What’s the Best Way to Clean Contact Lenses?

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Contact lenses present a subtle and convenient solution for vision correction, offering a welcome alternative to traditional eyeglasses. Ensuring that they are cleaned and maintained correctly is vital to prolonging their usability and keeping your eyes safe from infections.

The Importance of Cleaning Contact Lenses

Cleaning your contact lenses removes the dirt, dust, and debris that accumulate on the lenses throughout the day, preventing irritation and maintaining clear vision. It also eliminates bacteria, fungi, and other harmful microorganisms that can cause eye infections.

Contact Lens Cleaning Process

To effectively clean your contact lenses in North Syracuse, NY, start by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water. This step helps to prevent the transfer of bacteria and dirt from your hands to your lenses.

Next, gently remove the lens from your eye using your index finger and thumb, taking care not to damage it. With the lens in the palm of your hand, apply some contact lens cleaning solution and rinse it thoroughly to remove any debris or deposits. Gently rub the lens in a circular motion using your index finger for about 10 seconds. After rubbing, rinse the lens once more with the cleaning solution or a contact lens rinsing solution.

To store, place it in a clean contact lens case filled with fresh contact lens solution, making sure to securely close the case to avoid contamination. Repeat the entire cleaning process for your other contact lens.

Maintaining Your Contact Lenses

To ensure proper contact lens care, always use the cleaning solution recommended by your optometrist or lens manufacturer. Avoid using water, saliva, or homemade solutions, as these can damage your lenses and increase the risk of eye infection. Replace your contact lens case regularly, preferably every three months, to maintain a sanitary and healthy environment for your lenses. Lastly, follow the cleaning and replacement schedule provided by your optometrist to ensure safe and comfortable lens usage.

Thorough and regular contact lens cleaning is crucial for maintaining clear vision and protecting your eyes from infections. By following the steps outlined here and paying attention to your optometrist’s advice, you can enjoy the benefits of contact lenses while keeping your eyes in optimal condition. To get new or replacement contract lenses or an eye exam, book an appointment with your North Syracuse, NY optometrist today.

The Effects of Corrective Lenses on Common Eye Conditions

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Pretty much everyone everywhere is familiar with eyeglasses. And possibly, you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses yourself because they help you to see better close up, far away, or both. But how, exactly, do eyeglasses work? Have you ever wondered? And are there any eye conditions that can’t be improved through the science of corrective lenses? If you’re experiencing changes in your vision, and you wonder if a new set of corrective lenses can help, your eye doctor in North Syracuse, NY, has answers.

How Corrective Lenses Work

Eyeglasses and contact lenses work by correcting refractive errors. There’s a light-sensitive area in the back of the eye called the retina. When light enters your eye and falls in the exact right place on the retina, you see a clear image. However, if something — usually the shape of your eye — causes that light to fall in the wrong place on the retina, the image you see may appear blurry or distorted. Corrective lenses work by redirecting the source of light so that it falls exactly where it should, thereby eliminating errors in refraction. Your vision becomes clear, and all is well again.

There are several common types of refractive errors, including:

  • Nearsightedness
  • Farsightedness
  • Presbyopia
  • Astigmatism

All occur because of the way the shape of your eye focuses light on the retina. For these common eye conditions, corrective lenses are the go-to solution, and vision can almost always be improved or completely restored.

Do Corrective Lenses Always Improve Vision?

However, there are some eye conditions that can’t be improved through the science of refractive correction. Cataracts is a good example. When you have cataracts, a cloudy film forms across the lens of your eye, impeding the retina’s access to light. Neither eyeglasses nor contact lenses will improve vision loss if you have cataracts. However, other treatments, such as removing the damaged lens and replacing it with an artificial lens, can work wonders.

Where to Find Corrective Lenses in North Syracuse

For help with eyeglasses or contact lenses in North Syracuse, NY, call McPherson Optometry. At McPherson Optometry, we specialize in finding solutions for all eye conditions — both common and uncommon. Call today to schedule a convenient time to come in.

5 Food Groups That Are Good for Your Eyes

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Any optometrist in North Syracuse, NY will tell you that your eyes are one of the most important parts of your body. Therefore, you should do everything in your power to keep them healthy. You can start by eating foods that are good for your eyes.

Five Food Groups That Are Good for Your Eyes

1. Fish

There are many types of fish that are a significant source of omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, some studies have shown that fish oil also has the potential of reversing dry eye. However, that is going to vary from person to person.

The fish that have the highest amounts of omega-3 fish oil are:

  • Tuna
  • Salmon
  • Anchovies
  • Trout
  • Mackerel
  • Herring

2. Citrus Fruits and Berries

Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are all high in vitamin C. Vitamin C is used in the body to form your connective tissues, including the collagen which can be found in your corneas. Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries are superfoods that help keep you healthy and your eyes functioning normally. Additionally, the antioxidants in berries have the potential of helping to prevent dry eye, lower blood pressure, macular degeneration, and other vision defects.

The best way to protect your eyes and keep them healthy is to schedule regular eye exams in North Syracuse, NY.

3. Nuts, Legumes, and Seeds

Nuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids and contain large amounts of vitamin E, which helps protect your eyes from age-related damage. These nuts and legumes include walnuts, lentils, Brazil nuts, peanuts, and cashews.

Seeds are similar to nuts and legumes when it comes to being high in omega-3s and being a great source of vitamin E. These seeds include chia seeds, hemp seeds, and flax seeds.

4. Leafy Green Vegetables

Leafy green vegetables are high in lutein and zeaxanthin and are a great source of vitamin C which is great for your eyes. These include kale, spinach, and collard greens.

5. Other Foods That Are Good for Your Eyes

  • Carrots
  • Bananas
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Beef
  • Mango
  • Papaya
  • Apricots
  • Eggs
  • Water

What’s Next?

If you need an optometrist in North Syracuse, NY, please Contact McPherson Optometry today. We are a leading provider of quality vision care and use only state-of-the-art diagnostic technology and eye care products. We would love to provide you with the highest level of eye care and attention you deserve.

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4 Things You Can Do to Care For Your Eyes in the New Year

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Good eye care happens year round. As we close 2022 and enter a new year, this is a time to reflect on what you can do to care for your eyes in 2023. By seeing the eye doctor, getting new corrective lenses and by watching for symptoms of vision problems, you can help maintain your eye health. Here’s what we suggest that you do to care for your eyes in the year to come.

1. See Eye Doctor for Exam

If you have prescription lenses, we recommend seeing the eye doctor in North Syracuse, NY every year or two. It’s important to visit the eye doctor regularly because prescriptions can change over time. Visiting your eye doctor, you can get an updated prescription, and then you’ll know if you need new glasses.

2. Get New Glasses

Even if your prescription doesn’t change, it’s still smart to get new eye glasses in North Syracuse, NY if your insurance will cover it. Take advantage of this benefit, so you’ll have more than one pair on hand at all times. This way, if you lose your glasses, you’ll have a spare.

3. Obtain Prescription Sunglasses

If you already have more glasses than you need, consider getting a new pair of prescription sunglasses. Prescription sunglasses help protect your eyes from glare and sunlight, as well as UV rays. It’s important to have prescription sunglasses for driving and participating in outdoor activities. Wearing prescription sunglasses year round – not just in summer – can help prevent eye damage from sun exposure.

4. Watch for Symptoms of Vision Trouble

Know the signs that your vision is in trouble. Symptoms include:

  • Blurry vision
  • Double vision
  • Eye pain
  • Clouded or hazy vision
  • Fading colors
  • Blind spot
  • Frequent headaches
  • Poor night vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Flashes of light
  • Halos around lights

If you notice any of these problems or any noticeable changes to your vision, talk to your eye doctor. At McPherson Optometry P.C., we’re committed to helping our patients maintain healthy eyes in 2023. Call today to make an appointment and get started with your eye care in the new year.

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 Things to Know About Eye Makeup and Your Eyes

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From eyeliner to make your eyes pop and shadow to highlight the color of your eyes, eye makeup is a natural part of many beauty routines. These products are applied all around the eyes, so some particles can slip into the delicate organ and generate problems that require an eye exam in North Syracuse. If you wear eye makeup on a daily basis, be sure to take a look at some important things to know about eye makeup and your visual health.

1. Low-quality makeup can put your eyes at risk

When it comes to applying makeup so close to your eyes, it is ever-important to ensure you know the products well. Knock-off makeup mimicking expensive brands has grown to be a major problem over the last few years. Unfortunately, some of these products contain dangerous ingredients you wouldn’t want anywhere near your eyes. Sometimes, even low-quality brands can put your visual health at risk because of questionable ingredients. So always shop for eye makeup from brands with a reputable name, and trust only legitimate retailers.

2. Old makeup can cause problems with eyelash mites

If you have certain eye makeup products that you don’t use often, be mindful of their suggested shelf life. Also, some products should be replaced frequently. For example, mascara and eyeliner should generally be replaced about every three months. Not replacing eye makeup frequently can cause an over-accumulation of Demodex brevis (eyelash mites) in the product and around your eyes.

3. Some makeup may cause issues with dry eyes

People with sensitive eyes know that certain types of eye makeup can cause issues with dry eyes. For example, some people cannot wear waterproof mascara or eyeshadow with metallic pigments. However, in many cases, makeup can cause dry eyes for people who do not normally have issues. If you start experiencing redness, burning, and discomfort, try switching brands or types of makeup to see if the problem persists.

Discuss Eye Health with a North Syracuse Eye Doctor

When it comes to protecting your eyes, there are so many good habits to adopt now that make a difference. If you are concerned about your visual health or need tips about healthy eye makeup, talk to a North Syracuse eye doctor. Reach out to us at McPherson Optometry to schedule 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.