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Are You Susceptible To Vision Loss?

Ask Our Eye Doctor in Surrey, British Columbia, how To Prevent Vision Loss

Vision loss is more common than you may think! In fact, it’s among the most prevalent disabilities in adults and children. Knowing what puts you at risk of developing vision loss is important and can help you to be proactive about caring for your eyes.

Below, we’ll explore the most common causes of vision loss and the risk factors associated with each.

Spreading awareness and education about visual health is just one way that our eye doctors near you can help. To schedule your Comprehensive eye exam, call us today 604-372-4030.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases caused by a buildup of pressure within the eye. Too much inner-eye pressure can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss.

Since symptoms don’t usually manifest in the early stages of glaucoma, getting regular eye exams is all the more crucial. Advanced or rapidly progressing glaucoma can show a variety of symptoms, such as blurred vision, headache, severe eye pain and redness, seeing halos around lights, and nausea.

Risk factors for developing glaucoma include:

  • Being 60 years or older
  • Family history of glaucoma
  • African, Asian, or Hispanic descent
  • High myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness)
  • Previous eye injury or certain eye surgeries
  • Certain medications, like corticosteroids
  • Thin corneas
  • Certain medical conditions, like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and sickle-cell anemia

Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy. A healthy lens is clear and allows light to pass through it undisturbed.

Common cataract symptoms include cloudy or blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, light sensitivity, double vision in the affected eye, and seeing colors as faded or yellowish.

Risk factors for developing cataracts include:

  • Aging
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Smoking
  • Previous eye surgery, injury, or inflammation
  • Alcoholism
  • Extended use of corticosteroids

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is the leading cause of severe vision loss in adults over the age of 60. It occurs when the macula (the small central portion of the retina, which is responsible for sharp, colorful, central vision) begins to wear down.

Early stages of AMD usually go unnoticed, but later stages of the disease can produce symptoms like blurred vision, dark or blurry areas in your central vision, and problems with color perception.

There’s not yet a cure for AMD, but certain treatments can help prevent vision loss.

Risk factors for developing AMD include:

  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Aging
  • Long-term sun exposure
  • Hypertension
  • Heart disease
  • Family history of AMD
  • Light-colored eyes
  • Farsightedness

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a complication of Type 1 or 2 diabetes that affects the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye called the retina.

Initially, diabetic retinopathy shows no symptoms but can eventually lead to blindness. As it develops, it can cause increased floaters, impaired color vision, dark spots in your visual field, and blurred vision.

Risk factors for developing diabetic retinopathy include:

  • Length of time from diabetes diagnosis — the longer you’ve had it, the higher your chances of developing visual complications
  • Uncontrolled blood sugar
  • Obesity
  • High cholesterol or blood pressure
  • Pregnancy
  • Smoking
  • African American, Hispanic, and Native American ethnicities
  • Family history of DR

So, what’s the bottom line?

Multiple factors contribute to eye disease and vision loss, and some may even be relevant to you. If you think you may be at risk for vision loss or experience any of the symptoms listed above, speak with your eye doctor in Surrey as soon as possible. We also recommend you have your eyes thoroughly examined every 1-2 years, or as often as your eye doctor recommends. To schedule your comprehensive eye exam, call Clayton Heights Optometry today.

Book an eye exam at an eye clinic near you to learn more about your candidacy for contact lenses and which type is right for you.

Clayton Heights Optometry, your Surrey eye doctor for eye exams and Contact lenses

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Can blindness be prevented?

When caught early, many eye diseases can be treated to halt or slow the progression of the disease and potentially prevent vision loss. The best things you can do to preserve your vision for the long term is to lead a healthy lifestyle and make sure you undergo a comprehensive eye exam every 1-2 years.

Which eye diseases are genetically inherited?

More than 350 ocular diseases have some sort of genetic component. Certain diseases, like retinitis pigmentosa and albinism, are directly inherited through chromosomal information. In other cases, a predisposition to the disease is inherited, rather than the disease itself.

Are Contact Lenses Safe For Young Children?

Here’s a question we often get at our practice: Is my child too young for contact lenses?’ This is an important question, and the answer may surprise you.

For children with myopia (nearsightedness), contact lenses can be a convenient method of vision correction. It allows kids to go about their day without having to worry about breaking or misplacing their glasses, and enables them to freely participate in sports and other physical activities.

Local Contact lens supplier near you in Surrey, BC

Some children and young teens may ask their parents for contact lenses because they feel self-conscious wearing glasses. Contact lenses may even provide children with the confidence boost they need to come out of their shell. Moreover, these days, it is very popular for children to wear single-use one-day disposable soft contacts, since there is no cleaning or maintenance involved.

Some parents may deny their child’s request for contacts due to concerns about eye health and safety. There’s no reason to worry: contact lenses are just as safe for children as they are for anyone else.

Clayton Heights Optometry Eye Clinic and Eye exam, contact lenses, myopia in Surrey, BC

Many eye diseases can be quickly and easily diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. If you were diagnosed with an eye disease, such as Cataracts, Glaucoma, Macular degeneration, Diabetic retinopathy, or Dry eye, you may be overwhelmed by the diagnosis and confused about what happens next. Will you need medications or surgery – now or in the future? Our Surrey eye doctor has prepared the following answers to your questions about eye disease.

At Clayton Heights Optometry, we provide children, teens, and patients of all ages with a wide variety of contact lenses. If you’re concerned about the safety of contacts for your child, we’ll be happy to explain and explore ways to ensure maximum safety, optimal eye health and comfort. To learn more or to schedule a pediatric eye exam for contact lenses, contact us today.

What Are the Risks of Having My Child Wear Contact Lenses?

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A study published in the January 2021 issue of The Journal of Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics found that kids aren’t at a higher risk of experiencing contact lens complications.

The study followed nearly 1000 children aged 8-16 over the course of 1.5-3 years to determine how contact lenses affected their eye health.

The results indicate that age doesn’t have an effect on contact lens safety. In fact, the researchers found that the risk of developing infections or other adverse reactions was less than 1% per year of wear — which is comparable to contact lens wearers of other ages.

But before you decide that contact lenses are right for your child, you may want to consider whether your child is ready to wear them. During his or her eye doctor’s appointment, the optometrist may ask about your child’s level of maturity, responsibility, and personal hygiene. Since many children are highly motivated to wear contacts, they tend to display real maturity in caring for their lenses. That said, in the initial stages, parents may need to play an active role, as their child gets used to inserting and removing the new contact lenses.

It’s important to note that just as with any other medical device, contact lenses are not risk-free. Anyone who wears contact lenses has a chance of developing eye infections or other complications with contact lenses. However, when worn and cared for according to your eye doctor’s instructions, contact lenses are low-risk and perfectly safe for children and teenagers.

So, go ahead and bring your child in for a contact lens consultation! We’ll help determine if your child is ready for contacts and answer any questions you or your child may have. To schedule your child’s contact lens fitting or eye exam, contact Clayton Heights Optometry in Surrey today.

Call Clayton Heights Optometry on 604-372-4030 to schedule an eye exam with our Surrey optometrist.

Alternatively book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT

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Are You Missing Your Child’s Hidden Vision Problem?

Help! My Child Doesn’t Want to Wear Glasses!

Do your kids need glasses in order to see clearly? Maybe they have a strong case of nearsightedness, perhaps they have astigmatism, or another type of refractive error. Whatever the cause, getting your kids to wear eyeglasses can be a parenting challenge.

Dr. Sandhu treats patients from all over Surrey, BC with their vision correction needs. The knowledgeable, caring staff at Clayton Heights Optometry can help you and your kids if they’re struggling with their glasses or don’t want to wear them.

Why Won’t My Child Wear His or Her Glasses?

To help your children get the best vision possible, you first need to understand why they’re fighting with you over their glasses. It usually stems from something physical, emotional, or social, such as:

  • Wrong fit
  • Wrong prescription
  • Personal style
  • Reactions from friends

How do you know which it is? Pay close attention to the signs, from what your kids say, to how they behave, to how they interact with others.

Physical

Improper fit is a big reason why glasses could feel uncomfortable. If they slip down, itch behind the ears, or put pressure on the bridge of the nose, it can explain why a child wouldn’t like to wear them.

If there’s been a big change to their prescription, they may need time to get used to it. If they were given the wrong prescription, they may be straining their eyes, getting headaches, or having eye fatigue. An incorrect prescription can make wearing glasses painful or awkward. It doesn’t correct their vision, either, so they’ll still see blurry images. When this happens, your eye doctor can check the prescription and make an adjustment.

Emotional

Your kids at home aren’t the same as your kids in school, on the sports field, or with their friends. They may be afraid of being made fun of in school, or they may not want the sudden attention on their appearance. These feelings can be even stronger among the tween and teen set.

Social

Even young kids can feel different when they put on a pair of glasses, especially if it’s for the first time. Feeling different or weird, in their eyes, translates to a negative experience. When wearing glasses makes them feel like the odd man out, they may not want to wear them. The last thing your child wants is to feel like a social outcast. After all, everyone wants to belong.

How We Can Help

First, bring your child in to the eye doctor for an eye exam. Our optometrist, Dr. Sandhu, will check to make sure that your child has the right prescription and that any vision problems are being corrected. Next, we’ll take a look at the glasses and place them on your child’s face to determine if they’ve got the proper fit. Our optician will take care of any adjustments that need to be made.

The Vision They Need, The Style They Want

Fashion isn’t only for adults. Your budding fashionista or trendy young stud wants to look awesome, so don’t forget about style. When your kids look great, they’ll feel great! Give them the top-quality eyewear they need without compromising on style. Your kids are a lot more likely to wear glasses when they like the way they look.

What You Can Do to Help

Encourage, stay positive, and don’t give up. Avoid telling them what you want them to wear. Let them choose for themselves. In the end, they’re the ones wearing the glasses. Making decisions is an important life skill, something they’ll need as they grow up and become more independent.

For younger children, use positive words to encourage them. Talk about how glasses are like magic, letting them see beautiful things around them. Show them how a pretty flower or a bright red truck looks with the glasses on, and how different it looks with the glasses off. For older kids, throw in a little pop culture. Tell them how trendy they’ll look by showing them pictures of celebrities who also wear glasses. You’ll also rack up some cool parent points.

At Clayton Heights Optometry, we have the experience and unique approach to children’s eyewear that will make your kids want to wear their glasses. Schedule an eye exam today – you can book an appointment online right here. If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call and we’ll be glad to help.

10 Eye Care Tips for Healthy Vision

Eye Clinic near you in Surrey, BC

Do you eat healthily and work out to keep your body in shape? Did you know that there are specific ways to keep your eyes strong too? You need your eyes for just about everything you do, and vision changes – such as painful vision or seeing blurry – can be extremely frightening. At our eye care center in Surrey, we make it our mission to help you see clearly and comfortably for as many years as possible.

Local Contact lens supplier near you in Surrey, BC

To ensure that you are armed with all the info you need for powerful peepers, we outlined the following tips:

  1. Eat Well for Your Eyes Specific nutrients are particularly beneficial for healthy eyesight, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and zinc. The good news is that it’s not too hard to find foods rich in these nutrients. Snack on some berries and nuts, slice the avocado into your sandwich, choose brown rice and quinoa instead of white grains, make a fresh salad with kale and chard, drizzle flaxseed oil as a dressing, steam some broccoli, and eat an orange daily. Fish is a great source of eye-healthy omega-3s, including salmon, mackerel, tuna, and super-food sardines.
  2. Book Regular Eye Exams Don’t wait until you have a problem before scheduling an eye exam in Surrey. Many eye problems don’t have symptoms at the beginning. By the time you notice them, they will have advanced to a more serious stage. Eye diseases such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration can stay silent for a long time. However, when they are detected early – treatment is much more effective. Also, if you wear prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, an eye exam will confirm that you still have sharp vision.
  3. No Smoking Smoking is linked to a very long list of health problems, as you probably know. Yet, you may not know that eye disease is also on that list. Smoking can cause an increased risk for cataracts, optic nerve damage and macular degeneration – all of which can lead to blindness.
  4. Blink and Blink Again All screens, be it your computer, TV, smartphone or tablet, encourage us to stare at one spot for hours. In fact, a recent study found that people in the US look at screens for more than 7 sevens per day, on average! How does this hurt your eyes? The more time you spend gazing at one spot, the higher your chances of digital eye strain and fatigue. Our Boca Raton and Surrey eye doctor remind you to blink frequently, and to follow the 20-20-20 rule: look up and into the distance 20 feet away, for about 20 seconds, every 20 minutes.
  5. Block Your Eyes from the Sun Just like you slather on sunscreen to protect your skin, remember to put on a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. The sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays have a cumulative effect and can raise your chances of eye disease in the future. Wearing shades today can positively impact your eye health years later. Make sure that you purchase sunglasses that block a minimum of 99% of the rays.
  6. Take Care of Your Contacts If you wear contact lenses, your risk of eye health complications increases considerably. Not adhering to the disinfecting routine and/or wearing schedule that your eye doctor in Boca Raton and Surrey advises can introduce dangerous debris and bacteria into your eyes. This can lead easily to an eye infection. If you wear disposables (dailies or weekly), toss them out when you’re supposed to.
  7. Stay a Healthy Weight & Stay in Motion Exercise can help to prevent and control many health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Also, if you are overweight or obese, you are at a higher risk of developing these diseases, which put you at an increased chance of getting glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy.
  8. Know Your Family Eye History A number of eye diseases are inherited, so it’s a good idea to find out if any family members had them. This information will help our eye doctor in Boca Raton and Surrey to personalize your eye care.
  9. Put on Protective Eyewear Do you play sports that have sticks or racquets, such as lacrosse, ice hockey, and racquetball? All activities with swinging sticks can lead easily to eye damage. Whizzing balls are another hazard. Check out the selection of protective eyewear, such as safety glasses and sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses, in our fully stocked center for eye care in Surrey. This advice also rings true for people who work with airborne materials or hazardous substances.
  10. Sip a Fresh Brew Caffeine appears to work as more than a pick-me-up in the middle of a long day. According to medical experts, drinking two servings of caffeinated drinks each day may offer protection against dry eye syndrome. Coffee, tea, or soda, the choice is yours!

Value your vision! Healthy eyes are an important part of a healthy body, and they play a major role in your quality of life. For more guidance on how to keep your eyes healthy, reserve an appointment and eye exam in our Surrey practice.

Clayton Heights Optometry Eye Clinic and Eye Clinic in Surrey, BC

Many eye diseases can be quickly and easily diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. If you were diagnosed with an eye disease, such as Cataracts, Glaucoma, Macular degeneration, Diabetic retinopathy, or Dry eye, you may be overwhelmed by the diagnosis and confused about what happens next. Will you need medications or surgery – now or in the future? Our Surrey eye doctor has prepared the following answers to your questions about eye disease.

Book Regular Eye Exams with our Clayton Heights Optometry Eye Doctor!

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Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eyes can lead to many uncomfortable or painful symptoms that can disturb your daily tasks. For example, driving, reading, and using a computer may become a challenge due to irritated, dry eyes. Because the cause of dry eye syndrome is highly individual, it is essential to undergo a thorough Clayton Heights Optometry eye exam to identify the cause. Once we have the results of your exam, our optometrist will design the most helpful dry eye treatment. Your dry eye therapy may include lid wipes, artificial tears eye drops, heat compresses and Bruder masks, or Restasis eye drops.

Myopia Correction & Myopia Control

Myopia, more commonly known as nearsightedness, can be corrected efficiently with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Our Clayton Heights Optometry eye care specialist will perform detailed vision testing to determine your precise prescription, so you enjoy the clearest eyesight possible! For children with high myopia that worsens continuously, our eye doctor may recommend various methods of myopia control, such as soft multifocal contacts, Zeiss Myokids lenses, MiSight contact lenses from Coopervision, and vision therapy.

Specialty Contacts: Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus

Our Clayton Heights Optometry eye doctor is competent in fitting contacts for even the most complex, hard-to-fit vision conditions, such as keratoconus. If you have this corneal disorder, Dr. Sandhu will map your cornea using the latest technology – so you benefit from the comfort of scleral lenses with a precise fit. Nowadays, almost everyone can wear contacts, and we are experienced in performing contact lenses fittings and eye exams in our Clayton Heights Optometry office.

LASIK Co-Management

Do you want crystal-clear vision without the nuisance of eyeglasses or contacts? Ask us about our convenient co-management services for LASIK surgery and other refractive procedures. We offer complete preoperative and postoperative care in the comfort of our convenient center for eye care in Clayton Heights Optometry. You will receive top-notch, personalized attention from the eye doctor who knows you best.

Our eye doctor looks forward to seeing you! Call to book an eye exam or stop in anytime to find the perfect pair of high-quality, designer frames. We are the leading eye care center near you in Surrey, BC.

Call Clayton Heights Optometry on 604-372-4030 to schedule an eye exam with our Surrey optometrist. Alternatively book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT

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Understanding the Eye Chart

Comfortable Vision for Back-to-school Reading

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Pink, Stinging Eyes?

Do I have Eye Allergies?

Know the symptoms of seasonal eye allergies and how to get rid of this pesky problem

As the weather warms, flower buds are opening, and your neighbors are dragging their lawnmowers out for an annual spring tune-up. And suddenly you find a need to rub your itchy, red, and sore eyes constantly. Yep, it’s that time of year again – the time that seasonal allergies blossom with the trees.

Nasal symptoms of seasonal allergies, like a runny nose and sneezing, usually get all the attention, but actually, eye allergies (your eye doctor may call it “allergic conjunctivitis”) are pretty common – affecting millions of people in the US. Grass allergy and pollen in the eyes are the primary cause of eye irritation. What’s the best treatment? And how can you get rid of your eye allergies?

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Eye exam to diagnose eye allergies in Surrey, BC eye doctor’s tips on how to recognize and relieve allergies.

The ocular symptoms of your seasonal allergies are caused when your body’s immune system becomes sensitized and overreacts to an environmental trigger that’s really harmless. That trigger, called an allergen, makes contact with antibodies in your eyes – and these cells respond by releasing histamine. Histamine and other natural chemicals cause tiny blood vessels in your eyes to leak, which can lead to redness, itchiness, burning, inflammation, and watery eyes. The symptoms can range from mild to severe enough to interfere with your clear vision. Rest assured – eye allergies are not dangerous, as annoying as they can be.

However, these symptoms alone are not enough to blame seasonal allergies. All of these signs are not unique to eye allergies and could point to several different eye diseases. That’s why a precise diagnosis is imperative! Our Surrey, BC eye doctor will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your eyes to identify the cause of the irritation.

Clayton Heights Optometry Eye Clinic and seasonal allergies in Surrey, BC

Many eye diseases can be quickly and easily diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. If you were diagnosed with an eye disease, such as Cataracts, Glaucoma, Macular degeneration, Diabetic retinopathy, or Dry eye, you may be overwhelmed by the diagnosis and confused about what happens next. Will you need medications or surgery – now or in the future? Our Surrey eye doctor has prepared the following answers to your questions about eye disease.

Avoid your trigger to get rid of eye allergies

Grass allergy and pollen in your eyes are the most typical triggers for seasonal eye allergies, often called hay fever. Since that’s the case, you’re probably wondering how you can possibly avoid these widespread allergens. Before you lock yourself in your room and wait for the seasons to change, our eye doctor recommends:

  • Keep windows closed when the pollen count is high. Use a/c in your home, office, and the car in order to clean the air around you.
  • Do not rub your eyes! This spreads the pollen (and irritation!) all over.
  • When you are outdoors, always wear glasses and sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes. Don’t wear your contacts! Contact lenses can exacerbate eye allergies because they are a great surface for pollen to cling to and pile up.
  • When you return indoors after being exposed to seasonal allergens, rinse your eyes with saline drops.
  • Clean your floors with a damp rag, instead of sweeping with a dry broom that pushes any pollen that’s settled back into the air.

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What’s the best treatment for eye allergies?

Some of the symptoms can be managed with nonprescription drugs, especially if your eye allergies are mild. Try using artificial tears to keep your ocular surface clean. Decongestant eye drops may also help, however, it’s not a good idea to use these for more than a few days since they can worsen your condition with prolonged use.

What about antihistamines for red eyes and seasonal allergies? Antihistamine eye drops, mast cell stabilizer eye drops, corticosteroid eye drops, and NSAID eye drops are accepted short-term treatment for eye allergies. Because these are all prescription drugs, you will need to visit your eye doctor (and possibly an allergist too) to determine which medication is most suitable for you. Some non-sedating oral histamines may also be effective at relieving your symptoms, but they can dry out eyes – thereby making the irritation worse. If your seasonal allergies are extreme and get in the way of functional living, immunotherapy allergy shots or tablets may offer long-term relief.

Are seasonal allergies disrupting your life?

Visit Clayton Heights Optometry for more tips on how to enjoy clear and comfortable vision in Surrey, BC, all year-round! Call Clayton Heights Optometry on 604-372-4030 to schedule an eye exam with our Surrey optometrist. Alternatively book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT

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EYE CARE SERVICES FOR YOU

With a focus on preventative eye health, Dr. Mona Sandhu has been serving the eyes of Surrey and the Lower Mainland for more than 22 years. Using the latest technology, she and her experienced team offer you and your family members thorough eye and vision care in a relaxed, yet professional atmosphere. As eyes can reveal underlying health problems, regular eye examinations should be your priority. Parents are also reminded to have their children’s eyes checked by the age of 3 with the first one being at 6 months of age.

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Eye Emergencies, Eye Exams & More

Our eye care center, Clayton Heights Optometry offers a full range of eye health services to clients of all ages, from children to older adults: routine eye exams and vision tests, eye disease diagnosis and management, immediate attention for eye emergencies, and complete eye health management. The optometrists in our practice provide eyewear prescriptions and offer corrective laser eye surgery co-management as well. You can get in touch with our eye doctor's office to set up an appointment at your convenience and learn more about some of our key services below.

 

Our Eye Care Services:

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PLENTY OF CHOICE—EYEGLASSES

Our optical in Langley offers a large selection of eyeglasses, designer frames and sunglasses. We carry the latest European and American designer eyewear collections in a variety of styles, colors and materials including titanium, stainless steel and plastic.

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Quality Eyeglasses and Lenses

Our staff will help you find the best fit for your specific needs and explain how different lenses and frames will impact your vision. They will help you narrow down your choices so you can find the look, fit and functionality you want from your eyewear.

New clients and all our current patients from Surrey & Langley, BC are welcome to visit our optical with their current prescription - no appointment necessary.

 

 

Our Eyeglass Services:

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Contact Lens Discomfort & Dry Eyes

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Changes in Your Tear Film Are a Common Cause

Have you been wearing contact lenses comfortably for years, but now your eyes feel dry, scratchy and irritated? You’re in good company. Many people who wear contact lenses will suddenly experience uncomfortable or painful symptoms – often caused by dry eyes. Yet this isn’t a reason to remove your lenses forever. Advanced eye care products, a lifestyle change, or a new type of lenses may solve your problem. We’re experienced in helping to restore comfortable vision to contact lens wearers with dry eyes. We’ll perform a thorough eye exam to determine what’s causing your condition, and then we’ll offer effective relief.

Effects of Contacts on Tear Lipids

Scientific studies have demonstrated that the layer of lipids in your natural tear film may be altered by wearing contact lenses. Your eyes’ normal tear film is composed of three layers of nourishing fluids. The outermost layer consists of lipids, which are fatty, waxy molecules that help prevent tears from evaporating. These lipids coat your eyes and preserve the stability of your tear film. In many contact lens wearers who have ocular discomfort, it was discovered that this lipid layer suffered more degradation.

Less Lipids Can Lead to Dry Eyes

A layer of aqueous fluids is beneath the fatty surface layer of your tear film. Therefore, without a supple layer of lipids, your eyes are at risk of drying out more quickly. This is one reason why the incidence of dry eyes is higher among contact lens wearers – especially after you’ve been wearing lenses for a while.

Restore Comfort to Wearing Contact Lenses

The most appropriate treatment depends upon the severity of your symptoms. Contact us for an appointment at our clinic, and our eye doctors will assess your eyes. In addition to a detailed eye examination, we’ll want to know about your symptoms, general lifestyle and visual needs.

If your discomfort and dry eyes are only occasional, we may recommend over-the-counter eye drops or artificial tears. As all eye drops are not compatible with all types of lenses, it’s important to follow our recommendations on which product to use. If your eyes are painful constantly when wearing contacts, we may prescribe a new type or material of lenses.

Liposomal Eyelid Spray

Many liposome sprays are available as a treatment for dry eyes. These eyelid sprays can help decrease the drying of your tear film. As a result, pain due to wearing contacts with dry eyes is alleviated. Studies demonstrate how these sprays can efficiently stabilize your tear film and improve the healthy composition of your eye lipids.

Dry eyes and uncomfortable symptoms are not a reason to throw out your contact lenses! Your first step should be a visit to our optometrist for an eye exam to rule out any other serious, underlying eye problems. Once the cause of your discomfort is determined, we’ll work with you patiently to find the best solution. Contact our office for an appointment today.

Is it Dry Eyes or Eye Allergies?

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Our Eye Doctors Provide Dry Eye Relief

Do you suffer from itchy, stinging, swollen or bloodshot eyes? While a number of causes can be to blame, the two most common reasons for eye irritation are dry eye syndrome and eye allergies.

Although the symptoms of these two eye conditions can be similar, there are also clear differences. Only a thorough eye exam by an eye care specialist can diagnose the cause of your eye irritation, which allows effective treatment. If you experience these symptoms, contact your local optometrist conveniently located near you.

Dry Eye

Tears are composed of three basic layers: water, mucin and lipids. Dry eye occurs when this composition is off-balance and there is too little of one of these components. Most of the time, dry eyes are due to not having enough lipids. The most common reaction to dry eyes is a burning sensation. In addition, your eyes may turn red and/or feel like there is sand or grit under your eyelids. Reflex tearing may also occur, which leads to watery eyes.

Treatment for Dry Eye

The usual dry eye treatment includes:

  • Using lubricating eye drops or ointments. Many over-the-counter medications are available, and it is advised to check with your eye doctor about which one is right for you.
  • Treating your Meibomian glands, which are responsible for lipid production. Your eye doctor may prescribe topical corticosteroids.
  • Treating underlying inflammation. Topical cyclosporine is approved by the FDA for this purpose. Sometimes, antibiotics with anti-inflammatory action may be used.
  • Nutritional supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids

Eye Allergies

The primary symptom of eye allergies is itchiness. With allergies, your eyes react to a substance that is not generally harmful – yet your eyes perceive it as harmful. This substance, an allergen, reacts with your mast cells, releasing histamine. Histamine causes redness, itchiness and inflammation. The most typical allergens are environmental, such as pollen, pet dander and dust mites.

Treatment for Eye Allergies

One of the most important tips we tell our patients is not to rub your eyes! Vigorous eye rubbing can spread the allergen and exacerbate your itch.

Typically, our eye doctors treat eye allergies with:

  • Avoidance of contact with the allergen, when possible
  • Antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer eye drops – to prevent the release of histamine
  • Cool compresses
  • Artificial lubricants for your eyes. Be sure to check with your optometrist before using an over-the-counter medicine to determine the best treatment for your condition.

Eye Allergies & Dry Eye at the Same Time

Dry eye and eye allergies can (and often do!) occur simultaneously. Unfortunately, the lack of a quality tear film will make your allergy symptoms worse. Tears are meant to block allergens from direct contact with your eyes, as well as dilute and flush them out of your eyes. That’s why moisturizing eye drops are often helpful at alleviating the discomfort of eye allergies.

Contact Lenses, Dry Eye & Ocular Allergies

If you wear contacts, both of these ocular conditions can complicate your comfortable vision. Fortunately, there is a multitude of contact lens types available nowadays, and some materials of lenses are better for your eye condition. For dry eyes, your optometrist may prescribe a contact lens that is more resistant to drying out. For sufferers of eye allergies, we often recommend daily disposables, because you discard them before allergens have a chance to build up on the contact lens surface.

Do You Wake up with Burning Eyes?

woman suffering dry eyesFor some people, waking up in the morning can be a nightmare. Their eyes are burning, itchy, the eyes look bloodshot and swollen, and an immediate downpour of eye drops simply reduces the pain. What could cause such an intense reaction to one’s eyes

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“Burning Eyes” is often associated with either dry eye syndrome, an allergic reaction, blepharitis, or even pink eye. On rare occasions, the redness and swelling could be caused from a foreign substance that’s inside the eye. Like any good remedy, if you solve the source of the problem, burning eyes can be solved & treated rather quickly. Therefore, seeing an optometrist that can examine your eyes is essential to receive a quick diagnosis and prevent painful mornings.

The burning sensation from dryness is likely from a reduction or lack of oils that are produced from natural tears. While many of us rely on our tears to keep our eyes healthy & moist, sometimes the tear glands get clogged with dirt or bacteria and require an in-office cleaning. After receiving one of these treatments, many feel an immediate change in their eyes within a few days. Often, your optometrist may recommend that you clean your eyes through warm compresses or artificial tears to treat mild irritation. Medicated eye drops can also be prescribed in case the initial treatments aren’t successful.

If you are an individual who experiences these burning mornings, here are some helpful tips to keep your eyes clear from common “dryness” triggers:

  • Avoid staying in the sun or dry, arid areas, if possible.
  • For contact lens wearers, investing in higher quality contacts or daily contact lenses often allow for more moisture & less dryness.
  • For those on medications, some side effects might be causing dry eye symptoms. Consult your eye doctor if switching medications would be an alternative.
  • Ensure your eyes are protected with polarized sunglasses when outside.
  • A balanced diet that includes a healthy array of vitamins and fish oil.
  • Seek an optometrist if your burning sensation lasts more than 2-3 days.
  • Ensure you see your optometrists regularly to locate additional causes.