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December OP Sunglass Special
How to Deal with Contact Lens Discomfort
Do your eyes itch or burn when wearing contact lenses? There are several reasons why you may be experiencing contact lens discomfort. Discover the possible causes behind the problem and see what you can do to relieve your discomfort.
What Causes Contact Lens Discomfort?
Some of the top causes of uncomfortable contacts are:
Dry eyes
Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that arises when your tears can’t keep your eyes sufficiently lubricated due to an imbalance in the tear film. Certain diseases, medications and environmental factors, like high levels of dryness and wind, can cause or contribute to red, itchy or irritated eyes, especially when wearing contacts.
Allergies
Allergens are typically harmless substances that induce an allergic response in certain people. Pollen, mold, dust and pet dander are some of the most common airborne allergens that trigger eye allergies. Cosmetics and certain eye drops, such as artificial tears with preservatives, can also induce eye allergies, which can make contact lens wear uncomfortable.
Corneal irregularities
The cornea at the front of the eye may be irregularly shaped due to astigmatism, keratoconus, eye surgeries (i.e. LASIK or cataract surgery), eye injuries or burns, scarring, corneal ulcers and/or severe dry eye. Irregular corneas often prevent traditional contact lenses from fitting correctly and comfortably.
Symptoms of Contact Lens Discomfort
- Burning, itchy, stinging eyes
- Sensation of something being stuck is in the eye
- Excessive watering or tearing of the eyes
- Unusual eye secretions
- Redness of the eyes
- Reduced sharpness of vision
- Blurred vision, rainbows, or halos around objects
- Sensitivity to light
How to Relieve Contact Lens Discomfort
Try Different Contact Lenses
Nowadays, there are many types of contact lenses on the market, including specialty contacts for dry eyes and astigmatism. Meet with our optometrist for a personalized eye exam for contacts.
With the variety of contact lens brands available, switching to a different contact lens may be the simplest answer if you’re experiencing discomfort that isn’t connected to improper fitting or issues with tear production. If your existing lenses fit well but still irritate and dry out your eyes, speak to us about trying a different design or brand of contact lenses, or changing your lens-wearing schedule.
Artificial Tears or Eye Drops
Over-the-counter artificial tears or eye drops are a common way to temporarily relieve contact lens discomfort. However, it’s important to keep in mind that unless prescribed by an eye doctor, they may not be treating the root of the problem.
Moreover, certain eye drops are incompatible with contact lenses, and may damage your contacts or harm your eyes. We also recommend staying away from products that claim to remove redness from your eyes, which temporarily reduce the size of blood vessels to lessen redness, but do not address the underlying cause of the condition, and can actually worsen it over time.
Take Good Care of Your Lenses
Inadequate contact lens care leaves residue on your lenses, which can discomfort, harmful eye infections and inflammation. Below are a few important contact lens hygiene guidelines to follow:
- Before handling your contact lenses, thoroughly wash and dry your hands.
- Remove your lenses before showering, bathing or swimming to prevent infection.
- Do not sleep in your contact lenses (unless they are approved for sleeping).
- Replace your contact lenses according to the manufacturer’s instructions (e.g., don’t reuse daily wear lenses).
- Regularly clean your contact lens case and ask your eye doctor when to replace it.
- Only use a contact lens solution that is appropriate for your lenses.
- Never reuse or mix contact lens solutions.
- Schedule regular appointments with your [eye_doctor].
If you are experiencing discomfort with your contact lenses, get in touch with Advanced EyeCare Center in Phoenix today. We’ll get to the bottom of the problem and provide effective solutions for all-day comfort.
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Q&A
What kinds of contacts are available?
Contact lenses are available in a wide range of materials and replacement schedules. Disposable contact lenses and extended wear contacts are the most convenient for many users.
I’ve already been fitted for contact lenses, so why did my optometrist ask me to come back?
If you’re asked to return a week later, it’s because your optometrist wants to rule out any issues, such as contact lens-related dry eye or irritation.
If it’s been around a year since your last eye checkup, you’ve likely been contacted to check whether your prescription has changed and to evaluate your eye health. The sooner problems are detected and treated, the better the outcome.
Advanced Eye Care Center mourns the loss of Dr. George K. Johnson
Dear Patients,
We are writing with our deepest regrets to announce the passing of Dr. George “Ken” Johnson.
Dr. Johnson, age 69, passed away peacefully on June 3rd after a battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Cora, and two children, William and Christina. Here is a link to the obituary.
We at Advanced EyeCare Center are still absorbing this enormous loss, as are so many of Dr. Johnson’s patients who have known him for years, and in many cases, decades. We understand this message may be difficult to process.
Over the course of the last year, Dr. Johnson began overseeing a transition of his practice to a new owner and eye doctor, Dr. Waleed Alsadi, who shares Dr. Johnson’s commitment to excellence and the same high level of patient care. Dr. Alsadi is currently seeing patients. Please look for more information regarding the transition to follow at a later time.
There will be a celebration of life ceremony to honor Dr. Johnson. This will be held at Hansen Desert Hills on Friday, June 25th, at 9:30 am. 6500 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254.
Our deepest sympathies,
The Advanced Eye Care Center Family
Are Contact Lenses Safe For Young Children?
Here’s a question we often get at our practice: Is my child too young for contact lenses?’ This is an important question, and the answer may surprise you.
For children with myopia (nearsightedness), contact lenses can be a convenient method of vision correction. It allows kids to go about their day without having to worry about breaking or misplacing their glasses, and enables them to freely participate in sports and other physical activities.
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Some children and young teens may ask their parents for contact lenses because they feel self-conscious wearing glasses. Contact lenses may even provide children with the confidence boost they need to come out of their shell. Moreover, these days, it is very popular for children to wear single-use one-day disposable soft contacts, since there is no cleaning or maintenance involved.
Some parents may deny their child’s request for contacts due to concerns about eye health and safety. There’s no reason to worry: contact lenses are just as safe for children as they are for anyone else.
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Many eye diseases can be quickly and easily diagnosed during a comprehensive 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? Our Phoenix eye doctor has prepared the following answers to your questions about eye disease.
At Advanced EyeCare Center, we provide children, teens, and patients of all ages with a wide variety of contact lenses. If you’re concerned about the safety of contacts for your child, we’ll be happy to explain and explore ways to ensure maximum safety, optimal eye health and comfort. To learn more or to request a pediatric eye exam for contact lenses, contact us today.
What Are the Risks of Having My Child Wear Contact Lenses?
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A study published in the January 2021 issue of The Journal of Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics found that kids aren’t at a higher risk of experiencing contact lens complications.
The study followed nearly 1000 children aged 8-16 over the course of 1.5-3 years to determine how contact lenses affected their eye health.
The results indicate that age doesn’t have an effect on contact lens safety. In fact, the researchers found that the risk of developing infections or other adverse reactions was less than 1% per year of wear — which is comparable to contact lens wearers of other ages.
But before you decide that contact lenses are right for your child, you may want to consider whether your child is ready to wear them. During his or her eye doctor’s appointment, the optometrist may ask about your child’s level of maturity, responsibility, and personal hygiene. Since many children are highly motivated to wear contacts, they tend to display real maturity in caring for their lenses. That said, in the initial stages, parents may need to play an active role, as their child gets used to inserting and removing the new contact lenses.
It’s important to note that just as with any other medical device, contact lenses are not risk-free. Anyone who wears contact lenses has a chance of developing eye infections or other complications with contact lenses. However, when worn and cared for according to your eye doctor’s instructions, contact lenses are low-risk and perfectly safe for children and teenagers.
So, go ahead and bring your child in for a contact lens consultation! We’ll help determine if your child is ready for contacts and answer any questions you or your child may have. To request
your child’s contact lens fitting or eye exam, contact Advanced EyeCare Center in Phoenix today.
Call Advanced EyeCare Center on 623-552-2155 to request an eye exam with our Phoenix optometrist.
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8 Ways Your Eyes Change With Age
Our eyes and vision change with age. Your eye doctor can monitor these changes — some of which are a natural part of the aging process — and identify any eye conditions or diseases early enough to treat them and prevent vision loss. Read on to learn more about the different types of eye changes one may encounter with age.
Age-Related Eye Conditions and Diseases
Cataracts
If your vision is starting to get blurry, you may be developing cataracts. There are a few types of cataracts, but the one usually caused by aging is known as a “nuclear cataract”. At first, it may lead to increased nearsightedness or even a temporary improvement in your reading vision. But with time, the lens gradually turns more densely yellow and clouds your vision. As the cataract slowly progresses, the lens may even turn brown. Advanced yellowing or browning of the lens can lead to difficulty distinguishing between shades of color, and left untreated, it can eventually lead to blindness. Luckily, cataract surgery, where the cloudy lens is replaced with a clear lens, is an extremely safe and effective treatment option.
Blepharoptosis
Blepharoptosis or ptosis is a drooping of the upper eyelid that may affect one or both eyes. The eyelid may droop only slightly or may droop enough to cover the pupil and block vision. It occurs when there is a weakness of the eye’s levator muscle that lifts the eyelid. This condition is usually caused by aging, eye surgery, or disease affecting the muscle or its nerve. Fortunately, blepharoptosis can be corrected with surgery.
Vitreous detachment
This occurs when the gel-like vitreous fluid inside the eye begins to liquefy and pull away from the retina, causing “spots and floaters” and, sometimes, flashes of light. This occurrence is usually harmless, but floaters and flashes of light can also signal the beginning of a detached retina — a serious problem that can cause blindness, and requires immediate treatment. If you experience sudden or worsening flashes and increased floaters, see Dr. Waleed Alsadi immediately to determine the cause.
Other Age-Related Changes
In addition to the above eye conditions and diseases, the structure of our eyes and vision change as we get older.
Presbyopia
Why do people in their 40s and 50s have more difficulty focusing on near objects like books and phone screens? The lens inside the eye begins to lose its ability to change shape and bring near objects into focus, a process is called presbyopia. Over time, presbyopia, also known as age-related farsightedness, will become more pronounced and you will eventually need reading glasses to see clearly. You may need multiple prescriptions – one prescription to enable you to see up close, one for intermediate distance, and one for distance vision. In that case, people often get bifocals, multifocals or PALs, and they can be combined with contact lenses as well.
Reduced pupil size
As we age, our reaction to light and the muscles that control our pupil size lose some strength. This causes the pupil to become smaller and less responsive to changes in ambient lighting. The result? It becomes harder to clearly see objects, such as a menu, in a low-light setting like a restaurant.
Dry eye
Our tear glands produce fewer tears and the tears they produce have less moisturizing oils. Your eye doctor can determine whether your dry eye is age-related or due to another condition, and will recommend the right over-the-counter or prescription eye drops, or other effective and lasting treatments, to alleviate the dryness and restore comfort.
Loss of peripheral vision
Aging causes a 1-3 degree loss of peripheral vision per decade of life. In fact, one may reach a peripheral visual field loss of 20-30 degrees by the time they reach their 70s and 80s. While peripheral vision loss is a normal part of aging, it can also indicate the presence of a serious eye disease, like glaucoma. The best way to ascertain the cause is by getting an eye exam.
Decreased color vision
The cells in the retina responsible for normal color vision tend to decline as we age, causing colors to become less bright and the contrast between different colors to be less noticeable. Though a normal part of aging, faded colors can at times signal a more serious ocular problem.
Beyond the normal changes that come with age, the risk of developing a serious eye disease, such as age related macular degeneration and glaucoma, increases. Routine eye exams are essential to keeping your eyes healthy. Your eye doctor can determine whether your symptoms are caused by an eye problem or are a normal byproduct of aging.
If you or a loved one suffers from impaired vision, we can help. To find out more and to request your annual eye doctor’s appointment, contact Advanced EyeCare Center in Phoenix today.
5 Reasons To Wear Sunglasses In The Fall
When we think of fall accessories, the first things that come to mind are warm sweaters, plush scarves, or a snug pair of boots. Here’s another essential item to add to your list: a good quality pair of UV-blocking sunglasses.
But why is it so important to protect your eyes when the sun seems to be hiding behind clouds on most days? While it may not make much sense, you’ll get a better understanding by the time you finish reading this article. So let’s dive in and explore the 5 reasons you should protect your eyes from the sun in the fall.
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Sunglasses: Summer Vs. Fall
The Sun’s Position
While we may squint more in the summer, the sunlight’s path to the eyes is more direct in the fall as the sun sits closer to the horizon. This places our eyes at greater risk of overexposure to UV rays.
Changing Temperatures
Irritating symptoms like dry, red, or watery eyes are often due to the season’s cool and harsh winds. The colder the air, the stiffer and thicker the eyes’ tear oils (meibum) become. Because thicker meibum doesn’t spread as evenly over the surface of the eyes, the tears can’t offer sufficient protection and moisture.
Minimize irritation by shielding the eyes from cool winds with wraparound sunglasses.
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Many eye diseases can be quickly and easily diagnosed during a comprehensive 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? Our Phoenix eye doctor has prepared the following answers to your questions about eye disease.
UV Rays
Exposing your eyes to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays is problematic year-round, as it can result in serious eye diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. That’s why it’s important to wear 100% UV-blocking sunglasses anytime you’re outdoors, no matter the season.
Make sure to sport your sunnies even on cloudy days, as up to 90% of UV rays pass through clouds. Furthermore, outdoor objects like concrete and snow reflect a significant amount of UV rays into the eyes.
Fall’s Dangerous Sun Glare
Because the sun is positioned at a lower angle in the fall, it can produce a brutal glare that poses a danger for driving. Rays of light that reflect off of smooth surfaces like the metal of nearby cars can be so bright to the point of blinding the driver.
You can combat this dangerous glare by wearing polarized sunglasses. These lenses reduce the glare’s harmful effects by filtering out horizontal light waves, such as the ones reflected by a shiny car bumper.
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Looking for Sunglasses Near You?
Here’s the bottom line: you need to protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses in the fall and year-round, no matter the season or climate. Investing in a stylish pair of durable, UV-protective sunglasses is — simply-put — a worthwhile investment in your eye health.
So if you’re looking for advice about a new pair of high-quality sunglasses for the fall, with or without prescription lenses, visit Advanced EyeCare Center. If standard sunglass lenses are too dark for you at this time of year, ask us about green or brown tinted lenses; they transmit more light and contrast to the eyes than standard grey tints.
We’ll be happy to help you find that perfect pair to protect your eyes, suit your lifestyle needs and enhance your personal style. To learn more, call 623-552-2155 to contact our Phoenix eye doctor today.
Call Advanced EyeCare Center on 623-552-2155 to request an eye exam with our Phoenix optometrist.
Alternatively request an appointment here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT
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Are Floaters and Flashes Dangerous?
You’ve likely experienced occasional visual “floaters” or flashes and may have wondered what they were and if they’re a cause for concern. They look like tiny lines, shapes, shadows, or specks that appear to be drifting in the visual field. More often than not, seeing floaters is a normal occurrence and does not indicate a problem with ocular or visual health. However, when floaters become more frequent and are accompanied by flashes of light, that can indicate a more serious problem.
Eye flashes resemble star-like specks or strands of light that either flash or flicker in one’s field of vision. They can either be a single burst in one visual zone, or can be several flashes throughout a wider area. Flashes can sometimes be missed as they most often appear in the side or peripheral vision.
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If you suddenly, or with increasing frequency, experience flashes or floaters, call Advanced EyeCare Center and request an eye exam with Dr. Waleed Alsadi right away to rule out any serious eye conditions.
What Causes Floaters?
The vitreous in the eye is a clear gel that fills most of the eyeball and resembles raw egg-white. Within the vitreous are small lumps of protein that drift around and move with the motion of your eyes. When these tiny lumps of protein cast shadows on the retina — the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye — the shadows appear as floaters.
As we age, the vitreous shrinks, creating more strands of protein. This is why the appearance of floaters may increase with time. Floaters tend to be more prevalent in nearsighted people and diabetics, and occur more frequently following cataract surgery or an eye injury.
If seeing floaters becomes bothersome, try moving your eyes up and down or side to side to gently relocate the floaters away from your visual field.
What Causes Flashes?
Flashes result from the retinal nerve cells being moved or tugged on. As the vitreous shrinks over time, it can tug at the retina, causing you to “see stars” or bursts of light. The process of the vitreous separating from the retina is called “posterior vitreous detachment” (PVD) and usually isn’t dangerous.
In about 16% of cases, PVD causes tiny tears in the retina that can lead to retinal detachment — a sight-threatening condition that causes irreversible blindness if left untreated.
Other possible causes of flashes are eye trauma or migraine headaches.
When To Call Your Optometrist About Floaters
If you experience any of the following symptoms, promptly make an appointment with an eye doctor near you for emergency eye care.
Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
- A sudden onset of floaters accompanied by flashes (which can be any shape or size)
- An increase of floaters accompanied by a darkening of one side of the visual field
- Shadows in the peripheral vision
- Any time flashes are seen
In many cases, seeing floaters is no cause for concern; however the above symptoms could indicate retinal detachment—which, if left untreated, could cause a permanent loss of sight or even blindness.
If the receptionists pick up the phone and hear the main concern is floaters or flashes, they will try to squeeze in the appointment within 24 hours. Expect the pupils to be dilated during your eye exam, so the eye doctor can get a really good look at the peripheral retina to diagnose or rule out a retinal tear or other serious condition, as opposed to a non-vision-threatening condition such as uncomplicated posterior vitreous detachment (quite common) or ocular migraine.
Please contact Advanced EyeCare Center in Phoenix at 623-552-2155 with any further questions, or to request an eye doctor’s appointment.
Advanced EyeCare CenterHelping to Prevent Eye Strain in the Virtual Classroom
The COVID pandemic has upended and disrupted lives in ways we could not have imagined. While most adults work from home, children and young adults continue to attend school—albeit virtually. Between smartphones, tablets and computers, your kids are likely spending 6 to 10 hours a day looking at screens.
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Remote learning may cause eye strain, characterized by headaches, blurry vision, dry or itchy eyes, and even double vision. Make sure your child is practicing good eye care now in order to prevent any long-term eye damage.
Reposition the monitor.
Computer screens should be situated 20-30 inches away from the eyes and no more than 4-5 inches below eye level. Make sure to position the computer so that the top is just below eye level.
Rest the eyes.
For every 2 hours spent staring at a screen, have your kid rest their eyes for 15 minutes by doing something else. The 20-20-20 rule is also very effective; every 20 minutes, have your child look away from the screen for 20 seconds and gaze at an object situated 20 feet away. To help them remember, set up an alarm.
Zoom in.
If the text on the screen is too small, encourage your child to zoom in for comfortable reading. This can prevent potential eye strain and headaches commonly associated with online reading.
Take breaks.
Make sure your child takes breaks as needed. Regardless of the day’s schedule, it’s critical to fit in a break once using the computer begins to feel uncomfortable. Breaks can include stretches, playing a musical instrument, eating a snack or going for a bike ride outside.
Reduce computer glare.
To reduce glare and to make it more comfortable on the eyes, ensure the lighting in the room is dimmer than the computer screen. You can also reduce glare by placing the screen away from the window or by using drapes/blinds.
Happy Learning!
How Long Does It Take to Get Used to New Glasses?
Most people who wear glasses are familiar with the excitement and confidence boost that accompanies wearing new specs for the first time. But sometimes there is an adjustment period before your vision is fully comfortable. Things may look blurry, or you may notice feeling dizzy after prolonged wear. Some of these symptoms can be a normal part of the adjustment period, but sometimes they’re a reason to contact your eye doctor. If your new glasses are giving you trouble, speak with Dr. Waleed Alsadi about ensuring that your eyesight is both clear and comfortable.
When Will My Eyes Adjust to My New Glasses?
It can take a few days to a few weeks for your eyes and brain to fully adjust to your new eyewear, whether you are increasing your prescription or wearing eyeglasses for the first time.
Even if you are getting new glasses with the same prescription, different frames or lenses can alter your vision until you get used to the new frame style or lens type. The complexity of your prescription and whether you buy a lens with premium optics versus basic spherical lens or polycarbonate material all can affect the adjustment time.
Progressive lenses tend to be the most difficult to adjust to. This is related to the peripheral soft focus zones, which are much less blurred for customized lenses prescribed by your local optometrist.
What Are Some Possible Visual Symptoms I Could Experience?
Some common experiences shared by those adjusting to new eyewear include:
- Eye strain, headache
- Blurry vision
- Trouble with depth perception, nausea and dizziness
- “Barrel distortion” — objects appear distorted, for high plus lenses
- “Fishbowl effect” — the feeling that your visual field is being bent along the edges, as if you’re looking through a fishbowl, common in high minus prescriptions
Why Do My New Glasses Give Me a Headache?
Fatigued eye muscles can cause headaches. But your eyes aren’t the only things adjusting to your new lenses. Your brain is also working hard to create a clear picture of the messages it’s receiving from your eyes. This extra brain activity can sometimes bring on a headache, which should only last about a day or so.
Why Do I Feel Dizzy With My New Glasses?
Dizziness and nausea can be caused by problems with depth perception, similar to motion sickness. With motion sickness, you feel uneasy because your brain is having difficulty understanding the position of your body in relation to the space surrounding it. So when you wear your new glasses, your brain may need some time to understand how to interpret the new images it’s receiving, causing you to feel disoriented or dizzy.
When Should I Call My Eye Doctor?
When the adjustment period extends beyond a few weeks, there is a possibility that there was an error in the manufacturing of the lenses. Many people purchase eyewear from somewhere other than their eye doctor or order glasses online, and some studies have shown that up to 40% of online eyewear is made incorrectly or inaccurately.
It’s important to note that many offices may charge fees to check eyewear that is not made by them and that there may be fees for rechecking a patient’s refraction when glasses are made by another source.
Discomfort that lasts longer than a couple of weeks means it’s time to call your optometrist. Persistent symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or blurry vision can indicate that your glasses aren’t well suited to your eyes and need adjusting. Your optometrist will double check the prescription of the glasses among other things to ensure that the new glasses are right for you.
If you need new glasses or are having a hard time adjusting to a new pair, don’t hesitate to contact Advanced EyeCare Center to request an appointment with the Phoenix eye doctor.
COVID-19 Office Updates
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