Category: Eye Care

Lens coatings can improve the performance and durability of your eyeglasses. Many types of coatings have been developed and introduced in recent years, but which is right for you?

Today, we provide an overview of the different types of lens coatings to consider when getting new prescription eyeglasses.

Anti-Reflective Coating

An anti-reflective coating, also known as AR or anti-glare coating, is an extremely thin multilayer coating that gets rid of reflections from the front and back surfaces of lenses. This coating makes your lenses almost invisible so people can look into your eyes without seeing their reflections from your glasses. It eliminates glare caused by light reflecting from your lenses. Without these reflections, you can see more clearly and drive more comfortably at night.

An AR coating is especially ideal for polycarbonate and high-index lenses, which reflect more light than standard glass or plastic lenses. This coating also works well for aspheric lenses since they have flatter curves than regular lenses, causing more noticeable reflections.

To ensure comfort in all lighting conditions, eye care professionals recommend applying an anti-reflective coating to photochromatic lenses. It improves light transmission through the lenses for night driving and reduces glare in bright sunlight.

Scratch-Resistant Coating

There is no such thing as completely scratch-proof eyeglass lenses. However, lenses with a scratch-resistant coating feature a harder surface that’s more resistant to scratching. This type of coating is beneficial for kids’ lenses as it improves durability. Most eyeglass lenses today, including high-index lenses and polycarbonate lenses, have a built-in scratch-resistant coating.

In some cases, scratch-resistant coatings are optional, so make sure to inform your eye doctor that you want your lenses to have this coating for added durability. Don’t forget to ask about the warranty on eyeglass lenses that include a scratch-resistant coating.

While a scratch-resistant coating makes your glasses more resistant to impact, it doesn’t provide complete protection against wear and tear. To keep your glasses in good shape, store your them in a cushioned case when not in use and clean the lenses using a microfiber cloth. You also need to be careful with products that claim to repair scratched lenses. While they may fill in the scratches, they can’t make the scratches disappear to restore the appearance of the lenses.

UV Coating

UV exposure has been linked to age-related eye problems like cataracts and macular degeneration. Lenses that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays can help in preventing the damaging effects of UV radiation.

Fortunately, almost all high-index plastic lenses and most sunglasses have 100 percent UV protection built-in. However, CR-39 plastic lenses require an extra coating for total UV protection. Eyeglasses with photochromic lenses also block 100 percent UV rays without the need for an added UV lens coating.

Photochromic Treatment

Photochromic lenses, also called transitions, automatically darken when exposed to sunlight and become clear when you go back indoors. These lenses are available in all materials and designs. You should consider them if you don’t want to purchase another pair of prescription sunglasses or if you have light sensitivity.

Keep in mind that photochromic lenses darken and lighten to varying degrees. Some brands take longer to change than others. Discuss your needs and options with your eye doctor.

Mirror Coating

A mirror lens coating prevents light from reflecting into the eye. It makes the outside of the lens look like a mirror, but wearers don’t see the mirror coating from the inside of the lens. Only the color tint of the coating is visible.

These coatings are available in various colors, densities and styles. They are popular in both prescription and non-prescription sunglasses. Mirror coatings can be applied as a solid, gradient and double gradient coating.

Two of the most common mirror coatings are the flash mirror and half mirror. The half mirror creates a full mirror reflection on the outside of the lens while completely concealing the eye. On the other hand, the flash mirror coating is less dense and gives a transparent mirror look. Consult your optometrist to find out which option is best for your vision needs.

Anti-Fog Coating

In the cold months, it can be frustrating when your glasses constantly fog up every time you step outside. Fogginess limits your ability to see, which can be dangerous, especially when you’re outdoors or driving. This is even more dangerous for police officers and people who respond to emergencies.

If you wear eyeglasses and participate in sports activities, your lenses may also fog up when you’re hot and sweating. Fogging occurs when tiny droplets that form by condensation on the lens surface are cooler than the surrounding air temperature. Fortunately, a permanent coating exists to eliminate fogging. This factory-applied coating prevents condensation in lenses, eliminating fogging.

Tinted Lenses

Lens tinting can help with certain vision problems and can also improve the appearance of your glasses. Some tints help with computer use and can even lead to better sleep. Blue-light blocking lenses claim to ease eye strain and discomfort while in front of a computer. A yellow tint may increase contrast and a gray tint may not change color perception in sunglasses.

By undergoing eye exams, you can find out what the right lens tint for your needs would be. However, if you don’t have any underlying health need for tinted lenses, the color choice is up to you. Wearing tinted glasses has no direct side effects, but some may experience an adjustment period. For some, it affects their accurate color perception.

Tinted lenses that are too dark pose certain risks if regularly worn indoors. As your eyes start to get used to the darker view, they become more sensitive in brighter lighting conditions. Lenses with at least 50 percent visible light transmission are better for indoor wear.

You can count on Progressive Eyecare for your eye care needs. We offer eyeglasses, contact lenses, comprehensive eye exams and more. Call us at (702) 368-2021 (North Las Vegas), (702) 834-5609 (Boca Park) or (702) 407-0601 (Blue Diamond). We assist patients in Southwest Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Summerlin, NV.

Dark mode is a setting available on many digital devices to reduce eye strain associated with staring at a bright white screen. This setting is a more comfortable alternative to the bright default setting on most screens.

Is dark mode really better for your eyes? Find out from an eye doctor.

Your Eyes and Digital Screens

American office workers spend an average of seven hours a day on the computer. Many people experience eye discomfort and vision problems due to this extensive amount of screen time. Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome (CVS) refers to a cluster of eye and vision problems caused by prolonged use of digital devices. The level of discomfort appears to increase proportionally with the amount of screen time.

CVS is characterized by eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes and neck and shoulder pain. These symptoms are triggered by poor lighting, glare from screens, poor seating posture, uncorrected vision problems or wearing the wrong prescription eyeglasses.

Some symptoms dissipate when the user steps away from the computer. However, some individuals continue to experience symptoms even when not looking at a screen. The symptoms will persist and become worse with future computer use if the cause of the problem isn’t addressed.

Even the slightest vision problem can cause significant discomfort while using digital devices. Uncorrected vision problems are major contributing factors to CVS. Regular eye exams can help detect early signs of vision problems and ensure you have the proper prescription glasses.

Comfort in Dark Mode

Many devices now offer a dark mode setting, in which text is displayed in a light color on a dark background to make reading easier, especially at night. Apple’s System 7 OS was one of the first platforms to support the feature to make viewing easier for those with visual impairments. The accessibility feature was called CloseView, and it allowed users to switch the display to a white-on-black color scheme. Windows 95 and later Windows XP offered similar settings.

Twitter introduced dark mode for Android phones in 2016, a setting that transforms the background of the page to a charcoal gray color. In 2018, the feature was made available in popular platforms such as Reddit, YouTube and Facebook’s Messenger app.

Problems With Bright Screens

Ashlie Ford, a Twitter senior product designer, mentioned that people had been asking for the dark mode feature on the website. People who browse the website at night say the stark white background hurt their eyes. The black background fixed this issue for many users.

Reddit users, many of whom are gamers, complained of the same problem. These individuals usually play at night and the bright screen can become distracting. Typically, they wear blue light blocking eyeglasses or use ambient lights behind digital displays.

According to Jonathan Chow, the Reddit senior UX designer who took charge of the design of the site’s desktop night mode, among their highest priorities was helping people with light sensitivity and visual impairments.

Consult your local eye doctor if you’re experiencing persistent discomfort or difficulties when viewing digital screens. An underlying vision issue may be causing eye discomfort.

Is Dark Mode Better for Your Eyes?

Black text on a white background is still better when it comes to readability. White reflects all wavelengths in the color spectrum. Thus, your iris doesn’t need to open wider to absorb sufficient light, meaning it can remain in its natural shape. The lens isn’t being altered, so you can see things more sharply, especially high-contrast colors such as black, which absorbs wavelengths.

Your iris needs to open up more when you’re viewing white text on a black background. This can deform your lens and make the white letters appear to bleed into the black background. This is known as the halation effect, which is experienced by 50 percent of people who have astigmatism.

At Progressive Eyecare, we offer a wide selection of eyeglasses that can correct different vision problems, including astigmatism. Our specialists can help you select the best frames and optometric plan for your vision needs and lifestyle. A great pair of glasses can give you clear vision and enhance your features.

Dark mode can ease visual discomfort, but it’s not always beneficial. It can reduce eye strain under low-light environments, especially at night or in dimly lit working spaces, but it’s not helpful in bright conditions.

Easing Digital Eye Strain

There are various solutions to digital eye strain. Symptoms are usually alleviated with regular eye care and changes in how you view the screen.

Ideally, the screen should be four or five inches below eye level and 20 to 28 inches from the eyes. Place reference materials above the keyboard and below the monitor. This is so you don’t have to move your head when looking from the document to the monitor. Install blinds or drapes on windows to avoid glare.

Even if you don’t normally need corrective eyewear, you may experience relieve by investing in computer eyeglasses. If you do already wear eyeglasses, you may find that your prescription doesn’t include blue light-blocking capabilities. Eyeglasses or contact lenses prescribed for general use may not be suitable for computer use. You may need lenses prescribed to meet the visual demands of computer work.

It’s important to give your eyes a break. Rest your eyes for 15 minutes after every two hours of continuous computer use. You should also follow the 20-20-20 rule where you look 20 feet away from the screen for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

Turn to Progressive Eye Care, your local optometrist, for your eye care needs. Call us at (702) 744-8005 for North Las Vegas, (702) 723-4008 for Summerlin or (702) 357-8202 for Southwest Las Vegas. You can also complete our online form to schedule an appointment. We assist patients in North Las Vegas, South Las Vegas, Summerlin Las Vegas and nearby areas in NV.

Eye accidents can happen anytime. Even when you’re in the comfort of your own home, going about mundane daily activities like cooking dinner or mowing the lawn, your eyes are at risk if you don’t take the right eye care precautions.

Today, Progressive Eyecare shares key things you need to know about eye injuries.

Common Causes of Trauma to the Eyes

Did you know that around one million people every year suffer from an eye injury? Eye injuries can happen for a number of reasons, and knowing the most common causes of them can help you avoid an accident. Here are some of them:

Small, Foreign Objects Trapped in the Eye

More commonly referred to as eye scratches, corneal abrasions usually happen when you rub your eyes while a foreign body, like sand or dust, is present. This can happen when you’re doing wood work, watching fireworks or simply sweeping the house.

Eye scratches can cause pain, difficulty blinking and even light sensitivity. They can also put you at risk of bacterial or fungal infections. We suggest you visit your optometrist when the discomfort becomes intolerable or you have a hard time seeing.

A Direct Blow to Your Eyes

Being hit by a fast ball or getting punched in the eyes can cause your eyelids to become sore, red and puffy. The affected area will likely develop bruising, otherwise known as black eye, within the next day. Make sure to have the injury examined by an optometrist to rule out internal bleeding or other damage.

Chemical Splashes or Oil Splatters Into Your Eyes

Liquid that splashes into your eyes can potentially be threatening to your eye health. Chemical substances can cause a burning or stinging sensation. If something other than plain water splashes into your eyes, try flushing it out either by producing tears, applying eye drops or putting your head under a steady stream of tap water. Always wear safety eyeglasses when working with hazardous chemicals.

A Sharp Object Penetrating Your Eyes

Accidents can happen when you’re around sharp objects. If a sharp object penetrates your eye, do not attempt to remove the object by yourself. Instead, put a paper cup or eye shield over the affected eye. Then, call your eye doctor immediately.

Recognizing an Eye Injury

It’s not always easy to tell if your eyes were actually injured or how serious the damage is. If you’ve sustained an eye injury, you may experience continuous pain, eye bleeding and difficulty blinking. You may also have a hard time seeing even with your eyeglasses, and your eyes may not be able to move as easily. An unusual pupil size (too large or too small) can also occur. If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it’s best to undergo a comprehensive eye exams as soon as possible.

First Aid Treatment for Eye Injuries

Any form of eye injury must be treated by an eye care specialist as soon as possible. While on the way to the clinic or hospital, there are a few things you may be able to do to prevent the injury from worsening. If your eyes get exposed to chemicals or other harmful substances, do not rub your eyes. Instead, immediately flush your eyes with lots of water.

If you have suffered a blow to your eyes, apply a cold compress. Do not use cold cuts or other frozen food as they may contain microorganisms could cause an infection. Avoid putting too much pressure on your eyes so as not to aggravate the injury. Your eye doctor may also suggest taking pain relievers.

If a small particle is trapped in your eye, try pulling down the upper eyelid then blinking repeatedly. Doing so can help dislodge the foreign object. If it’s still there, try crying, washing it out with eye drops or flushing it under a stream of water. Afterward, go to your eye clinic for an eye exam.

Preventing Eye Injuries

Prevention is worth a pound of cure–cliché, but true. As a matter of fact, studies have shown that approximately 90% of all reported cases of eye trauma were preventable. How, you might ask? By simply wearing protective eyewear.

Whether you’re at work, school or home, never take your eye safety for granted. Any time you’re performing a task or activity that poses a potential threat to your eyes’ safety, wear protective eyewear. These activities include handling hazardous substances, dealing with flying debris or other small particles, and being exposed to objects that may fly across the room.

And when choosing protective eyeglasses, look for a pair with a label that says “ANSI Z87.1.” This means that the product meets the safety standards established by the American National Standards Institute, which indicates your eyes will be well protected.

Eye protection doesn’t stop there. You should also see to it to have your eyes examined by your eye doctor regularly. This way, we can check your eyes for any existing or potential problems. The sooner we detect and manage underlying issues, the better your eye health will be.

If you wear contact lenses or eyeglasses, we can also evaluate whether you need to have your lens prescription changed. We can also upgrade your lenses to polycarbonate as this material can withstand high impact. We may suggest frames that offer better eye protection too.

To learn more about eye injuries, complete our form to request an appointment. We serve patients in Summerlin, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Southwest Las Vegas and the surrounding areas.

A recent study found that 30% of the global population has myopia (nearsightedness). This number is expected to increase to 50 percent by 2050, which may make myopia the leading cause of blindness worldwide.

Today, Progressive Eyecare discusses myopia and the various treatment methods available through an eye doctor.

Prevalence of Myopia

A significant number of people have myopia, and the rate is continuing to rise, especially among school-aged children. According to the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) 2018 American Eye-Q survey, one in four parents have a child with myopia, with about 75% of those receiving a diagnosis between the ages of three and 12.

“Vision plays an important role in many aspects of daily life. However, the future will be blurry at best for millions of children unless we start tackling this growing issue,” says Samuel D. Pierce, AOA’s president. “Since eye and vision problems can become worse over time, early diagnosis and treatment through comprehensive, yearly eye exams are essential to optimize children’s eye and vision health and prevent future vision loss.”

The survey also revealed that more than half of Americans are unaware of the prevalence of myopia and don’t know about methods that can help control the condition.

Myopia in Children

Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved. This causes light rays that enter the eye to be focused incorrectly, which makes distant objects appear blurred. The condition usually develops in school-age children and progresses until around age 20.

Common symptoms of myopia in children include squinting while watching TV, frequent headaches, poor performance at school and a short attention span.

Myopia can lead to other issues throughout children’s school years and into their adult years. When not addressed, myopia can put them at risk of retinal detachment, cataract development, macular degeneration and glaucoma later in life.

Vision screenings at schools or the pediatrician’s office aren’t enough to detect vision problems. Bring your child for regular visits at your eye care provider for a comprehensive eye exam to determine the condition of their eye health and vision.

Methods for Myopia Control

Myopia control refers to the line of treatments to slow the development of the condition in children. The four major methods of myopia control are atropine eye drops, multifocal glasses, multifocal contact lenses and orthokeratology (ortho-k).

Atropine eye drops are used to reduce the pain that comes with specific types of inflammation. To ease focusing fatigue, these eye drops dilate the pupil and temporarily limit the eye’s ability to shift focus. Studies suggest that atropine eye drops can reduce the progression of myopia by up to 70 percent.

Multifocal contacts and glasses enable patients to see clearly at all distances. A recent study found that children who wore multifocal lenses daily experienced a 50 percent reduction in the progression of their myopia compared to those who wore regular soft contacts.

Orthokeratology (ortho-k) involves the use of corneal reshaping contact lenses that are worn during sleep and removed upon waking up in the morning, enabling the patient to see clearly the next day. A two-year study of nearsighted Chinese children discovered that ortho-k contacts reduced the lengthening of the eyeball by 40 percent compared to children who wore regular eyeglasses for myopia correction.

Learn more about myopia control from your local eye care provider, Progressive Eyecare. You can count on us for the vision needs of the entire family. Schedule an annual back-to-school eye exam for your child to set them up for success. We offer eyeglasses and contact lenses that are age-appropriate and comfortable to wear. Call us at (702) 368-2021 (North Las Vegas), (702) 834-5609 (Boca Park) or (702) 407-0601 (Southwest Las Vegas). You can also complete our online form to schedule an appointment. We assist patients in Summerlin and Las Vegas, NV.

Summer’s here, and you and your family are probably looking forward to leisurely days at the pool or a beach vacation. For the sake of convenience, you may be tempted to dive into the pool or ocean before removing your contact lenses. Here’s why your eye doctor says that’s a bad idea:

Why You Shouldn’t Wear Contact Lenses When Swimming

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises that contact lenses should not be exposed to any forms of water. You may think that chlorinated water in a pool is clean and germ-free, making it an exception to this rule. But that’s not the case. Chlorine, basically, is bleach for water. This means that getting chlorine in your eye is the same as having diluted bleach splashed into your eyes.

Chlorine causes your tear film to disintegrate. Apart from making your eyes dry and irritated, it strips away the protective layer of moisture. As a result, germs and microbes have a direct channel to settle on your cornea. So, chlorine in pools actually increases the risk of bacteria getting into your eyes.

Saltwater and fresh water aren’t any better. All types of water, whether from a tap, pool, or salty or fresh water, are home to microbes that can cause eye irritations, eye infections and, worse, potentially sight-threatening conditions, like corneal ulcers.

What Happens When Your Contact Lenses Come Into Contact With Water

If your contact lenses come into contact with water, they could get swollen and distorted. They may also stick to your eyes. In addition, rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses can easily be dislodged from your eyes when you’re swimming in the water. As a result, the chlorinated, salty or fresh water can easily rinse away your eyes’ natural lubrication, making your eyes red, dry and irritated.

Soft contact lenses, on the other hand, are usually porous and can absorb water, including any microbes in the water. This makes it easy for bacteria to settle in your eyes. Some of the most aggressive waterborne organisms are Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acanthamoeba. They attach to contact lenses and can cause a corneal infection that’s painful and can even lead to blindness when left untreated.

Acanthamoeba keratitis, in particular, may lead to the development of ulcers on your cornea. People who swim with their contact lenses in are at a higher risk of developing this problem. This condition can lead to permanent visual impairment or even blindness. It may require corneal transplantation.

Conjunctivitis or pink eye is another eye condition you can get from swimming with contact lenses. Bacteria and viruses are good swimmers, and the chlorine levels in swimming pools are not strong enough to kill them. They also thrive in freshwater and saltwater.

What to Do When Water Gets in Your Contact Lenses

If you accidentally jump into the water before removing your contact lenses, remove them immediately from your eyes. Then, throw them away. Use eyedrops to help flush out irritants from your eyes. Hopefully, doing so will remove the microorganisms from the water that have entered your eyes. The eyedrops can also help moisturize your eyes, rebuilding your tear film layer.

Afterward, call your eye clinic and schedule a comprehensive eye exams so we can check for any possible eye contaminations. Before putting new contact lenses in your eyes, make sure your eyes are not irritated anymore. It may be best for you to wear eyeglasses for the rest of the day.

Good Eyewear Alternatives

If you must wear contact lenses while swimming, the most effective way to reduce your risk of infection is to wear swim goggles simultaneously. Apart from shielding your eyes from waterborne contaminants, having swim goggles on can also reduce the chances of your contact lenses being dislodged from your eyes.

You can also ask your eye care specialist about prescription swimming goggles. These are custom-made swim goggles engineered with your specific prescription to correct your refractive error. This way, you can see clearly in the water without the risk of infection. You can also have them upgraded with an ultraviolet (UV) protective coating.

Orthokeratology or ortho-k is something you can consider as well. It’s a non-surgical way to reshape your corneal surface, reducing your dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses. With ortho-k, you’ll have to wear the lenses while you sleep. They are specifically designed to alter your cornea overnight, so you can wake up to sharper vision the next day. Effects can last a whole day.

Another good option is to undergo laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis or LASIK. This is a great option for people who play sports or lead particularly active lifestyles. It offers a relatively permanent solution to correcting refractive errors. It reshapes your cornea using a laser beam, allowing your eyes to properly focus light rays on your retina. Many patients report not needing to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses afterward, which means you can freely swim underwater without having any eyewear on.

Remember that you should never reuse contact lenses that you wore while in the pool or in the ocean. While most contact lens solutions can kill some germs, they are not that strong, even if you submerge your lenses overnight.

To learn more about contact lenses, eyewear alternatives or if you have other eye care concerns, call us at (702) 744-8005 for North Las Vegas, (702) 723-4008 for Boca Park or (702) 357-8202 for Southwest Las Vegas. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve North Las Vegas, Southwest Las Vegas and the surrounding NV communities.

Spring is here once again, which means pollen is here too. Spring is a beautiful time of year, but it can be a nightmare for those with allergies. Sneezing and watery, itchy eyes are some of the most common symptoms of spring allergies.

If you’re struggling to cope with seasonal allergies, there are several things you can do to relieve your symptoms and still take advantage of the beautiful spring weather. In this post, your eye doctor at Progressive Eyecare discusses eight ways you can relieve yourself of eye allergies for the spring season.

1. Avoid Allergens – One way to relieve yourself of eye allergies is simply to avoid the allergens that cause it, such as pollen. If pollen is the reason you have eye allergies and you have to go outside, then wear sunglasses or eyeglasses and drive with your windows closed and with the air conditioner turned on.

Alternatively, you can also stay indoors as much as possible and run the air conditioner to filter the air around you. Replace your filters frequently as well to avoid contamination.

2. Over-the-Counter Eye Drops – Eye allergies can make your eyes red, watery and itchy. If your eye allergies are fairly mild, then over-the-counter eye drops may be the relief you’re looking for. This is less costly compared to other medication and prescription eye drops. If you’re having difficulties choosing a brand, ask your eye doctor to recommend one for you.

3. Avoid Pet Dander – Yes, petting your cats or dogs can be quite therapeutic but it can also cause allergy problems. This is because pet dander can trigger your allergies. Wash your hands after spending time with your pets to minimize the effect of your allergies.

4. Remove Contact Lenses – While your previous eye exams determined that you need to wear contact lenses to help you see better, it’s important that you remove the lenses every now and again. Contact lenses can attract and build up airborne allergens that can irritate your eyes, making removal and cleaning important. You can also purchase daily disposable lenses if you’re concerned about allergens and debris build-up on your lenses. Another good option is to wear eyeglasses until your allergies improve.

5. “Mite-Proof” Bedding and Dehumidifiers –  During your eye exams, your doctor has no doubt told you that dust is another leading cause of allergies. No matter how thoroughly and how often you clean your home, dust will always be present. In your bed, dust mites can pose a problem since they can also irritate your eyes.

With that in mind, mite-proof bedding covers can help limit your exposure to dust mites if needed. Another way to avoid eye allergies is with a dehumidifier, which helps prevent mold growth.

6. Ask About Immunotherapy – Getting sick of sneezing all the time and struggling to find relief? Maybe it’s time to ask your eye doctor about immunotherapy. In this treatment, an allergy specialist injects you with small amounts of the allergens to help you build up an immunity little by little and decrease your allergic reactions.

While this method might take a while, should your body react positively to the treatments, the relief will no doubt be of great comfort to you in the long run.

7. Prescription Medications – Eye allergies often go hand-in-hand with dry eye disease. With that in mind, there are various prescription medications to combat severe allergic reactions. It’s one of your best alternatives if over-the-counter eye drops no longer work and you need a quick-acting solution. There are three main prescription medicines that can help relieve you of eye allergies.

The first are antihistamines, which are considered the classic choice. The body’s natural allergic response is releasing histamine, which dilates blood vessels and the main cause of runny noses and itchy, watery eyes. Antihistamines can reduce your allergic reactions by blocking the attachment of histamine to the cells in the body that produce the allergic response. Note, however, that some oral antihistamines may dry your eyes out further and make your symptoms worse. If this occurs, consult a doctor immediately.

Decongestants can also provide relief from severe allergic reactions. Difficulty in breathing can also cause watery, itchy eyes. Decongestants help shrink the swollen nasal passages, allowing you to breathe easier.

Finally, steroids — specifically corticosteroid eye drops — may provide relief. Steroids are only prescribed to relieve patients from acute eye allergy symptoms. There are some risks involved in steroids that your eye doctor will go over with you during your eye exams, including high eye pressure, glaucoma and cataracts. Therefore, corticosteroid eye drops are only prescribed for short-term use.

For the best optical health services this spring, turn to Progressive Eyecare. We are your number one provider of eyeglasses and family eyecare services. Give us a call at (702) 744-8005 (North Las Vegas) and (702) 357-8202 (Southwest Las Vegas) or fill out our contact form to make an appointment here if you’re from North Las Vegas and here if you live in Southwest Las Vegas. We serve clients in North Las Vegas, Southwest Las Vegas and other areas of NV.

Unlike health insurance and car insurance, vision insurance is not legally required. That said, your eyesight plays a large role in maintaining your overall well-being and your work efficiency, so investing in vision insurance is still a good idea.

As we observe World Health Day this April, Progressive Eyecare explains everything you need to know about vision insurance.

What Is Vision Insurance?

While health insurance can pay for eye diseases or accidents, it does not usually cover eye care services needed to maintain your visual health. Vision insurance often provides coverage for expenses concerning your routine eye health, such as eye exams, contact lenses and eyeglass frames. It may cover the cost of these eye care services in full or to a certain limit. It can also get you discounts on elective procedures, like LASIK.

Vision insurance often involves two options: a benefits package or a discount plan. With a benefits package, you may have to meet a deductible or a fixed dollar amount you have to pay out-of-pocket to your eye care provider before the vision insurance benefits take effect. On the other hand, the discount plan involves discounted rates for eye care and eyewear after you have paid a premium or membership fee, usually every year. Both types of vision insurance can be individualized to meet your wants and needs. They can also be tailored to meet the requirements of different clients, including schools, companies and unions.

How Does Vision Insurance Work?

Most of the time, vision insurance is a value-added benefit that rides on indemnity health insurance, health maintenance organizations (HMOs) or preferred provider organizations (PPOs) that have contracted with managed vision care networks to provide eye care products and services.

Vision insurance protocols may vary depending on the insurer. That said, this usually involves paying a premium or meeting deductibles or copays for your individual policy or having these deducted from your paycheck, which is often the case in employer-sponsored vision insurance plans. What you’ll get in return may include free or discounted eye exams, eyewear fitting, eyeglass frames and more. Some policies also pay out if you’re diagnosed with certain vision problems or if your eyesight becomes permanently compromised.

Most often, you can avail these benefits if you see an eye care specialist that is in-network or contracted with your insurance company. It is, however, still possible that you’ll have benefits if you see an out-of-network eye care provider, but your share of the cost is often higher. In addition, vision care plans may require you to see a vision care professional that has the right accreditations to actually provide eye care, such as optometrists or ophthalmologists certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

What Does Vision Insurance Usually Cover?

Each vision plan may cover different eye care products and services. Before signing up for one, make sure that it is inclusive of the things you’ll most likely need. Generally, when you have vision insurance, you will likely receive access to a network of eye care specialists. Since you’ll be dealing with contracted eye health providers, you’re assured they take quality eye care and member satisfaction seriously. You can have regular eye exams and preventative eye care services at reduced rates. You can also become affiliated with certain eyewear shops where you can take advantage of discounts on eyeglasses and contact lenses. You may even be eligible for discounts on additional enhancements, such as specialized lenses, lens coatings and more.

In addition, you can get discounts when you have optical procedures done in participating optical laboratories. While vision insurance usually doesn’t cover the full costs for elective vision procedures, such as LASIK and PRK, it’s possible to get them at reduced rates. These are just some of the usual inclusions in a vision care plan. Before having any eye care services performed, it’s always a good idea to ask the staff at your eye care center to advise you on the specific benefits your vision plan covers, so there are no costly surprises afterward.

What Are the Benefits of Getting Vision Insurance?

If you’re still not sure whether or not to get vision insurance for yourself or a loved one, here are some advantages to consider. For one, you can save a lot of money. Basically, the main purpose of getting vision insurance is to have access to cost-efficient eye care. Rather than having to pay for eye care services out-of-pocket, you can rely on your vision insurance to significantly reduce these costs.

By having vision insurance, you’ll feel more motivated to schedule regular eye exams with your optometrist. Having eye exams at least once a year not only helps keep your eyes in good condition, but it also helps maintain your overall health. This way, you’ll have peace of mind that your visual health is stable. In addition, eyewear can be expensive, especially if you need upgrades every now and then. With vision insurance, you won’t have to worry about these costs adding up as you can get discounts with your participating optical centers.

How Can You Get Vision Insurance?

Vision insurance can be obtained through a group policy. This is what your company, association or school district likely offers. There are also government vision care programs, namely Medicare or Medicaid. If you aren’t eligible for a group plan, because you are self-employed or for any other reason, you can also purchase a vision plan individually.

These are some of the basic things you need to know about vision care plans. With the convenience and other benefits they offer, they can save you money and provide peace of mind. If you need more information, feel free to contact us at the following numbers: (702) 744-8005 for North Las Vegas, (702) 723-4888 for Boca Park, or (702) 357-8202 for Southwest Las Vegas. We serve Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and the surrounding NV communities.

Hyperopia is one of the most common vision problems. Also known as farsightedness, this condition causes trouble with short-range vision, while distant-range vision remains clear.

In today’s post, the local eye care specialists of Progressive Eyecare discusses in detail everything you need to know about hyperopia, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis methods and treatment options.

About Refractive Errors

To understand hyperopia, you need to understand how vision occurs. Your ability to see is a result of refraction or the bending of light as it passes through one object to another. In this case, the light rays get refracted as they enter the cornea. The refracted light is then focused on the retina, which is located at the back of the eye. It converts the light rays into messages, which are interpreted by the brain via the optic nerve as the images we see.

Your optometrist explains that refractive errors are caused by light not being directed properly on the retina. They can be caused by having an irregularly shaped eye, changes in the shape of the cornea or aging of the lenses.

Causes of Hyperopia

Hyperopia is caused by having an eye that’s “shorter” in length than usual or a cornea that is too “flat.” In either case, the refracted light entering the eye goes to the wrong place—behind, rather than on, the retina.  That’s what makes nearby objects appear blurry.

Farsightedness is often inherited, and typically develops during childhood.Eyeglasses and contact lenses may be prescribed to correct the vision problem.

Symptoms of Hyperopia

People experiencing moderate levels of hyperopia may exert greater effort and focusing capacity (accommodation) to keep close objects in focus. Eventually, doing so may lead to a wide variety of vision-related problems.

Close-range work, such as reading, writing, computer work, etc., can be hard to sustain over longer periods of time, straining the eyes and causing fatigue. Sporadic blurred or double vision may also be experienced, especially when reading or writing. Higher levels of hyperopia may likely occur, which, according to our eye doctor, can contribute to the development of strabismus (crossed eyes) and amblyopia (lazy eyes).

Diagnosing Hyperopia

Farsightedness is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam. The American Optometric Association recommends them for children at six months of age, upon turning three years old, and before they enter first grade. School-children with no pre-existing vision problems should undergo an eye exam every two years. Those who need eyeglasses or contact lens prescriptions must do so annually. Adults ages 18 to 60 should have an eye exam every two years, with annual exams recommended for seniors.

Basic eye exams include an assessment of the eyes’ ability to refract light. This helps identify whether the patient has nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism or presbyopia. Various instruments may be used in this part of the exam. The doctor may also ask you to look through several lenses to test your distance and close-up vision capabilities.

Retinoscopy is a particular technique done during refraction assessment, in which a retinoscope is used to shine light into your eyes and observe the reflection off your retina. As light is reflected back, the procedure can indicate whether a person has hyperopia. Another technique involves dilating your eyes using drops to make them more sensitive to light for a few hours.

Treatment for Hyperopia

Hyperopia is typically treated through corrective eyewear like eyeglasses or contact lenses. In some cases, the eye doctor may recommend refractive surgery such as LASIK.

Depending on the degree of hyperopia, you may be prescribed either eyeglasses or contact lenses.  These are designed to change the way light is bent into the eyes, compensating for the irregular shape of your cornea or the length of your eyes.

Common eyeglasses and contact lenses prescriptions begin with plus numbers, such as %202.50. When you choose eyeglasses as your preferred corrective vision device, you may select aspheric high-index lenses. Often given for those with stronger prescriptions, the lenses tend to be thinner, lighter and have a slimmer profile. Be sure that they include anti-reflective coatings to reduce glare.

Alternatively, you can choose contact lenses. They are worn right on your eyes and are available in various materials and types soft contacts and rigid gas permeable contacts.

If contact lenses or eyeglasses aren’t good options for you, refractive surgery could be a better solution. LASIK or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is the most common type of refractive surgery. It helps correct farsightedness by adjusting the curvature of the cornea. The procedure doesn’t take that long, and recovery is typically short and easy.

Progressive Eyecare is your one-stop shop for excellent eye care, quality eyewear and convenient scheduling. Count on us to deliver top-notch services, from conducting eye exams to treating and managing vision-related conditions.

For your yearly eye checkups and eyeglasses or contact lenses prescriptions, give us a call at any of these numbers: (702) 744-8005 in North Las Vegas, (702) 723-4888 in Boca Park or (702) 357-8202 in Southwest Las Vegas. You may also choose to make an appointment. Our Las Vegas service areas include North Las Vegas, Southwest Las Vegas and Summerlin, NV.

Common Workplace Eye Injuries

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), construction workers have one of the highest eye injury rates. They also experience some of the most serious ones. In fact, a simple corneal scratch from sawdust can cause serious vision problems or even blindness.

Your eye doctor shares that sanding, grinding and masonry work may produce tiny particles that may get in your eyes. Hammering on metal, which can shed off metal slivers and cause nails to rebound, is one of the most common causes of eye injuries among construction workers.

Exposure of your eyes to wet or powdered cement may lead to chemical burns. The same goes for scientists and lab technicians who frequently come into contact with chemicals. Welders, on the other hand, are often exposed to flashes that emit high ultraviolet radiation, which may also cause vision problems.

Your optometrist explains that chefs, cooks and kitchen helpers are also at an increased risk of sustaining eye injuries at work due to working with hot oil that can splatter. Athletes are at risk too, particularly those involved in contact sports like soccer or basketball.

Computer Vision Syndrome

You might think that an office job, or a career that would mainly require you to sit behind a desk and work on your computer all day, would be your safest bet when it comes to avoiding workplace eye problems. But this is not always the case. While chances of sustaining eye injuries are low, you are at a higher risk of developing computer vision syndrome.

Also referred to as digital eye strain, this condition is marked by visual discomfort after working on a computer, laptop, or any other digital device for an extended period. Your eye care specialist explains that your eyes may feel heavy and tired. They may also become red and watery later on.

Ways to Prevent Eye Injuries and Other Vision Problems at the Workplace

Given the nature of your work, completely eliminating these eye hazards may not be possible. A carpenter, for example, cannot avoid having to cut wood or hammer a nail. That said, there are some measures you can take to keep your eyes safe while on the job:

1. Have Your Eyes Assessed

Undetected and uncorrected vision problems can further increase your risk of sustaining eye injuries at work. This is why it’s important to have your eyes examined by an eye care specialist on a regular basis. Eye exams are usually included during routine employee physical exams.

2. Assess Your Surroundings

Observe your workplace carefully. Inspect the workspace, the table you’ll be working on, and even the access routes. You can also study eye accident and injury reports and identify which operations or areas present risks.

3. Create and Implement Eye Safety Measures in Your Workplace

Awareness is key to preventing eye injuries as you work. If there is none yet, create an eye protection program in your workplace. You can ask help from a trusted eye doctor on what measures or tips to include. This can create awareness about eye safety hazards on the job. You can also suggest including workplace eye safety in your employee training programs.

4. Use Personal Protective Equipment

Make sure that you and your co-workers are wearing safety goggles whenever you’re working in a hazardous situation. Select protective eyewear that’s specifically designed for the hazard you’ll be facing. Polycarbonate lenses are a good choice; they are made of durable and impact-resistant materials that can withstand high levels of pressure. This means they are less likely to shatter even when subjected to a strong force, such as a forceful elbow blow to your eyes. Protective eyeglasses or goggles with side shields are helpful too. They can prevent debris or dirt from entering your eyes through the sides or under your eyes.

5. Observe the 20-20-20 Rule

If your job entails lots of computer work, make sure to rest your eyes regularly. In particular, we recommend that you practice the 20-20-20 rule: for every 20 minutes of work on your computer, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

What to Do When You Sustain an Eye Injury at Work

Should you sustain an eye injury while at work, do not panic. Go to the nearest eye clinic or hospital as soon as possible. If you cannot move, have someone call an ambulance immediately. Wearing safety eyeglasses can help prevent further trauma to the affected eye.

Before the ambulance comes, or while en route to the emergency room, do not rub or put pressure on your eye. If a foreign particle has become lodged in your eye, do not scratch it. Doing this may cause corneal abrasions, which may worsen your condition.

Avoid self-medicating as well. There are some drugs that may increase bleeding, which may cause much bigger problems. Do not attempt to apply or remove contact lenses, soothing eye drops or anything else from the affected eye. The best thing you can do is to seek an eye care specialist’s advice or medical attention as soon as possible.

To learn more about workplace eye safety, contact us at (702) 744-8005 for North Las Vegas, (702) 723-4888 for Boca Park, or (702) 357-8202 for Southwest Las Vegas. We serve NV residents in Summerlin, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Southwest Las Vegas and other nearby Nevada communities.

In today’s post, Progressive Eyecare, a leading provider of eye care services, explains what to expect in a comprehensive eye exam for patients over the age of 18.

The Goal of Comprehensive Eye and Vision Exams for Adults

An adult eye exam is more than just about learning whether you need new eyeglasses or contact lenses. As a whole, it’s an interactive process with the goal of assessing the health and function of the eyes. Your eye doctor will also look for the presence of other systemic or ocular health conditions that may exist without symptoms. Based on the findings, your doctor will provide a diagnosis and treatment plan designed to manage any vision errors or underlying eye conditions.

The Sequence of Procedures in Adult Eye Exams

A typical adult eye examination involves a sequence of procedures geared toward providing your eye doctor with a complete assessment of your overall visual health.

Patient History

At the beginning of the exam, your eye doctor will ask you about your personal and family medical history. You will be asked to provide important information regarding your visual health as well as your overall health.

Your doctor will want to know about your medical history, your family’s eye and medical histories, vocational and avocational vision requirements, and medication usage. This part of the eye exam presents an opportunity to establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Visual Acuity Test

The next procedure involves testing the sharpness of your vision. You’ll be asked to identify numbers or letters on a standardized eye chart while standing at a certain distance. If you have eyeglasses or contact lenses, you may be asked to take the test while wearing them.

Preliminary Testing

Depending on the information obtained during the first part of the eye exam, your eye doctor may conduct another series of tests. This may include a general observation of your overall appearance, including your eyes and facial areas. Your pupils may be tested to see how they respond to direct light.

Preliminary testing may also include other procedures like cover tests, stereopsis and color vision tests. These are important to help your eye doctor assess the alignment of your eyes, eye coordination that enables normal depth perception, and potential color blindness.

Refraction

In this phase of the eye exam, your doctor will integrate the analysis of your refractive error with both an objective and subjective assessment of your vision correction needs. During this part of the exam, the curvature of both your eyes’ corneas will be measured through tests like keratometry and corneal topography. Both tests are looking for signs of astigmatism, a condition where one of or both your corneas is irregularly shaped.

Accommodation, Ocular Motility and Binocular Vision

These tests are checking to see if both your eyes are able to change their focus from near to distant objects and vice versa. Ocular motility tests assess how well your eye muscles work to ensure movement. Binocular vision tests examine how your eyes are able to discern overlapping fields of view. These functional aspects of vision are interrelated and are critical in providing clear, comfortable vision for performing tasks like reading and other close-range work.

Systemic Health Screening and Ocular Health Assessment

During this important component of the comprehensive eye exam, the eye doctor will assess whether you have a primary or secondary ocular disease. Primary eye diseases are those that originate in the eye, while secondary diseases could be neurologic, vascular, endocrine or immune in nature.

This part of the test contributes to the diagnosis of underlying eye diseases and helps determine the impact of systemic diseases like ocular hypertension. A notable test in this phase measures intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eyes. A high IOP result is an indicator of glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness across the country.

Additional Testing

Depending on the results of the previous tests, further assessments are sometimes needed. These can be done either immediately after eye exams or at a subsequent date. Apart from ruling out or confirming various diagnoses, these tests may also serve as an alternative means of evaluating the patient.

Once completed, the optometrist creates a diagnosis (or diagnoses) based on the assessment and evaluation of all data collected during the exam. From there, a treatment plan will be designed. In other instances, the doctor may refer you to another optometrist for additional eye exams, your primary care physician or health care provider for consultation or treatment as needed.

For your optometry needs, turn to Progressive Eyecare. Even if you don’t feel like anything is wrong with your eyes, it is still important to have them checked regularly. Undergoing regular eye exams gives your optometrist an accurate picture of your current visual health and allows for early detection of underlying diseases or conditions.