Yearly Archives: 2022

An eye exam is a routine part of preventive health care for most adults. But did you know it can reveal many potential medical problems that may not be so easy to detect without further testing? The eye can tell a lot about your overall health, from general health problems to serious concerns. The retina, or back of the eye, is the only place in your body that can give your eye doctor a close-up view of blood vessels and nerves without having to do surgery. A routine eye exam can be the key to finding early stages of several medical issues.

If an eye exam does reveal a potential medical issue, it is crucial to seek prompt medical attention to prevent further complications. In some cases, an urgent medical issue may arise, such as a sudden loss of vision or eye injury. In such situations, it is important to know the location of the nearest urgent care center that provides specialized eye care services. Residents in Uniondale can rely on the services of urgent care near Uniondale for prompt medical attention for a range of urgent medical issues, including eye-related emergencies. With experienced medical staff and advanced medical equipment, this urgent care center can provide timely and effective medical care to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.

High blood pressure

If you have high blood pressure, an annual eye exam is important to help monitor your condition. Your doctor will look for signs of damage to the blood vessels in your eyes, including weakened and narrowed arteries. These changes can be an early warning sign of trouble ahead. For example, narrowing of blood vessels could signal heart disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

RA is an inflammatory disease that affects joints in the hands and feet. Inflammation can happen in the eyes, too. One of the earliest signs of RA is inflammation of the blood vessels in the eyes, which can be detected during a comprehensive eye exam. In fact, changes in the eyes are often one of the first indicators that something is wrong, even before patients experience any symptoms of joint pain or stiffness. If a patient has painful inflammation in the iris, the colored part of the eyeball, over a year’s time, it could be the sign of RA. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can also have very dry eyes.

Diabetes

Changes in your eye health can be a warning sign for diabetes. An eye exam can help to reveal these changes, which may otherwise go unnoticed. If the doctor sees a small amount of bleeding in the retina, it could be a sign of diabetic retinopathy. This is one of the first signs of type 2 diabetes. Catching this condition early is key to being able to make lifestyle changes that will help prevent further damage. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness. An eye exam can help to catch the early signs of diabetes and get you the treatment you need to prevent further damage to your vision.

Cancer

Signs of cancer may be found in or around the eye. Bleeding in the retina can signal leukemia. A change in the field of vision can signal brain tumors, and malignant melanoma can happen in the back of the eye. Skin cancers may occur on the outer surfaces of the eye while leukemia or lymphoma cause changes to the interior of your eye.

Are you scheduled for your annual eye exam? Give our experts a call today! It could save your life.

How should you correct your vision? Should you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses? Or what about LASIK? When deciding among the three options, you’ll want to take into consideration your lifestyle, what’s most comfortable for you and of course, your budget.

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

• They require little cleaning and maintenance and you don’t have to place them directly on your eyes to wear them, which decreases your risk for eye infections and irritations.
• Glasses can be less expensive over time than wearing contact lenses, which have an ongoing cost of replacement lenses and lens solutions. (Both glasses and contacts, however, are affordable vision correction options.)
• 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 unobstructed view.
• Contact lenses can be more convenient when playing sports or exercising. Glasses can be damaged or lost.
• Most people can’t tell you’re even wearing contacts.
• Contacts won’t fog up in cold weather like glasses or steam up when you’re cooking over a hot stove.

There’s also LASIK, short for laser in-situ keratomileusis, a popular vision correction surgery that can help people who are nearsighted or farsighted or who have astigmatism. LASIK works by reshaping your cornea, the clear front part of your eyes so that light focuses on the retina in the back of your eye. Not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery, but many people with nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism can have their vision corrected by LASIK.

Some examples of issues that can be corrected by LASIK:

• Seeing nearby objects but having a hard time seeing objects in the distance
• Seeing distant objects but having a hard time seeing objects that are nearby
• Having a moderate degree of astigmatism, which causes overall blurry vision

While there’s an upfront cost to the surgery, LASIK’s big advantage, of course, is that you no longer have to worry about either glasses or contact lenses.

Are you ready to take the first step toward improving your vision? Contact us today to request an appointment. Following a thorough eye exam, we can help you determine the vision correction method that makes the most sense for you. Just call (801) 476-0494.

No matter how well you take care of your eyes, you’ll probably deal with common eye problems and irritations at some point. It’s not uncommon to wake up with red or itchy eyes or have days where your eyes just feel irritated. These issues can be increasingly common if you use a computer for work most days or during high allergy season.

Here’s a list of pretty common irritants that will lead to dry, itching, irritated eyes and what to do about it.

Allergies: Pollen, mold, pet dander, and dust are common culprits. Most folks experience some seasonal eye-watering and itchiness during allergy season, or when they’ve been exposed to an irritant. Taking a daily over-the-counter medication can help keep allergies down during peak season. Make sure to start taking one for a few days if you’re feeling your allergies creep up. You can also purchase over-the-counter eye drops that help with allergies, too.

Lack of sleep: When you miss out on enough shut-eye, you can see pretty negative effects. Not getting enough rest can lead to redness at the very least, dryness, and general irritability of your eyes. Of course, getting more sleep helps, but if you can’t do that, try a cool compress on your eyes for a few minutes or a moisturizing eye drop!

Skincare products: Did your sunscreen or moisturizer run into your eyes? Did you forget to take off mascara before bed? Most over-the-counter products are safety tested and won’t cause lasting damage, but still can cause irritation. Make sure to remove all makeup before bed to prevent irritation and if you get any skincare product in your eyes, simply flush eyes with cool water for a few minutes.

Rubbing your eyes: When you rub your eyes or touch them without washing your hands first, you can introduce irritating germs. Try not to rub your eyes, when you can. If you do need to, make sure to wash your hands first! You can also use a warm or cool compress to soothe irritated eyes.

Computer use: Staring at the computer (or any electronics) for a prolonged time can cause eye strain. To avoid this, make sure you’re taking periodic breaks from your computer. We sometimes call this the 20-20-20 rule. Every twenty minutes take twenty seconds to look at something at least twenty feet in the distance.

Dry air: We live in a dry climate. Dryness and dust in the air can cause irritation, as well. Moisturizing eye drops can help. Generally, you can use these two or three times a day to keep your eyes moist. It can also be helpful to sleep with a humidifier or keep it running during the day.

But also know that if you have any questions, you should always feel free to call an eye doctor. A good one will have someone in reception that is knowledgeable enough to let you know when you need to come in. However, if you’re experiencing pain or changes in vision with the above symptoms, that’s when you know to call to schedule an appointment. Your doctor should usually be able to get you in on the same day to see what’s going on and help you find the right answers.

Have questions about your vision, how to prevent eye damage, or need to talk through an issue? Please reach out to us at Utah Eye Centers! We can help you to examine your options. We look forward to meeting with you!

You’ve probably heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? The whole idea behind breakfast is to have a strong start to your day, so why do so many people skip it altogether?

Surveys show that the No. 1 reason that people say they skip breakfast is to lose weight. But research shows that skipping breakfast often leads to increased calorie consumption, unhealthy food choices and weight gain. Whether you’re trying to lose weight or simply live a healthier life, do yourself a favor and don’t skip breakfast. Here’s how to make breakfast a healthy habit:

Get an early start. Put breakfast at the top of your morning to-do list. Eating a quality meal early can kick-start your metabolism and get your body going. If you feel like you’re lacking energy in the morning, eating breakfast early also can give your body the fuel it needs to get energized and your brain what it needs to focus on what you’re doing. You’ll also be more likely to avoid a mid-morning slump and less tempted to reach for an unhealthy snack.

Choose filling and healthy foods. It’s easy to eat something simply for the sake of saying you ate breakfast. The right foods, however, can make all the difference when you’re trying to meet health, wellness and weight loss/management goals. Foods high in protein and fiber are great choices for the first meal of the day. Avoid sugary pastries or muffins, which are full of empty calories and sugar. Instead, opt for protein-rich food such as eggs or nuts paired with high-fiber food such as fresh fruit and/or oatmeal. Speaking of eggs, did you know that they contain Vitamin A, lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc, which are all vital to eye health?

While it might be tempting to reach for a breakfast which is tasty, however,  it’s important to strike the right balance. A breakfast steak can provide a hearty dose of protein, keeping you feeling full and energized throughout the morning. When paired with a refreshing salad rich in fiber and nutrients, it becomes a wholesome choice that supports your weight management objectives. Skip the sugary pastries and instead, learn more about how to make this recipe to kickstart your day with a nutritious and satisfying breakfast that sets you on the path to a healthier lifestyle.

Pick portions wisely. Large portion sizes, even when you’re consuming healthy foods, can undermine your efforts to maintain a healthy weight. Become a pro at picking proper portions by knowing what a reasonable serving really looks like. You want to eat enough to give your body the energy that it needs, but if you overdo it, you’ll feel sluggish and sleepy. Try splitting your plate into three sections: protein, carbohydrates, and fruits/vegetables.

Grab breakfast and go. If you’re hurrying to get out of the door in the morning, pack a protein- and fiber-rich breakfast the night before so that you don’t skip the most important meal of the day or turn to sugary food from a restaurant or vending machine instead. When you get to work, you can fuel up quickly and have a better start to your day.

 

Did you know that more older adults are driving than ever before? In general, seniors are safe drivers relative to other age groups. Adults ages 65+ are good at wearing safety belts, observing speed limits, engaging in less risky on-the-road behavior and not drinking and driving. On the other hand, older people generally don’t see or hear as well, are slower to react, and may have trouble making quick decisions about distance, speed and the movement of vehicles around them. Plus, they may have trouble turning to look over their shoulders at other vehicles.

To help assure that you remain a good driver as long as possible, consider these tips:

• Have your vision tested regularly. And be sure to wear any prescribed glasses or hearing aids while driving. Keep your windows, mirrors and headlights clean, and drive only during daytime hours if you have trouble seeing well at night.

• Turn down the radio. When you’re in traffic situations that demand your full attention, minimize distractions such as a ringing cell phone that take your attention away from driving.

• Stay physically active. The goal is to have the agility to turn your body and head in both directions. You’ll want to check for vehicles behind and to the sides of your own.

• Maintain your First-Aid kit. In case of an accident or emergency, your first-aid kit can be a lifesaver. Stock it with essentials from eFirstAidSupplies to be prepared for unexpected situations while on the road. Regularly check the expiration dates and replace any expired items promptly.

• Take your medications as prescribed. Read the warning information in case any of them can cause drowsiness or other side effects that could impair your driving. Consult with your doctor regarding medications and health conditions.

• Take a defensive driving course. Another great option: A refresher course designed specifically for seniors. Many communities offer these, and they can be extremely helpful.

• Get enough sleep. Adequate amounts of sleep can help anyone, regardless of age, to be a safer driver.

• Slow down in inclement weather. Adjust your speed for rainy, snowy or icy road conditions.

• Resist the urge to rubberneck. Just as there are distractions inside a vehicle, there can be distractions outside a vehicle as well that can impact your driving. Don’t let your attention wander when passing a crash scene or anything else that’s happening outside your car.

• Relax. Don’t take unnecessary risks to shorten your commute by a few minutes. You could end up spending a lot more time beside the road. Instead, take it easy, be courteous, and know that you’ll get to your destination safer and less stressed.

• Manage distractions. If you plan to drive on congested streets, make sure that your attention is always on the road. Avoid talking on a cell phone, sending text messages, eating messy foods, or putting on makeup in the car. Your chances of being involved in a crash will drop considerably by taking those steps. Multitasking behind the wheel dramatically increases your chances of an accident.

When was your last child’s exam? Children should have their first eye exam at six months of age, and most teenagers and adults should have an eye exam at least once every year. In between eye exams, it’s important to keep an eye out (no pun intended) for any vision issues and make an appointment to see us if you have any concerns or questions.

Here are a few issues to watch for:

1. Changes in your child’s vision. Is your child having trouble reading the blackboard at school? Then it’s a good time to make an appointment with us. People who have myopia, or nearsightedness, have clear vision at close range and poorer vision at a distance. The problem with this one is getting your child to tell you about it. That’s why regular exams are so critical in children.

2. Reading issues. Vision problems can make it difficult for children to learn to read, develop their reading skills and to do well in school. Astigmatism, which stems from an abnormal curvature of the cornea, can cause headache and eye strain and lead to difficulty reading. Regular eye exams are vital for detecting and treating eye issues, such as astigmatism, in children.

3. Rubbing eyes. We rub our eyes — when they are tired, when they get dust in them, etc. But if your child is rubbing his or her eyes frequently when they are not tired and when no irritants are present, then it could be a sign of a vision issue. Your child may be rubbing their eyes while reading or doing homework due to eye fatigue or strain. Another sign of a vision issue: When a child closes one eye to see better or if a child’s eyes tend to move inward or outward.

4. Headaches. Eye strain can cause headaches, typically at the end of the day or after hours of screen time. We can help you and your family learn ways to prevent eye strain.

Regular eye exams are an important part of overall health. And so is being vigilant about eye health. We’re here to help your entire family with visions specialists dedicated to your entire family. If you have questions, feel free to call us at (801) 476-0494.

Do you wear contacts? Proper contact lens care is vital for your eye health. Here are four simple ways to take better care of your eyes if you wear contact lenses:

Use a sterile solution: Purchase and use a quality contact lens solution and/or eye drops. Sterile solutions can help prevent infection. We can provide some recommendations if you’re looking for a solution that’s right for you.

Scrub your hands before handling your contacts: Before you put in or take out your contacts, wash your hands thoroughly. This helps to prevent any dirt, dust or bacteria from getting onto your contact lenses and into your eyes. Make sure the soap you use is a mild hypoallergenic variety that contains no lotions, perfumes or cosmetics, as they can leave behind an oily film or residue that can transfer to your contacts. Use a towel with little or no lint.

Follow the rules. Each different type of contact lenses has different care and wear guidelines. Some people don’t closely follow the recommended wear schedule for their contacts. No matter which kind of contacts you wear, follow all usage guidelines and recommendations for daily use. Switch to a fresh pair of contacts when recommended as well. It’s vital for keeping your eyes healthy. Also, make sure you’re getting an eye exam annually or if your eyes are bothering you. Don’t ignore eye pain, discomfort, redness or any changes in your vision. Get it checked out.

Do not sleep with your contacts. If you’re not supposed to sleep in your contacts, don’t. There are many people who either forget to take their contacts out when they sleep or don’t think sleeping in contacts can damage their eyes. Leaving your contacts in while sleeping, however, can do serious damage to your eyes. Even if you can sleep with your contacts in, it may not be the best choice. Follow all rules for your lenses, and ask us any questions you may have.

Have questions about which type of vision correction is right for you? We’re here to help! Haven’t worn contacts before, or for many years? Today’s contact lenses are designed to be easy to use and could be a great option.

If you think it would be nice to finally not worry about contacts anymore and see 20/20 clear vision, you might want to consider LASIK. You can count on our trusted team of experienced professionals take great care of your eyes during a LASIK procedure. Curious if you’re a good candidate for LASIK and how much it costs? Call us today to learn more! (801) 476-0494.

Glasses are more than just something that helps you see better. If you wear glasses, you know: glasses are a fashion statement. Whether you’re getting a haircut or doing your make-up, you have to take your glasses into account. And it’s true, your hair and make-up can make or break the way your favorite frames look.

You want glasses that compliment your style and aesthetic. But if you’re not sure how to incorporate your speaks, take a look at a few of our favorite suggestions and tips and tricks.

You’ll be feeling even more stylish and confident in no time.

Make-up:

Highlight your eyes. Did you know your eyes tend to look darker behind frames? While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it can mean people don’t see the beauty of your sparkling eyes. To bring more attention to your eyes, try using highlighter. You can use either a liquid or powder highlighter in the corner of your eyelid or right under the arch of your eyebrow crease. You can also try adding an iridescent eye shadow in the center of your lid. These will reflect light and bring a little more sparkle behind your frames. Try Mac’s Extra Dimension Skinfinish Highlighter for a versatile option.

Go darker. This may seem in contrast to what we said above, but hear us out. Depending on the color of your lenses, you may want to go darker with your eyeliner and mascara. A dark, black mascara or bold liner will also bring more attention to your eyes. This will give you a dramatic, modern look, as well.

Use your brow. Your eyebrows still show behind your frames, so don’t forget about those, either. Your frames, too, will bring a bit more focus to them. If your brows are light, you may want to fill them in with a slightly darker eyebrow pencil. This will help them look fuller and more defined. Just make sure to not overfill or draw them on too darkly.

Set it. After your make-up is done, don’t forget to set it. Sometimes our glasses cause our foundation or concealer smudge around our nose and cheeks. Dust any areas where your glasses touch your face with translucent setting powder or use a setting spray.

Hair:

During a haircut. During your appointment, make sure to wear your glasses. This will give your stylist an idea of your everyday look and how your glasses interact with your hair. They may ask you to remove your frames while cutting, but make sure to put your speaks back on for the final look.

Be careful with bangs. Bangs and glasses can be a great look, but you’ll want to make sure your bangs fall in a way that doesn’t hit or interact with your frames. You might want to have your stylist texturize your banks so they lay lighter on your forehead.

Large-frames. If you have large-framed glasses, think about choosing a long, layered style with extra volume on the sides. Straight or shorter styles will just make them look larger.

Small-frames. If you have small-framed glasses, a short-cropped, wavy style will highlight your face but still give it space. A bob style will cause the face to appear smaller.

Aesthetic tips: Think about owning more than one pair of frames. Having a few to choose from gives you a bit of versatility based on your outfit or style for the day. You might want to have a darker, more dramatic pair as well as a thinner frame. This way you’re not stuck with one look all the time.

If it’s time for a new pair or exam, come see us. We can answer all your questions about glasses (or contacts!) and help you find your next favorite pair. Visit our website to learn more: http://www.utaheyecenters.com/

Have you grown tired of wearing eyeglasses? Do you lead an active lifestyle that regularly puts your frames and lenses at risk?

Why not make the switch to contacts? There are tons of benefits that come from wearing contacts. They are affordable and easy to use. They don’t interfere with physical activity or exercises and they don’t obstruct your peripheral vision.

We regularly see patients for contact lens exams and fittings, and we always tell them that their level of care can make or break the contact lens wearing experience.

There are a few things that you have to keep in mind when wearing contacts in order to keep your eyes healthy. Here are three important rules to keep in mind if you’re new to wearing contact lenses:

Wash your hands before touching your contacts. Your hands open doors, touch counters and railings and interact with co-workers and family members. The last thing you want is to put a bunch of germs and microorganisms near or in your eye. Whenever you’re preparing to take your contacts out or put them in, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds before putting in or taking out contact lenses.

Don’t sleep in your contacts. Follow all the recommendations for your specific type of contact lens. Wearing them too long or while you sleep, when you’re not supposed to, can lead to eye infections or irritation.

Change your contacts when you’re supposed to. If you wear disposable contacts, you’ll want to switch them out at recommended intervals as recommended by the lens manufacturer. Even if you don’t think there is something wrong with your contacts, it’s important to follow this schedule. Contact lenses can wear down over time and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you would like to learn more about contact lens care, we invite you to give us a call: (801) 476-0494

When it comes to sunglasses, it’s not just about fashion sense (well, it’s a little about fashion). It’s important to know what to look for in a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from dangerous UV rays. But you may have a few questions about coverage. How do I know if my eyes are fully protected? Do I need glasses for UVA and UVB rays? What are polarized glasses? Are glasses from the drug store worse than ones from the eye doctor?

First and foremost, the main thing you need to be mindful of is the label on the sunglasses. Make sure it says 100% UV Protection.

The main thing you want to look for is the label that says it provides 100% UV Protection.

What does that mean?

The sun gives off three different kinds of rays. One of the rays is UVC, which is blocked by the Earth’s atmosphere. However, the other two make it through – UVA and UVB rays. While UVA rays may not be as harmful as UVB, they can still be damaging and can penetrate glass. UVB rays don’t necessarily penetrate glass, but they are the most dangerous, and the main reason you need sun protection.

You should invest in a pair of sunglasses that have 100% protection against both UV rays because you don’t want to damage your eyesight.

Keep in mind you can also look for a label that reads UV 400 which will protect you from both sets of rays as well. If you want to increase the protection, consider getting larger sunglasses or choose sunglasses that wrap around. The more coverage the better, and less chance UV rays can damage your eyes.

UV rays can cause both short-lived or long-term damage. They cause wrinkles, eye damage that can lead to vision loss and cataracts and even forms of cancer. Over time, the UV damage can accumulate, so it’s best to start off with sunglasses at a young age.

As long as your sunglasses protect against UVA and UVB rays, your eyes will be protected. Both drugstore and prescription glasses offer 100% coverage. Glasses from your eye provider are generally of higher quality and can be a better fit for your face, but drug store glasses are also a great, cheaper alternative.

Polarized or prescription sunglasses will also not increase your protection but might be nice perks depending on your needs and lifestyle.

Also, just because it’s not summer, doesn’t mean you can put away the sunglasses just yet. In fact, you should never really put your sunglasses away. UV rays can make their way through the clouds. You can also experience glares from various surfaces, including snow. You might think there is no need for sunglasses on a cloudy or cold day, but that’s a myth. Winter is actually one of the most important times to remember your sunglasses because snow can be reflective and blinding to look at.

You should always carry a pair of sunglasses. The amount you spend doesn’t necessarily indicate quality as long as it offers 100% UV protection — that’s what counts.

If you need help picking out glasses or sunglasses, need an eye exam or just have a few questions about eye health, come see us! Don’t hesitate to talk to us and learn more about how you can improve your vision. Just give us a call at (801) 476-0494