Today, we aim to unravel the artistry and thoughtfulness that goes into selecting the perfect frame shape to flatter your unique facial structure and personal style. Here at Visionary Eye Center, we hold firm to the belief that eyewear goes far beyond mere necessity, especially when it comes to Reno family eye care. It's a powerful tool to express one's personality, individuality, and style. Therefore, the importance of choosing a frame shape that complements your facial features and aligns with your fashion sensibilities with a Reno optometrist cannot be overstated.
To embark on this path, the first pivotal step is gaining a sound understanding of your face shape. Much like an artist who must comprehend the shape of their canvas before they can create a masterpiece, the shape of your face plays an integral role in determining which frame style will be the most flattering and suitable for you. Recognizing this is the cornerstone of making an informed and stylish decision when it comes to your eyewear.
There are five primary face shapes that most of us fall into, each with corresponding frame styles that accentuate their unique characteristics. Before we dive into the ocean of fashionable frames that await, let's take a moment to outline these five main face shapes. This crucial knowledge will serve as your compass, guiding you towards the frame styles that best harmonize with your natural features. We'll cover each face shape in detail, explaining their distinguishing traits and suggesting frame styles that lend themselves to each. This combination of understanding your face shape and recognizing the frame styles that correspond is the first step in your journey towards finding the perfect eyewear.
An oval-shaped face, marked by a forehead that is slightly wider than the chin, and characterized by high cheekbones, is considered the epitome of versatility in terms of frame compatibility. This face shape can pull off a myriad of frame styles with elegance. However, it is recommended to sidestep frames that are excessively oversized or bear harsh angular features. Round, square, and rectangular frames with softer edges enhance the symmetry of an oval face, accentuating its naturally balanced proportions without making it appear overly elongated or round.
A round face is characterized by its soft, curved lines, where the width and length of the face present in almost equal dimensions, creating a circular appearance. To counterbalance the roundness and bring about a sense of definition and elongation to your face, opt for angular and narrow frames. Frames bearing rectangular or square designs can provide the necessary contrast to the face's soft lines, imparting a striking balance and enhancing the facial features.
A square face is distinguishable by its strong, angular features, with a prominent jawline and broad forehead that make the face's width and length nearly equal. Frames that are round or oval can effectively soften the face's sharpness, injecting an element of balance to the pronounced angular features. Additionally, cat-eye frames and styles embodying curves can complement square faces by providing a pleasant contrast to the straight lines, giving an appealing and harmonious look.
A heart-shaped face, often recognized by its broad forehead and tapering towards a narrow chin, resembles the shape of a classic heart. This face shape can be balanced out by frames that are wider at the bottom, gently drawing attention away from the forehead. Subtle cat-eye shapes work wonders on this face shape, adding a flattering emphasis on the lower part of the face. Round and oval frames with thin rims can also harmoniously balance the wider forehead and narrower chin typical of heart-shaped faces.
A diamond-shaped face, marked by prominent cheekbones and a narrow forehead and chin, is uniquely attractive and somewhat rare. Frames with gentle curves can help to soften the angularity of this face shape and add balance, enhancing the overall facial symmetry. For this face shape, frames with wider temples can create an illusion of a broader forehead, adding balance to the face's dimensions. Designs such as oval frames and cat-eye styles accentuate the cheekbones and contour the face beautifully, resulting in a flattering and stylish look.
Now that we've explored the various face shapes and their matching frame styles, it's time to delve deeper into the next crucial stage - selecting a frame that not only complements your facial features but also resonates with your personal style. At Visionary Eye Center, our goal is to cater to every individual's unique style and provide some of the best family eye care Reno has to offer, we believe that your eyewear should be an extension of your personality.
In our extensive collection in Reno, optometrists carry an array of independent frame lines. What sets these frames apart is their ability to be customized. Each frame can be tailored to meet your specific needs, desires, and aesthetic inclinations, with diverse colors and shapes at your disposal. The capacity to personalize your eyewear ensures a perfect match with your style, further enhancing your distinctive look.
Now, let's delve into some popular frame styles that are making waves in the fashion world and are sure to capture the attention of those with a keen eye for style:
First soaring into popularity via pilots, aviator frames have since become a classic style staple that never seems to lose its charm. Traditionally characterized by a teardrop lens shape and a thin metal frame, aviators exude a sleek and sophisticated look. Not only are they known for their cool, casual vibe, but they also provide a flattering contrast to a variety of face shapes. Their larger lenses offer additional protection from the sun, making them a practical as well as a fashionable choice.
For those seeking a nostalgic nod to the glamour of the 1950s and '60s, cat-eye frames might be the perfect fit. These frames feature an upswept shape, often accentuated by bold lines and colors. Cat-eye frames manage to be both playful and elegant, adding a touch of vintage chic to any outfit. Their unique shape can emphasize your facial features and flatter most face shapes, particularly those with strong or angular features.
Championing a timeless, versatile style, round frames have been a preferred choice for both men and women over the years. These frames, known for their distinct circular shape, exude a sense of intellect and charm. They can range in size from oversized, which offers a more retro feel, to small and dainty, offering a more understated, contemporary appeal. For individuals with square or rectangular face shapes, round frames can provide a pleasing contrast.
For those who have a penchant for bold, edgy aesthetics, square frames are an excellent choice. These frames, as the name suggests, boast a rectangular or square shape and can add definition to the face, enhancing its natural structure. Their prominent lines and angles project a strong sense of style and confidence. They particularly complement round or oval face shapes by providing a striking contrast and balance.
Those who appreciate modern, minimalist aesthetics may find rimless frames to be their perfect match. As the name implies, these frames forego the traditional frame encircling the lenses, resulting in a barely-there, sophisticated effect. This understated style can accentuate the wearer's features without overwhelming them, suitable for individuals who desire a subtle, low-profile look.
Embarking on the quest to find that perfect pair of frames amidst a sea of shapes and styles can indeed seem overwhelming at first. However, having a clear understanding of your face shape coupled with a keen awareness of your unique style preferences equips you with the key tools to navigate this expansive realm with ease and confidence. You're not just on a quest for a practical solution to your optical needs, but also for a fashion accessory that speaks volumes about your personality and enhances your overall appearance.
We take pride in our diverse range of independent frame lines, each designed with a specific aesthetic appeal, and crafted to cater to the varied tastes of our discerning clientele. Whether you lean towards a timeless classic look, have a penchant for retro chic, or prefer the minimalist modern style, our extensive collection is bound to have something that piques your interest. But the selection process doesn't stop at the frames. Our team of Reno optometrists is on hand to provide expert advice, guiding you through this journey of discovery. Their experience and understanding of the intricate relationship between facial structure, frame shape, and personal style allow them to offer insights that can help you make the best decision.
We consider each customer's journey to find the perfect eyewear as a collaborative process, a partnership between you and our team. We take the time to get to know you, your preferences, and your needs, ensuring that you receive the best family eye care. Our clinic in reno ensures the frames you choose not only fit you perfectly but also resonate with your personal style. So, even though the task might seem daunting, you're not alone in your quest. Armed with your understanding of face shapes and frame styles, aided by our professional team, and powered by our wide array of stylish frame lines, you're well on your way to finding that perfect pair of glasses that not only meet your vision needs but also complement your personality and style. At Visionary Eye Center, our mission is all about transforming this journey into an enjoyable, enlightening, and ultimately successful experience.
Macular degeneration is a widespread eye condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Although it is most usually linked with older persons, it can also affect younger people.
Macular degeneration is a condition that affects the macula, the retina's center region. Because the retina is responsible for capturing information & transmitting them to the brain, any damage to this area might result in vision loss. The two types of macular degeneration are dry and wet, with dry being more common and less severe. Dry macular degeneration is characterized by macula thinning, which can result in hazy or distorted vision. Wet macular degeneration is more severe & can cause rapid vision loss due to the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina.
Macular degeneration can be a devastating diagnosis for anyone, regardless of age. This means that understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment choices for this potentially blinding disorder is more crucial than ever for people of all ages. If you are concerned about developing macular degeneration, you can take steps & make a large effort to avoid it. Regular exercise, a healthy weight, and quitting smoking are also vital for your vision and overall health.
Macular degeneration can have emotional and psychological impacts on persons who suffer from it, in addition to physical symptoms. Losing your central vision might seriously impair your ability to accomplish daily duties and enjoy your favorite activities. It is critical to seek support from loved ones and to consider joining a macular degeneration support group. Your optometrist may also be able to identify services to help you manage with the disease's emotional implications.
There are various things you may do to assist control your macular degeneration in addition to working with your healthcare professional. One of the most important is to shield your eyes from UV radiation, as UV rays might hasten the condition's damage & overall speed it can progress at. This means wearing sunglasses or a hat with a brim when you are outdoors, and avoiding tanning beds and other sources of artificial UV light. Early detection and treatment can make a significant difference in preserving your vision. At our Visionary Eye Center, we offer comprehensive eye exams and specialized care for patients with macular degeneration.
Regular eye exams allow patients to keep track of their vision, take medicine that can slow the progression of their condition, and avoid serious vision loss. This is very crucial for those who have a family history of macular degeneration & are vulnerable to it due to other circumstances.
Aside from medical treatment, lifestyle adjustments can help minimize the incidence of macular degeneration. By eating a nutritious diet, not smoking, and protecting your eyes from UV radiation, you can improve your eye health & reduce your chances of having this condition.
Visionary Eye Center is dedicated to assisting our patients in maintaining good vision & preventing the beginning of eye illnesses such as macular degeneration. Together, we can work towards protecting and preserving your vision for a lifetime. Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive eye exam and learn more about our services.
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Astigmatism is a common eye condition that affects many people. It occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye is misshapen, causing blurred or distorted vision. If you're experiencing symptoms of astigmatism, such as blurry vision, headaches, or eye strain, it's essential to see a Nevada optometrist.
Astigmatism is a refractive error that occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye is irregularly shaped. Instead of being round like a basketball, the cornea or lens may be more oval, causing light to be focused unevenly on the retina. This can lead to distorted or blurry vision, making it difficult to see objects clearly at any distance. Astigmatism can occur on its own or in combination with other vision problems, such as nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). Astigmatism can occur in both adults and children, and it often develops early in life. Some people are born with it, while others develop it later in life due to an eye injury, surgery, or a disease like keratoconus. Astigmatism can also be caused by certain genetic conditions or diseases like diabetes.
Fortunately, there are several ways to treat astigmatism. The most common method is to wear glasses or contact lenses that correct the irregular shape of the cornea or lens. These lenses are specially designed to compensate for the uneven curvature of the eye, allowing light to be focused properly on the retina.
Another treatment option is LASIK eye surgery, which uses a laser to reshape the cornea and correct the irregular curvature. This is a more permanent solution than wearing corrective lenses, but it is not suitable for everyone. Your eye specialist in Reno, NV can help you determine whether LASIK is the right choice for you.
At Visionary Eye Center, we understand the importance of proper eye care and the impact it can have on your daily life. Our experienced eye specialists and optometrists provide comprehensive eye exams, including testing for astigmatism, and offer personalized treatment plans to help you achieve optimal vision health. We also offer a wide selection of glasses and contact lenses to suit your needs and style preferences.
Astigmatism is a common eye condition that can cause blurry or distorted vision. It's important to see a Nevada optometrist to get the proper diagnosis and treatment for this condition. At Visionary Eye Center, we're dedicated to providing our patients with the best possible care and treatment options to ensure optimal vision health. Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive eye exam and learn more about our services.
Schedule an Exam with an Eye Doctor in Reno
Search for “Eye doctor Reno” and you’ll get dozens of results. Some are individual practices, and some are big box stores with walk in eye care centers. There’s nothing wrong with shopping around to find a good eye doctor. In fact, we encourage it. After all, you’re looking for a professional whom you’ll entrust your eyes to. And unhindered vision is a vital aspect of your overall well-being. Check out Visionary Eye Center’s tips on how to choose a good eye doctor:
There are plentiful resources online that make it simple to compare optometrists in Reno, Nevada. Dr. Bolenbaker’s information can be found on helpful sites like healthgrades.com, where you’ll be able to get a general overview of the practice, as well as the accepted insurance providers.
A well-rounded education in optometry can indicate if a doctor has specialty training in various eye care disciplines. Dr. Bolenbaker found a passion for optometry at Washington State University. After completing over 100 hours of observation time (only 30 are required to pursue a degree), he went on to graduate from Pacific University’s College of Optometry in 2003.
While pursuing his Doctor of Optometry Degree, he was an active member of the Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society. Dr. Bolenbaker’s practice now offers general optometry services, but also specializes in areas like low vision, dry eye, myopia control, and orthokeratology.
From routine checkups to more advanced eye conditions, you want a doctor who’s experienced in providing high level care. The greater breadth of experience an optometrist has with treatments, the better your results are likely to be - both short and long term. It’s a good idea to ask if your doctor treats your specific condition, if you are aware you have one.
How many patients have they treated with glaucoma? Myopia? Lasik? Getting details on if they have experience with a certain condition before visiting can save you time. If you’re looking for a Reno eye doctor that specializes in several advanced treatments for you and your family, check out Dr. Bolenbaker’s services.
While the doctor of optometry is a very important factor in choosing a practice, remember that you’ll also be interacting with the front office staff and opticians. The staff should truly care about your well-being, and provide a seamless experience from check in to check out. The Visionary Eye Center staff consists of passionate Nevada eye specialists who are welcoming, knowledgeable, and caring. Our team includes experienced and energetic people whose goal is to provide the best eye care possible.
Checking out what others have to say about an optometrist provides an unfiltered glimpse into how a practice is run and what to expect on your visit. Look into the typical scheduling experience, office environment, wait times, and office staff friendliness. Another point to look for is how much time the doctor spends with patients, and their ability to inform patients on the treatments they are receiving. Visionary Eye Center prides itself on receiving great reviews from our valued patients. Check out what they have to say on our reviews page!
Choosing an eye doctor isn’t the most exciting thing, but it can make a huge impact on your ability to experience the things you love. Visionary Eye Center is a great choice for any Reno resident seeking a specialized optometry practice with the experience and care you have come to expect in a professional healthcare office. We are currently accepting new patients, so give us a call to set up an appointment.
Age-related vision issues can affect anyone over time, and may not be apparent right away. Even if you haven’t experienced vision issues during your life, some conditions can begin to surface when you’re 40 or older. At Visionary Eye Center, our Reno optometrist recommends the following tips to preserve your eye health:
After you turn 40, it’s important to receive an eye exam every year. This helps to record and track any changes that may affect your vision. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, we recommend consulting an optometrist to mitigate risks and provide treatment where necessary:
Like it or not, you become more susceptible to vision issues as you age, and some can be debilitating. From dry eyes, to cataracts, to macular degeneration, an experienced eye doctor can diagnose and produce a treatment plan to suit you.
Dry eye is more debilitating as you age. While it may seem common in Northern Nevada thanks to our dry climate, there may be other factors contributing to the symptoms of burning, redness and tearing. As many as 3 million women and 1.7 million men over 50 in our country are affected by the syndrome.
How does dry eye occur? Tear film dysfunction has many causes, including computer use, contact lens wear, makeup, hormone changes associated with aging and autoimmune disorders, which further increase the risk of corneal scars or infections.
Optometrists also see numerous patients with cataracts, the leading cause of blindness in the world. Cataract symptoms include a decrease in visual clarity, foggy vision, glare, and halos of light. Cataract surgery is a simple outpatient surgery and the artificial lenses placed during it will last for the rest of your lifetime.
Retinal scan of dry macular degeneration
Lastly, macular degeneration is the primary culprit for blindness in adults over 50. While these patients never go completely blind from the condition alone, it certainly devastates their independence. There are two versions of macular degeneration: wet and dry. At Visionary Eye Care Center, we diagnose and manage both conditions with help from our local retinal specialists.
It turns out the advice of “don’t stare too long at the TV” is still true, thanks to our phones and other electronic devices. Recent studies show that we blink less than half as often when looking at a screen, which can lead to dryness and eye fatigue.
Our Reno family eye care experts suggest that everyone, at any age, should practice the 20-20-20 rule when using a screen. Just looking at something 20 feet away, for 20 seconds, every 20 minutes, will help reduce the dryness and eye strain of computer vision syndrome.
Using proper eye protection outdoors is also important. UV rays are harsh on your eyes in the long term. Sunglasses work wonders to protect your eyes from the elements and reduce your risks of cataracts, pterygia and macular degeneration.
Lastly, a balanced diet that is rich in Omega-3s, Vitamins C and E, and zinc, can help combat age-related eye disease. These supplements are often used to combat the effects of dry eye and slow the progression of dry macular degeneration.
All in all, simple changes to your lifestyle and new habits will help prolong your eye health. If you’re experiencing changes in your vision or have questions about how to protect your eyes, make an appointment at our Reno optometrist office today.
Request an Appointment at Visionary Eye Center
March is National Save Your Vision Month, so what better time to schedule your annual eye exam. With Spring Break quickly approaching, it’s the perfect time for the whole family to see an optometrist in Reno. Dr. Bolenbaker and his team at the Visionary Eye Center look forward to meeting you and your family and taking care of your eye vision needs. As the best eye doctor in Reno, we offer pediatric eye care services to ensure that your child is developing proper depth perception, essential binocular skills and more.
Preventative eye care is important because eyesight is one of the most important senses. Eighty percent of what we perceive is because of our eyesight, so protecting your eyes will reduce the chance of blindness, vision loss, and long term eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma. Vision disability is one of the top 10 disabilities among adults 18 years and older, and is one of the most prevalent disabling conditions among children. Because of our aging population, the CDC reports that the number of visually impaired individuals in the United States will double by 2030 and triple by 2050.
Other reasons to see an eye doctor in Reno include getting assistance with any decreased vision, eye pain, or double vision issues. We strongly encourage people to take care of their vision health, and the first step to it is making sure to schedule an annual eye exam. Visionary Eye Center can offer these important services in addition to exams:
Take care of your eyes and correct mild cases of farsightedness and presbyopia by beginning the safe processes of orthokeratology, myopia control, and more at our center today. The Lasik procedure is a great refractive practice to help with easily fixing any vision issues too.
Our Reno family eye care center is also one of the only low vision specialty clinics around, and there’s nothing more enriching than helping the partially sighted regain their independence.
We want the Reno community to be well informed on the best eye health decisions all year round. We offer several services for your eye health, whether it’s dry eye care, contact lenses, or myopia control. Don’t put off something as important as preventative eye care. The team at Visionary Eye Center are Reno optometrists with plenty of experience. Click here to schedule an appointment today. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any general inquiries or concerns, and we look forward to meeting you!
Here at Visionary Eye Center, we treat plenty of patients with blepharitis, so you aren’t alone. An estimated 82 million Americans have been diagnosed with the eyelid disease. As eye doctors in Reno with decades of experience, we strive to make sure that our patients understand the cause of blepharitis: simply just an abundance of bacteria near the eyelids.
Because the disease contributes to dry eye syndrome, it leads to other symptoms like itching, a gritty feeling in the eyes, eyelid crusting that looks like dandruff, and red, swollen eyes. In addition to serious discomfort, blepharitis can negatively affect those scheduled or in the process for cataract or LASIK refractive surgeries. If left untreated, blepharitis can cause patients to experience chronic red-eyes, styes, or damage to their corneas.
There are two different types of blepharitis: posterior and anterior. Posterior blepharitis is usually caused by inflammatory conditions like rosacea. Anterior blepharitis is typically caused by microbes like Staphylococcus bacteria (which causes staph infections) and Demodex mites.
Demodex are mites that live on skin and thrive in hair and lash follicles. Younger children or the elderly are more likely to have an abundance of mites. Demodex mites’ average lifespan is estimated to be several weeks, but that is enough time to cause serious cases of blepharitis. They cause irritation with burrowing and laying eggs, and producing small amounts of waste products which feeds further bacterial growth.
Treatment for blepharitis is possible. One common option for Reno optometrists to utilize is ZEST, or Zocular Eyelid System Treatments. It works by gently exfoliating the eyelids to restore the natural state and cleans the eyelid margins to open up the meibomian gland. ZEST ensures the glands can release oils into the eye to create a healthy tear film and reduce symptoms of dry eye, all while providing thorough treatment for blepharitis and other potential diseases. This natural procedure is completed in about ten minutes and helps solve crusting around the eye.
Blepharitis can damage the meibomian glands along the edge of the eyelid where the eyelashes are. These glands create oil needed for tears. The oily layer is the outside of the tear that prevents them from drying too quickly. A number of eye issues can involve these glands, and for more information on additional treatments and procedures, head to our informational page on dry eye syndrome.
It is not too late to seek out treatment for Demodex mites on your lids or blepharitis. With a variety of eye care methods, including the use of ZEST, the team here at Visionary Eye Center can relieve your eye concerns. Book an appointment today with the best Reno optometrists in the city.
Keratoconus may not be a familiar word for many people, but the disease affects a large number of eye care patients. Keratoconus (KCN) is a progressive eye disease that causes complications with the cornea. It results in vision problems that range from mild to severe and will likely require some form of corrective methods to improve the person’s ability to see.
Through years of research, professionals have been able to determine generally how many people have keratoconus, and the results are surprising. Since a 2017 study performed by Dr. Daniel Godefrooij, it was found that KCN affects roughly 5-10 times more patients than the original findings suggested. Let’s take a deeper dive into what keratoconus is below.
As stated above, keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that can impair a person’s vision and significantly affect the cornea. For patients with keratoconus, the cornea in one or both eyes becomes thin and scars in the center. Specifically, keratoconus involves the central portion of the cornea, which affects a large portion of the eye. The result is a noticeably protruding cornea that has an irregular conical shape followed by poor eyesight.
It’s typical for keratoconus to become present during puberty, or a person’s teen years, and worsens or progresses over time. By the 5th or 6th decade of life the disease will stabilize, but typically a patient with keratoconus will experience irregular astigmatism or scarring that might not be treatable by corrective lenses alone. In the worst cases, a patient may require a corrective procedure known as a corneal transplant.
Originally, research done in part by NKCF (National Keratoconus Foundation) suggested that 1 in 2,000 people were diagnosed with KCN. Years later in 2017, these numbers were questioned by Dr. Daniel Godefrooij who determined that these rates are significantly higher than what was traditionally found. When determining how many people have keratoconus, LASIK (laser in situ keratomileuses) eye surgery played a critical role.
LASIK is a popular method of vision correction that uses lasers to correct the refraction of eye lenses for patients suffering from myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. With the increased popularity of LASIK therapy came the realization that keratoconus affects more people than had been previously reported.
Today, Dr. Daniel Godefrooij reports the ratio of people suffering from KCN being 1 in 375. That’s more than 5 times as many people as researchers had originally found.
The cause of KCN is still mostly undetermined, but the development and progression of the disease have been heavily studied over time. Some research has suggested that chronic rubbing of the eyes may contribute to and possibly expedite the overall progression of the eye disease. The most common symptoms of keratoconus to be aware of include:
The plan of treatment for keratoconus will depend on the severity of the patient’s condition. Of utmost importance is early detection, as a recently FDA approved treatment called corneal cross-linking is now available to stabilize the condition. Mild KCN may be treated with the use of corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses. Moderate cases will likely require specialty contact lenses like gas permeable (GP), hybrids or scleral lenses to provide acceptable vision. However, severe forms of KCN may require more aggressive treatment methods such as a corneal transplant or Intacs Corneal Implants.
Keratoconus treatment focuses primarily on slowing the progression of the disease and improving vision. Essentially, there are three types of treatment to help with KCN symptoms which consist of corrective lenses, therapy, or surgery.
If you’ve been experiencing vision problems, it’s important to meet with your Reno optometrist to properly diagnose the issue at hand. You may be suffering from keratoconus and not even realize it. A licensed, trained optometrist can evaluate your vision problems, assess your eye health, and provide an effective method of treatment.
It may be necessary to consider eye surgery and specialty contact lenses to correct your vision problems caused by keratoconus. Dr. Bolenbaker at the Visionary Eye Center can help to develop a unique treatment plan that’s designed to suit your eye care needs.
It’s August, and that means it’s National Children’s Vision Month! Back-to-school season is also here, and there couldn’t be a better time than before your child returns to the classroom to take them to the eye doctor. One out of four school-age children suffer from some type of uncorrected vision problem, which can seriously impair their success in the classroom. Children are not always able to recognize by themselves that blurry vision or struggling to see near or far is actually a concern. And vision problems aren’t always issues with blurry vision, but rather eye alignment and focusing issues that lead to struggles in school, despite the fact they can see the classroom board clearly.
A routine school eye screening by an optometrist is necessary to detect vision problems and maintain overall optical health. You may have believed a school or pediatrician vision screening is enough. These are brief exams that evaluate visual acuity, the ability to read small letters or see a picture on a chart. These screenings are not comprehensive and can’t evaluate the way your child’s eyes work while reading or doing school work, nor can they adequately evaluate your child’s eye health. This means many vision problems aren’t detected, contributing to your child struggling in their academics or athletics.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, it’s recommended that children receive an eye evaluation once before the age of 3, and at least every one to two years until the age of 19. Preschoolers should see a pediatric optometrist to ensure their eyes are aligned and focusing properly to address developing issues and halt progress down the road. During adolescence, a person’s eyesight can change rapidly and often, especially impacted by puberty, so they should continue to receive annual checkups. Of added importance, detecting myopia early is key as we now have FDA-approved technologies like the MiSight lens to slow the progression of near-sightedness or myopia. So we can now actually do something about your child’s prescription getting worse every year using myopia control techniques.
Scheduling an eye exam with your child’s optometrist before school begins will ensure they start the school year with the best overall vision to succeed! It eliminates the concern that vision or eye health could be interfering with your child achieving their highest academic potential. Proper eyesight can also prevent headaches, fatigue, and lack of focus in the classroom. You should also have your child’s lens prescription checked and kept up-to-date, especially if they are active in team sports or have a new classroom seat each year. Being proactive in ensuring your child regularly visits an optometrist is essential. After all, they own their eyes for life!
Vision problems can be a huge distraction in your daily life, making even casual tasks such as driving extremely difficult. One common vision problem that patients may experience is night blindness. You may be asking yourself, "what is night blindness?" and you're not alone. Someone with night blindness will have difficulty seeing in dark environments, which is especially noticeable when driving at night. Night blindness can be dangerous in some situations, so it’s critical that you get the help you need to alleviate your symptoms and get your eye health back on track.
For more information about night blindness, read the article below or contact our Reno optometrists today.
What is night blindness?Night blindness, professionally known as nyctalopia, affects your ability to see at night or in poor lighting conditions. Although many people believe night blindness is an eye condition/disease all of its own, this actually isn’t true. Night blindness is the result of an underlying health issue such as cataracts, diabetes, or myopia. It’s also important to note that night blindness does not result in actual blindness but does lead to impaired vision in dark environments.
Night blindness often presents itself when transitioning from a well-lit area to a dark, poorly-lit environment. Our eyes naturally adjust and adapt to changes in light, but those with nyctalopia are typically unable to do this, resulting in poor visibility. If you have difficulty driving at night due to lousy vision or struggle to see in dark restaurants, movie theaters, etc., then you likely suffer from night blindness. However, many types of night blindness are treatable and symptoms often subside once the underlying issue has been resolved.
There are several possible causes of night blindness including:
Symptoms:The most common symptom of night blindness is experiencing poor vision in dimly lit or dark environments. However, this isn’t the only symptom that may present itself in those with nyctalopia. Other symptoms include:
Not all forms of night blindness can be treated, but a majority of them can be managed or remedied in some way. The treatment for your night blindness will vary depending on the cause of your condition. For example, if your night blindness is caused by myopia or nearsightedness, then new glasses or contact lens prescription may be recommended to alleviate your symptoms. And if your night blindness is caused by cataracts, surgery may be the only option for relief.
Other night blindness treatments may include a change in glaucoma medication or a visit with a retinal specialist. To determine your best course of action, it’s essential to visit your Reno eye doctor. They’ll be able to diagnose the cause of your night blindness and will provide the best treatment plan based specifically on your needs.
See how you can prevent night blindnessAlthough some night blindness may be the result of a genetic disposition, other forms of nyctalopia may be prevented with some simple lifestyle changes. Try making these easy changes in your everyday life to help prevent the onset of night blindness:
Here, at the Visionary Eye Center, we strive for customized eye care solutions for all of our patients in the Reno-Sparks area. As each patients’ needs are unique, your treatment plan should be unique to you as well. We’ll work with you to determine the underlying cause of your night blindness to develop a solution that addresses your symptoms and treats your vision problems.
Our office uses the latest diagnostic technology and treatment solutions so you can receive cutting-edge options and not the bulk products that are found in other optometrists’ offices. Contact us today to get started with your personalized eye treatment. We look forward to meeting you!
775.827.1100info@visionaryeyecenter.com