Is there any way to get rid of distorted, swimmy vision in my progressive lenses or no-line trifocals?

Until last month the answer to that question would have been ‘no’, but thanks to a recent breakthrough in electronic lens technology distorted vision can be almost completely eliminated for most patients by lenses that electronically change focus as needed. Since the creation of progressive lenses distortion in the lower half of the lenses has been a constant problem, and stronger reading powers create more distortion. Advances in lens designs have reduced distortion, but even the best of these premium designs still creates significant distortion. Now a company called PixelOptics has created the world’s first electronic focusing eyewear called emPower! This lens eliminates almost all distortion because most of the reading power is only activated when the head is tilted down to read or if the wearer manually turns the reading power on by touching the side of the frame. The ability to change focus is made possible by a layer of liquid crystals embedded in the lens which are activated by an accelerometer and electronics housed within the temple of the frame. This is an exciting revolution in the way eyeglasses will be used in coming years. To find out more visit visionary-eye.com/empower.


Visionary Eyecare Center, PLLC
www.Visionary-Eye.com
100 Country Club Dr. Ste 106
Hendersonville 615-824-4246

Sometimes I see shadows or cobwebs in my vision. Is that normal?

Those visual distractions are typically called “floaters” even by eyecare professionals, and they may be either completely normal or a sign of a serious eye emergency. Let me first describe what you are seeing and then tell you how to distinguish between normal and dangerous. The inside of the eye is almost completely filled with a clear gel called the vitreous, which is like colorless Jello. In childhood that gel is firm, but as time goes by the gel starts to break down and become more watery. As the gel breaks down portions of the gel clump together and create shadows or cobwebs in the eyes, which is what most people see as floaters. Eventually the gel becomes so weak it collapses entirely, which is also normal. The danger is when the gel pulls on other tissues inside the eye and causes a retinal tear or detachment. A retinal tear is usually accompanied by flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters, and/or a haze that covers all or part of your vision in just one eye. So a few floaters that gradually get worse are likely normal, but if those floaters also occur with flashes of light or a haze over your vision then you should see your eye doctor immediately.

Visionary Eyecare Center, PLLC
www.visionary-eye.com
100 Country Club Dr., Suite 106
Hendersonville 615-824-4246

Does eating carrots really make your vision better?

This is a popular myth that dates back to World War II when British fighter pilots were said to have great nighttime success against the Germans due to high carrot consumption. While carrots do contain nutrients like Vitamin A and beta carotene, which are necessary for vision and good for eye health, excess consumption of carrots has not been shown to improve vision. The real eye nutrients being discussed today are the Omega 3 oils, which are found mostly in fish, and which are particularly useful in combating dry eye and maintaining good eye health as well as promoting overall wellness. Two other important eye nutrients are lutein and zeaxanthin, which have been found to slow or prevent age-related macular degeneration in many people. These nutrients are found mostly in the dark leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, and turnip greens. So for good vision and eye health try skipping the carrots for now and have a nice meal of grilled salmon and fresh spinach!


Visionary Eyecare Center, PLLC
www.visionary-eye.com
100 Country Club Dr., Suite 106
Hendersonville 615-824-4246

I’m tired of wearing reading glasses and bifocals. Are there any new developments that would help me?

The last couple years have seen many new advances in surgical correction and contact lenses that help people get out of reading glasses and bifocals. Almost every contact lens company has put out a new design for bifocal contacts over the past two years, giving us far more options than we ever had before. If bifocal contacts or monovision contacts didn’t work for you before, they may work now. There are two new surgical options as well that have emerged. When people have cataracts they will have cataract surgery in which the natural lens inside their eye will be replaced with an artificial lens. Bifocal lens implants have progressed and much more research is now available, so there are a few cataract surgeons who have become very skilled in implanting these bifocal artificial lenses. There is also a new surgery going through FDA trials right now called Scleral Spacing Procedure that allows people over 40 to regain much of their lost near vision. There are many options available, so contact your local eyecare provider and ask them what options might work well for your situation.

Visionary Eyecare Center, PLLC
www.visionary-eye.com
100 Country Club Dr., Suite 106
Hendersonville 615-824-4246

How can contacts cause eye infections?

How can contact lenses cause eye infections?

Contact lens wear is by far the largest cause of serious eye infections called corneal ulcers. Contact lenses are made of materials that can trap bacteria, fungi, and other dangerous organisms, which then dig into the eye and infect it. There are a few precautions you can take to avoid these infections. First, never, ever for any reason rinse a soft contact with tap water or in your mouth! Water is not sterile and contains microorganisms that can cause devastating eye infections and be resistant to antibiotics. Use only contact lens solution to clean and store your contacts. Second, avoid sleeping in your contacts, even the ones that are approved for sleeping. A contact lens may become contaminated at any time, but underneath the eyelid at night the environment is warm and moist and perfect for bacteria to grow, so by morning a mildly contaminated lens can turn into a very serious eye infection that will be painful, expensive to treat, and could result in permanent vision loss. I want everybody who wants contacts to be able to wear them as long as they desire, so just follow a few simple rules and you can enjoy the wonderful invention that is contact lenses.

Sweet Visions,
Eric Stamper, O.D.
Visionary Eyecare Center, PLLC
http://www.visionary-eye.com/
100 Country Club Drive, Suite 106
Hendersonville, TN 37075

What allergy medicines are best for itchy eyes?

What allergy medicines are best for itchy eyes?

With record-high pollen counts, we are officially in the height of allergy season! Many people suffer from itchy eyes, which is the hallmark sign of ocular allergies. Oral allergy medications can actually dry out the eyes and make matters worse. Allergy eye drops are usually a better solution, but avoid products that advertise that they "get the red out." Redness relievers can cause more problems than they solve. For short-term itching or occasional itching there are some excellent over-the-counter anti-histamines like Zaditor and Alaway. For itching that is persistent or severe you should visit your eye doctor, where you might be prescribed a dual-action drop like Pataday or a stronger anti-inflammatory drop.

On another note, I want to invite each of you to our annual Trunk Show on Thursday, May 6th, at which time all frames and sunglasses will be 25% off, several of our frame vendors will be exhibiting their entire eyewear lines, and we’ll be relaxing with tropical drinks and snacks.

Sweet Visions,
Eric Stamper, O.D.
Visionary Eyecare Center, PLLC
http://www.visionary-eye.com/
100 Country Club Drive, Suite 106
Hendersonville, TN 37075

Can I use a Flex Account or Health Savings Account for glasses, contacts, or sunglasses?

Q: Can I use a Flex Account or Health Savings Account for glasses, contacts, or sunglasses?

A: Yes, yes, and yes, provided the glasses, contacts, or sunglasses have a prescription in them. A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a tax-free account offered with some employer-based health insurance programs in which an employee sets aside a portion of their income each year to be used for medical expenses. FSA's expire at the end of the year, meaning if the money isn't spent by December 31st it is lost. A Health Savings Account (HSA) is similar to an FSA, but it may be opened by an individual as well as an employer, it never expires, and when it is combined with a high deductible health insurance plan it is also tax-deductible. Because FSA's expire each year, the last week of December is often busy for eye care facilities because they offer medical goods and services that can be purchased quickly. Generally speaking FSA's and HSA's can be used for eye health and vision exams, contacts, glasses, prescription sunglasses, eyelid surgery, laser vision correction, and eye medications, sometimes even including over-the-counter dry eye and allergy drops. Depending on which type of account you have you should check with either your human resources (FSA) or your accountant (HSA) to be completely sure which medical expenses are eligible.


Sweet Visions,
Eric Stamper, O.D.
Visionary Eyecare Center, PLLC
http://www.visionary-eye.com/
100 Country Club Drive, Suite 106
Hendersonville, TN 37075