or play.

To read more about eye exam for children click here.

Early eye exams also are important because children need the following basic skills related to good eyesight for learning:

• Near vision
• Distance vision
• Binocular (two eyes) coordination
• Eye movement skills
• Focusing skills
• Peripheral awareness
• Hand-eye coordination

Signs of Vision Problems in Children

1. Gets headaches when reading or writing

2. Words slide together or get blurry when reading

3. Reads below grade level

4. Loses place while reading

5. Tilts head or closes an eye when reading

6. Hard to copy from the blackboard at school

7. Doesn’t like reading or writing

8. Leaves out small words when reading

9. Hard to write in a straight line

10. Burning, itching, or watery eyes

11. Hard to understand what he/she has read

12. Holds book very close

13. Hard to pay attention when reading

14. Hard to finish assignments on time

15. Gives up easily (says “I can’t” before trying)

16. Bumps into things, knocks things over

17. Homework takes too long

18. Daydreams in class

19. In trouble for being off task at school

20. Seem to have difficulty finding or picking up small objects dropped on the floor (after the age of 12 months)

21. Has difficulty focusing or making eye contact

22. Eyes appear to be crossed or turned

23. Closes one eye when trying to look at distant objects

It’s always a good idea to get your child’s eyes checked on an annual or bi-annual basis, but here are some signs you can look for that may indicate that your child is having vision problems.

If your child is experiencing vision problems, click here to schedule an appointment for an eye exam at through our convenient online scheduling feature or visit us at 20/20Eyeglass Superstore.

Four Ways to Beat Spring Allergies

The blooming season has begun, and your allergies have started to blossom too. You dread the idea of months of suffering; the sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, and general misery that comes with spring. How can you make this allergy season more tolerable? 

20/20 Eyeglass Superstore is a family owned and operated business with locations in Orlando, Melbourne and Orange City. This spring, the folks at 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore are sharing tips on how to keep your eyes healthy.  

1. Plan ahead
The best tactic in the war against allergy season is to plan ahead. If you need allergy medication, start taking it slightly before the season begins for the most effective treatment. This helps your body prevent the inflammatory response from typical allergens in the first place. Once your body starts to react, it can be hard, if not impossible, to get the inflammation under control.

2. Cleanliness
Washing your face after you’ve been outside, and showering before bedtime will rinse away pollen and dust on your skin and hair. Keep dogs and cats bathed and as clean as possible to prevent them from bringing allergens into your home. While impractical to bathe them daily, try a special allergy solution that is wiped on the animal, minimizing the effects of their dander. Consult your eye care or allergy professional for more details on these products. Vacuum carpets well and wipe down surfaces regularly to minimize the amount of pollutants inside your home.

3. Natural Help
Rather than using chemicals and medications, you can opt for homeopathic cures. Herbs and foods that naturally fight inflammation, saline as part of your eye care routine or in a method called nasal irrigation, and even acupuncture have been shown to help allergy sufferers immensely without the potentially dangerous side effects of allergy medications.

4. Using your HVAC
During allergy season (and really, any other time of year), it is critical to replace your HVAC system filter monthly. Be sure to purchase a filter designed to remove most allergens, and set a reminder that will let you know it’s time for replacement. Air filters cannot effectively remove pollutants if they are clogged and dirty. Keep your windows closed and use your cooling system rather than allow wind to blow dust and pollen into your house.

Rather than being in misery this spring, there are plenty of ways you can reduce the severity of your suffering. Talk to your eye care professional before the season begins to ensure that you are comfortable even though the world is in bloom.

Read the original article published on Pikespeakeyecare.com

For more information on how to keep your eyes healthy this spring, visit your local 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore or make an appointment with our in-house independent optometrist. We look forward to seeing you soon.