Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Doctors

Eye twitches can be triggered by various causes in our everyday environment. For example, some of these causes are behavioral: alcohol, excess caffeine, eye strain due to lack of appropriate prescription eyewear, nicotine, lack of proper sleep, or stress. Other causes could be related to light sensitivity, eye irritation, certain medications, or pollution. If resolving these issues does not stop the eye twitching, consulting an optometrist would be the next step in determining the cause. By itself, an eye twitch is not cause for great concern, but if it is accompanied by other symptoms related to muscle spasms further investigation is recommended.

Children have ways of communicating their needs even without speaking. For example, your child may have a habit of sitting close to the TV or holding devices very close. Your child might squint often when looking out into the distance. A child might complain of headaches or rub their eyes often. They might complain about bright lights or even just tilt their head while doing visual activities. Your child may dislike reading or have difficulty focusing while reading. Any or all of these might be a sign your child may need to have their vision checked by an optometrist. You may also receive a verbal or written notification from your child’s pediatrician or school noting the need for a vision test. Do not ignore these signs. Your child’s vision is important, and the earlier issues are detected, the better outcomes your child will have.

Eyeglasses are designed to give clearer vision and better quality of life. By not wearing your prescribed eyewear, you are putting yourself at risk for eye fatigue and headaches at the minimum. At the far extreme, you could be putting yourself and your family at risk due to decreased vision while driving and navigating the world. Wearing your prescription will allow you to better enjoy the details and beauty in the world around you.

Our eyes are vulnerable to threats from physical injury and from UV light. For those enjoying sports, we recommend a pair of sport frames that include impact resistant materials in the frame and lenses. We can also make lenses for safety frames for those in work environments that require them. Lastly, a good pair of UV blocking sunglasses, especially with glare-reducing polarized lenses, can help you confidently enjoy the outdoors. We also have options for clear lenses that can increase the UV protection on those as well. We are in the business of protecting your vision.

Optical terminology can be tricky, but we love helping you understand more about what we do! You will often hear the words “nearsighted” and “farsighted” to describe someone’s eyesight and may be wondering what exactly these words mean. Nearsighted, known in our business as myopia, is a condition that causes the eye to be able to focus on up-close objects better than those far away. These prescriptions usually begin with a minus number. Farsighted, known as hypermetropia, causes the eye to be able to focus on far-away objects better than up close ones. These prescriptions usually begin with plus numbers. As we age, our eyes get less able to focus at either distance and we develop presbyopia, which means our eyes need eyeglasses to see both up close and far away.

When something gets in our eye, we often have the instinctual reaction to rub our eye, which may not be the best option. If something irritating gets into your eye, flushing it with running water is often a good first step, whether it be a solid object or fluid. Second, make an appointment with a trusted optometrist or ophthalmologist to make sure there is no longer any object on or inside the eye itself to prevent further damage. The sooner you can see a doctor, the more likely they are to be able to help you or refer you to a specialist who can.

Doctors come in many specialties, and in our line of work we partner with two kinds most often - optometrists and ophthalmologists. The first, optometrists, are kind of like the primary care doctor for your eyes. They can prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct visual blurriness as well as diagnose a range of conditions. Ophthalmologists are the specialists of the eye world. They can prescribe more kinds of medication as well as perform surgery to correct visual or physical problems. The doctor you need may depend on the issue you are facing. Often, your first course of action will be to see the optometrist, who will then refer you to an ophthalmologist if the need arises.

Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, is a condition that arises from prolonged computer or digital device usage. Oftentimes this can show up in symptoms such as headaches, blurry vision, neck or shoulder pain, and dry eyes. Despite the similiarty to reading printed material; the distance, angle, the imprecision of digital fonts, and glare can create visual and physical difficulties. For example, when viewing a screen or performing a similarly focused task, our blinking rate slows down, which causes our eyes to dry out more quickly.

One simple solution for some of these issues is to follow the 20/20/20 rule. For every 20 minutes of screen time, take 20 seconds to look into the distance at least 20 feet or more away. This rule allows for the eyes to rehydrate and the blink rate to return to normal. Also, positioning your computer screen or tablet to where you can look down slightly toward the center of the screen can help alleviate neck and shoulder pain, especially while wearing progressive lenses. Some individuals find that a blue light filter on their screens or eyeglass lenses help some with eye strain as well.

Cataracts are the condition that occurs when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy. This usually occurs in individuals over the age of 55, but can also occur due to issues such as injury, diabetes, or even from infections contracted during pregnancy. Symptoms can include reduced clarity of vision, dulled color perception, and increased sensitivity to glare at night. Because the cloudiness of the lens blocks light moving through the eye, nighttime can become a difficulty due to the reduced ability for the eye to receive light. Another sign of developing cataracts is a changing eyeglass prescription. Your optometrist will be able to see these signs and others during your eye exam and will advise when the cataracts are ready to come out.

LASIK surgery can be an option for those who would like to reduce the strength of their current lenses, or in some cases not have to wear eyeglasses. Keep in mind, though, eyes generally continue to change gradually over our lifetimes, meaning that while LASIK will help for a while, even years, some individuals do end up needing eyeglasses further down the line. In order to be a good candidate for LASIK surgery, you must be at least 18 years old, have good overall eye health, not have too strong a prescription, and have realistic expectations. LASIK, like all medical procedures, is not magical, but can provide some individuals with improved vision.

We love food! We love it even more because it can help with eye health as well. Many eye doctors will recommend a Mediterranean-style diet full of fish, vegetables, and healthy grains and oils. Fish and flaxseed, in particular, have Omega-3 fatty acids which can help with tear production. Dark, leafy greens contain many vitamins that support eye health. Eggs and colorful vegetables also contribute to eye health, while also reducing the risk of some eye diseases, particularly those that come with age. If you are big on supplements, consider adding Vitamin C and E, as well as Zinc. So enjoy your next colorful meal while knowing you are helping out your eyes!

Glaucoma is a condition that affects the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss, starting with the edges of vision and moving in toward the center if left unchecked. Typically, this comes about by an increase in pressure inside the eye that damages the optic nerve. Glaucoma typically arises from a variety of factors, including: age, family, race, prior medical conditions (such as diabetes and high blood pressure), injuries to the eye, or steroid use. The best way to prevent damage is to have a yearly eye exam as well as to note any vision changes you notice and see a doctor as soon as you notice them. Yearly checks allow your optometrist to have a baseline healthy check to compare your eye to on following visits that allows them to note any developing issues, such as glaucoma.

We have all probably seen a small object floating in our vision at one point or another. These small objects are often called “floaters” and are typically small particles of debris floating inside the jelly-like area inside the eye. On their own, a small floater or two are nothing to be very concerned about. Now, if they begin multiplying or getting larger, especially if accompanied by increased blurriness or loss of vision, please call your optometrist or ophthalmologist immediately.

On the other hand, flashes are a warning sign of several possible severe issues. Flashes often precede vision loss. Note the frequency and side of the eye you notice flashing lights as well as when they began. Call your optometrist or ophthalmologist immediately. Again, flashing lights can be a warning that vision loss is coming or is in the process of happening. If following flashing lights you experience partial or complete loss of vision or a shadow or curtain falling over your vision notify your doctor as soon as possible. The earlier this can be dealt with the better the outcome will be in the long term.

So you have your new eyeglasses. What’s the best way to care for them? Cleaning your lenses properly uses things you already have at home. The best cleaning practice is to use running tap water to rinse off your lenses, suds up the lenses with a gentle dish soap (without lotion), rinse off the suds, and dry with a soft cloth. Even if you are away from home, running your lenses under water is crucial for getting off the dust and debris that most often cause scratching. Keep a bottle of water on hand when away from home to rinse off your lenses in a pinch.

As far as keeping your frames in alignment, the rule is “if they’re not on your face, they’re in your case.” While it sounds a bit kitschy, this advice will often keep your lenses safer. Remove your glasses before falling asleep and place them in a safe place away from the reach of pets and children while resting. In addition, we recommend not storing your glasses in the car. Car temperatures tend to reach extremes and those temperature extremes can wreak havoc on your frames and lenses. If and when you find your glasses out of whack, come by for a complimentary adjustment by one of our trained technicians, rather than attempt an at-home adjustment.

Vision insurance can be a real help when scheduling your next eye exam and purchasing your next pair of eyeglasses. Often, your insurance company will provide a list of in-network providers near where you live. We also welcome phone calls and emails to help determine if we are in network for you. Each plan is unique, so we offer our experience to help you determine the best exam and eyeglasses to fit your plan and budget. We currently accept most BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee plans, Eyemed plans, WebTPA, SHARP, and many local Union vision plans as well. Please contact us to find out how we can work with your current vision plan to create the best value for you and your family.

It can be a frustrating moment when we look in the mirror and see that our eyes are red and bloodshot, especially if we don’t know exactly why. To be on the cautious side, if the eyes are red, itchy, and painful to the touch it is likely you could be experiencing an eye infection. Make sure to wash your hands often, refrain from touching or rubbing your eyes, and schedule an appointment with your optometrist as soon as possible to verify that an infection is present.

Sometimes, a red, bloodshot eye could be due to allergies or dry eyes, especially when the air around you is cool and dry. Overnight fan use can often dry out our eyes while we sleep. Dust and debris in the environment can also irritate our eyes. And, of course, a long night out that includes alcohol or marijuana can also be the cause. As a final note, please refrain from using eye drops with “redness relief” as these often cause further irritation with prolonged use.

Studies are ongoing about how digital devices are affecting our vision and the vision of the next generations. For adults, prolonged device use can lead to eye fatigue and headaches, but the effects of the blue light coming from screens is still being researched as to how it affects the adult eye. On the other hand, prolonged device use for children has been shown to increase myopia, known as nearsightedness, over time. To protect your child’s vision, encourage more active play, especially where their vision is required to look out at the distance during play, such as outdoor games and sports. Like anything in life, too much can often be a bad thing, so continue to practice moderation when possible, at the same time we understand that those devices are life savers on long car rides.

We know our kids need an eye exam at some point, but how do we decide when to go for the first time? A good rule is to have the first eye exam around the start of Kindergarten. As your child begins to learn letters and numbers, having an understanding of their visual needs will help them be set up for fun and success at school. Other ways to tell are when your child’s pediatrician or school give verbal or written instructions to have your child’s vision checked. There are rare cases when children need an earlier exam and those cases are often noticed and notated by doctors shortly after birth or by the child’s pediatrician. Listen to their advice, and listen to your child. See our post about how to tell if your child might need glasses for more information.

We can make this short and sweet: we all need an eye exam yearly. Many of us get regular yearly check-ups and our children are often on that same schedule. Just like your whole body needs a regular check, so do your eyes. Many different issues and diseases can be detected through a thorough eye exam, not just whether or not you or your child may need eyeglasses. Yearly eye exams help to detect problems early and avoid vision loss later on. While most eyeglass prescriptions are good for two years, having yearly checks provide you with the reassurance you need to live confidently and enjoy life.

Eyes tend to change over time, whether we realize it immediately or not. Oftentimes, we may notice that our computer screen or our phone isn’t as clear as it used to be, no matter how we adjust the font or settings. Sometimes we notice that road signs seem fuzzy until we are right up on them. Other times are less dramatic. Instead of a noticeable blur, we may just notice that our eyes are tired or feel strained at the end of the day. These are just a few signs that you may need glasses or may need a change in prescription. If you are noticing any of these symptoms, it’s time for your next eye exam. Call us and schedule one today!

Contact lenses are safe for most people, as long as they are used properly. Why emphasize that last sentence? Contact lenses require special care instructions to avoid damaging your eyes. Over use, lack of cleaning, or mishandling them can lead to serious eye conditions. Many people enjoy using both eyeglasses and contact lenses safely with no issues. During your eye exam, you and your optometrist can discuss whether or not contact lenses will be a good fit for your prescription and lifestyle.

Dry eyes can stem from many causes. Sometimes our eyes are irritated by allergens in the air, and all of us in the Tennessee Valley are more than familiar with allergies. Sometimes our eyes dry out due to cold, dry air or due to having a fan working while we sleep. Other times the eye itself has an issue that causes tears to evaporate too quickly. Your optometrist will usually be able to figure out the root cause and suggest next steps, from an over the counter lubricating drop or a more advanced medical procedure with an ophthalmologist. You do not need to suffer in silence, let your optometrist know about your discomfort during your next exam.

We are all familiar with the damaging effects of UV light on our skin, but were you aware of the need to protect your eyes? Your eyes are as susceptible to UV light as your skin. In fact, you can get a sunburn on your eyes. That said, choosing lenses that have full spectrum UV protection is crucial for protecting your eyesight. As well, choosing polarized sunglasses adds the additional benefit of reducing glare while outdoors and while driving. Individuals who are post cataract surgery must use UV protection because the artificial lens inserted into the eye during the surgery does not have the same UV resistance as your natural lens. This additional UV exposure can speed up processes like age-related macular degeneration that can lead to vision loss over time.

Dilation, or using medicated drops to open the pupils of your eyes, is an important part of an eye exam. Normally, when light is shone into the eyes, the pupil of the eye shrinks to reduce the amount of light entering the eye. Due to this, it can be difficult to look at the inside of the eye to see if the eye is healthy or having problems. Dilation works like widening the window to give the doctor a wider field of view to see more of the eye. Especially for individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of glaucoma, or decreasing vision, dilation can help catch issues earlier in order to prevent further problems. Overall, dilation helps doctors better care for your eye and overall health.

For most of us, our vision will change gradually over the course of our life. For some, like children with myopia, or nearsightedness, proper eyeglass wear and plenty of active play away from screens can help prevent myopia from developing further. For other children, following the optometrist’s or ophthalmologist’s recommendations for patching individual eyes or certain surgical procedures for correcting eye muscle issues can help correct long-term vision problems early. Otherwise, maintaining a regular eye exam routine as well as proper care for eyeglasses and contact lenses can provide for healthy eyesight throughout our lives.

Sometimes we wake up and things are just not very clear. Sometimes that’s just our eyes refocusing after rest. Other times, our eyes are dry due to various factors which can cause us to lose visual clarity upon waking up. Sometimes a gel lubricating drop put in the eyes before sleep can help. If the blurriness continues after using an artificial tear, it may be that a change in prescription may be needed. In the worst case, a continued lack of visual clarity could indicate something physically affecting the eyesight, such as a developing cataract or swelling inside the eye due to diabetes or high blood pressure. If you are concerned, please contact your optometrist as soon as possible to schedule your exam.

Being a small, independent optical, we have the ability and flexibility to provide you and your family with customized, personal service. We seek to find and provide a wide array of styles to fit as many people as possible. We also try to provide a spectrum of price options for every budget. Our family and employees live here in the community, so we want to provide the best service possible. When you choose Eyear, you choose sixty years of optical experience and local customer service as well as our quick, one hour service for most prescriptions.