Yearly Archives: 2019

Now that 2020 is in full swing, you’ve likely set a few goals already for the new year. While you may not have thought about it, there are several New Year’s resolutions you can make that will benefit your eye health. Here are six we recommend:

Do not wear your contacts longer than recommended. How long do you wear your contacts? If you wear your contacts longer than recommended, you run the risk of getting eye infections as well as developing serious eye diseases. Around one-third of people in one survey said they sleep or nap in their contacts, exceeding the daily usage recommendation. Yet keeping contacts in your eyes too long — or while you sleep — puts you at greater risk of developing eye infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Do not reuse contact solution. Always use fresh solution. Do not re-use solution or use expired solution or solution that’s past its recommended use date.

Wear quality sunglasses. Look for glasses that provide 100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Take visual breaks to avoid eye strain. If you spend a significant amount of time on a computer, tablet, smartphone or another screen, remember the 20/20-20/20 Rule. This means looking up from your work every 20 minutes to an object 20 feet or more way for at least 20 seconds. Doing this can dramatically reduce the stain on your eyes.

Schedule eye exams for your children. Many serious eye issues can be prevented if they are detected early. If you have children, set a 2020 resolution to have their eyes examined.

Eat healthy and take your vitamins and supplements. Multiple studies show that eating healthy meals and snacks and taking vitamins daily as well as supplements can help decrease your chances of developing an eye condition or disease.

Questions about your eye health? We’re here to help. Give us a call at (801) 476-0494 .

You’re tired of wearing eyeglasses and/or contact lenses, but you’re not sure if LASIK surgery is right for you. LASIK is one of the safest elective surgical procedures available today. Millions of Americans have had LASIK eye surgery to correct their vision since it was introduced more than 20 years ago. Here are four awesome things about correcting your vision with LASIK:

1. It’s affordable: Think LASIK is too expensive? Get the facts. LASIK is more affordable than many people think, and we have a variety of payment and financing options.

2. It can treat more eye issues than ever before. Even if you weren’t a candidate for vision correction via LASIK before, you may be now. With our latest technology, we can correct astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. The best way to find out if you are a candidate is to visit one of our centers to receive a free LASIK consultation. Your eyes will not be dilated at the time of your consultation, and you’re free to wear glasses or contact lenses. A LASIK consultant will perform a series of important scans to gather information to determine if you are a candidate for the surgery.

3. You’ll have more freedom. Wouldn’t it be nice to never have to worry about wearing your contacts too long or having to bring your glasses with you? After your LASIK procedure, you will never have to worry about putting in contacts or wearing glasses again. Instead, you get to wake up every day with clear vision.

4. Traveling is much easier. After you get LASIK, you will not have to worry about bringing your glasses with you on trips. There will also be no need to bring solution for your contacts.

At Utah Eye Centers, we use the latest in vision correction technology that makes the LASIK procedure safer than ever before and helps us to better measure unique imperfections in a person’s vision and design an individualized treatment.

Through our Customized Wavefront-guided LASIK technology, your eyes are individually mapped, “fingerprinted,” and your specific eye imperfections are identified. The information is then taken to our VISX laser, which precisely treats your individual prescription. Our surgeons can obtain measurements 25 times more precise than the standard LASIK measurement method!

When it comes to eye health, you likely have a lot of questions. One of the most important ones is: How often should I get an eye exam?

The answer: You should have your eyes examined every one to two years. Children should have their first eye exam when they are at least 6 years old. Children who wear glasses or contact lenses should have annual eye exams.

For adults ages 18 to 60, health experts recommend getting an eye exam at least every one to two years. Seniors 61 and older should get annual eye exams due to higher risk factors for eye disease, including the most common one, age-related macular degeneration.

If you have vision insurance, vision checkups are typically a covered benefit and are allowed every one or two years. Checkups are an opportunity for us to spot eye issues and problems early, when they are the most treatable.

At Utah Eye Centers, we have convenient locations in Bountiful, Ogden, Orem and Salt Lake City where our experienced doctors and staff offer comprehensive vision examinations. Each location has a full service, state of the art ophthalmic practice where we provide a broad range of procedures and use advanced diagnostic technology and vision correction products to properly treat and enhance your vision quality.

We offer a variety of appointment times to accommodate your busy schedule. Need an appointment? Call Utah Eye Centers today to schedule one today at 801-476-0494.

You know that drinking enough water is important for your overall health and well-being. But did you know that your eyes depend on proper hydration to function properly? Not drinking enough water each day can lead to eye strain, dry eyes and blurred vision.

The problem: Most of us aren’t drinking nearly enough water, making dehydration a year-round problem. It’s an especially significant health concern during the winter because the cooler temperatures can trick you into thinking you’re well hydrated. Plus, the body’s thirst response is lowered during these months.

The elderly, small children and those with Type 2 diabetes can especially feel the effects of dehydration. But, anyone can become dehydrated if you aren’t cognizant of the signs and are sure to drink the water your body needs.

Remaining hydrated is simple, yet about 75% of Americans suffer from chronic dehydration. It’s important to know that it’s recommended you consume 8-10 glasses of water per day, however, check with your doctor if you have any health concerns that could change this number for you. If you have a hard time getting this amount of water down, try infusing your water with fruit flavors you love. Cucumber and lemon water is a popular choice among those who find chugging plain water to be a little difficult.

Keep in mind that some fruits, such as watermelon, strawberries and grapefruit have a high water content so simply consuming these fruits will increase your water intake for the day. You may also find it helpful to use a mobile app to get you motivated or to remind you that it’s time to drink water. If you aim for one glass an hour, you’ll hit (or come close to) your goal. Many apps even make it into a game.

Caffeinated drinks may have a mild diuretic effect — which means they may cause more frequent urination. But studies show that these types of beverages don’t appear to increase the risk of dehydration. Caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea can contribute to your daily fluid goals, but since caffeine also can cause headaches and insomnia, water is still the best choice for combating dehydration. Soda is probably the worst, with all that added sugar. Seltzer water can provide a bit of variety if you’re tired of plain water. Seltzer water without additional additives can be as hydrating as water.

Have a concern about your eyes? At Utah Eye Centers, we provide a full Ophthalmic practice. We offer general, retina, pediatrics, cosmetic and refractive care. Our doctors are dedicated to reducing the visual impairments patients experience through prevention, diagnosis and treatment. We’re here to help! Get to know us on our website: http://www.utaheyecenters.com/.

Did you know that the simple act of smiling has some powerful health benefits? Numerous studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural painkillers, and serotonin. These three neurotransmitters make us feel happier and less stressed. The effect on our mood and health is similar to exercise and good sleep — it simply makes you feel better. In one study, even ‘faking’ a smile reduced stress levels in some people! Another study shows that smiling can help reduce pain.

Here are some other things about smiling that you may not know:

It’s contagious. Studies have shown that people tend to emulate the facial expressions of those around them. A boss who smiles, for example, may have employees who smile more. It’s a great chain reaction.

It can make you more approachable. Scientists have discovered that people who smile are more approachable to their family and co-workers. One study found that people who smile a lot are viewed as more likable. Another great reason to turn that frown upside down!

It can lower your blood pressure. Research shows that smiling and laughter prompt an immediate increase in your heart rate and oxygen consumption, followed by a period of muscle relaxation, decreased heart rate and lower blood pressure. Researchers are exploring other ways smiling and laughter can boost your body’s vital functions.

It can give your immune system a boost. A group of studies shows that smiling and laughing can boost your immune system.

Men smile less. Most studies on the subject have found that men smile less than women, although there is little agreement as to why.

Here’s something to really smile about: At Utah Eye Centers, we have a commitment to excellence and work hard to create a welcoming and friendly environment for our patients. Just give us a call at (801) 476-0494to schedule an eye exam with one of our amazing doctors.

There is a lot to enjoy about the changing of the seasons. But the combination of cold weather and warm and dry air inside our homes can be hard on eyes. Here are two great ways to keep your eyes happy all winter long:

Wear sunglasses. The sun can be especially hard on your eyes during the winter, especially when there’s snow. Wearing sunglasses while you drive or when you’re outside can help protect your vision from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Invest in a quality pair specifically designed to provide UV eye protection, ideally with a rating of UV400 or higher that will block 99.9% of UV rays. Consider polarized sunglasses to reduce glare. If you frequently participate in outdoor winter sports, invest in a quality pair of eye goggles.

Keep your eyes moist. Outdoor and indoor air can get quite dry in the winter months, making it difficult for your eyes to produce tears. As a result, you may suffer from red and/or itchy and uncomfortable eyes. Humidifiers can help, as can eye drops. When you are outside or away from home, carry moisturizing eye drops with you. If dryness is a problem that over-the-counter eye drops cannot resolve, ask us whether prescription drops are right for you.

Utah Eye Centers is the leading provider of vision care along the Wasatch Front. Our mission is to provide each patient with a successful experience through personalized patient care and extraordinary service. We have convenient locations in Bountiful, Ogden, Orem and Salt Lake City, where our experienced doctors and staff offer comprehensive vision examinations. Have a question about your eyes or want to make an appointment? Give us a call at (801) 476-0494. We look forward to seeing you!

Ever found yourself doing this at work? As we begin to age, our bodies don’t function as well as they used to. In fact, they may cause us to reflect back on these famous words from the Rolling Stones.

“What a drag it is getting old.”

Truth is, we need to be that old for our joints to start creaking. We don’t need to be that old to find it a little more difficult to pull ourselves out of bed after a long day in the yard. And we don’t need to be than old for our eyesight to get worse.

When it comes to eyesight, here’s a statistic worth considering. More than half of Americans over the age of 60 face the prospect of cataracts. Don’t let that scare you. Rather, find some comfort in knowing that there are treatment options aplenty for an eye condition that affects so many Americans.

Here at the Utah Eye Centers, we have years of experience providing patients with nothing but the best, most-effective optical care when their vision becomes a little less clear than it used to be. Whether you require Limbal Relaxing Incisions, Toric Lenses, or Laser Enhancements, our friendly, knowledgeable team of professional optometrists will work with you to form a thorough, effective plan of attack that both addresses your personal health challenges and provides optimum results.

Since everyone’s needs are different, just like everyone’s eyes are different, it’s important that we have a one-on-one consultation with you in order to fully examine your eyes and see what treatment options will be most effective.

To find out more about our variety of cataract procedures just visit us here: http://www.utaheyecenters.com/ We look forward to working with you to make sure you have the best possible vision for the years ahead.

Did you know wearing glasses has come of age? Yes, indeed.

Perhaps you were teased as a kid on the school playground because you wore glasses: “Hey, four eyes,” or someone made fun of you because you had to wear bifocals that were as thick as a Coke bottle’s bottom.

Well, wearing glasses has now taken on a whole new meaning and that’s a good thing. In fact, for the millions who wear glasses to help them see, sporting glasses is also now a cool, fashionable thing.

And if you are someone who must wear glasses to see far or near, or in between, choosing the right glasses for your face is key to looking great.

But, if you haven’t a clue as to what looks appropriate on a square face, a round face, or a heart-shaped face, no problem. The professionals at Utah Eye Centers are at the ready to help you find the perfect pair of glasses so you look in style.

We have all kinds of glasses from tortoise and metal to plastic frames. We also carry top brands from popular designers such as Liz Claiborne, Bebe, Espirit, Versace, Vera Wang and many more.

Stop by today or make an appointment for an eye exam, too, and we’ll be sure to fit you for a terrific new pair of glasses that are as fashionable as they are practical. You’ll love the way you look, we guarantee it!

Did you know diet can affect your eyesight? It’s true. Although these foods won’t fix vision issues, they can have a positive impact on your optical health. They may even reduce your chances of getting macular degeneration.

So today, we’d like to put six foods on your shopping list that could be considered eye candy. They won’t cure cataracts. They won’t provide the kind of clarity that comes with Lasik. But they are clearly the coolest eye foods around.

Carrots

Carrots contain beta-carotene (vitamin A). If you want good vision, this is an essential nutrient. If carrots aren’t your thing, you can find the same nutrient in sweet potatoes and yams.

Eggs

Egg yolks contain vitamin A as well! So instead of carving around the yolk when eating your sunny-side-up eggs, enjoy the whole egg. It’s healthy. Eggs also contain lutein, zeaxanthin and zinc, which have been shown to reduce macular degeneration.

Leafy greens

Consider kale and spinach at the top of this list. They are packed with lutein and zeaxanthin. You may also want to consider Swiss chard, collard greens, broccoli, and — gasp — Brussels sprouts.

Wild-caught salmon

Add this to your fish-Friday menu. Salmon is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which is awesome for eyes. Omega-3 has been shown to reduce the risk of macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 60.

Almonds

Here’s another food that will slow down the rate of macular degeneration. Even Almond Roco would work. Almonds contain vitamin E, which has been shown to reduce macular degeneration.

Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits round out our list of eye candy. These fruits are high in vitamin C, which is another key vitamin in reducing macular degeneration. Other powerhouses for vitamin C are berries, broccoli, green and red peppers and Brussels sprouts.

Truth is, there are plenty of healthy food options when in comes to improving your vision. When looking at your menu, consider vitamins A, C, and E, as well as your Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin. If you have any questions regarding your eye health, don’t hesitate to talk to your physician and learn more about how you can improve your vision. Just give us a call at (801) 476-0494

Do you have a student getting ready for back-to-school? If that’s the case, then it’s likely one of your top priorities to make sure your child is ready to do their best.

We can help! As you’re picking up school supplies and planning out the carpool, be sure to do the following four things to ensure your child has a great school year.

1. Check in with your student to make sure they’ll be able to see to the front of the class. That might mean scheduling an eye exam if it’s been a while. You can ask older children and teens if they’ve noticed any changes in what they can see. For younger children, you can watch and see if you notice them straining to make out signs or items at a distance.
2. Teach good habits for computer use. Let your children know that they need to take a break now and again from screens to prevent eye strain. Model good habits of that practice yourself, as well.
3. If your child plays a sport, or will be taking science, make sure you have protective goggles if needed.
4. Stress the value of proper hygiene habits, good sleep and good nutrition to stay healthy. What’s good for your overall health is good for your eyes. Helping your student to care for themselves sets them up for academic success, and a healthier life!

Have questions about your vision, or need to talk through concerns? Please reach out to us at Utah Eye Centers! We help you learn more about your options. We look forward to meeting with you!