Monthly Archives: September 2018

Contact lenses or eyeglasses?

Whether you opt to wear eyeglasses or a pair of contact lenses for vision correction depends on your own personal preferences. When deciding between the two options, take into consideration lifestyle, comfort, convenience, cost and aesthetics. Before choosing, also bear in mind one is not necessarily a better choice than the other.

For example, eyeglasses offer some benefits over contact lenses such as:

  • They require little cleaning and maintenance; you don’t have to touch your eyes to wear them which decreases your risk for eye infections and irritations,
  • Glasses are less expensive than most contact lenses.
  • Glasses also don’t need to be replaced as often as contacts
  • Glasses can be an extension of your personality and make a great fashion statement since there are so many great styles to choose from.

As for contacts, they, too, have advantages:

  • Contacts conform to the curvature of your eye and provide a wider sense of view. As a result, they cause fewer vision distortions and obstructions than regular eyeglasses.
  • Contact lenses aren’t a hindrance when playing sports or exercising.
  • Contact lenses aren’t as obvious as eyeglasses.
  • Contacts won’t fog up in cold weather like glasses or steam up when you’re cooking over a hot stove.

Are you ready to take the first step toward improving your vision? Call us today to request an appointment. Following a thorough eye exam, our doctors can help you determine the vision correction method that makes the most sense for you.

Simple tips for strong, healthy vision

Some say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but what about your eyes? Are there things you can you do to make sure your peepers are in perfect working order? Yes, lots.

For example, if you work at a computer a good portion of the day, you should take breaks often from staring at the screen. Also, to help avoid eye strain and dry eye, administer eye drops to lubricate your eyes frequently; that way they’ll stay moist.

Another way to keep your eyes in tip-top shape is by eating vegetables like carrots and bell peppers. Believe it or not, these foods support the blood vessels in your eyes. They also contain a high amount of vitamin C per calorie. Other vegetables that contain high levels of vitamin C include bok choy, cauliflower, papayas and strawberries.

Vitamin E is another “eye-friendly” vitamin. Vitamin E can be found in nuts and seeds, particularly almonds. There’s plenty of scientific research to suggest vitamin E can help slow age-related macular degeneration from getting worse. It may also help to combat cataracts. Not a fan of almonds? Try hazelnuts, peanuts or peanut butter instead.

Lastly, make sure that you schedule a preventive eye exam at least once every year. This is an easy and effective way to catch any potential problems before they get out of hand. It can also provide you with an updated prescription and helpful insights that will keep your vision healthy for years to come. The caring, knowledgeable professionals at Utah Eye Centers are here to help. Call them today to request an appointment!