Cataracts, or clouding on the lens of the eye, are no fun. Depending on the severity, Cataracts can be slightly annoying vision obstructions or they can completely block the passage of light and impair your ability to see. Luckily, though, advanced technology has given eye doctors the ability to remove these pesky problems through intraocular lens (IOL) cataract surgery.

During IOL cataract surgery the cataract is removed and replaced with an advanced artificial lens. There are several types of intraocular lenses, and your eye doctor will help you determine the lens that’s right for your vision goals and your lifestyle.

You’ve probably heard of Glaucoma, but do you know what it is? It’s an eye disorder that occurs when the optic nerve suffers trauma that permanently damages vision in the affected eye or eyes.

Glaucoma is often referred to as the silent thief of sight because the loss of vision that affected individuals experience happens over a long period of time and, unfortunately, it’s usually recognized when the disease is in its most advanced and untreatable stages. However, if the condition is detected early enough, it's possible to arrest the development or slow the progression with medical and surgical means. If you have a family history of Glaucoma, it’s crucial to let your eye doctor know, even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms.

Yoga is good for the mind, body and spirit…and for the eyes! Check out this eye yoga video for healthy eye stretches that release, relax, tone, and train the muscles of the eye. Enjoy!

Pink eye is the most common eye problem in young children, and during the cold and flu season it’s particularly prevalent.

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an infection of the inner eyelids and surrounding tissues of the eye. Pink eye occurs when these tissues become inflamed and the blood vessels on the eye’s surface dilate. That's what makes the eye appear pink or red. It’s caused either by viruses or bacteria, and during the cold and flu season, a virus is usually to blame. And as with any other virus, it’s not treatable with antibiotics.

High-fives, special handshakes, recess on the jungle gym, trading lunches…these are all fun parts of any typical school year! Unfortunately, they can lead to not-so-fun parts of a typical school year, like the spread of germs and viruses, such as Pink Eye.

Pink Eye is spread through contact with any eye drainage, which can easily happen between children. With a little bit of cautionary training, though, parents can help prevent the spread of Pink Eye. Teach your child to:

Shopping for all your back-to-school supplies, stocking the fridge with lunchbox-friendly foods, setting the alarms and coordinating morning routines? It must be August!

With the start of the new school year right around the corner, it’s a good idea to get everything set ahead of time, including your health examinations. Make getting an eye exam part of your back-to-school routine. According to American Optometric Association (AOA) studies, 86% of children start school without ever having an eye examination.

Because reading, writing and computer work are among the visual skills that students are required to perform daily it’s important to make sure this avenue for learning is in good shape. Schedule an appointment today and SEE how the school year improves!

Lasik surgery has been around for a while and people have long been experiencing the benefits of this vision correction procedure. CustomVue™ Lasik surgery is an FDA approved procedure that takes Lasik surgery to whole new level. It’s a tailored laser vision correction that adjusts the imperfections unique to your eye, instead of using a formula procedure.

How It Works

CustomVue™ Lasik Surgery uses advanced science, technology and mathematical algorithms to measure and pinpoint your one-of-a-kind vision aberrations. The procedure essentially takes a “finger print” of the cornea and then uses that unique “finger print” as a map to guide a computerized laser to correct the vision. And unlike conventional Lasik surgeries, individuals who receive CustomVue™ rarely complain of post-surgery complications and irritations, like halo vision, glare and dry eyes. Nearsighted, farsighted, and astigmatic individuals who receive CustomVue™ find they’re seeing the world in a whole new way!

Now’s the time to hit the beaches, plan your picnics, explore biking and hiking trails, and enjoy warm weather vacations – summer is officially here! And while everyone knows to generously apply sunscreen to protect their skin while out in the beautiful weather, it’s equally important to shield your eyes from harmful UV rays. According to a recent survey done by the American Optometric Association, only 32% of Americans understand it’s as important to shield your eyes from UV rays to prevent premature aging and diseases as it is to use sunscreen on your skin.

Did you know that you can actually get a sunburn on your eyes? It’s called photokeratitis, and symptoms include red eyes, the feeling of something in your eye, light sensitivity and excessive tearing. Too much exposure of the eyes to UV radiation can cause serious issues, like cataracts, damage to the retina, macular degeneration, and even eye cancer.

So what can you do?

We live in a pretty technology-focused world…and that only seems to be increasing. Years ago if you had told housewives that their middle school children would all have – or have access to – their own, portable telephones they might have laughed. But nowadays cell phones are such an integrated part of our lives that it’s hard to imagine life without them. However, as with many things, too much of a good thing can be detrimental.

A recent study done by optometrists from the Southern College of Optometry, Northeastern State University–Oklahoma College of Optometry, and a private optometry practice has shown that cell phone use distracts a person’s cognitive ability to assess information. Forty subjects were studied and tested during a cell phone conversation and then again while focusing only on the tests. Subjects displayed significant visual field constriction with cell phone use, and the optometrists concluded that cell phone conversations tend to artificially constrict the peripheral awareness as measured by a visual field. These results are, of course, especially important when considering using cell phones while driving or operating machinery.

Do you use your cell phone while driving?

Blethro-what, you ask? Blepharoplasty, also known as eye lift or eyelid lift surgery, is a procedure that lifts the upper, lower, or both eyelids to remove excess or sagging skin, puffiness and bags around the eyes. Currently, Blepharoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the United States and is extremely beneficial for:

• Adult and senior men and women
• Healthy individuals who don’t have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
• Non-smokers
• Individuals without serious eye conditions

Blepharoplasty is a fairly minimal surgery with very temporary post-operative effects and little recovery time. Stitches are usually removed after five days, and the minor swelling, bruising and discomfort that some patients experience after the operation usually disappear within two weeks.