Getting serious on eye care

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While all five senses play a large role in how you easily and properly you interact with your surroundings, eyesight is probably the most important. Clear vision makes it possible to read, watch television, drive, play sports and do a lot of other activities. In fact, 80 percent of all impressions are perceived through your eyes. Good eyesight is especially vital in academics because most subjects are presented visually.

Unfortunately, not everyone can fully experience the benefits of clear vision. Millions of people across the country suffer from eye conditions that severely affect their quality of life. The American Optometric Association estimates that 20% of preschool children have vision problems that have a profound effect on learning. Other research has revealed that about 24% of adolescents suffering from refractive errors do not have them corrected as they should with updated prescription glasses or contact lenses.

That’s why difficulties in vision must be dealt with promptly. Proper eye care makes this possible and, when coupled with the right specialist, can lead to a lifetime of clearer, healthier vision. This ebook is dedicated to helping you achieve this goal.

PART 1: DOUBLE HUNG WINDOWS

Ensuring good eye health doesn’t just involve going to a trusted eye clinic for the necessary solutions—you’ll need to be proactive at caring for and protecting your eyes, as well. This means learning to separate facts about eye care from the myths. Here are some of the common myths typically associated with eye care: • Reading in dim light can severely damage your vision. Given how most nighttime reading and sewing used to be done either by candlelight or from the light cast by gas-lit lamps centuries ago, this is-not surprisingly--a myth. Good lighting, however, does make activities that involve extensive use of your eyes much easier. This can also prevent eye fatigue, which can lead to headaches and other issues. If you do need to read at nighttime, it’s recommended that you do so with sufficient lighting.

• Learning problems are caused by poor vision. This is not always the case. Difficulty in reading, math and other subjects its typically referred to as a learning disability. Children who have these problems will require help from teachers and the right professionals. However, for your children to reach their full academic potential, you need to make sure they are able to see properly. Take them to a trusted eye-care specialist for a regular, comprehensive exam. Given how most learning materials are presented visually, it pays to know they have good eyesight that will allow them to process the information correctly.

PART 1 - ALL ABOUT EYE CARE: MYTHS AND FACTS

• Eyewear is more trouble than it’s worth. If you have a job that can put your eyes at risk--like welding-- or something that involves prolonged exposure to sunlight, proper eyewear can be a lifesaver. Safety goggles and UV-blocking sunglasses can prevent potentially blinding injuries, so always use them to protect your eyes.

• Ill-fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses is harmless. Seeing through poorly fitted eyeglasses can make for an uncomfortable experience, but it’s more serious to wear ill-fitting contact lenses. Contacts that don’t fit properly can harm your corneas and result in infection. Make sure to have your eyes checked regularly by a trusted eye doctor if you elect to wear contacts.

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Stay tuned for the second installment of our ebook where we discuss how to find the right eye specialist for your vision needs.

PART 2: CASEMENT WINDOWS

The truth about proper eye care is that you can’t do it alone. When you’re starting to experience vision problems or your existing condition has taken a turn for the worse, it pays to turn to an eye-care professional who can provide you with timely and appropriate solutions. Here are some of the essentials you need to consider: • Learn the difference between an ophthalmologist and optometrist. The type of specialist you need will depend on your overall eye health. Complicated eye conditions and vision problems may require an ophthalmologist to correct them. If you need only basic eye care, it’s acceptable to visit an optometrist to have your vision checked.

What are the other differences between the two?

An ophthalmologist specializes in medical and surgical procedures, which means they are capable of addressing eye injuries, diseases or complex vision problems. They should possess an M.D. or O.D. degree and will have completed four years of specialized training and medical school. Ophthalmologists should also be licensed by a state regulatory board, making them qualified to diagnose and treat a variety of eye conditions.

PART 2 - FINDING THE RIGHT EYE SPECIALIST

An optometrist should have completed four years of optometry school, carrying the credentials of OD or doctor of optometry. Many will have completed specialty training programs for specific eye conditions. They are well-qualified to diagnose, treat and care for a number of common eye diseases, like glaucoma and cataracts. Both professionals can provide the necessary treatment and prescribe the right eyeglasses or contact lenses to improve vision. • Check for credentials and experience. Most eye doctors will be glad to show you their licenses and certifications should you ask for them. If you want to confirm, you can always contact your local or state licensing board. It pays to check for years of experience, as well. A complicated eye problem, for instance, may require a professional who specializes in the treatment of that specific condition. To ensure a good choice of eye doctors, ask friends and neighbors for local referrals. These will provide a clearer and more accurate idea on what you should expect from a given practitioner.

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You should also make sure your choice of an eye-care specialist offers an extensive range of services. We’ll discuss what to look for in the final installment of our ebook.

PART 3: PICTURE WINDOWS

It isn’t helpful if your specialist offers just one or two services. If you want better and more effective solutions to your vision needs, make sure your choice of professional is able to offer an extensive range of services. Here are some of the most sought-after eye care services they should capably handle: • Comprehensive Eye Exams. The most basic service, this is also one of the most important. Eye exams help determine existing vision problems so you can have them treated promptly. Eye exams allow you to catch the early warning signs of an eye condition to better prevent them worsening. Additionally, these exams track your eye health and vision history, helping maintain clear and good eyesight with every appointment. Make sure to visit your trusted clinic on a regular basis.

• Family Eye Care. You’ll want an eye doctor who can give personalized eye care services for all members of the family. This ensures continuous clear and healthy vision as you age, helping you through the eye-related challenges of middle age and beyond. A family-oriented clinic should provide high-quality services in a fun and friendly environment. They’ll carefully and accurately chart your eye-related issues, treatments, and prescriptions, while ensuring proper eye care for your children from an early age.

PART 3 - DETERMINING WHICH EYE CARE SERVICES YOU NEED

• Orthokeratology. Also known as OrthoK, this treatment involves fitting specially designed contact lenses you can wear as you sleep.

These gently reshape your corneas (the front surface of your eyes) overnight so that you can see more clearly in the morning without the benefit of eyeglasses or standard contact lenses. Because these special lenses are gas permeable, they allow your eyes to “breathe” while you’re wearing them, ensuring a more comfortable fit. OrthoK is a specialized service, so make sure to choose an eye doctor who has considerable knowledge and experience working with these lenses.

• Myopia Control. People with myopia, or nearsightedness, can see nearby objects properly but have difficulty with those that are at a distance. This is a growing problem for people across the country—in fact, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey has found the incidence of myopia in Americans ages 12 to 54 increased by 41% from 1972 to 2004. The right contact lenses and eyeglasses, however, can correct myopia effectively. Make sure your choice of eye specialist carries high-quality and stylish options for you and your family.

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Once you’ve taken these steps into account, ensuring a lifetime of good and healthy eyesight is easily achievable. Just remember that proper eye care involves working with a trusted professional who can provide the best solutions for your potential vision problems.

Park Slope Eye 682 Union St. Brooklyn, NY 11215 (347) 560-8393 www.parkslopeeye.com