If you’ve struggled with impaired sight, you have more than likely heard of LASIK. LASIK stands for “Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis,” and is a procedure that can help those who experience sight problems such as blurry vision.

Due to this procedure often resulting in a patient no longer needing corrective lenses of any kind, LASIK may seem too good to be true. Those considering taking this step may begin to wonder how long LASIK can really last.

The answer can be complex, as it depends on the extent of your vision issues, your age, and how quickly your eyesight is deteriorating. 

We’ve created this guide so that you can find out all about this revolutionary treatment and the impacts it can have on your vision.

The Value of LASIK

Around 12 million Americans suffer from vision impairments, so you’re not suffering from your condition alone. This is why LASIK was developed. The treatment is designed to help those who have eyesight problems live a higher quality of life.

LASIK is mainly used to treat the following conditions:

• Nearsightedness (myopia): This condition is also known as shortsightedness. If someone has this condition, they will easily see things that are close to them. However, objects that are far away will be blurry and out of focus.
• Farsightedness (hyperopia): If a person is farsighted, the items close to them will seem blurry, while objects farther away will be clearer.
• Astigmatism: Astigmatism is caused by an imperfection in the frontal shape of your eye. In simple terms, your eye is shaped more like a football than a basketball, which can lead to blurry vision.

The answer to how long LASIK can last mainly depends on which of these conditions you’re suffering from, and how quickly it’s getting worse. 

If your eyesight is deteriorating quickly, you won’t experience the benefits of the surgery for nearly as long. This is because the surgery corrects the problem in its current state. If your eyes change rapidly, the results become less impactful.

Why People Get LASIK

There are many reasons why someone may want to correct their vision. Here, we’ve listed some of the most common motivations:

Better Quality of Life

Many people find that needing glasses can be a major inconvenience. There’s nothing more annoying than breaking or losing your glasses right before a major trip or fun activity, setting you back on time and reducing your enjoyment if you’re not able to see clearly. 

LASIK can significantly improve people’s quality of day-to-day life—particularly if your job makes it hard to wear vision-correcting equipment. With so many types of glasses for so many different needs, it can be a stressful experience managing these issues. Many people find that LASIK surgery removes this stress.

Save Money

Some people find that LASIK can help them manage money better, as it’s a one-time payment rather than paying for glasses or contact lenses over time. In fact, for some people, the procedure can actually help them to save money.

The average cost of a pair of eyeglasses is $231. If you need glasses for different activities — for example, prescription sunglasses and swimming goggles —you may face an eyewear bill that becomes exponential. This is in tandem with changing prescriptions, needing replacements, and decisions to make aesthetic changes such as frames. LASIK can help to reduce the cost of vision correction by offering a one-time solution.

Enjoy More Activities

For those who love an adventurous lifestyle, LASIK can be a great option. No need to worry about contact lenses or glasses. You’ll be free to enjoy lens-threatening activities like white water rafting or skydiving without any issues.

Most Common Results of LASIK Surgery

Most people find that LASIK surgery causes a significant improvement in their vision. This often means that they do not have to wear glasses or contact lenses after the procedure. 

It’s common to have some discomfort immediately after surgery, but the recovery time is relatively short. Overall, most people find that the surgery is very beneficial to their eyesight—a capable surgeon may be able to restore your eyesight close to (if not fully) 20/20.

Common Duration of Results

LASIK is a technically permanent procedure, so the results of the surgery are not supposed to wear off. However, the answer to how long LASIK lasts depends on your age and the speed of your eye deterioration. Typically, LASIK lasts about 10 years before natural deterioration in eyesight (as comes with age) may cause an altered dependency on corrective lenses. However, these results can vary widely depending on each patient’s unique scenario.

While LASIK produces results for several types of impaired vision, the most success seems to come from cases of nearsightedness over farsightedness. This is due to how the procedure itself works. As it changes the shape of the cornea, surgeons are generally more equipped to flatten a steep surface over building up a flat cornea.

Patients experiencing nearsightedness may see longer results in their distance vision—up to 20 years in some cases.

Most people’s eyes are constantly changing, which can mean their vision problems get worse over time. LASIK can only fix the issues that have already occurred — it can not stop your eyes from changing.

Will People Need LASIK Again or Need Glasses Later in Life?

If your eyes are changing at a rapid rate, you may need additional laser surgery or corrective lenses down the road. However, LASIK will provide long-term improvements in your vision. 

Unfortunately, nearly all patients lose their near vision sometime over the age of 40.  This is called presbyopia.  Lasik does not prevent this, and reading glasses may be required later in life.

Possible Issues with Results

LASIK is a very safe procedure, but as with any surgery, issues can occur. Some of the most common issues include:

• Infection: Any intrusive surgery carries a small risk of infection. However, LASIK specialists work to minimize these risks and ensure a speedy recovery.
• Over or under-correction: Sometimes, a surgeon will accidentally alter a patient’s eyes too greatly (or not enough). As a result, the patient may not have perfect vision at the end of the procedure.
• Astigmatism: If the tissue is not removed evenly, it can cause the eyeball to be an irregular shape.
• Dry eye syndrome: Sometimes, the surgery can cause your eyes to not produce enough tears, leading to dryness and discomfort.

While complications are within the realm of possibility, it’s very unlikely that you will experience significant vision loss. Nearly all minor risks associated with LASIK are treatable, resulting in a positive post-operative outcome.

Although these issues may seem scary, they are very rare. A good LASIK specialist will take you through all of your options and explain the process in more detail.

Is It Still Worth Getting The Surgery?

Now that you know the answer to “how long does LASIK last?” and other facts about this surgery, you’re probably wondering if it’s worth it. Although the results may not be permanent for some patients, the procedure can offer long-term improvement to your vision. 
Contact us to schedule an appointment today to learn if you are a good candidate for LASIK.

Colorblind people can encounter several difficulties in their day-to-day lives due to their condition, such as difficulty cooking, reading, driving, or even detecting changes in other people’s emotions. 

Fortunately, color vision technology is making significant strides. EnChroma colorblind glasses are a revolutionary step in helping people observe a larger spectrum of bright, crisp hues.  The unique patented lens technology can help transform the way some color deficient people see, allowing them to distinguish more shades.

How do EnChroma glasses work? Read on and we’ll let you know in this short guide.

What Are EnChroma Lenses?

EnChroma lenses are the product of years of careful research and engineering. Today, they can deliver the highest possible range of vision available to people who are color blind. EnChroma color deficiency glasses help increase color contrast, thus helping someone who has a color deficiency distinguish between colors.

Each EnChroma lens consists of Trivex lens material, a urethane-based pre-polymer that is more durable and impact-resistant than many other lens types. The material also provides a sharper, crisper view for the wearer.

Note that there are separate lenses for indoor and outdoor conditions to maximize the spectrum of color vision in any environment. The outdoor lenses can improve vision in direct sunlight, which delivers the highest level of hue distinction. Conversely, the indoor lenses are ideal for conditions of low light where it’s more difficult to distinguish between shades.

All the lenses offer 100% UV protection. They’re also anti-reflective on both sides to improve clarity and eliminate haze. They boast impact protection that’s over 50x higher than FDA resistance impact standards.

Now that you know what EnChroma glasses are, let’s discuss how they work. 

How Do EnChroma Glasses Work?

People with typical sight have receptors (cones) that capture white light into the three distinct primary photopigments in the color spectrum: blue, red, and green. 

Individuals who are color deficient have fewer cones than normal, making it so they are unable to distinguish one color. This means someone can be red, green, or blue deficient. Unlike a full-color spectrum, patients suffering from one of these color deficiencies see the world in yellow and brown tones.

The most common color deficiency is a red-green or green-red deficiency. People with a lower than normal amount of red cones in the back of the eye are red deficient, called protanopia, and those with fewer green cones are called deuteranopia.

EnChroma lenses reverse the effects caused by deficient red or green cones in the eye. By filtering out portions of the light wave spectrum, they alleviate the excessive light that causes color blindness.

The result is greater contrast in the red or green signals detected by the eye, making it easier for the eye to distinguish these signals and leading to a richer, more holistic experience for those wearing the lenses.

These glasses do not fix color deficiency; they improve the functional contrast between colors. So if you are trying to see if a stoplight is red or green, you may be able to see the difference faster than looking for other visual clues.

Who Is a Good Candidate for EnChroma?

Whether you’re a good candidate for EnChroma lenses boils down to the nature of your eye condition and its severity. 

EnChroma glasses work better for patients who are green or red deficient. While someone who is blue deficient may have improved contrast, the glasses are not specifically designed for them.

If you suffer from color blindness, you can determine which specific type of condition you have by having a color blind test. The EnChroma test relies on a “hidden digit” method in which a pattern of dots contains a hidden number or letter in a different hue. Failure to recognize the digit means you aren’t able to distinguish a particular hue.

Enchroma glasses do not work for everyone. Patients with a severe deficiency in red or green cones may not be able to notice the increase in contrast the glasses provide. Our team’s testing in-office can identify whether you are living with mild, moderate, or severe protanopia or deuteranopia. Of course, the best way to test these lenses is to try them on in our office.

How to Get EnChroma Glasses

Want to know how you can snag yourself a pair? First, you’ll want to take a color blindness test. This test will verify that you have the condition and the extent to which it affects your life. 

If you have a green or red color deficiency, your optometrist will write you a prescription that you can use to get your new glasses. 

 When trying on the glasses, it can take a little bit of time for your eyes to adjust to seeing the additional contrast. EnChroma says it can take up to 30 mins; however, we have found that patients are much faster at seeing the difference.

If you’re not sure whether the glasses are right for you and would like to try them, you’re in luck! Each purchase comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee. 

Get EnChroma Glasses Today

There’s no doubt that EnChroma glasses can make everyday life easier. Their light-filtering and anti-reflective properties can help some individuals who live with colorblindness better distinguish different hues. 

If you want to learn more about how  EnChroma glasses work and get a pair for yourself, schedule an appointment with True Eye Experts today. 

You can take a color blindness test to assess your condition and find out how to manage it best. Our expert doctors and staff members can advise you on the lenses that are right for you.

The CDC states that 93 million Americans are at high risk for vision loss. However, only half of these individuals visited an eye doctor in the past year. Eye care is a serious matter, especially as you age, and not enough Americans see their doctor regularly. 

Here’s how to prepare for your appointment.

What Happens During an Eye Exam at Our Vero Beach Location?

During your comprehensive eye exam, the doctor will ask questions about your vision and general health. Then the eye associate will begin the exam by measuring the following:

• Eye health
• Eye pressure
• Visual acuity

The doctor may run several different tests depending on your health history and recent complaints, especially if it’s your first time at the eye clinic. Examples include:

• Color vision testing
• Eye muscle test
• Refraction assessment

If you have corrective lenses, the doctor will also examine whether an updated prescription is needed for your glasses or contacts. Additionally, if you’re currently using eyewear but want to try contact lenses, the doctor will perform a contact lens exam to see if you’re a good candidate. If so, you can undergo a contact lens fitting.

Refractions are mandatory for every eye exam and may include retinal photography. Our V-Eye-P exam is one of the most thorough in the country and can reveal even the most minor issues with your vision.

What Problems Do Eye Exams Detect?

Your knowledgeable True Eye doctor can assess your overall eye health and detect numerous vision problems. We list the most common below.

Changes in Vision

First, our comprehensive eye exam will determine any vision changes and assess each patient for conditions such as:

• Cataracts
• Detached retina
• Glaucoma
• Low vision
• Macular degeneration

If you require surgery for one of these conditions, like cataract surgery, your optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist for further treatment.

Refractive Errors

Refractive errors are vision problems that make it difficult to see clearly because the eye’s shape prevents light from focusing correctly on your retina. Common refractive errors include:

• Astigmatism
• Hyperopia (farsightedness)
• Myopia (nearsightedness)
• Presbyopia (losing near-focus vision)

A few simple tests help determine if you have a refractive error.

Problems With Muscles Supporting the Eye

Your eye doctor can also diagnose problems with supporting muscles around the eye. An example is strabismus (eye turn) which can result in amblyopia (lazy eye). 

Tumors or Cancer

Finally, should you have tumors or cancer in the eye, your doctor can identify them. This includes intraocular melanoma and retinoblastoma.

Eye Exam Technology Used

Your eye doctor will use the best and latest technology during your exam. This includes:

• Corneal mapping
• Digital retinal imaging
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan
• OPTOS retinal exam
• Visual field testing

Together, these technologies can determine the quality of your vision and detect any eye health issues.

5 Signs You Need to Schedule an Eye Exam 

If you’re a healthy adult aged 19 to 64 with no eye problems, you should schedule an eye exam at least every two years. Those who have eye issues or are 65 and over should have routine vision care yearly.

However, if you experience one of these five signs, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

You Don’t Remember When Your Last Exam Was

A general rule is that if you cannot remember the last time you saw your eye doctor, it’s time for a visit. Since millions of Americans have eye problems, most see their optometrist minimally once a year.

You’re Struggling to See

Is it harder to read smaller text, or are you experiencing blurry vision? If you’re having difficulties seeing or experiencing changes in your vision, you’ll want to have a doctor assess your eye health.

While it may just be time to get a pair of glasses, there could be an underlying health issue to address.

You’re at High Risk of Eye Diseases

Some eye diseases are hereditary, so if you have a family history of eye conditions, you want to see an eye doctor more frequently. This is especially true as you age since many eye conditions are degenerative and may progress with time. 

Even if you don’t have symptoms, it’s best to have an eye exam for early detection.

Allergies

Common side effects of allergies are itchy, irritated, and dry eyes. These symptoms can cause redness and tearing, affecting your vision. An optometrist will help alleviate your symptoms by providing topical medication such as antihistamines or steroids.

Other Eye Problems

You should consult an eye doctor whenever you have concerns about your eyes or vision. It never hurts to have a thorough exam to ensure you have healthy eyes.

Since many eye conditions don’t present themselves until later in life, if you notice a difference, schedule an appointment.

How to Prepare for Your Eye Exam

Before you make an appointment, you should know we have different eye specialists on staff. They are:

• Optometrists
• Opticians
• Contact Lens Specialists

Doctors who study ophthalmology can perform comprehensive eye exams, diagnose and treat eye diseases, and prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses. They can also perform eye surgery, like LASIK.

Opticians are eyeglass experts. They don’t give eye exams.

If you have a specific concern, let us know so we can schedule your appointment with the correct specialist.

Additionally, if you wear corrective lenses, don’t forget to bring them to your appointment.

Bringing sunglasses with you is a good choice but not always necessary. Not every patient is dilated with mydriatic drops, which allow more light to enter the eye and cause a heightened sensitivity to bright lights. True Eye Experts provides mydriatic “slips” that go behind glasses or fit snugly to the side of the head. You may also have someone drive you to and from your appointment if this concerns you.

Lastly, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the clinic’s location if you are a new patient. Our location is 634 21st St., Vero Beach, FL 32960. You can access the clinic by taking HWY 1 from the north near Wabasso or the south near St. Lucie. From the west in Vero Beach, FL 32966, take 20th St straight into town.

Schedule Your Eye Exam in Vero Beach, FL

There’s no better time to schedule your eye exam in Vero Beach at the top clinic on Florida’s Treasure Coast, True Eye Experts. Our friendly staff and board-certified eye doctors will ensure you get the eye care you need and deserve.

So schedule your eye exam appointment today!

We accept all major vision and health insurance plans. For more questions about plans we accept, feel free to call and speak with our team before making your appointment.

If you’re wondering how to protect your eyes in the age of remote work, social media, and screen time, you’re not alone. Maybe you frequently forget to safeguard your eyes with sunglasses, or you have a job requiring you to sit at the computer for most of your workday. You might have also skipped your yearly eye exam. Unfortunately, these seemingly innocent oversights can eventually take a toll on your eyes.

Now is the time to make changes to preserve your vision! It’s never too late to adopt a healthier routine or break a bad habit. Here are a few tips that will help you get your eye health and vision back on track.

How To Protect Your Eyes: 10 Tips for Daily Life

Are you looking for some real-world examples of how to preserve your eyesight? Then, consider the ten tips below and speak to your eye doctor for a personalized plan for protecting your vision.

1. Keep Screens at a Distance

You’re not imagining the dry, scratchy eyes you get when you stare at a computer screen for hours. Glare from screens can lead to computer vision syndrome — a temporary condition that causes strain, discomfort, and light sensitivity. The American Optometric Association recommends positioning your screen at least 20 inches from your eyes.

2. Rest Your Eyes and Blink Often

People blink less when staring at screens, which can lead to dry, irritated eyes. Experts recommend the 20-20-20 rule for people who spend their workdays in front of computers, tablets, or other screens. Every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Set a timer to remind yourself to do this if you frequently have trouble with eye strain or dry eyes.

3. Always Wear Sunglasses

Learn how to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays when you are outside or driving during daylight hours. Exposure to UV rays during any time of year can contribute to the development of cataracts or age-related macular degeneration, as well as sunburns on your eyes (in extreme cases). Make sure that your sunglasses block 99% of UVA and UVB rays.

4. Optimize Your Diet With Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in cold-water fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, and sardines, may help lower the risk of dry eyes and decrease your risk for eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. If you don’t like seafood, consider taking fish oil supplements or other supplements that contain omega 3’s, such as black currant seed oil or flaxseed oil.

5. Include More Greens in Your Diet

Are you wondering how to protect your eyes by changing your diet? Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale, broccoli, zucchini, peas, avocado, and Brussels sprouts contain the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study research conducted by the National Eye Institute demonstrated that certain dietary supplements, including these essential pigments, help prevent the progression of some eye diseases.

6. Control Your Blood Sugar

It may not seem like your overall health would affect your eyes, but in some cases, it can. If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, maintaining blood sugar control is a component of protecting your vision. Too-high blood sugar can lead to eye problems — including blindness — if it’s not tightly controlled. According to the CDC, up to 90% of diabetes-related vision loss can be prevented. If you have concerns about your blood sugar or overall health, contact your physician to schedule an exam sooner rather than later.

7. Pay Attention to Your Contact Lens Routine

Good contact hygiene is a significant component of learning how to protect your eyes. Always wash your hands before inserting or removing contacts, and store your lenses in a contact solution. Never use any liquids other than this contact lens solution to clean your contacts, and make sure you follow your eye doctor’s instructions for correct use. It’s essential to follow the replacements schedules corresponding with your contact lenses to avoid irritation, infection or vision loss. 

Be aware of eye drop use, too, especially if you have dry eyes when you work at your computer. Purchase a product that was formulated specifically for use with contacts, such as Blink for Contacts. If your contacts frequently bother you, consider switching to daily contacts. These lenses are more breathable and comfortable. Additionally, they do not require storage as you put in a fresh pair every day, and there’s no need to keep track of a replacement schedule. 

Keep a backup pair of glasses for days when your eyes feel dry or irritated — and make sure to discard any contact lenses you’ve used with an infection, such as pinkeye. 

8. Discard Old Eye Makeup

Learn how to protect your eyes daily by addressing your makeup drawer. Old eyeliner, mascara, and eyeshadow brushes can be contaminated with bacteria that can contribute to eye infections. Throw away or replace any eye makeup that is over four months old. Sharpen eyeliner pencils regularly, and don’t put liner on the inside of your eyelid. If your eyes become irritated, stop using eye makeup until they heal.

9. Wear Protective Eye Gear

Always wear protective eyewear or safety goggles if your work requires eye protection. Consider eye safety measures when working in the garden, completing home repairs, or dealing with strong cleaning substances such as bleach or oven cleaners.

10. Schedule a Yearly Eye Exam

Visiting your eye doctor for a comprehensive vision exam at least once a year is vital. Yearly eye exams are not only helpful in learning how to keep good eyesight and detect early signs of eye disease, but they are also an important indicator of your overall health. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, routine exams allow your eye doctor to detect signs of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, brain tumors, aneurysms, and multiple sclerosis.

Learn How To Protect Your Eyes Today

The tips listed here will help you keep your eyes safer daily — but they won’t take the place of a comprehensive eye exam. Schedule your appointment today, and don’t be afraid to ask questions of our experienced doctors and staff at True Eye Experts. We look forward to helping you learn how to protect your eyes for years to come!

According to a recent Pew Research poll, a majority of Americans (59%) believe that marijuana should be available for medical and recreational use. An additional 30% believe marijuana is a good medical treatment for many conditions. This psychoactive herb is frequently used to treat symptoms of chronic pain conditions, cancer, and more.

If you live in a state that allows the use of marijuana for glaucoma treatment, you may wonder whether marijuana can help alleviate the symptoms of your condition. Learn more about marijuana and glaucoma treatment in the following guide.

Marijuana and Glaucoma Symptoms

Glaucoma is a condition that causes damage to the eye’s optic nerve. This nerve receives visual information and transmits it to the brain for processing. In many cases, glaucoma results from abnormal pressure inside the eye.

Glaucoma can result in sudden pain, but often it can develop gradually without causing obvious symptoms. Your eye doctor can identify the first signs of this condition during a routine eye exam, so it’s crucial to check your eyes regularly.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

There are many subtypes of glaucoma, including open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma, also called closed-angle glaucoma, congenital glaucoma, and secondary glaucoma. Your optometrist is best equipped to diagnose glaucoma and to define which type you may have, and whether or not you are experiencing symptoms. Please don’t attempt to self-diagnose or mix marijuana and glaucoma treatment before speaking to your doctor – this condition can cause eyesight loss if improperly treated.

Symptoms of glaucoma may include the following:

• Cloudy-looking eyes
• Headaches, eye pain, and nausea (similar to migraine symptoms)
• Patches of vision loss or trouble with your peripheral vision
• Central vision loss (in the late stages of this disease)

Traditional Treatments for Glaucoma

Although there is no cure for glaucoma, treatments today aim to manage the condition by reducing intraocular pressure and preventing further damage to the optic nerve.

While glaucoma can be symptomless, eye drops, medication, laser treatments, and surgery are different levels of care that your eye doctor may suggest. 

Some of these treatments may have side effects. Researchers are investigating herbal treatments like marijuana that could possibly help treat the pain and pressure of glaucoma. 

Can Marijuana Treat Glaucoma?

How does marijuana help glaucoma, and is it a potential treatment? Most experts agree that there isn’t enough research surrounding the use of marijuana for glaucoma treatment (or using marijuana to treat chronic pain in general). Before you talk to your eye doctor about marijuana and glaucoma, consider the benefits and drawbacks of using marijuana as a treatment.

Benefits of Using Medical Marijuana

Marijuana is frequently used for recreational and medicinal purposes. You’ve likely heard many anecdotes linking marijuana use to improving chronic pain, mental health, or insomnia. Research has indicated possible benefits of marijuana for the following conditions:

• Neurological conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and nerve pain
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Severe chronic pain
• Side effects of cancer treatment

If your doctor gives you the go-ahead to use medical marijuana, you have the option of using it in several forms. You may choose to smoke it, ingest it as an edible, or use a liquid tincture.

Marijuana and Glaucoma Treatment Drawbacks

A recent study revealed that out of 1516 glaucoma patients surveyed, 13.7% reported having used alternative herbal remedies for their glaucoma, including marijuana. Of these patients, a majority had not disclosed this alternative treatment to their eyecare provider and were reluctant to do so for fear of judgment.

At this point, the American Academy of Ophthalmology doesn’t recommend using marijuana to treat glaucoma. Unfortunately, we don’t know enough about the potential benefits of this herb and how they may relate to glaucoma. Not enough data exists to determine the safety of using marijuana long-term and at high enough doses to treat this condition. Consider these points before considering marijuana to treat glaucoma:

• Dosage concerns: You may have to ingest (or inhale) a lot of marijuana for it to help glaucoma. At high doses, marijuana may negatively affect your mood and compromise your ability to complete daily tasks, such as driving. Due to the short-lived intraocular pressure-lowering effects of marijuana, large amounts would continuously be needed for treatment to be sustained and may not be worth the result.
• Optic nerve concerns: In most causes of glaucoma, the intraocular pressure is too high. However, low blood flow can also hurt the optic nerve. While marijuana can decrease the pressure inside your eye, it also lowers blood flow. In alleviating one problem, it may cause another. Combining marijuana and glaucoma may not be safe.

Is It Possible To Treat Glaucoma With Marijuana and Medicine?

Because medical experts know so little about using marijuana to manage chronic pain long-term — and even less about using marijuana as a sole treatment for glaucoma — it’s probably best to avoid using marijuana as the only treatment for glaucoma. Research suggests that a small subset of glaucoma patients may be able to use marijuana to alleviate certain symptoms, but at this stage, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits.

It’s important to remember this condition can cause vision loss. Whether you have a mild or severe case of glaucoma, you should address it as quickly and efficiently as possible with science-backed treatment methods to delay its progression.

You may have questions about treating glaucoma with a combination of medication (or surgery) and marijuana. Ask your optometrist whether this would be a good idea before you try it on your own. Marijuana does not affect everyone in the same way and can even worsen the symptoms of certain mental health conditions. It’s a good idea to work with an eye doctor to tailor your treatment plan instead of experimenting. 

Learn More About Marijuana and Glaucoma

As more states make marijuana available for medical and recreational use, you may have questions about marijuana and glaucoma. Schedule an appointment with True Eye Experts to learn more about whether marijuana is a suitable treatment for your symptoms. We look forward to helping you feel better and see as clearly as possible!

Most daily disposable contacts are single-use, meaning they are meant to be thrown away after you take them out at the end of the day.

But many of our patients ask—do you still need to toss them if you only wear your dailies for a few hours before taking them out? Is it okay to wear daily contacts more than once? 

The answer to this question depends on what kind of daily contacts you have. That’s because there are daily disposable contact lenses, and then there are daily extended-use contact lenses. There are major differences in the way that these lenses are designed and how often they can safely be worn.

In this article, the True Eye Experts explain what you need to know about reusing daily contacts.

Daily Disposable vs. Extended-Use Contact Lenses

When we talk about reusing daily contacts, it’s important to know which kind we are talking about. There are two main types of lenses:

• Daily disposable lenses are worn for one day only. They aren’t designed to be resistant to germs, bacteria, or other buildup that collects on the lens throughout the day. However, they tend to be more comfortable and breathable for some. Disposable lenses are often sold in large quantities—usually 30 to 180 lenses per box.
• Extended-use lenses (also called monthly lenses) can be reused up to 30 days per lens. Extended-use lenses must be cleaned regularly with contact lens solution and stored in a clean case. They are designed to be resistant to damage and bacterial buildup, but they may not be suited for those with sensitive eyes.

You can check your lens box if you are  unsure which kind you have. The box will have instructions on how often you should dispose of the lenses.

Can you wear daily contacts more than once?

The short answer is no.   You shouldn’t wear daily disposable contacts more than once. However, you can safely re-wear daily extended-use lenses for up to a month (or however long your optometrist recommends).

But a common question is what if you only wore your disposable lenses for an hour or two? Is it safe to re-wear them after that?

Unfortunately, the answer to that is also no. You should always throw away daily disposable lenses, even if you only wore them for a little while.

Risks of Reusing Daily Contacts

The reason you shouldn’t re-wear daily disposables is that reusing them can come with health risks. Those risks include:

• Irritation. Disposables don’t resist buildup like reusable lenses—which can lead to small irritants (like dust) getting in your eyes. By taking disposables out and putting them back in, you may experience pain, itchiness, or redness because of these irritants.
• Bacterial infection. A study conducted at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University tested disposable lenses for bacteria after the lenses were worn for a day. The researchers found that 95% of the study participants had at least one pair of used lenses that were contaminated with harmful bacteria. The harmful bacteria that grows on disposable lenses can cause severe side effects—and even vision loss in some cases.

What is the best way to avoid eye irritation and infection? Wash your hands before handling contacts or touching your eyes, don’t sleep in lenses, and don’t reuse disposables.

Can you clean disposable contacts and then re-wear them?

Disposable contacts are very thin, which means cleaning them isn’t effective—and can actually break down the lens itself, which increases the risk of the lens falling apart during use.

Think of it like this: a daily disposable lens is like a paper plate. Paper plates are thin and get the job done for one meal, but they easily absorb food particles and liquids (like how a disposable lens absorbs bacteria).

Running a paper plate through a dishwasher or even lightly scrubbing it with a sponge doesn’t clean it. Instead, the cleaning process makes the paper break down without removing all the residue. It’s the same with disposable lenses. Re-wearing a disposable lens can expose you to harmful bacteria and put you at risk of infection, even if you clean them.

Contact Troubles? Talk to a True Eye Expert

If you have more contact questions or want to make the switch to monthly lenses, an eye doctor can help! The True Eye team is passionate about helping you and your family see clearly and comfortably. Click here to schedule an appointment at one of our offices in West Central Florida or fill out a contact form here and a member of our team will reach out to you.

What is Age-related Macular Degeneration?

Optometric technicians (OTs) are skilled eye care professionals that assist an optometrist, otherwise known as an eye doctor.

If you’re interested in a medical career but would prefer not to spend an extensive amount of time and money on medical school, becoming an ophthalmic technician is a rewarding career with training opportunities open to anyone with a high school diploma or GED.

In this blog, we discuss what an optometric technician does, how to become one, and how they differ from an ophthalmic assistant or technologist. 

What does an optometric technician do?

An optometric technician’s main responsibility is to assist an eye doctor in providing care to patients.

Every office does things a bit differently, but typically, ophthalmic technicians assist with tasks like:

• Taking patient medical histories
• Performing basic eye exams and tests
• Answering questions about medications, eyeglasses, and contact lenses
• Helping with in-office procedures
• Using diagnostic instruments (lensometers, keratometers, and ophthalmometers)
• Maintaining ophthalmic equipment 
• Sending prescriptions to pharmacies
• Coordinating/scheduling future appointments

An OT is there to make sure a patient’s experience at the eye doctor is as comfortable as possible and that all of a patient’s questions are answered. OTs often work with patients of all kinds—from kids getting their first pair of glasses to seniors with a variety of eye health concerns.

What is the difference between a paraoptometric, assistant, technician, and coder?

An ophthalmic technician is only one of three ophthalmic-allied health professional certifications. While technicians, assistants, and technologists all assist an eye doctor, each job has different requirements and different responsibilities around the office. 

• Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) can perform visual acuity tests (a vision exam that uses an eye chart), assess pupils, administer medications, document patient history, answer patient questions, and help with general office tasks. No prior work experience is required to become a CPO, but you must pass a certification exam, which typically requires 6 to 12 months of study independently or through a training program. 
• Certified Paraoptometric Assistants (CPOA) can do all of the above, but are also trained to handle specialized instruments such as a lensometer, a keratometer, and an ophthalmometer. You must be employed as a CPO  for at least 2,000 hours (one year of full-time work) to become certified as a technician. 
• Certified Paraoptometric Technicians (CPOT) have the most training and technical knowledge of the three roles. They are able to perform all of the duties of an assistant and a technician, but can also perform ophthalmic photographs, ultrasounds, and supervise other roles. Becoming a technologist requires a minimum of 3,000 hours employed as a CPOA (18 months of full-time work).  

 Each role also has specific educational requirements—you can learn more about the required courses and how the certification process works on the AOA Website

Ophthalmic Technicians vs. Optometric Technicians 

Ophthalmic technicians assist an ophthalmologist—an eye doctor licensed to practice medicine and surgery—and is equipped to diagnose and treat any eye condition. 

Optometric technicians assist an optometrist, an eye doctor who provides primary vision care, such as prescribing corrective lenses and administering eye exams. 

Ophthalmic technicians share many of the same responsibilities as optometric technicians, such as answering patient questions and performing certain eye tests, but optometric technicians have different certification requirements. You can learn more about what it takes to become an ophthalmic technician on the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology Website.

Who else works in an optometrist’s office?

In addition to optometric technicians, there are other staff members you’ll meet when you visit an optometrist’s office. Each staff member has their own special role, but all of them are there to support patients.

Here are other staff members a patient may meet in the office:

• Optometrist and/or ophthalmologist. Both optometrists and ophthalmologists are eye doctors, though ophthalmologists are able to perform surgery and other specialized procedures. Eye doctors may specialize in treating certain eye conditions (like glaucoma) or certain patients (like pediatric eye doctors, who focus on kids).
• Opticians. Opticians can measure patients’ vision and fit them for eyeglasses or contact lenses. They often work alongside eye doctors.
• Billing and coding specialists. These specialists handle insurance paperwork to ensure each visit gets billed properly to an insurance plan. Many billing and coding specialists work behind the scenes, but they may collect co-pays or call patients if there is an issue with insurance.
• Surgical coordinators. If a patient visits an ophthalmologist for a procedure, a surgical coordinator will be the one to schedule the date of the surgery, as well as the pre- and post-op visits. Coordinators may also call patients the day before their surgery, keep track of medical information, and perform other administrative tasks.
• Front desk staff and reception. Front desk staff greet patients when they walk in, check patients into their appointments, and schedule their next visit.

How to Become an Optometric  Technician

OTs must hold a high school diploma or GED—a bachelor’s degree is not typically required. There are two main ways to enter the field and become an OT, each with its own pros and cons. 

1. Training programs & accredited schools. Training programs for Optometric technicians typically take 1 to 2 years to complete and allow you to skip the lower levels of certification and jump right into becoming an OT. However, because they require hands-on training, these programs must be completed in person. This may not be ideal if you don’t live close to a school that offers ophthalmic training. 
2. On-the-job training. Many optometric technicians begin their careers as receptionists or office administrators in an optometry office, and receive on-the-job training to become an ophthalmic assistant. To become an optometric technician, you’ll need to work as an OA for at least one year. On-the-job training is great because you’re able to earn income while you learn and work your way through the levels of certification, but you’ll need to be self-motivated to stay on top of your education without the structure of a formal training program. 

Your education doesn’t stop once you start a career in eye care—True Eye Experts, we encourage our team members to continue their learning by attending seminars and conferences and staying up to date with the latest advances in eye care technology.

Explore Careers in Eye Care 

If you’re interested in working in the eye care field, there are plenty of rewarding career paths to choose from.

Here, at True Eye Experts, our team of optometrists and eye care staff work together to examine patients, diagnose conditions, and make treatment recommendations that best suit a patient’s needs. They also help with things like fitting patients for specialty contact lenses, helping patients choose the right eyeglasses, and make referrals to eye surgery experts.

We’re always looking for passionate people to join our optometry team at our offices in Crystal River, Lutz, North Fort Myers, New Tampa, and Trinity, Florida. If you’d like to learn more about our employment opportunities, click here to visit our Careers page.

If you’re a patient who’s ready to book a visit, click here to request an appointment. We’re always excited to see new patients!

Digital Eye Strain or Computer Vision Syndrome

Digital devices have impacted our world in so many positive ways, allowing us to connect, work, play and get information at the speed of light. But all of this good brings with it a measure of concern: Digital Eye Strain or Computer Vision Syndrome. Focusing on your vision on digital devices for long periods can cause eye fatigue and eyestrain. In fact, up to 70% of North American adults suffer from symptoms of Digital Eye Strain which include:

• Headaches
• Blurred or double vision
• Sore eyes
• Dry or watery eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Neck, shoulder or back pain

In addition to these symptoms, emerging research shows that blue light from digital devices causes sleep disturbances by interfering with the REM cycle of sleep. As people move from their computer to their tablet to their phone, more and more of these symptoms are being seen, and in younger and younger people. 

How They Work Computer glasses reduce eye strain by adjusting the focus slightly so your eyes feel like they are focusing on something further away. They also have a tint to remove the glare and block blue light from entering into your eyes. 

Finding the Right Pair There are a number of companies that make computer glasses, some that are designed for device users without a prescription or that would wear the glasses with contact lenses. Other manufacturers provide options to incorporate vision prescriptions into the lens. When shopping for computer glasses you want to make sure you find the right pair. The eyewear should sit nicely on your face and provide a comfortable tint. 

Children and Computer Glasses Children are using digital devices more than ever and this trend will only continue as smartphones take over and tablet and computer-based learning increases. Their use extends well beyond the school day as well, as they use computers for homework and gaming and smartphones to text with their friends. Computer glasses should be used for kids preventatively before eye strain begins to keep their eyes healthy longer and prevent nearsightedness. Don’t wait for eye strain to affect you and your family members. Take computer vision syndrome seriously and ask your eye doctor about how computer glasses can help.

February is AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month in the United States, and it’s White Cane Week in Canada.

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in adults aged 50 and older. Awareness about the disease, the risk factors and prevention are critical, even for younger generations because taking care of your eyes while you are young will help to reduce the risks later on in life.

Understanding AMD

AMD is a disease that damages the macula, which is the center of the retina responsible for sharp visual acuity in the central field of vision.  The breakdown of the macula eventually results in the loss of central vision and can occur in one eye or both eyes simultaneously. While AMD doesn’t result in complete blindness, the quality of vision is severely compromised leading to what we refer to as “low vision”. The loss of central vision can interfere with the performance of everyday tasks such as driving, reading, writing, cooking, or even recognizing faces of friends and family.  The good news is, there are many low vision aides on the market now that can assist in helping you to perform these tasks.

There are two types of AMD: Wet and Dry.

Dry AMD is the most common form of the disease. It is characterized by blurred central vision or blind spots, as the macula begins to deteriorate. Dry AMD is less severe than the wet form, but can progress to wet AMD rapidly. Wet AMD is when abnormal blood vessels begin to grow under the retina and leak fluid and blood into the macula, causing distortions in vision. Wet AMD can cause permanent scarring if not treated quickly, so any sudden blur in vision should be assessed immediately, especially if one is aware that they have AMD.

What causes AMD and how can it be prevented?

The primary risk factor of AMD is age, particularly over age 50. Caucasian women are the most common demographic to be hit with this ocular disease; family medical history and having lighter colored hair, skin, and eyes play a large role. However, several lifestyle factors have been shown to cause an increase in AMD development; so there may be ways to reduce your risk, even if you have a genetic predisposition.

In fact, most of the controllable risk factors pose general health risks that cause a plethora of health issues, so addressing them will boost your overall health and wellness, in addition to protecting your eyes and vision from AMD. Here are 6 ways to prevent AMD and the vision loss that accompanies it:

Stop Smoking

Smoking, and even living with a smoker, have been shown to significantly increase your risks of developing AMD to between 2-5 times the risk of non-smokers! If you also have a hereditary risk, smoking compounds that risk tremendously. 

Get Active

Studies show that obesity and a sedentary lifestyle increase the risk of advanced macular degeneration that leads to significant vision loss. Maintaining a healthy weight and being active can reduce your risk. That could be as easy as regular walking, at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes. 

Control Blood Pressure

Since the eye contains many tiny blood vessels, high blood pressure can have a serious impact on the health of your eyes. Have your blood pressure checked by your doctor and follow any medical advice you are given to reduce high blood pressure, whether that includes diet, exercise or medication. 

Choose a Healthy Diet

A diet rich in antioxidants has been shown to protect against AMD.  Antioxidants can be found in abundance in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, kale and collard greens, as well as orange fruits and vegetables such as peppers, oranges, mango and cantaloupe.  Eating a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables, 5-9 servings a day, as well as fish, which contain Omega-3, and avoiding sugar and processed foods will help to keep your body healthy in many ways, including reducing your risk of AMD. 

Use UV and Blue Light Protection

Long-term exposure to UV rays from the sun and blue light (from digital devices among other things) have been linked to AMD. Make sure you wear sunglasses every time you are exposed to sunlight and wear blue light blocking glasses when you are viewing a digital device or computer for extended periods of time. 

Take Supplements

Certain nutritional supplements have been shown to slow the progression of AMD and the vision loss that accompanies it. This formula of supplements was developed from a 10 year study of 3,500 people with AMD called the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) and its successor AREDS2. It is not recommended to take supplementation as a preventative measure but rather only if you are diagnosed with intermediate or advanced AMD. 

During your yearly comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor will screen for early signs of AMD and recommend treatment if it is detected. If you’re at greater risk – because of your age or family medical history – additional testing may be necessary.

AMD can be a devastating disease. If you are aware that you are at risk, it is worthwhile to do everything you can to prevent it and the vision loss that it can bring. Take the time to understand AMD and do what it takes to lower your chances of knowing its effects first-hand.

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What is Age-related Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration, AMD, is one of the leading causes of vision loss in the United States, affecting more people than glaucoma and cataracts combined. This specific eye disease causes loss of central vision, making everyday activities such as driving, reading, and recognizing faces difficult.

Unfortunately, there is no known solution to this eye disease, so treatment focuses on detecting risk factors and preventing the disease from the onset. At True Eye Experts, we’re able to detect this at a very early stage, so getting an eye exam on a routine basis is a vital part of protecting your eye health.

What Causes AMD?

There are many factors, both hereditary and environmental, that can increase the risk of AMD. Factors such as obesity, increased sun exposure, smoking, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease have all been linked to the disease.

The symptoms of AMD can be hard to detect, so seeing an eye doctor is very important to ensure that your eyes are healthy. Symptoms include blurry or fuzzy vision, a blurry or gray spot in the center of your vision, wavy lines, pale colors, and objects appearing smaller than they actually are.

Who is at Risk for AMD?

AMD affects many people and often takes a while to develop from the first stage into an intermediate form of the disease. As many as 1 in 3 patients are at risk for AMD. Those who are at a higher risk for developing AMD include Caucasians, people who have light-colored eyes, those who have a poor diet, and anyone over the age of 60.

If you fit any of these factors, you may be at risk for AMD. True Eye Experts have access to advanced solutions to detect macular health issues earlier than ever.

Treatments Offered in Tampa

There are very important steps to take to decrease the possibility of AMD, including maintaining a healthy weight, wearing protective gear outside, exercising regularly, eating healthy, and getting regular screenings by your eye doctor.

At True Eye Experts, we are taking eye protection one step further by offering Macular Pigment Ocular Density (MPOD) testing to measure the amount of macular pigment in the eye, allowing our experienced eye doctors to determine your level of risk. By evaluating your pigmentation level, we will create an effective plan to combat AMD.