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Masks Can Cause Dry Eye Symptoms

How do masks lead to dry eyes?

The phenomenon of masks leading to dry eye is so widespread that a name for the condition has already been coined by some eye care providers: “Mask-associated dry eye,” or “MADE.” At our eye clinic near you, we’ve been seeing an increasing number of patients who visit due to stinging eyes, redness, and blurred vision – all classic signs of dry eye syndrome. While dry eye syndrome has always been a common reason to book an appointment with our optometrist near you, what’s new is that the dry eye symptoms seem to be caused by wearing masks.

How can you prevent your mask from causing dry eye irritation? near you in Old Bridge Township, New Jersey

The phenomenon of masks leading to dry eye is so widespread that a name for the condition has already been coined by some eye care providers: “Mask-associated dry eye,” or “MADE.” At our eye clinic near you, we’ve been seeing an increasing number of patients who visit due to stinging eyes, redness and blurred vision – all classic signs of dry eye syndrome. While dry eye syndrome has always been a common reason to book an appointment with our optometrist near you, what’s new is that the dry eye symptoms seem to be caused by wearing masks.

If you’re wearing a mask and eyeglasses, every time you breathe it fogs up your lenses. Then they defog, only to fog up again with your next breath. Steamed-up glasses and the onset of dry eye symptoms is an emerging condition to be aware of. The main reason for promoting awareness of MADE is not to encourage anyone to stop wearing a mask, but rather, it’s to help people manage the eye irritation that may result – while continuing to don face masks.

When you breathe, you expel air over the top of your mask. This air flows over the surface of your eyes and can dry out the tear film that coats and lubricates your eye surface. It also speeds evaporation of tears.

In general, our eye doctor near you has found that mask wearing doesn’t trigger the onset of dry eye syndrome in people who don’t have it. Instead, it can worsen symptoms in people who already have the condition or are at high risk for it – such as people who spend a lot of time staring at computer screens. Nowadays, with all the working-from-home and Zoom meetings that occur, most people fall into the category of “at risk” for dry eye syndrome.

  • Make sure your mask fits properly. A poorly fitting face covering increases the chances that exhaled air escapes from the top opening and flows over your eyes. Push the metal strip at the top margin of your mask so it fits snugly over the contour of your nose and cheekbones, blocking airflow.
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes. This habit can lead to a long list of problems, including micro-scratches in your cornea and swelling that can exacerbate the symptoms.
  • Don’t ignore dry eye symptoms. Pay attention to how your eyes feel and seek effective treatment, such as lubricating eye drops, from our optometrist near you.

Many eye diseases can be quickly and easily diagnosed during a Comprehensive eye exam, Pediatric eye exam and Contact lens eye exam. If you were diagnosed with an eye disease, such as Cataracts, Pink Eye or conjunctivitis Myopia or Nearsightedness , Astigmatism , Glaucoma, Macular degeneration, Diabetic retinopathy, or Dry eye, you may be overwhelmed by the diagnosis and confused about what happens next. Will you need medications or surgery – now or in the future? Is LASIK eye and vision surgery an option for you ? Our Old Bridge Township eye doctor is always ready to answer your questions about eye disease and Contact lenses.

Book an eye exam at Family Eye Care eye clinic near you in Old Bridge Township, New Jersey to learn more about your candidacy for contact lenses and which type is right for you. Call 732-393-8636

Family Eye Care, your Old Bridge Township eye doctor for eye exams and eye care

Alternatively, book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT

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  • My eyes are always burning and tired, what is causing this and what can I do about it?

    These are often signs of dry eye syndrome, a very common condition that affects many people over time. Women are generally more prone to developing these symptoms and aging is often a cause as well. Dryness of our eyes is often due to a decrease in the oil production in our eyelid glands which causes the surface of the eye to become irritated. Certain medications and health issues can also contribute to dryness. There is no true cure for dryness but many treatments are available such as the use of artificial tears, nutritional supplements incorporating Omega 3, prescription medications such as Restasis, and eyelid hygiene. No single treatment works for every individual so we customize treatments for each person and their specific condition.

  • What are the typical treatments used to help people suffering from Dry Eyes?

    Treatment for dry eye varies due to the severity and stage of the disease. Artificial tears can be helpful in the early stages. If artificial tears are not sufficient, we progress to a prescription medication such as Restasis or Xiidra. Also, lid hygiene, as well as omega-3 fish oil supplementation, can improve symptoms. Anti-inflammatory medications as well as punctal plugs are also available if needed for treatment.

  • Are there any day to day activities that can cause Dry Eye?

    Certainly, age, gender, and medications can be causative factors, but so can the work environment (dry offices or factories), weather/seasons, and
 geographical location.

  • How do I know if I have Dry Eye?

    These are often signs of dry eye syndrome, a very common condition that affects many people over time. Women are generally more prone to developing these symptoms and aging is often a cause as well. Dryness of our eyes is often due to a decrease in the oil production in our eyelid glands which causes the surface of the eye to become irritated. Certain medications and health issues can also contribute to dryness. There is no true cure for dryness but many treatments are available such as the use of artificial tears, nutritional supplements incorporating Omega 3, prescription medications such as Restasis, and eyelid hygiene. No single treatment works for every individual so we customize treatments for each person and their specific condition.

How to Improve Your Vision

Your eyes give you so much, isn’t it time to give back?

In the US, it’s been estimated that 12 million people over the age of 40 have some type of vision impairment! Yet, while the numbers are overwhelming, it doesn’t mean poor eyesight is simply inevitable as you age.

Many eye diseases can be quickly and easily diagnosed during a Comprehensive eye exam, Pediatric eye exam and Contact lens eye exam. If you were diagnosed with an eye disease, such as Cataracts, Glaucoma, Macular degeneration, Myopia, Diabetic retinopathy, or Dry eye, you may be overwhelmed by the diagnosis and confused about what happens next. Will you need medications or surgery – now or in the future? Is LASIK eye and vision surgery an option for you ? Our Old Bridge Township eye doctor is always ready to answer your questions about eye disease and Contact lenses.

Local Eye clinic in Old Bridge Township, New Jersey

In addition to taking advantage of our expert eye care services, our eye doctor shares 7 ways to improve and protect your eyes against problems.

  1. Eat a nutritious diet: Eating heart-healthy foods also helps to protect your vision. That means following a diet with minimal saturated fats and salt, a moderate amount of lean proteins (legumes and nuts are great options), whole grains, and plenty of fresh fruits and veggies. In particular, antioxidant-rich foods, such as strawberries, walnuts, and dark leafy greens, can help decrease your chances of developing cataracts and macular degeneration.
  2. Visit your eye doctor for eye exams: A comprehensive eye exam can pick up on problems you may not have noticed, because many eye diseases don’t present symptoms at the early stages. That’s why regular eye exams by an eye care professional (not the same as basic vision screening done at your local pharmacy!) are critical, even if you have no vision complaints. Plus, as you age, it’s common for your vision to naturally change, and keeping your prescription up to date is a no-brainer keeping your vision clear.
  3. Keep chronic health conditions stable: Many chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, put your vision at a higher risk of complications. However, controlling your condition drastically reduces your chances of a problem. With diabetes, keeping blood sugars in the parameters recommended by your physician can help prevent diabetic retinopathy from developing and progressing. Controlling blood pressure also helps prevent retinal bleeding and swelling.
  4. Quit smoking: While genetics may be the number one risk factor for age-related macular degeneration, smoking is the number two risk factor! Smoking is also linked to cataract progression. You may not be able to control the genes you inherit, but you can control whether or not you smoke.
  5. Moisturize dry eyes: Dry eye syndrome is common, and we offer specialized dry eye exams and personalized treatments as a part of our eye care services. The frontline therapy for gritty and stinging dry eyes is lubricating eye drops, which can bring soothing relief and clarify your sight. There’s a variety of eye drops out there, and our eye doctor will recommend the most helpful type for your condition.
  6. Wear sunglasses & protective eyewear: Sunglasses with full UVA and UVB protection will keep your eyes safe against the dangers posed by the sun. However, we offer other types of safety eyewear in our eye care center, in addition to a fashionable collection of sunglasses. People often forget about safety goggles and sports glasses, which can prevent sight-threatening eye injuries when you’re working in the yard or around the house, or when you’re playing sports.

    Blue light blocking eyewear is another essential item for eye safety. These glasses are fit with lenses that protect your vision against artificial blue light, which is emitted from all digital screens. Not only does blue light disrupt your sleep cycle and leave you feeling fatigued, but it has also been linked to a higher risk of eye disease.

  7. Discard old makeup: Eye care also involves keeping unsafe products out of your eyes. Old makeup, such as mascara and eyeliner, often breed bacteria that lead to eye infection and painful symptoms, such as redness, dryness, and itchiness. Be kind to your eyes by updating your eye makeup regularly!

We hope these healthy habits will help you safeguard your vision and independence and enhance your beautiful view of life for as long as possible!

Family Eye Care, your local Old Bridge Township eye doctor for eye exams and eye care

Alternatively, book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT

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Masks Can Cause Dry Eye Symptoms!

Family Eye Care Local Dry Eye treatment center in Old Bridge Township, New Jersey

At our eye clinic near you, we’ve been seeing an increasing number of patients who visit due to stinging eyes, redness and blurred vision – all classic signs of dry eye syndrome. While dry eye syndrome has always been a common reason to book an appointment with our optometrist near you, what’s new is that the dry eye symptoms seem to be caused by wearing masks.

Many eye diseases can be quickly and easily diagnosed during a Comprehensive eye exam, Pediatric eye exam and Contact lens eye exam. If you were diagnosed with an eye disease, such as Cataracts, Myopia or Nearsightedness , Glaucoma, Macular degeneration, Diabetic retinopathy, or Dry eye, you may be overwhelmed by the diagnosis and confused about what happens next. Will you need medications or surgery – now or in the future? Is LASIK eye and vision surgery an option for you ? Our Old Bridge Township eye doctor is always ready to answer your questions about eye disease and Contact lenses.

What Is Prevent Blindness?

Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness was established by volunteers to decrease the amount of preventable blindness in children. They helped to almost eliminate a condition called ophthalmia neonatorum, a leading cause of blindness in infants at the time.

How do masks lead to dry eyes?

If you’re wearing a mask and eyeglasses, every time you breathe it fogs up your lenses. Then they defog, only to fog up again with your next breath. Steamed-up glasses and the onset of dry eye symptoms is an emerging condition to be aware of. The main reason for promoting awareness of MADE is not to encourage anyone to stop wearing a mask, but rather, it’s to help people manage the eye irritation that may result – while continuing to don face masks.

When you breathe, you expel air over the top of your mask. This air flows over the surface of your eyes and can dry out the tear film that coats and lubricates your eye surface. It also speeds evaporation of tears.

In general, our eye doctor near you has found that mask wearing doesn’t trigger the onset of dry eye syndrome in people who don’t have it. Instead, it can worsen symptoms in people who already have the condition or are at high risk for it – such as people who spend a lot of time staring at computer screens. Nowadays, with all the working-from-home and Zoom meetings that occur, most people fall into the category of “at risk” for dry eye syndrome.

How can you prevent your mask from causing dry eye irritation?

  • Make sure your mask fits properly. A poorly fitting face covering increases the chances that exhaled air escapes from the top opening and flows over your eyes. Push the metal strip at the top margin of your mask so it fits snugly over the contour of your nose and cheekbones, blocking airflow.
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes. This habit can lead to a long list of problems, including micro-scratches in your cornea and swelling that can exacerbate the symptoms.
  • Don’t ignore dry eye symptoms. Pay attention to how your eyes feel and seek effective treatment, such as lubricating eye drops, from our optometrist near you.

Book an eye exam at an eye clinic near you to learn more about your candidacy for contact lenses and which type is right for you.

Family Eye Care, your Old Bridge Township eye doctor for eye exams and eye care

Alternatively, book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT

FOLLOW US

Gift The Gift Of Sight Month

Family Eye Care How Do I Know If Contact Lenses Are Right for Me?

The month of December has been declared “The Gift of Sight Month” by Prevent Blindness — the nation’s oldest non-profit voluntary eye health organization. Never heard of Prevent Blindness? Read on to learn more about the organization and what “The Gift of Sight Month” means to them.

Many eye diseases can be quickly and easily diagnosed during a Comprehensive eye exam, Pediatric eye exam and Contact lens eye exam. If you were diagnosed with an eye disease, such as Cataracts, Myopia or Nearsightedness , Glaucoma, Macular degeneration, Diabetic retinopathy, or Dry eye, you may be overwhelmed by the diagnosis and confused about what happens next. Will you need medications or surgery – now or in the future? Is LASIK eye and vision surgery an option for you ? Our Old Bridge Township eye doctor is always ready to answer your questions about eye disease and Contact lenses.

What Is Prevent Blindness?

Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness was established by volunteers to decrease the amount of preventable blindness in children. They helped to almost eliminate a condition called ophthalmia neonatorum, a leading cause of blindness in infants at the time.

Over the years, volunteers at Prevent Blindness have conducted the first nation-wide glaucoma screenings, assembled resources for the development of vision-testing equipment for infants, and conducted a national study which showed that blindness prevention is the third most important eye health concern among Americans.

With over 8 million individuals affected by blindness in North America, the work of Prevent Blindness is significant and necessary for the betterment of everyone’s eye health, sighted or not.

To this day, Prevent Blindness continues to spread awareness and spearhead legislation of various health concerns.

So, What is “The Gift of Sight Month”?

Prevent Blindness has given December this title in hopes of giving people an opportunity to contribute to their cause. They are asking that fully-sighted people reflect on the joys and privileges that accompany healthy vision and to donate to Prevent Blindness.

Because Prevent Blindness is operated by volunteers and is not for profit, they need financial help to continue their mission of preventing blindness and preserving sight.

Why not be part of the cause and help protect and preserve healthy vision? Prevent Blindness is asking that anyone who is able to donate to their organization, please do so. To be part of this important cause, go to the Prevent Blindness website and show your support.

To learn more about how to keep your vision healthy for a lifetime, visit an optometrist near you. For all eye health matters in the Old Bridge area, call Family Eye Care for an eye exam.

Book an eye exam at an eye clinic near you to learn more about your candidacy for contact lenses and which type is right for you.

Family Eye Care, your Old Bridge Township eye doctor for eye exams and eye care

Alternatively, book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT

FOLLOW US

Old Bridge Township Contact Lenses Supplier

Family Eye Care How Do I Know If Contact Lenses Are Right for Me?

Many eye diseases can be quickly and easily diagnosed during a Comprehensive eye exam, Pediatric eye exam and Contact lens eye exam. If you were diagnosed with an eye disease, such as Cataracts, Glaucoma, Macular degeneration, Diabetic retinopathy, or Dry eye, you may be overwhelmed by the diagnosis and confused about what happens next. Will you need medications or surgery – now or in the future? Is LASIK eye and vision surgery an option for you ? Our Old Bridge Township eye doctor is always ready to answer your questions about eye disease and Contact lenses.

Local Contact Lens exam in Old Bridge Township, New Jersey

Have you been wearing eyeglasses for years, but now, you can’t deal with the way your glasses fog up when wearing a face mask? Or were you just diagnosed with a vision condition and can’t figure out whether to choose contacts over glasses? Our eye doctor shares some facts to help you make the right decision for you.

Contacts Fit an Active Lifestyle

If you’re an athletic type and constantly on the move, glasses can shift or slip off your nose. Also, flying objects can hit your eyeglasses, breaking the lenses or frames and possibly causing an eye injury. Tell our optometrist about your lifestyle so we can fit you with the most appropriate type of contact lenses; we stock a wide variety of types in our modern eye clinic.

Hard vs. Soft Contact Lenses

Depending on your particular eye condition, our eye care professional will recommend either soft or hard contact lenses.

Soft contact lenses are certainly the more popular option nowadays. Made from silicone hydrogel, they allow a large quantity of oxygen to reach the eye. Soft lenses also come in various wearing schedules: daily disposables, bi-weekly disposables, and monthly disposables. The advantage of dailies is that you insert a fresh pair every morning, which drastically reduces the chances of eye infection, dryness and irritation.

When contact lenses first hit the market, they were available only as hard lenses. But the uncomfortable hard lenses of yesteryear bear little resemblance to today’s hard lenses – usually called rigid gas permeable lenses. These rigid GP contacts are often ideal for people who have an irregularly shaped cornea.

How to Reduce the Risks of Contact Lenses

Our eye doctor is careful to point out that anytime you insert something into your eye, you’re introducing the risk of infection. As we mentioned, daily disposables decrease the incidence of infection, but there are effective ways to lower your risks even if you wear a different type of lenses, such as:

    • Always wash your hands before touching your contacts or your eyes.
    • Follow proper hygiene by soaking your contacts in disinfectant overnight. Replace the solution entirely each day, and never use water to rinse or store them.
    • Replace your contact lens case every three to six months.
    • Don’t try to make your contacts last longer than the wearing schedule recommended by your optometrist. Discard them according to schedule.
    • Don’t sleep in your contact lenses, unless directed to by your optometrist.
    • Use moisturizing artificial tears eye drops if you have dry eyes.

    What Type of Contact Lenses Are Best?

    That’s not a question that can be answered without an eye exam and advice from a qualified eye care provider. There are a wide range of types of contacts, such as soft, rigid gas permeable, toric, multifocal, monovision, scleral, hybrid and ortho-k lenses. Book a consultation at our eye clinic to learn more about the types of contact lenses suitable for your eyes.

    Contact lenses are medical devices, which means it is illegal to sell them without a prescription from an eye doctor. When not fitted properly to the shape and curvature of your eye, contacts can deprive your eyes of oxygen and cause infection. They can also lead to a sore on the surface of your eye, which can result in scarring and permanent vision loss. Well-fitting contact lenses allow tears to flow beneath the lenses, providing your eyes with essential oxygen and nutrients. Also, your eye care provider will provide instructions on how to insert, remove and care for your contact lenses responsibly.

    Book an eye exam at an eye clinic near you to learn more about your candidacy for contact lenses and which type is right for you.

    Family Eye Care, your Old Bridge Township eye doctor for eye exams and eye care

    Alternatively, book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT

    FOLLOW US

    Old Bridge Township Optometrist – Protect Your Eyes

    Family Eye Care Eye Doctor in Old Bridge Township, New Jersey

    Many eye diseases can be quickly and easily diagnosed during a Comprehensive eye exam, Pediatric eye exam and Contact lens eye exam. If you were diagnosed with an eye disease, such as Myopia or Nearsightedness, Cataracts, Glaucoma, Macular degeneration, Diabetic retinopathy, or Dry eye, you may be overwhelmed by the diagnosis and confused about what happens next. Will you need medications or surgery – now or in the future? Is LASIK eye and vision surgery an option for you ? Our Old Bridge Township eye doctor is always ready to answer your questions about eye disease and Contact lenses.

    Remote Learning? Blue Light Glasses Can Protect Your Eyes

    In normal amounts, blue light can be beneficial for your health, setting your sleep-wake cycle and boosting your mood. But overexposure to blue light, especially when the source is digital devices, can increase certain health risks. In particular, it can strain your eyes and lead to a slew of painful symptoms. Nowadays, as the number of students learning remotely has risen dramatically, the damaging effects of blue light on eyes has become a hot topic. To protect and soothe your vision, our eye doctor near you recommends purchasing a pair of blue light glasses, available at our eye clinic.

    What do blue light glasses do?

    Blue light glasses help to filter out blue light rays. If you have a pair, you can see the difference for yourself – point a blue light pen at one lens, and you’ll notice immediately that the brightness getting through the lens becomes much weaker compared to what happens with a regular unfiltered lens.

    Are all blue light glasses the same?

    No. In addition to coming in all sizes and crafted for just about all prescriptions, blue light glasses come in different color tints that filter out varying amounts of brightness. That’s because blue light comes from various sources that have different intensities, such as the sun, laptops, smartphones and all LED lights. To find the best blue light glasses for your lifestyle, consult with our eye care professional.

    What problems can blue light cause?

    If too much time is spent exposed to blue light, it can interrupt your circadian rhythm, making it hard to sleep, or it can put tremendous strain on your eyes. Consequently, all that time spent learning remotely can make you tired, distracted and less able to focus on your school work.

    Additionally, overexposure to blue light may be linked to an increased risk of vision loss as a result of macular degeneration in the future, as well as potential overstimulation for anyone on the autism spectrum.

    In sum, blue light glasses can enhance your visual comfort and eye health. Stop by our eye care center to book an eye exam with our knowledgeable eye doctor near you, and to learn more about how to stay safe from blue light.

    Family Eye Care, your Old Bridge Township eye doctor for eye exams and eye care

    Alternatively, book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT

    FOLLOW US

    Old Bridge Township Optometrist – Local Eye Doctor

    Family Eye Care Eye Doctor in Old Bridge Township, New Jersey

    Many eye diseases can be quickly and easily diagnosed during a Comprehensive eye exam, Pediatric eye exam and Contact lens eye exam. If you were diagnosed with an eye disease, such as Cataracts, Glaucoma, Macular degeneration, Diabetic retinopathy, or Dry eye, you may be overwhelmed by the diagnosis and confused about what happens next. Will you need medications or surgery – now or in the future? Is LASIK eye and vision surgery an option for you ? Our Old Bridge Township eye doctor is always ready to answer your questions about eye disease and Contact lenses.

    Priorit-eyes Your Vision During Covid-19v

    The global pandemic can be overwhelming, and investing so much daily energy into staying healthy is certainly stressful. However, with all the health concerns facing us, your eye doctor reminds you that it’s still essential to make your eyes a top priority!

    Our eye care team shares a few simple steps you can take to keep your eyes in good shape, as you protect your overall health.

    Visit Your Optometrist for an Eye Exam

    One of the best ways to value your vision is by getting regular comprehensive eye exams. According to a recent study co-conducted by VSP Vision Care and YouGov, a market research agency, almost 97% of people surveyed agreed that healthy eyes are essential and vision loss is feared, but only about half of these people actually go for yearly eye exams!

    Practice Proper Contact Lens Hygiene

    If you wear contact lenses, following safe hygiene practices can help you prevent eye irritation and infection:

    • Be sure to wash your hands before inserting or removing your lenses.
    • Rinse and disinfect your lenses with the solutions recommended by your eye doctor.
    • Don’t wear your contacts for longer than the wearing schedule you were given.
    • Keep your contact lens case clean, so harmful bacteria don’t find their way into your eyes and cause an infection.
    • Don’t swim or sleep in your lenses (unless directed to by your optometrist).

    Switch to Dailies – Daily Disposable Contact Lenses

    If you wear weekly, bi-weekly or monthly contact lenses, now may be a good time to consider switching to daily disposable contacts. Generally, people who wear daily disposable lenses tend to experience fewer problems. Every morning, you insert a fresh pair of lenses so there is minimal maintenance required to keep your eyes safe and healthy.

    Pay Attention to Comfort

    Touching your eyes is never a smart move, but during Covid-19, it’s even more important to keep your fingers away. However, if you’re wearing uncomfortable contacts – not touching your eyes is much easier said than done. In fact, studies show that 89% of contact lens wearers in the US say they manually adjust their lenses or rub their eyes when vision feels uncomfortable. If your contacts are causing discomfort, book a visit to your eye care provider. A new type of contact or a better fit can help reduce your eyes’ exposure to the germs on your fingers. Not all contacts are created equal, and we offer a wide range of types in our eye clinic.

    Additionally, if you find that your contact lens solution seems to dry out your eyes, book an eye exam with our optometrist; a new solution may be advised.

    Family Eye Care, your Old Bridge Township eye doctor for eye exams and eye care

    Alternatively, book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT

    FOLLOW US

    Old Bridge Township Eye Doctor – Good Vision Health

    Family Eye Care Eye Doctor in Old Bridge Township, New Jersey

    Many eye diseases can be quickly and easily diagnosed during a Comprehensive eye exam, Pediatric eye exam and Contact lens eye exam. If you were diagnosed with an eye disease, such as Cataracts, Glaucoma, Macular degeneration, Diabetic retinopathy, or Dry eye, you may be overwhelmed by the diagnosis and confused about what happens next. Will you need medications or surgery – now or in the future? Is LASIK eye and vision surgery an option for you ? Our Old Bridge Township eye doctor is always ready to answer your questions about eye disease and Contact lenses.

    10 Tips for Keeping Your Eyes and Vision in Good Health in Old Bridge Township, New Jersey

    2.2 billion… That’s the number of people worldwide who suffer from blindness and impaired vision. What is perhaps even more astounding is that nearly half of these people suffer from visual defects that are preventable.

    While most eye diseases are related to natural aging, there are some lifestyle habits that can help preserve the health of your eyes and vision. Our eye doctor near you shares 10 tips to promote optimal visual health.

      • Know Your Eye Health Nutrition

        Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, zinc and protein are all beneficial for your eyes. Fish, in particular, is a fabulous source of these nutrients, namely salmon, sardines, tuna and mackerel.

        Other foods that our eye care team recommends include:

        1. Beef; it contains zinc for protecting against age-related macular degeneration
        2. Carrots; they have vitamin A (beta carotene) which contribute to eye health
        3. Leafy vegetables; green leaves such as kale, spinach and collards are full of vitamin C
          and lutein
        4. Eggs; they have lutein and zinc to prevent age-related eye conditions
        5. Legumes; they are packed with vitamin E to protect eyes
        6. Water; a well-hydrated body protects against dry eyes

      • Wear Protective Eyewear

        Sunglasses are the ultimate accessory to block dangerous UV rays from reaching your delicate eye tissue, reducing your risks of developing macular degeneration and possibly cataracts and other ocular diseases. Visit our eye clinic near you anytime to browse our trending collection of high-quality sunglasses with 100% UV protection.

        If you’re working outdoors, trimming trees or spraying pesticides, or if you’re playing risky outdoor sports, eye care providers stress that protective eyewear is also important.

      • Waterproof Your Vision

        Swimming goggles are essential for keeping your sensitive eyes safe against swimming pool chemicals, as well as against salty ocean water and bacteria in natural bodies of water. If you require corrective eyewear to see clearly, our optometrist near you can provide a precise vision prescription for goggles.

      • Practice Eye-Hand Hygiene

        As much as you may try to avoid rubbing your eyes, it’s inevitable that your fingers will make contact with your face throughout the day. For contact lens wearers, that’s even more true. Keep your hands clean!

      • Schedule Regular Eye Exams

        Even if you don’t notice any signs of a problem with your eyes or vision, regular check-ups at an eye doctor near you are vital. Eye exams give your optometrist a detailed view of the internal and external parts of your eye so any early signs of eye disease can be spotted, such as retinal detachment, macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts. Your eye doctor can also detect certain underlying health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

      • No Smoking

        While you’re likely aware of the detrimental effects smoking can have on your lungs, did you know that studies have also shown a link between smoking and poor eye health? Smoking can lead to cataracts and raise your risk of macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Also, smoking is a major cause of dry eyes and uveitis and other visual impairments.

      • Break Up Screentime

        Staring at your computer for long periods each day can strain your eyes, leading to headaches, blurry vision and eye fatigue. You may also suffer from neck or back pains. Taking regular 15-20 minute breaks to walk around and look around will help relax your eyes and body.

      • Position Your Screen Properly

        Your computer screen should be about 18 inches (45 cm) from your face, and the brightness of the screen should be adjusted to reduce glare.

      • Sleep Enough

        A good night’s sleep (six to eight hours per day) is essential for refreshing your eyes after a long day. Sleep also helps to keep your eyes lubricated, enhancing visual comfort.

      • Know Your Eye Care Provider

        An open relationship with an eye doctor near you is the foundation of quality ocular health. You should choose an eye clinic with an experienced, highly qualified team that you can trust.

    Family Eye Care, your Old Bridge Township eye doctor for eye exams and eye care

    Alternatively, book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT

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