Yearly Archives: 2021

Thinking about LASIK surgery? 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 two decades ago.

Wouldn’t it be nice to never have to worry about glasses or contacts again? With the LASIK procedure, you get to wake up every day with clear vision. Being active and traveling is much easier, too. After you get LASIK, you will not have to worry about bringing your glasses with you on trips or to remember to bring solution for your contacts.

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. Make an appointment by calling us at (801) 476-0494. 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 scans to gather information to determine if you are a candidate for the surgery.

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. 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!

At Utah Eye Centers, we offer a wide range of vision care services for adults and children. Learn more about us on our website: http://www.utaheyecenters.com/

Did you know that glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, according to the World Health Organization? It’s true.

It’s a group of eye diseases that causes damage to the eye’s optic nerve and can cause vision loss and blindness. The symptoms can start so slowly that they often go unnoticed in the early stages when glaucoma is the most treatable. In fact, it’s estimated that half of all Americans ages 40 and older with glaucoma don’t know they have it, according to the National Eye Institute.

The most common form of the disease, open-angle glaucoma, has virtually no symptoms. In addition, no pain is typically associated with the increased eye pressure caused by the disease. That’s why regular comprehensive eye exams are so important. At Utah Eye Centers, we screen for glaucoma and other eye issues.

The most common form of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, starts with a buildup of fluid that increases the pressure in one or both eyes. This buildup is caused by the slow clogging of the eye’s drainage canals. The pressure produced by this backup then damages the optic nerve, which helps transfer visual images to the brain. Glaucoma first starts affecting side vision and as it progresses, vision loss becomes more noticeable. This can then lead to tunnel vision, where you can only see straight ahead. If not controlled, glaucoma can lead to serious and even permanent vision loss.

If glaucoma is discovered in its early stages, pressure can be controlled through medication or surgery and the progression of the disease can be delayed. This is why it is always important to visit an eye doctor to have a comprehensive eye exam at least every one to two years to check for glaucoma or any other eye issues. As you get older, an annual eye exam is a great idea.

Ever have a smudge on your lenses that just won’t wipe away? Sometimes it seems the more you try to remove the smudge, the worse it gets. Fingerprints, dust, rain — whatever it is, it will impair your vision.

Here are 4 tips to help get your lenses – and your clear vision – back!

1 – Start by washing your hands. Chances are pretty good that you’ll just get the lenses dirty again or worse than the already are if you handle them before a good hand-washing.

2 – Find a soft, microfiber cloth. If you don’t have a lens cloth handy, a towel should do the trick, as long as it is clean. Steer clear of using anything abrasive for cleaning. Even one time using a paper towel, toilet paper or rough fabric can damage your lenses. Tissues can also leave scratches and many brands use lotion. Most will leave behind lint.

3 – Spray lenses with a cleaning solution OR run ender cool water and rub lenses with small drop of dish soap. Avoid using any soap that has lotion or ingredients to protect or soften skin. Avoid rubbing dry lenses to clean them. Dry particles and debris may rub scratches on the lenses. Don’t use saliva or hot breath to moisten the lenses. This can introduce bacteria to the surface and leave germs on the lenses. Also avoid using glass cleaning products, unless they are intended for use with eyeglasses.

4 – Wipe dry with the cloth or towel. Be sure the lenses are dry before you put your glasses back on. No sense in dirtying what you just cleaned by leaving the surface wet and prone to particles sticking.

Remember to store your glasses in the protective case when you’re not wearing them. It never hurts to stash an extra case in your car, purse or bag with an extra cleaning cloth inside.

If you’re looking for a new pair of lenses or frames, we’re here to help! Visit our website for details on booking an appointment: http://www.utaheyecenters.com/.

 

Aging. It happens to the best of us. If the screen on your cell phone is a lot harder to read than it used to be, the problem isn’t with your phone (or even the length of your arms!). The need for progressive lenses, or bifocals, is caused by the natural aging process and affects almost all of us at some point in our lives. We usually start noticing a change when it’s hard to read the fine print, or you need to take your glasses off and look closer at the words in the book to see them. The eyes are no longer able to focus correctly, which is called presbyopia.

Presbyopia happens because as you age, your eyes’ lenses gradually harden. They’re no longer as elastic as they were when you were young, so they have a harder time focusing on the objects around you, especially on nearby objects.

Presbyopia requires a different type of lens correction than nearsightedness or farsightedness. If you only have nearsightedness or farsightedness, you only need single vision lenses. If you have presbyopia, you need lenses that improve these problems. Bifocals, or multifocal or progressive, lenses have multiple focal points to help.

Bifocals are a kind of eyeglass that have a line that separates the lenses into two. If you grew up during the 70s and 80s, you probably saw a lot of people wearing these. Well, you won’t see them very much now. Today people wear progressive lenses, the same as bifocals but without that obvious separating line.

Bifocals or Progressive?

Most bifocal and multifocal glasses have a dividing line between the different prescriptions in the lens. When you wear them, you look down, or through the bottom lens, to see an object that is close, such as reading a book. When you look up, through the upper half of the lens, you are viewing things at a distance. There is a distinct difference between the two, which takes some time to adjust.

Progressives, on the other hand, do not have a line and are made so that change in prescription is less drastic. You still have two prescriptions, but your vision flows from one to the other more smoothly. Progressives cost a bit more than bifocals do, which could be a factor when choosing between bifocals and progressives.

Talk to your ophthalmologist

If you are having difficulty seeing words up close, and you in your 40s, it may be time to speak to your eye doctor. If you need progressive lenses, they will be able to tell and they can talk to you more about whether bifocals, multifocals and progressives would work best for you.

Schedule an appointment with Utah Eye Centers today and learn from our expert doctors.

Exploring the great outdoors is definitely one of the highlights of childhood! Living in the shadow of majestic mountains and along the shore of two beautiful lakes, the opportunities to explore are boundless. So, get out and discover some of the family-friendly trails and hikes near you. Have fun and remember to bring plenty of water.

Davis County:

• Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve: 41 South 3200 West, Layton. Walk along the wetlands and enjoy the sights and sounds of wildlife. Be sure to climb the 30-foot observation tower to spot for birds and other animals. Mosquito repellent is a must!
• Deuel Creek: Centerville. This hike is only 2 miles round-trip. There’s even a rope swing along the way! Click here for more info and directions to the trail head.

Salt Lake County:

• Donut Falls: Big Cottonwood Canyon. When it comes to family hikes in Salt Lake County, Donut Falls takes the cake! You’ll find the turn-off to the trail head approximately 9 miles up the canyon.
• Ensign Peak: 1002 North Ensign Vista Dr, Salt Lake. This easy 1 mile round-trip hike is a must for everyone. The trail is well-marked and maintained. Visit the monument at the summit commemorating the early Mormon pioneers and enjoy the stunning views of the Salt Lake Valley and the Great Salt Lake.

Utah County:

• Grotto Falls: This hike is along the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway. It’s a great stop if you’re looking for a fun, easy way to beat the summer heat. Bring a towel and swimsuit. Click here for directions to the trail head and falls.
• Fifth Water Hot Springs: Diamond Fork Canyon (accessed from Spanish Fork Canyon). A beautiful 2.5 mile hike that’s fun for all ages. Don’t forget your swimsuit and bring plenty of water!

Weber County:

• Indian Trailhead: Ogden. Looking to add a little historic flavor to your family outing? Try this unique family hike. The trail is well-maintained and heavily forested, making it cool even in the summer heat.
• Waterfall Canyon: Accessed from the 29th Street Trailhead in Ogden, the first portion of this hike is easy but becomes more challenging further in. Throughout hiking season, it’s a beautiful location, but only in the spring will you get to enjoy the full majesty of the falls.

 

 

 

 

Did you know that more than 24 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies? The sneezing, the runny nose and those red, itchy eyes — they all can make you feel miserable. You don’t have to suffer through allergy season, though. Here are some simple steps that you can take to feel better:

Ask about daily allergy medication. Talk to your physician about taking a daily allergy medicine that you can take year-round or only during the times of the year that your allergies are in full swing. At some times of the year, you may be able to combine more than one type of allergy medicine with different active ingredients to provide maximum relief. Just make sure to ask your doctor before taking more than one variety. Your physician can help guide you through your treatment options. A visit to an allergy specialist can help, too.

Use eye drops. Ask us about eye drops that can help soothe dry, itchy eyes. There are several different over-the-counter and prescription eye drop options that can help provide relief.

Do not rub your eyes. A common sign of allergies is itchy and irritable eyes. It can be easy to try and relieve the suffering by rubbing your eyes, but doing so can also cause damage. Although it may be difficult, avoid rubbing your eyes when they are itchy. In addition to hurting your eyes, rubbing also can introduce bacteria and viruses into your body.

Drink plenty of water. With hot temperatures in the summer, it is easy to get dehydrated and that can have a negative effect on your eyes and make them even more prone to allergies. Drink at least 64 ounces of water each day and avoid beverages like soda that can dehydrate you.

Don’t leave contacts in too long. Wearing your contacts for long hours or exceeding the recommended wear time can have a negative effect on your overall eye health. It’s especially hard on your eyes during allergy season when your eyes are already irritated.

Looking for a great way to boost your health and well-being? Go take a hike! Hiking is a great exercise choice because you’ll reap the benefits of both physical activity (check over here)  and of getting outdoors and in nature. It’s a powerful combination.

On a beautiful day, it doesn’t get much better than being surrounded by nature. The sunshine, the blue sky, the clouds, birds, trees and green plants — it’s all relaxing and inspiring. In fact, being in nature can help your mind get a reprieve from the stress of day-to-day life. A growing body of research points to a wide variety of health and wellness benefits from getting outdoors in nature. Yale researchers, for example, found that exposure to the natural world has positive and profound effects on health and healing and can help people better manage stress and have a more positive outlook. And the best part? Studies show that all you need is as little as two hours of the week outdoors to enjoy these benefits.

One perk specific to hiking: It can help you become more physically balanced. If you choose to hike on dirt paths or uneven terrain, it will push different muscle groups to work. This can help you become more stable on your feet. Developing a better sense of balance can lower your risk of falling. Hiking is also a good core workout. In addition, rocky terrain can help you avoid making simple repetitive motions that can lead to injuries from overused muscles in a gym setting.

Keep in mind, if you’re new to hiking, you should take it easy. Don’t just jump in and take a 10-mile hike. Take your time and try shorter, easier hikes to start. As you build up your muscles over time, you’ll be able to handle more intensive trails. And, if you’re concerned about your stability, use trekking poles that can help you stay upright on the path and avoid potential spills.

Are you ready to get outside and explore? Use hiking as an opportunity to get together with friends or catch up with family if you’d like it to be a social outing. If not, take to the trail by yourself and enjoy the scenery and peace of mind (just make sure to tell someone where you’re going and bring a phone in case of emergencies). Some also prefer to carry Glock pistols while going to explore unknown places in the woods.

There’s nothing quite like allergies to ruin a perfectly good day. The sneezing, the runny nose and those red, itchy eyes — they all can make you feel miserable. You don’t have to suffer through allergy season, though. Here are some simple steps that you can take to help care for yourself and your eyes all summer long:

Take an allergy medication. Talk to your physician about taking a daily allergy medicine that you can take year-round or only during the times of the year that your allergies are in full swing. At some times of the year, you may be able to combine more than one type of allergy medicine to provide maximum relief. Your physician can help guide you through your treatment options.

Use eye drops. Ask us about eye drops that can help soothe dry, itchy eyes. There are several different over-the-counter and prescription eye drop options that can help provide relief.

Do not rub your eyes. A common sign of allergies is itchy and irritable eyes. It can be easy to try and relieve the suffering by rubbing your eyes, but doing so can also cause damage. Although it may be difficult, avoid rubbing your eyes when they are itchy. In addition to hurting your eyes, rubbing also can introduce bacteria and viruses into your body.

Drink plenty of water. With hot temperatures in the summer, it is easy to get dehydrated and that can have a negative effect on your eyes and make them even more prone to allergies. Drink at least 64 ounces of water each day and avoid beverages like soda that can dehydrate you.

Don’t leave contacts in too long. Wearing your contacts for long hours or exceeding the recommended wear time can have a negative effect on your overall eye health. It’s especially hard on your eyes during allergy season, when your eyes are already irritated.

When was the last time you spent some time outdoors? Research shows that outdoor activity year-round is important to our overall health and wellness. It’s especially important now, more than a year into a global pandemic when so many other activities remain off-limits. Here are some simple ways to reap the benefits of nature:

Enjoy some sunshine. Even if you are only outside for 15 or 20 minutes, it may be just enough to clear your mind and refocus. You’ll also get a healthy dose of Vitamin D, which helps to keep your immune system in top shape. A quick walk, jog or stroll may be the perfect way to start or end your day. Research shows that even a short amount of time spent outside can reduce feelings of depression and boost energy levels. Even if you live in a city, try to get outside and seek out the sights and sounds of nature — trees, flowers and birds, for example.

Keep social distancing requirements in mind. Maintain at least a six-foot distance from other people. You are less likely to be exposed to COVID-19 during outdoor activities because COVID-19 spreads more easily indoors, but it can still spread when you’re outside. Plan and find out social distancing requirements for your destination. If a park or nature preserve isn’t open, don’t trespass! Additionally, be mindful of outdoor restrictions local areas have put in place.

Know what’s available. The CDC recommends traveling to parks and nature locations near your home. Once you know where you want to go, take the time to do some research before you leave the house. Will there be parking? Will there be public restrooms? If you don’t have a park nearby, you still have your own neighborhood!

Be mindful of your own health. If you are feeling ill in any way, then don’t head to the local park or outdoor area. A day of rest may be just what you need. Of course, contact your healthcare provider if you feel your symptoms match COVID-19.

Don’t forget the basics. Sunscreen and water are still important to take with you on your outdoor activities. Additionally, if you are going somewhere by yourself or to a remote location, let someone know where you’re going.

The CDC also provides guidelines for safely enjoying the outdoors. Now is a perfect time to instill a bit of nature into your life as we all adjust to how COVID-19 has impacted our daily life and routines.

Are you looking for ways to boost your immune system and protect yourself from getting sick? Here are some simple —yet highly effective — ways to stay healthy:

Wash your hands. You’ve heard this many times, but it bears repeating. Frequent hand washing is critical. Aim for a 20-second hand wash before eating and touching your face and after touching a contaminated surface and using the restroom. Use hand sanitizer after touching any public things or places, such as pens, doorknobs, handrails or elevator buttons. Most people don’t wash their hands long enough ( for the recommended 20 seconds) or thoroughly enough. Here’s how and when to wash your hands.

Stay hydrated. You may not feel thirsty, but you still need to drink enough water. How much is enough? Check out this guide for how much water you should try to drink each day.

Get exercise. Research shows that moderate exercise year-round can help prevent sickness by providing a boost to the immune system. Even small amounts of moderate exercise — such as walking — can help ward off colds and the flu. Exercise outside and you also can get some Vitamin D, which also has been shown in studies to boost your immune system.

Get enough sleep. Many people don’t get enough sleep. Yet adequate sleep can actually help your body fight against common sicknesses. Turn off the electronics at least one hour before bedtime and create a soothing bedtime ritual.

Get a new toothbrush. When was the last time you replaced your toothbrush? It’s always a good idea to replace your toothbrush regularly, especially after you’ve been sick.

Try to stay positive. Believe it or not, our thoughts play a major role in how we feel and how our bodies function. Taking time to relax and do things you enjoy is an important part of staying healthy and happy.