Are Contact Lenses Ok for Your Teen?

There are many factors to consider when determining whether or not your child is ready for contact lenses. When you’re trying to decide if they’re ready or not, focus on these three key questions:

Are They Safe?

Physically speaking, contact lenses are safe for children at a younger age than many realize. In some cases infants are even fitted with contact lenses for conditions that are present at birth. Also, children are less likely to struggle with dry eyes than adults, which can make contact wear uncomfortable.

Is My Child Responsible Enough?

This is ultimately a subjective matter. Only you know if your child can be trusted to care for contacts. How do they handle other responsibilities like homework and chores? How do they care for their personal belongings?

The option of disposable contacts also eases the burden of responsibility on teens, and may ease your financial burden because you won’t face replacing costly permanent lenses if something happens to a pair your child is wearing.

How Will They Benefit My Child?

Contacts may be safer for your teen’s eyes, particularly if they are involved in sports. They also increase their range of vision over glasses.

In addition, contacts may be a boost to your teen’s self-esteem. Multiple studies indicate that teens’ self-confidence had a marked increase once they switched to contact lenses, even carrying over from social confidence to increased academic and athletic performance.

If you’re thinking about switching your teen to contact lenses, ask me questions in the comments below. Call today to schedule an exam with me to determine if contact lenses are a good option for your child.

 

Protect Your Children's Eyes with Sunwear this Summer

With summer right around the corner, it’s time to break out the tank tops, sunblock and sunglasses. When it comes to children, sunglasses are an essential part of protecting young eyes from potentially harmful UV (ultraviolet) and HEV (high energy visible) rays.

Children spend a significant amount more time outside than most adults, and their eyes are still developing and growing. Children’s eyes are also less able to filter out damaging UV and HEV rays, meaning they are at an even higher risk for eye damage.

Here are some things to consider when purchasing sunwear for your child:

•  Verify with your optician that the sunglasses you choose will block 100% of UV rays.
• Keep in mind that the color of lenses that block HEV rays will be a copper shade.
• Polycarbonate lenses are a good option for children’s sunglasses because they’re particularly hardy.
• Choose sunglasses that are designed specifically for physical activity, especially if your child is involved in sports.
• Purchasing clip-on lenses to go over your child’s prescription eyeglasses is a popular and affordable alternative.
• Consider a retainer (sunglass cord) to ensure your child is able to keep track of his or her sunglasses.

What’s your personal favorite designer for children’s sunwear? Share it in the comments below. And if you haven’t yet, be sure to schedule an exam to get your child fitted for summer sunwear.

Is Your Computer Screen Hurting Your Vision?

Desktops, laptops, iPads and tablets, smartphones…as the advent of technology has become even more prevalent in people’s everyday lives, we’re starting to see more and more how it affects patients’ vision.

The difference between viewing a computer screen and reading text on a piece of paper is significant, from distances and lighting to the sharpness of words on a screen versus print. Viewing a computer screen makes your eyes work much harder, which can result in Computer Vision Syndrome.

If you’re suffering from headaches, burning or tired eyes, blurred vision, or a loss of focus, you may have Computer Vision Syndrome. Other vision problems can be exacerbated by viewing computer screens as well.

Your optometrist can determine if you are suffering from Computer Vision Syndrome and treat it accordingly. There are several adjustments you can make that will help ease your discomfort, such as the angle at which your computer screen is positioned and how close you sit to your monitor. There are also specialty glasses and vision therapy programs that we can recommend depending on your situation.

The first step to treating Computer Vision Syndrome is to get a proper diagnosis from your optometrist, so call and schedule an exam with us and we will help you address the problem. Are you suffering from Computer Vision Syndrome symptoms? Share your experience in the comments below.

Combat Spring Allergies

We’ve all been waiting anxiously for the weather to clear up and spring to arrive, and it’s finally here! However, spring weather comes with the frustration of eye allergies for some. Here’s our advice on combating the flare-ups of eye allergies in the springtime.

• Pinpoint the problem first. Verify that the arrival of allergens like pollen is what’s exacerbating your eye issues—if the problem is a new eyedrop or contact lens, it can be treated differently.
• Sunglasses are a great way to protect your eyes from the many allergens floating around in the spring. Take other measures like keeping your car windows rolled up and staying indoors during high pollen count times (such as early evening).
• Antihistamines and decongestants are also helpful in combating your allergies. Schedule an appointment and ask us about what we recommend for your particular situation—in some cases you may need a prescription-strength antihistamine like Zyrtec or Claritin.
• Adjust how you clean. Sweeping and even vacuuming can stir up dust mites and other allergens, while using a wet mop on surface areas that aren’t carpeted will help contain the problem. Wash your bedding more frequently as well.
• Keep your hands away from your eyes. Rubbing them will only irritate your symptoms, making your discomfort worse in the long run.

What are some other ways you have found to help alleviate your eye allergy symptoms? Share your experience in the comments below.