Eye Exams Are Especially Important for Older Americans: Here’s Why   

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Routine eye exams are important for people of all ages. However, they become especially vital as you age. Often vision conditions such as macular degeneration or cataracts first make their appearance in people over the age of 40. And early detection and intervention are the best ways to halt their progression. While it’s often impossible to reverse vision loss due to age-related eye conditions, it is usually possible to stop symptoms from worsening. That’s why it’s so important to keep regular appointments for routine eye exams with your eye doctor in North Syracuse, NY. Common eye conditions that affect older Americans include:

Myopia/Hyperopia

These are more technical terms for nearsightedness and farsightedness. As we age, these types of refractive errors become more common. In part, this is because the cornea becomes less pliable with age. Therefore, it’s less able to bend the light in the manner required to project a clear image onto the retina. The result is blurred vision of objects either near or far away. Usually, corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses are all that’s needed to correct refractive errors. And patients who don’t want to wear corrective lenses may wish to explore LASIK surgery.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is actually a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve. Often, the symptoms of glaucoma come on so slowly that you don’t notice them until real damage has been done. But with regular visits to your eye doctor, you can have routine glaucoma screenings to detect this disorder. If you have a family history of glaucoma, or if you belong to specific ethnic groups over the age of 40 (African American) or over the age of 60 (Hispanic), you may be more at risk.

Cataracts

Cataracts occur when a cloudy film develops over the lens of your eye, impeding your vision and making it difficult or impossible to drive, read, write, and more. When left untreated, they can worsen over time. But with regular vision care, you can opt to have cataracts removed. Usually, this involves a simple surgery in which your eye surgeon removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial one.

If you’re an older American who hasn’t had regular eye appointments in North Syracuse, NY, it’s time to call McPherson Optometry to set up a convenient time to come in.

 

What Could be the Reason For Eye Pain?

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Although the eyes do have nerve endings, it’s not normal to experience eye pain. Unless you are actually touching the eye, there should be little to no sensation in the eye. If you do have eye pain, you should see your eye doctor in North Syracuse, NY as soon as possible.

Common Eye Pain Symptoms

Sharp, painful, or throbbing eye discomfort might afflict either or both eyes. Eye pain may be different from the usual irritation caused by a speck of dirt or a little foreign item in the eye. In those cases, when the foreign item is removed, the discomfort subsides. Other forms of eye pain are more severe and last longer, and it might be preceded by or associated with other symptoms. Some eye discomfort might be an indication of a more serious health condition or injury, and it’s important to be seen by an optometrist as soon as you can.

Possible Causes of Eye Pain

Once you’ve determined that your eye pain is not caused by a foreign object or a stuck contact lens, there are other possible causes to consider. These include:

Glaucoma – This condition causes a build-up of pressure in the eyes, which sometimes results in eye pain. Note that glaucoma leads to vision loss, so immediate treatment is essential.

Infection – Both viral and bacterial infections can spread from other parts of the body into the eyes, resulting in eye pain.

Sinus infection – The sinuses are located right behind the eyes and an infection in the sinuses often leads to headaches and eye pain.

Allergic reaction – Allergies from pollen, prescription medication, eye makeup and contact lens solutions can all cause side effects and allergic reactions that include eye pain.

Dry Eye Syndrome – Dry eye is a condition where the eyes do not produce enough moisture. This results in eye pain as well as other symptoms.

Badly fitting contacts – If you wear contact lenses, the contact lenses themselves may be the culprit. Getting refitted for contacts may alleviate the eye discomfort.

Whether or not you have a foreign object in your eye, you should get an eye exam in North Syracuse, NY regarding eye pain. That way, any potential damage can be carefully assessed and treated by the optometrist. Contact us to book your appointment today.

3 Ways Lack of Sleep Affects Your Visual Health

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How much sleep have you been getting lately? If you are like a lot of Americans, you simply don’t get enough sleep. About 35 percent of American adults get less than the recommended seven hours of sleep every night. Unfortunately, lack of sleep is not just bad for your general health, but also your visual health. In fact, some general vision problems in North Syracuse may be related to lack of sleep. Take a look at some of the ways lack of sleep can affect your eyes.

Lack of sleep can lead to dry eyes

When your eyes are tired, you may be more likely to have problems with decreased tear production. Over time, this can lead to issues with dry eyes, which can come along with bothersome symptoms like redness, itchiness, and even blurred vision. When you have dry eyes, your tears are not lubricating the eye lens properly, which can also mean you are more susceptible to contaminants in your environment.

Lack of sleep can contribute to eye fatigue

Eye fatigue is a serious issue, even though it is an issue that is often disregarded. When your eyes feel extremely tired, they need a break. Not getting enough sleep can mean your eyes get fatigued faster than they normally would. Tired eyes don’t produce as many tears, can suffer from damaged blood vessels, and may even have issues seeing clearly.

Lack of sleep could put you at risk of eye conditions

Certain eye conditions are directly linked to poor quality sleep. For example, people who have sleep apnea are actually at a higher risk of glaucoma. This is because sleep apnea affects the intraocular pressure on the retina, as well as the important blood vessels that feed oxygen to the retina.

Keep Your Vision in Check with the Help of a North Syracuse, NY Eye Doctor

Worried that your problems with sleep are affecting your vision? If so, it may be time to visit a North Syracuse eye doctor for advice. Even small problems can grow to be a major issue when it comes to your visual health. Reach out to us at McPherson Optometry to schedule an appointment for a checkup.

Is LASIK Worth the Risks? 

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If you have been living with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, you know how inconvenient and uncomfortable it can be. From fuzzy vision to double vision, headaches, and even night driving concerns, dealing with consistent eyesight issues can impact every aspect of your life and leave you searching for treatment. While eyeglasses and contact lenses might help you manage your vision issues, many people consider the possibility of having LASIK done.

Is LASIK Right For You?

Youroptometrist in North Syracuse, NY can perform LASIK surgery on your eyes. But you should consider whether this is the right solution for you. Before confirming that LASIK might be right, your optometrist will do a through eye examination. Depending upon the findings, you and your eye doctor can determine how best to proceed.

What is LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK is the most widely performed laser eye surgery for correcting everyday vision impairments and eyesight disorders. The process involves the use of a highly specialized laser that is meant to enhance eyesight, minimize or eliminate the need for corrective eyeglasses, and address refractive problems that affect a person’s vision. The treatment involves reshaping the cornea so that light entering the eye is appropriately focused on the retina, resulting in sharper vision.

Risks of LASIK Surgery

LASIK, like any operation, has inherent risks connected with it, including the impact it might have on your eyesight. Before deciding to have any operation, it is critical to be aware of the potential hazards. While studies has shown that major complications are uncommon, a tiny minority of patients do have actual and long-lasting problems following surgery. Some of the transient difficulties that have been found include:

  • Scratchiness and dryness of the eyes
  • Experiencing glare, halos, or starbursts
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • Poor night vision
  • Chronic pain or discomfort

In the case of LASIK, over 300 peer-reviewed studies suggest that 95% of patients who have the treatment are happy with the results. However, a tiny number of patients report experiencing the above-mentioned symptoms for a long time, and an even smaller percentage report that their problems have become permanent.

Millions of LASIK procedures have been done successfully around the world. Most people feel that, if they are deemed to be a good candidate, the potential improvement in vision is worth the risks. Talk to youroptometrist in North Syracuse, NY for LASIK information.

Can Strabismus be Corrected?

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Strabismus is the official term for what is commonly called “crossed eyes.” However, the word strabismus indicates any abnormal alignment of the eyes. In some cases of strabismus, the eyes are not crossed entirely, but focus in slightly different directions. In fact, some mild cases of strabismus are hardly noticeable to others, although it will nearly always cause conspicuous vision problems in the person suffering with strabismus. Untreated strabismus can result in lifelong vision difficulties, such as blurred vision, chronic headaches and worse.

Different Categories of Strabismus

Strabismus can present in various ways. The way in which it presents helps the optometrist in North Syracuse, NY to diagnose, categorize and treat the condition. The different types of strabismus are:

  • Esotropia, where eyes are turned inward
  • Exotropia, where eyes are turned outward
  • Hypertropia, where eyes are turned upward
  • Hypotropia, where eyes are turned downward

Note that one or both eyes may be affected.

Can Strabismus be Treated?

Strabismus causing vision problems, but it usually also causes emotional concerns, such as lack of ability to learn, develop and grow intellectually and socially. Because the condition is so visible to others, it can result in a lack of confidence or a tendency to withdraw and isolate from society. Thankfully, there are treatments for strabismus for people of all ages, including infants. Treatment for strabismus in North Syracuse, NY is available from your optometrist.

Treatments For Strabismus

Treatment for strabismus will depend upon the age of the person, as well as the category, form and severity of the condition. Treatment options include:

  • Corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses
  • Special prism lenses
  • Prescription eye drops and/or ointment
  • Eye patch
  • Surgery

Remember that your optometrist will bear in mind the age and condition of the patient before recommending any treatment option. For instance, an infant can’t wear contacts or eyeglasses, but an eye patch might help. Barring non-invasive results, surgery may be necessary.

Strabismus is a condition of the eye muscles. As such, treatment is readily available and highly effective. For best results, contact your optometrist early and regularly for eye exams. The sooner that strabismus is diagnosed and treated, the faster you or your loved one can get on with life with good vision. Contact us to book your appointment now.

Could Eyestrain Be Causing Your Headaches?

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Just like the other muscles in your body, your eyes get tired, too. When you stare too long at a computer screen, or when you spend long hours texting your friend from a darkened bedroom, you can overtax your eyes. This leads to a number of symptoms, including painful headaches. Your eye doctor in North Syracuse, NY, will recognize the symptoms of eye strain.

How Does Eye Strain Happen?

Eye strain is not a serious condition, and it will go away once you have a chance to rest your eyes. However, the resulting headache may linger. Many factors may contribute to eye strain, including:

  • Driving for long periods of time without taking a break
  • Sitting for too long in front of a computer, television screen, or tablet
  • Marathon reading sessions
  • Trying to read in insufficient light
  • Dry, moving air, such as that produced by air conditioning

There may be other causes of eye strain, as well. However, these are probably the most common. It’s important to take time to rest your eyes on occasion when you have to stare at an object, such as a book, for an extended period of time. This gives your eyes an opportunity to refocus and to lubricate and may help you avoid an eye strain headache.

How Do I Know Whether Eye Strain Is Causing My Headaches?

The only way to know for sure whether eye strain is the culprit is to book an appointment with your eye doctor. Headaches are generic in nature and may be caused by anything from body tension to dental problems. But there are certain symptoms that accompany headaches caused by eye strain. They include:

  • A headache that develops after a long session of staring at an object or objects
  • Pain that feels like it’s centered behind your eyes
  • No other symptoms of illness, such as nausea, present
  • Not accompanied by fever
  • Goes away when you close your eyes for a period of time

If you suspect you’re suffering from eye strain headaches in North Syracuse, NY, McPherson Optometry can help. Call today to book an appointment for a routine eye exam and a consultation with one of our experienced and friendly eye professionals.

Wire Frames Vs. Plastic – Which One Is Right For You?

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It’s fun to shop for new glasses! When you’re trying to pick out new glasses frames, one of the decisions you’ll have to make is whether to choose wire frames or plastic. These materials look very different, and also feel and function differently for the glasses wearer. Knowing the difference between these materials can help you decide which type of material is right for you. Here’s what you need to know when shopping for glasses in North Syracuse, NY.

What to Know About Wire Frames

Wire frames are classic eye glasses that people have been wearing for hundreds of years. Some people prefer wire frames because they’re elegant, sophisticated, and also lightweight. Wires tend to be much thinner than plastic frames, so they’re far more understated than plastic frames.

Wire frames come with nose pads that need to be replaced periodically. Some people think nose pads can be a good thing (they’re easily adjusted to your face) while others think they’re a disadvantage (they need to be replaced by someone on a regular basis).

What to Know About Plastic Frames

Plastic frames often come in bright colors and are much more noticeable than wire frames. For some eye patients, plastic frames are considered a good thing because it’s easy to express your creative side with brightly colored plastic frames. Others don’t like the look of plastic frames and prefer the less noticeable wire frames.

One thing to be aware of if you’re considering plastic frames: they’re heavier than wire frames, and take some time for adjustment. Most people need to wear plastic frames for a few days before they find them comfortable.

How to Make the Right Decision for You

Are you wondering which type of glasses are right for you? Try some on! The best way to find the right glasses for your needs is to visit an eye doctor, get an eye exam and then sample the glasses they have on hand.

Contact your eye doctor in North Syracuse. At McPherson Optometry, we stock a range of eye glasses to meet your needs. We can help you decide whether plastic frames or wire frames are right for you. Call today to make an appointment.

Why Do I Have Pain Behind My Eyes?

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If you’ve recently become aware of pain behind one or both of your eyes, you should book an eye exam with your eye doctor in North Syracuse, NY. Pain behind the eyes is not normal and is often a symptom of a serious condition. Of course, pain behind the eyes doesn’t mean you have to worry about losing vision, but it is certainly something that warrants the attention of an eye professional. Following are some possible causes to be aware of.

Sinus Infection

Pain behind the eyes could be something as benign as a sinus infection. The sinus cavity is located very close to the eyes. Inflammation in this area will almost always lead to discomfort and possibly pain behind the eyes. If you also have symptoms like runny discharge or headache, this may be the reason.

Eye Strain

When you strain your eyes, the muscles of your eye contract. Chronic eye strain can lead to pain behind the eyes. Try minimizing the amount of strain you put on your eyes. Be sure to read insufficient light, use a blue light filter on your devices and make sure that your contacts or eyeglasses prescription is up-to-date. Your North Syracuse, NY eye doctor may have other ideas for reducing eye strain, too.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition where pressure builds up inside the eye. This pressure will eventually cut off brain signals from the optic nerve, inducing blindness. Be sure to see your eye doctor immediately to report your eye pain and to get a glaucoma test.

Dry Eyes

If you have the condition known as dry eyes, then your eyes do not produce sufficient tears to keep eyes adequately moist. Dry eyes often present with pain behind the eyes. Treatment is available from your eye doctor.

When it comes to your vision, you should never assume that everything is okay. You should never put up with pain behind the eyes or expect that it will just go away on its own. Even something as benign as a sinus infection can escalate into something more serious. See your eye doctor right away if you have pain or any kind of discomfort behind one or both eyes.

What’s Causing Your Blurred Vision?

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Does your vision suddenly seem blurry? While there could be a serious issue to blame, more often than not, blurred vision is not an emergency. So if you’re seeing things a little more out-of-focus today than yesterday, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor in North Syracuse, NY for a routine eye exam.

Common Causes of Blurred Vision

In rare instances, blurry vision may be a sign of stroke, elevated blood sugar levels, or eye injury. If you notice pain, swelling, eye irritation, or other uncomfortable symptoms that coincide with changes in vision, seek medical attention immediately. However, most of the time, blurred vision is not something to be alarmed about. It may be caused by:

  • Eye strain
  • Eye infection
  • Corneal abrasion
  • Nerve inflammation
  • Migraine
  • Normal aging

In these instances, your eye doctor in North Syracuse, NY may prescribe medication, rest, a new eyeglass prescription, or a temporary contact lens to correct the problem and alleviate discomfort. However, because vision problems may be an early indicator of a more serious condition, you should always be prompt in scheduling a checkup for blurred vision in North Syracuse, NY.

Uncommon Causes of Blurred Vision

In rare instances, your blurred vision could mean something more serious is going on. For instance, retinal detachment or transient ischemic attack. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina pulls away from the back of your eye, causing it to lose blood supply. Retinal detachment may have one of several causes, including:

  • Diseases such as advanced diabetes
  • Eye trauma or injury
  • Recent eye surgery
  • Eye disorders such as degenerative myopia
  • Genetics and normal aging

If your retina detaches and goes untreated, you could lose your vision in that eye.

A transient ischemic attack, or TIA, is a sort of mini-stroke that typically lasts for less than 24 hours. A TIA does not normally cause permanent damage, however, it does mean blood supply to your brain was interrupted. For this reason, you should seek immediate medical treatment if you suspect you’re having a mini-stroke.

Call McPherson Optometry Today

In the North Syracuse area, McPherson Optometry can help with blurred vision. Call today to book an eye exam and consultation with one of our experienced eye care professionals.

Why You Need a New Eyeglass Prescription Every Year

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If you wear eyeglasses, you may have had an experience where you visit a doctor from year to year and receive the same prescription. If you keep getting the same bill of health, you might reasonably wonder why the doctor needs to keep writing out the same results. We’ll look at why you really do need this service once a year, so you don’t ‘forget’ to make your yearly appointment.

Your Vision Changes

Your vision can change subtly over time, and any discrepancies from year to year are good for your eye doctor to know about. Usually, your eyes are liable to get worse from year to year, but there are times when your vision can actually improve if you’ve been taking care of your eyes over the year (e.g., better diet, rinsing out contact lenses, etc.).

So even if you don’t need a new prescription, you might get some insight into how these subtle differences can affect you in the future. And if you do happen to need a new prescription, even if you’re only adjusting it slightly, having the right glasses or contact lenses can do wonders for your eyes. When you use your eyes every day for that many hours, any eye strain or magnification can eventually start to cause problems.

Disease and Disorder Prevention

Around the world, many visual impairments can be largely avoided with yearly eye exams. Yet, there are millions who won’t discover serious problems until they need more serious treatments (e.g., surgery, etc.). This is compounded with the number of hours we spend staring at screens, causing eye strain that will only worsen with time. Seeing your eye doctor gives them a way to assess everything from your cornea to your optic nerves to the resilience of your eye. When you consider many disorders start with no symptoms, this is more necessary than you might think.

Eye health is strongly linked with your overall health. Different bodily conditions may cause vision problems, which can easily be the first thing you (or your doctor) notices. If nothing else, going to the eye doctor every year can give you a little peace of mind about how your eyes are progressing over time.