It’s never been easier to shop from the comfort of your own home. You can do it on a laptop, an iPad or a smartphone. You can buy everything from clothes to power tools to office supplies at the click of a button.
But not everything should be purchased online - especially prescription eyewear. There are several disadvantages to turning to the web for such an important purchase, which can drastically affect your day-to-day life, and many reasons why visiting a Dallas Optical center is a better option.
Getting The Right Frames
Appearance might not be the most important factor in purchasing new eyewear, but it certainly is a factor. When shopping for frames online, you can never be certain that what you see is what you get. Perhaps the color isn’t quite the same. Or the level of craftsmanship isn’t what was promised.
Without trying on a wide selection of frames, there is no way to truly gauge how a certain frame might look or the quality of construction. Just like in an optical center, the frames found online might look great on a model, but turn out not to be right for you. In a Dallas Optical center, if the frame doesn’t fit, you simply move on to one that does. If you’ve ordered your prescription eyewear online, this isn’t an option.
Getting The Right Fit
Most prescription eyeglass wearers will agree comfort is important. When ordering frames online, comfort isn’t guaranteed.
A pair of untried frames might turn out to squeeze your head or be too loose and slide down your nose. Maybe they have corners that scratch or nosepads that pinch.
None of these are issues can be addressed before purchasing new glasses online. If the glasses you try in a Dallas Optical center don’t fit right, you can choose different frames. Once your glasses are finished, the Optician will contact you to come in, and will check to make sure your glasses fit properly. This is not the case with ordering online.
Getting The Best Vision
Achieving optimal vision doesn’t just mean having the correct prescription when ordering glasses.
An experienced optician can tell you whether the frame you’ve selected is right for your vision and lifestyle. They can assist you in selecting the correct lens type for your eyewear needs.
They also have the training to take certain measurements in order to ensure your prescription eyeglasses are made to give you the best vision possible. An accurate pupillary distance -- or PD - is vital. It tells the eyeglasses lab how to place the lenses in your frames so the optical center, the part of the lens that gives you the truest vision, is optimized for you. While the measurement can be done at home, accurate results are tricky and require practice.
Savings Versus Unexpected Costs
Shopping online might produce great deals compared to visiting a Dallas Optical center, but are the savings real?
If the frames don’t fit or the PD isn’t accurate, the costs increase. You add the cost of shipping when sending them back, as well as the time it takes to pack them up and drive to a Post Office.
Also, cheaper eyewear can translate to cheaper quality. The inexpensive frames might turn out to be of low-quality materials and be more likely to need replacing. Likewise, cheap lenses might be low grade and provide poorer vision.
If you’re buying new eyeglasses, visit the experienced opticians at Carter Eye Center. Carter Optical’s experts can help you pick the right frames and lenses for optimum comfort and superior vision.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
6 Tips For Eye Health
At Carter Eye Center, we know that vision is a valuable asset. We want you to be able to enjoy a beautiful sunset, watch your child’s soccer game and see your grandchildren graduate college with clarity and ease.
Vision problems aren’t necessarily something that just comes with age. It’s important to take care of your eyes and start doing so before problems occur. As with many other aspects of your health, preventative measures are the best protection against future medical issues.
Here are 6 tips to keep your eyes healthy and strong.
1) Get annual comprehensive eye exams. Even if you have 20/20 vision, getting yearly Dallas eye exams is vital to maintaining that perfect vision. A qualified eye doctor will be able to detect signs of eye disease even before you know there’s a problem, and if you already have an eye condition, they can help monitor and treat accordingly. If you have an existing condition, your doctor may want to see you more often to monitor it.
2) Wear sunglasses! They aren’t just a fashion accessory, they are an important tool for protecting your eyes from harsh UV light.
Vision problems aren’t necessarily something that just comes with age. It’s important to take care of your eyes and start doing so before problems occur. As with many other aspects of your health, preventative measures are the best protection against future medical issues.
Here are 6 tips to keep your eyes healthy and strong.
1) Get annual comprehensive eye exams. Even if you have 20/20 vision, getting yearly Dallas eye exams is vital to maintaining that perfect vision. A qualified eye doctor will be able to detect signs of eye disease even before you know there’s a problem, and if you already have an eye condition, they can help monitor and treat accordingly. If you have an existing condition, your doctor may want to see you more often to monitor it.
3) Add eye-friendly foods to your diet. Studies have shown certain foods, particularly vegetables like leafy greans (spinache, kale, etc.), as well as omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, can protect against and in some cases improve macular degeneration. These foods are good for your overall health, too, so find some great recipes and enjoy the taste of improving eye health!
4) Know your history. Learning about your family’s eye problems and telling your doctor about any conditions that family members have experienced can help determine your risk factors for experiencing those conditions.
5) Watch your weight and exercise. Being overweight is a big risk factor for Type 2 diabetese -- which can lead to diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness in those younger than 65. Studies also link obesity to an increased likelihood of developing cataracts. On the other hand, studies show links between exercise, such as a brisk 30-40 minute walk four or more times a week, and the reduction of intraocular pressure for glaucoma sufferers. Starting the habit of exercise now can help prevent problems in the future.
6) Learn the 20-20-20 rule. In this age of computers, many of us have jobs that involve staring at a computer screen for long hours. This can be harsh on your eyesight, but there are steps you can take to alleviate issues. The 20-20-20 rule means look 20 feet ahead every 20 minutes for at least 20 seconds. This simple step allows your eyes to periodically recharge.
Following these steps can give you a tremendous advantage over future eye problems, as well as improving your overall health and happiness. For more ways to improve your vision and stave off eye disease, make an appointment with Dr Harvey Carter today.
4) Know your history. Learning about your family’s eye problems and telling your doctor about any conditions that family members have experienced can help determine your risk factors for experiencing those conditions.
5) Watch your weight and exercise. Being overweight is a big risk factor for Type 2 diabetese -- which can lead to diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness in those younger than 65. Studies also link obesity to an increased likelihood of developing cataracts. On the other hand, studies show links between exercise, such as a brisk 30-40 minute walk four or more times a week, and the reduction of intraocular pressure for glaucoma sufferers. Starting the habit of exercise now can help prevent problems in the future.
6) Learn the 20-20-20 rule. In this age of computers, many of us have jobs that involve staring at a computer screen for long hours. This can be harsh on your eyesight, but there are steps you can take to alleviate issues. The 20-20-20 rule means look 20 feet ahead every 20 minutes for at least 20 seconds. This simple step allows your eyes to periodically recharge.
Following these steps can give you a tremendous advantage over future eye problems, as well as improving your overall health and happiness. For more ways to improve your vision and stave off eye disease, make an appointment with Dr Harvey Carter today.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
LASIK Questions -- What to Ask Your LASIK Eye Surgeon BEFORE You Have LASIK
Before you move forward with Dallas LASIK eye surgery, you should obtain pertinent details on both the surgeon and the process. Since an important part of your body will be in someone else's care, you need to feel completely comfortable with their abilities. Many surgeons have fancy titles and abbreviations after their name; however, you need to verify that they have the proper experience and qualifications to perform LASIK surgery.
How Many Laser Eye Surgeries Have You Performed?
Using a surgeon who has extensive experience is the best choice. A reputable doctor should not hesitate in providing you with information on the number of surgeries they have performed in the past. It is recommended that you use a surgeon who has completed no less than 500 procedures, excluding mechanical surgeries, such as RK, ALK and AK.
How Long Have You Been Performing Laser Eye Surgery?
Another important question you should raise is how many years the surgeon has been conducting LASIK eye surgery. While a doctor may have met the minimum surgery threshold, you should be aware of the timeframe in which they were performed. The surgeon should have completed the procedures over a reasonable amount of time, such as 3 years.
Do You Use the Latest LASIK Technology?
Technology is continually evolving. It is important that the medical professional you select employs the latest tools and techniques. Giving you the best outcome possible should be their main focus. You can ask your doctor if they will be using an IntraLASE Femtosecond Laser (IFS). It is an All-Laser process that is safer, more precise and more predictable. You should always confirm that the equipment is approved by the FDA.
What Percentage of Refractive Candidates Do You Decline?
A reputable doctor should have declined refractive candidates at some point in their career. You want to work with a surgeon who focuses on safety and the utmost care of the patient. Not everyone can be a perfect candidate. Proper screening procedures can reveal that refractive surgery may not be the right answer.
What Can I Expect My Vision To Be Like In the Weeks Following The Surgery?
You should be informed of all possible side effects that may follow your LASIK eye surgery. The doctor has the duty to tell you that you may experience minor fluctuations, minor starbursting, minor halos and other side effects that are normally resolved within the 6-month healing period. While you may have 20/20 vision right after the surgery, your doctor should not guarantee those types of results.
Can You Give Me Testimonials From Your LASIK Patients?
Satisfied patients are more than willing to provide their doctor with a positive testimonial or review of their experience. A trustworthy surgeon should be able to furnish you with honest and genuine testimonials. Many doctors maintain them on their company website.
A surgeon who uses the best equipment and has the right experience and training is the ideal choice for LASIK eye surgery. Working with a qualified medical professional like Dallas LASIK eye surgeon Dr Harvey Carter allows you to have a positive experience.
How Many Laser Eye Surgeries Have You Performed?
Using a surgeon who has extensive experience is the best choice. A reputable doctor should not hesitate in providing you with information on the number of surgeries they have performed in the past. It is recommended that you use a surgeon who has completed no less than 500 procedures, excluding mechanical surgeries, such as RK, ALK and AK.
How Long Have You Been Performing Laser Eye Surgery?
Another important question you should raise is how many years the surgeon has been conducting LASIK eye surgery. While a doctor may have met the minimum surgery threshold, you should be aware of the timeframe in which they were performed. The surgeon should have completed the procedures over a reasonable amount of time, such as 3 years.
Do You Use the Latest LASIK Technology?
Technology is continually evolving. It is important that the medical professional you select employs the latest tools and techniques. Giving you the best outcome possible should be their main focus. You can ask your doctor if they will be using an IntraLASE Femtosecond Laser (IFS). It is an All-Laser process that is safer, more precise and more predictable. You should always confirm that the equipment is approved by the FDA.
What Percentage of Refractive Candidates Do You Decline?
A reputable doctor should have declined refractive candidates at some point in their career. You want to work with a surgeon who focuses on safety and the utmost care of the patient. Not everyone can be a perfect candidate. Proper screening procedures can reveal that refractive surgery may not be the right answer.
What Can I Expect My Vision To Be Like In the Weeks Following The Surgery?
You should be informed of all possible side effects that may follow your LASIK eye surgery. The doctor has the duty to tell you that you may experience minor fluctuations, minor starbursting, minor halos and other side effects that are normally resolved within the 6-month healing period. While you may have 20/20 vision right after the surgery, your doctor should not guarantee those types of results.
Can You Give Me Testimonials From Your LASIK Patients?
Satisfied patients are more than willing to provide their doctor with a positive testimonial or review of their experience. A trustworthy surgeon should be able to furnish you with honest and genuine testimonials. Many doctors maintain them on their company website.
A surgeon who uses the best equipment and has the right experience and training is the ideal choice for LASIK eye surgery. Working with a qualified medical professional like Dallas LASIK eye surgeon Dr Harvey Carter allows you to have a positive experience.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Cataract Surgery Can Lower IOP
One of the major risk factors for glaucoma is elevated intraocular pressure, or IOP, and lowering IOP is one of the main goals in glaucoma treatments.
In patients who have cataracts as well as glaucoma, it has been believed by doctors that cataract surgery could lower their IOP in open-angle glaucoma (the most common type) slightly and temporarily. That belief, however, is changing, according to The Glaucoma Foundation.
According to recent research, patients with mild to moderate glaucoma and ocular hypertension who undergo Dallas cataract surgery experience a greater and longer-term IOP reduction.
Cataract surgery today typically uses a technique in which a small incision is made in the peripheral cornea, and an ultrasonic probe inserted into the opening breaks the cataract into smaller pieces to be removed. A clear intraocular lens is then implanted.
While it’s not know exactly why the correlation between IOP reduction and moder cataract procedures is occurring, it may be related to the drainage system being cleaned and thus flowing better. Recent studies indicate that the IOP can stay reduced for 1 to 2 years after cataract surgery for patients whose pressure was well-controlled with limited medications before the operation.
If you’re suffering from or believe you may have cataracts or glaucoma, contact Dr Harvey Carter at Carter Eye Center and schedule an appointment today.
In patients who have cataracts as well as glaucoma, it has been believed by doctors that cataract surgery could lower their IOP in open-angle glaucoma (the most common type) slightly and temporarily. That belief, however, is changing, according to The Glaucoma Foundation.
According to recent research, patients with mild to moderate glaucoma and ocular hypertension who undergo Dallas cataract surgery experience a greater and longer-term IOP reduction.
Cataract surgery today typically uses a technique in which a small incision is made in the peripheral cornea, and an ultrasonic probe inserted into the opening breaks the cataract into smaller pieces to be removed. A clear intraocular lens is then implanted.
While it’s not know exactly why the correlation between IOP reduction and moder cataract procedures is occurring, it may be related to the drainage system being cleaned and thus flowing better. Recent studies indicate that the IOP can stay reduced for 1 to 2 years after cataract surgery for patients whose pressure was well-controlled with limited medications before the operation.
If you’re suffering from or believe you may have cataracts or glaucoma, contact Dr Harvey Carter at Carter Eye Center and schedule an appointment today.
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