7 Symptoms You May Need Optical Care And Attention

A lot of people feel the only time they must see a eye doctor is just a single time each and every two years to get an eye exam. For people with specific medical conditions for example glaucoma, being diabetic as well as other optic conditions, you will have to get a check-up more regularly. Having said that, there are a few optical circumstances that should send a person to the eye doctor to get an immediate analysis. Should you experience any one of the 7 warning signs in the following paragraphs, you have to make time for an eye exam at once.

1. Blurred Eyesight Or Issues Focusing

Blurry eyesight or possibly having issues focusing on items is usually a sign of a bigger health worry. If you have to squint to see things a lot more clearly or else you recognize cloudy things blocking the path, you could be affected by cataracts or possibly a number of other eye problems. Any kind of a gradual blurring of the vision may suggest you've a difference in your eye prescription. You may notice a variation in terms of how a person read an e-book or observe the computer screen, your vision could possibly be transforming and a session with a Dallas optical consultant is essential.

2. Head Pain

Head aches can be an early cautionary indication that your eyesight is actually adjusting. Take note if your head ache comes about soon after completing a visually tough activity or if perhaps your head pain happen to be toward the front region of the head. You might be needing glasses or a change in prescription.

3. Quick Visual Disturbances

Sudden symptoms of floaters, eye flashes or even blocked vision is usually a indication of a critical vision threatening ailment in regards to the retina. If you have experienced any of these signs or symptoms, find medical care from an ophthalmologist or alternatively er medical doctor immediately.

4. Sensitivity To Light

When you are squinting or even the light hurts your eyes, you ought to head over to an eye treatment center. Sensitivity to light may signal a number of eye diseases or perhaps an eye infection in the individual and it's important to get an eye exam at a Dallas optical center to be able to exclude anything truly serious.

5. Eye Infection

It's possible you have an eye infection in the event you experience itching, redness, inflammation to the eyelids or even yellow discharge. Conjunctivitis is a very contagious virus that is certainly curable by using an prescription antibiotic. It's crucial that you set up an eye exam from the very first indication of infection.

6. Squinting

Squinting can be a warning sign implying that you are having difficulties with your vision. It's also one of the first ways to diagnose if your youngster is actually having troubles seeing. Whenever we squint, the external light which enters the eye decreases and betters our vision. Lazy eye is another red flag, and you should be booking an eye exam with a knowledgeable Dallas optical services center. If it's not discovered as soon as possible, you might experience long-term vision loss.

7. Eye Fatigue

Eye tiredness is in fact a regular occurrence, particularly in people that utilize the computer system with regard to their job. The quantity of sleep at night, colds or flu and also seasonal allergies could cause short-term stress to the eyes. However, you really should get it examined for those who have continuous pains and / or tiredness, simply because this is often a indication of an infection as well as a much more serious health condition.

It doesn't matter if you're experiencing eye pain, fatigue, headaches or perhaps variations in sight, the Dallas optical professionals at Carter Eye Center will be able to help by giving you a comprehensive eye exam to ascertain the origin of the problem.

Carter Optical
5315 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75205
(214) 696-2020

The Right Vitamins For Eye Health

Our eyes are one of our most important assets, yet few of us take the time to properly care for them.

One easy way to help keep your eyes healthy is to incorporate the right vitamins into your daily routine. When choosing a multivitamin or deciding what groceries to buy, keep an eye out for these vitamins to help improve your optical health and protect vision.

Vitamin A: Often known as the “eye vitamin,” this is an essential part of retina function. Deficiency in this vitamin can affect how your eyes adjust to light changes and reduce night vision.
Vitamin B: The family of B vitamins is responsible for nerve function and essential for circulation in the eyes.
Vitamins C and E: Looking to reduce your risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration? Try to make these vitamins a regular part of your daily intake! Vitamin E deficiency can also cause abnormal eye movements and impaired vision.
Vitamin D: Including enough of this in your diet will also help reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration. A deficiency can lead to blurred vision and problems focusing.

Eating the right foods and taking the right supplements are only part of keeping your eyes healthy. Regular Dallas eye exams are vital to catching any issues early and giving your eyes the best care possible. If you’re experiencing vision problems or just need to schedule your annual checkup, call Carter Eye Center today.

Reduce Eye Strain From Computers With These Eye Health Tips

Do you spend all day at a computer and suffer from dry eyes, headaches and blurred vision?

If you have these symptoms, you might be experiencing Computer Vision Syndrome, also commonly called computer eyestrain. Several factors can contribute to this affliction, including overuse or misuse of monitors and poor lighting in your work area, as well as other environmental and ergonomic factors.

At Carter Eye Center, we know that quitting your job is probably not an option for this problem, but there are some easy ways to alleviate the symptoms.

1. Take a break! A few minutes away from your computer (and from your desk entirely) each hour can do wonders. If you can’t leave your desk, then sitting back, closing your eyes and relaxing for a few moments still will help greatly
2. Light your workspace properly. If you have the option, use table lamps to the side of your work area, rather than bright overhead lighting or direct sunlight via a window.
3. Blink! Dry air translates to dry eyes, and the easiest fix is to consciously blink -- something that often decreases as computer use increases.
4. Decorate your workspace. Natural plants in your work area can increase humidity and control dust and other particles that can irritate the eyes. Don’t forget to water them, though!

If blurred vision and dry eyes persist, don’t forget to mention these complaints during your annual Dallas eye exam.

Mark “Save Your Vision” Month With An Eye Exam

The American Optometric Association designates March as Save Your Vision Month -- an annual campaign designed to remind Americans how important good vision and healthy eyes are.

One of the biggest factors in maintaining healthy eyes and good vision is getting regular Dallas eye exams. Catching and treating eye problems early is vital to saving your vision in the long-term.

For Save Your Vision Month, the AOA offers a few tips about healthy vision at the computer for people who sit in front of a computer screen for long periods of time -- which probably applies to many of us in this digital age!

1. Make sure you have the correct prescription contact lenses or eyeglasses
2. Wear glasses designed to function comfortably at the computer
3. Use a humidifier/artificial tears to prevent dry eye issues
4. Position computer monitor 20-26 inches from your eyes
5. Keep monitor free of fingerprints and dust (can reduce clarity)

Call Carter Eye Center at 214-696-2020 today to schedule your annual eye exam.

Improper Care Of Contact Lenses Can Lead To Big Problems

Some recent studies and surveys are showing a startling -- and sometimes gross -- disregard for the proper care and wear of contact lenses. Some offenders are simply unaware of important rules regarding cleaning and wearing contacts, while others may simply think it’s just not that important to observe the rules.

Whether you don’t know or just don’t care about the guidelines, it’s time to pay attention to what your Dallas optical specialist tries to tell you each year at your annual eye exam: Poor contact lens care can lead to vision problems that can be easily avoided.

You Did What With Your Contact Lenses?

The majority of contact wearers will claim diligent adherence to the rules. In a recent survey by a clinical professor of ophthalmology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, though, a different story came to light.

Of more than 400 contact lens users, just 2 percent were found to actually follow the rules of proper contact lens care. Among the misuses most reported:

• Swimming or showering while wearing contact lenses
• Sleeping in contacts
• Using lenses longer than recommended before discarding
• Topping off solution in case rather than discarding and refilling daily
• Never replacing lens cases or replacing only after eye exam

In addition to poor adherence to the most basic contact hygiene rules, a separate survey in the United Kingdom in August 2011 found another disturbing trend of using unconventional means to disinfect, clean and store lenses.

The study, by lens solution manufacturer Bausch + Lomb, found that consumers had turned to such bizarre products as baby oil, beer, coke, petroleum jelly, lemonade, fruit juice and butter as alternatives to contact lens solution. Many additionally report using saliva or tap water -- which Dallas optical service providers will tell you can potentially contain hundreds of damaging micro-organisms -- as a solution when inserting their lenses. Not only can these items be damaging to your eyes, they could also cause pain and discomfort when inserting contact lenses.

Why Is Proper Lens Care So Important?

There are a few reasons to follow the guidelines of proper lens care that your Dallas optical specialist recommends. The first, and most important, being your continued eye health.

Improper cleaning and wearing habits can lead to a range of infections -- some relatively minor, others that could lead to extreme pain and vision loss. For example, showering or swimming with lenses in can expose your eyes to Acanthamoeba, an organism commonly found in tap water and lakes. When left untreated, this parasite can burrow into the cornea and cause vision loss.

Such eye infections for contact lens wearers are rare, but the likelihood of suffering from an infection is even less when the appropriate precautions are taken.

Another good reason to follow good contact lens hygiene? Your own comfort! When contact lenses are properly cleaned, stored and worn, they will be more comfortable for the wearer.

It’s time to start taking better care of your eyes, and there’s no better way to do that than by choosing the top Dallas optical service center. Call Carter Eye Center today and schedule your eye exam!

Help Raise Awareness Of AMD In February

Prevent Blindness America recognizes February as a month to raise awareness of age-related macular degeneration, also called AMD.

AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in those 65 and older and a vital health issue that many people aren’t aware of. There is currently no cure, but early detection and treatment are crucial to slowing the progression of the disease and lessening its severity.

Risk factors for age-related macular degeneration include being 65 or older, smoking, eating a low-nutrient diet and having a family history of the disease. It is also more common among Caucasians.

Getting regular eye exams is key to catching any eye-related health problems. Call Carter Eye Center to schedule your comprehensive eye exam today!

Fish Oil Can Decrease Risk Of AMD, Retinopathy

Proper nutrition is a big factor in achieving and maintaining healthy eyes. Among the nutrients that you should consider adding or supplementing in your diet -- fish oil.

Most people don’t eat the recommended two servings of fish a week to get the very important Omega-3 fatty acids they contain. If you are one of these people, consider using a fish oil supplement.

Studies have shown a link between Omega-3 fatty acids and the prevention of age-related macular degeneration, caused by an abormal growth of blood vessels in the eyes. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2008 showed one portion of Omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish per week could reduced the risk of AMD by more than 50 percent.

Fish oil also has been shown to reduce the risk of developing retinopathy, caused by an overgrowth of leaky blood vessels, and to reduce symptoms of dry eyes and improve overall eye health.

Although consuming sufficiently nutrient-rich foods can contribute to eye health and lower risk of eye disease, the most important thing you can do for your continued vision and eye health is get regular comprehensive eye exams with your Dallas optical specialist. Call today to schedule your next visit to Carter Eye Center.

Just What Selections Are Available For Glasses?

Choosing new glasses should always be an exciting experience; with brand new frames and a brand new prescription, you can have more confidence regarding your looks and you will be able to see more clearly. The process could possibly be a bit overwhelming, however, when it comes to deliberating on the numerous updated choices at present for your choosing for eye glasses.

A knowledgeable Dallas Optical service provider is there to help you decide which varieties will be suitable for your vision and lifestyle, but it will help to be acquainted about the sort of choices you can purchase.

Selecting the Best Eyeglass Lenses

Once you've discovered the perfect frame for your glasses, the next phase is getting lenses. There are a huge selection of lens sorts for your choosing at a Dallas optical center, such as:

1. Polycarbonate Lenses,
2. Polarized Lenses,
3. Photochromic/Transition Lenses, and
4. Hi-Index Lenses

When deliberating on what kind of lens you will desire to have, it is beneficial to think about your every day activities. Are you outside a large percentage of of the time or indoors at the desk? Do you participate in sports or participate in additional physical activities very often? Alternative things to mull over may include the strength and the weakness of your prescription.

Here is a compact lowdown of the sort of lenses accessible.

Polycarbonate Lenses: The lens features a sort of plastic that is invented to become light and impact-resistant, a fantastic assembly for the really active variety of person.

Polarized Lenses: If you are an out-of-doors fan, this lens helps reduce glare and allow for high contrast vision, and 100 % UV protection. Polarized lenses are classicallyselected for sun shades, but they can also be selected for inside use for people who are sensitive to brightness.

Photochromic/Transition Lenses: If your day is commonly split between indoor and outdoor time, this may be the lens for you. Transition prescription lenses automatically dim when exposed to outdoor UV light, in addition to defending your eyes from the sun. One issue is that these lenses won't get as dark if you're in a car, mainly because the windshield blocks a lot of the sun's UV light from contacting the prescription lenses and initiating the darkening effect.

Hi-Index Lenses: For individuals with especially bad vision who up to now were stuck with thick, heavy lenses, this is a great lens to look into. Hi-Index lenses are tailored with a specialized plastic that reflects light differently; with this lens, seeing ability can be corrected with less material, therefore less substantial lenses even for stronger prescriptions. The supplies for these sorts of lenses are inclined to be more pricey, but produce more comfortable, fashionable eyeglasses.

Features For Lens Coatings

While you are weighing which lens is right for you, additionally consider some extras at hand to add to the lenses. Diverse coatings provide unique results. A Dallas Optical center is likely to have several options. Here are a few of the selections that may be on hand:

Anti-Reflective Coating: The option can help reduce the internal and external reflections in your lenses. This ingredient can improve contract and visual perception all the while keeping down glare during the day and at night.

Hydrophobic Coating: If you often are in messy, wet conditions, this coating can be of great help. A hydrophobic coating assists in maintaining lenses cleaner in those instances and provides a water-resistant surface on the lenses.

There are plenty of solutions for your eye glasses at a Dallas Optical Center, and the amount of options is climbing as technology improves. To get assistance in deciding on which features are correct for your eye wear and vision specifications, check out the experts at Carter Eye Center.

Advantages To Buying Eyeglasses In a Dallas Optical Center Versus Online

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.