Monthly Archives: January 2024

One can argue that of all the senses, sight is the most important. The entire universe is dark without those delicate eyes. Therefore, proper eye care throughout your life truly allows you to see the world in a way that otherwise wouldn’t be possible. You can’t take your eyes for granted. That’s why proper eye care is so important.

There are several aspects of proper eye care. Keeping your eyes healthy is paramount, especially as you age. Your diet, habits and time spent around computer screens can all affect eye health. There are a number of steps you can take to ensure your eyes stay healthy over the long term.

Nutrition for Proper Eye Care

Proper eye health starts with what you put on your plate. Make sure you are focusing on specific nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamins C and E. By ensuring these nutrients are part of your diet, you can more easily ward off age-related vision problems, whether macular degeneration or glaucoma.

Support your eye care by eating:

• Leafy green vegetables
• Salmon, tuna and other oily fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids
• Citrus fruits
• Nuts
• Beans
• Eggs
• Oysters
• Non-meat proteins

Having a well-balanced diet not only works wonders for your eye sight but also can help you maintain a steady weight. In turn, this can reduce your chances of getting type 2 diabetes, which is the leading cause of blindness in adults.

Kicking the Habit

Next, you should avoid smoking. This activity not only ravages parts of your body but also wreaks havoc on your eyesight. Smoking can cause cataracts, and it can damage your optic nerve. It also causes macular degeneration.

If you smoke, you should consider quitting immediately. You can do it. Taking this proactive step will do your body a favor and save on eye-care expenses.

Screen Time

Do you stare at a computer screen all day at work? If so, it’s important to take regular breaks. Staring at a computer screen all day can cause eyestrain, headaches or blurry vision.

To protect your eyes:

• Use new contacts that are appropriate for the screen.
• Ensure your eyes are level with your computer.
• Make sure your chair is comfortable and in a supportive position.
• Always give your eyes a good rest every 20 minutes.
• Get up at least every two hours to give yourself a 15-minute break.

Own a Good Pair of Sunglasses

A good pair of sunglasses can protect your eyes by deflecting the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can increase your chances of eye degradation. A decent pair of glasses should be polarized and offer UVA and UVB protection.

Regularly Visit Your Eye Doctor

It’s very important for adults and children alike to get a regular eye exam. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in caring for your precious eyes. They can provide a range of services from general eye care to more complex activities such as treating disease or performing surgery.

You should also visit an eye doctor routinely to ensure you have good vision. Have a regular vision test, and treat any vision problems that your doctor uncovers. This can lead to a higher quality of life, and it can prevent other medical problems down the road.

Come see us! We have your eyes in mind all the time.

In the grand tapestry of human history, there exists a small but significant thread that weaves its way through time, connecting generations in a shared pursuit of clarity and vision. This thread is none other than the history of eyeglasses, a journey spanning centuries that has brought into focus the marvels of human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of sharper sight.

Ancient Whispers of Vision Correction: The roots of eyeglasses can be traced back to ancient times when philosophers and thinkers pondered over ways to enhance their vision. The first inklings of a solution emerged in the 1st century AD, as the Roman philosopher Seneca mused about the use of water-filled spheres to magnify text. However, it was not until the 13th century that the world witnessed a tangible manifestation of corrective lenses. Salvino D’Armate, an Italian inventor, is credited with crafting the inaugural pair of eyeglasses around 1284, opening a new chapter in the quest for visual acuity.

A Renaissance of Sight in Europe: The 14th century marked the proliferation of eyeglasses across Europe, with artisans in the Venetian Republic at the forefront of this optical revolution. Initially, eyeglasses were simple convex lenses primarily used for reading, but as their popularity grew, so did the need for more sophisticated designs. Craftsmen began fashioning frames to hold the lenses, laying the foundation for the diverse array of styles we see today.

Benjamin Franklin and the Bifocal Breakthrough: Fast forward to the 18th century, and we encounter one of the most iconic figures in eyeglass history – Benjamin Franklin. Frustrated with the constant switching between two pairs of glasses for near and far vision, Franklin ingeniously conceived the idea of bifocals. By combining lenses of different powers into a single frame, he not only solved a practical problem but also revolutionized the world of eyewear.

Industrial Revolution and Mass Production: The 19th century witnessed the convergence of eyeglasses and the industrial revolution, ushering in an era of mass production and increased accessibility. The shift from traditional materials like bone and horn to more durable steel frames made eyeglasses not only a practical necessity but also a fashionable accessory. This democratization of eyewear marked a turning point, making clear vision an attainable goal for a broader swath of society.

Optometry’s Golden Age and Technological Leaps: The 20th century heralded a golden age for optometry as the field embraced prescription lenses tailored to individual needs. The introduction of plastic as a material for frames revolutionized comfort and design. Contact lenses, a more inconspicuous alternative to traditional eyeglasses, became popular. Simultaneously, laser eye surgeries such as LASIK emerged, offering a permanent solution for those seeking freedom from lenses.

From Smart Glasses to Tomorrow’s Vision: As we step into the 21st century, eyeglasses continue to evolve with the integration of cutting-edge technology. Smart glasses, equipped with augmented reality displays, have entered the scene, transforming eyewear into interactive devices. These glasses not only correct vision but also provide additional functionalities, ushering in a new era of interconnectedness between the digital and physical worlds.

In conclusion, the history of eyeglasses is a testament to human adaptability and the relentless pursuit of clarity. From the rudimentary water-filled spheres of ancient Rome to the sleek smart glasses of the 21st century, the journey has been one of innovation and progress. As we don our modern frames, let us take a moment to appreciate the centuries of ingenuity that have shaped the simple act of seeing into the profound experience it is today. Eyeglasses are not just tools for vision correction; they are windows through which we glimpse the remarkable continuum of human achievement and advancement.