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Name: Professional Family Eyecare
Address: 201 S 2nd St, Coldwater, OH, 45828-1747, US
Telephone: 419-678-3016
Price range: $000 - $300

What Will Optometry Practices Look Like Post-COVID?

The Changing Face of Eye Care

COVID-19’s rapid sweep across the country has forced optical practices to make rapid clinical management decisions. Some optometrists temporarily shuttered their businesses due to the pandemic, while others began to offer emergency appointment services and telehealth.

As mandatory restrictions begin to lift in many locations, optometrists are beginning to open their doors for routine care. But this time around they will implement strict social distancing guidelines and take unprecedented precautions to limit the spread of infection.

Some of the Changes You Should Expect to See At Our Coldwater Eye Clinic

1) Signage throughout the office spelling out new steps and protocols to ensure maximum safety for staff and patients alike.

2) Social distancing will be the new norm. Packed waiting rooms will be a thing of the past. Instead, clinics will be spacing out seating to reduce capacity and scheduling in longer intervals to minimize patient interactions. Some clinics may ask patients to wait in their cars until they receive a text message from the office stating that they can come in.

3) Certain practices will require appointments for individuals to see and try on the array of frames and sunglasses at the dispensary. Bookings will be in 15-20 minute increments, accessed by one individual at a time.

4) Methods will be introduced to decrease the number of surfaces a patient touches. This will include leaving the clinic’s front door open (or replacing it with a motion-activated door), facilitating cashless payments, and encouraging patients to fill out registration forms online.

5) Patients who aren’t feeling well or who have been in contact with someone who is ill will be asked to reschedule their appointment two to three weeks in the future.

6) Measuring one’s temperature at the entrance will become commonplace — this goes for both staff and patients. Though not the most reliable screening tool, as those who are asymptomatic can still spread the virus, it will identify some people who aren’t well. Anyone registering 100.4° or above will be sent home.

7) There will be more time between appointments, to allow the staff to thoroughly clean and disinfect before and after each patient’s visit.

8) Many eye practitioners will be wearing safety goggles and face masks, particularly during any up-close contact with the patient. Patients may also be asked to wear masks.

9) Individuals with suspected ocular infections will be put in a special containment area.

10) Practices will frequently wipe down any patient area, including chairs, counters and doorknobs. Every exam room will be completely disinfected between appointments. In the dispensary, frames will be promptly disinfected after patients touch them.

11) Patients will be requested to wash or disinfect their hands upon entering the office and when entering different rooms. Professional Family Eyecare in Coldwater has strict hygiene and sterilization protocols in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other infections.

If you’re dealing with a vision or eye health issue and need to visit Professional Family Eyecare, or if you would like some more information on how we have adapted our practice due to COVID-19, please don’t hesitate in contacting us. We’ll be happy to assist you however we can.

Professional Family Eyecare serves patients from Coldwater, all throughout Ohio.

Call Professional Family Eyecare on 419-678-3016 to schedule an eye exam with our Coldwater optometrist.

Alternatively book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT

Just in case you missed them, here are some of our previous blog posts :

What’s in Your Household Cleaning Supplies?

Signs That Your Child Has a Vision Problem

Eye Safe Toys and Gifts for This Holiday Season

Cutting Edge Eye-dentification

Part 2 of the Q&A for Daily Disposable Contact Lenses

Here is Part 2 of Dr. Tyler Speelman's answers to our questions on Disposable Contact Lenses.

Q: Will it be more expensive for me if I need to use a new pair of contacts every day?

A: Daily contact lenses are usually more expensive compared to monthly contacts if you wear them more than five days per week. Patients often forget to factor in the cost of solution required with a monthly lens and rebates that are offered with daily contact lens purchases. The average monthly contact lens wearer spends approximately $100 dollars on solution every year. Some daily disposable contact lens rebates are up to $200 with the purchase of a year supply.

Q: Are there certain conditions of the eye, or any other reason why you would specifically recommend to a patient the use of single use contact lenses?

A: Patients who suffer from allergies or dry eye almost always benefit from daily contact lenses because they get a fresh sterile lens every day that tends to be much more comfortable than a monthly lens that is worn over the course of several weeks.

Q: Are daily disposable contacts available for patients that wear specialty contact lenses?

A: Patients who wear specialty contact lenses normally would not see well out of a daily contact lens due to the limited parameters available with the daily modality.

Q: Is there anyone that is just not a candidate for daily disposable contacts?

A: Patient's with lots of astigmatism or an eye problem like Keratoconus that affects the front surface of the eye may not be able to wear daily contacts.

Q: Is there any further information that patients should know about daily disposables vs. traditional, or reusable contacts?

A: Most patients are able to wear contacts to help them see better, especially for recreational activities like swimming. Ask your doctor which contact lens would work best for your lifestyle and vision needs.

If you want to learn more about disposable contact lenses- please check out our website!

Q&A for Daily Disposable Contact Lenses

Dr. Tyler Speelman from Professional Family Eye Care answered some questions for us on Disposable Contact Lenses. This is Part 1 of his answers

Q: Can you explain what the difference is between contact lenses that can be worn for a month vs. those that can are meant to be worn for a day, are they made of different materials?

A: Monthly contacts tend to be more cost effective and easier to handle, but may not be as comfortable or provide as crisp and as clear vision as a daily contact lens. The contact lens materials used for monthly contact lenses are usually a little more breathable compared to daily contact lenses.

Q: Please clarify the difference between the replacement frequency of daily wear vs. extended wear contacts ? What issues occur if the contacts are worn longer than there recommended lifespan?

A: Monthly contacts last for a month and usually are taken out every night before sleeping. Daily contacts last for one day and should be thrown away at the end of each day or after each wear. Issues that may occur if contacts are worn longer than they are supposed to include eye irritation and reduced vision, in rare cases an eye infection may occur and could cause permanent loss of vision.

Q: Are there advantages to single-use contact lenses? What are they?

A: Yes, advantages of a daily contact lens include better vision and comfort. Daily contacts are also more convenient because you do not have to hassle with solution or worry about maintaining the lens for several weeks.

Q: What do you find in particular, most exciting about single-use contact lenses, that brings you to recommend them to the patients in your care?

A: The most exciting thing about single-use contact lenses is that they are becoming more breathable and subsequently better for the health of the eye while maintaining adequate moisture to keep the lens comfortable.

Q: Do you find that your patients express positive feedback about dailly disposables, and what is it that they are most happy with?

A: Patients often tell me they love the comfort and convenience of daily disposable contact lenses.

Stay tuned for part 2 of our questions and answers on dailly disposable contact lenses.

Questions and Answers on Glaucoma

We asked Dr. Alicia Tobe from Professional Family Eye Care about Glaucoma and here is what she had to say:

Question: What is glaucoma?

Answer: Glaucoma is nerve loss on the nerve that connects the eye to the brain that results in gradual, progressive, and painless side vision loss. Not everyone with high eye pressures will develop glaucoma. Some people with low eye pressures will actually develop glaucoma.

Q. What causes glaucoma?

A: Glaucoma can be inherited. It can also be caused by trauma, severe infection, or severe inflammation of the eye.

Q. Who gets glaucoma?

A: Risk factors for glaucoma include: -

A family history of glaucoma
Diabetes
A history of an eye injury
Severe nearsightedness
Prescription corticosteroid use
Age - glaucoma most often occurs after 40 years of age
Ethnicity- African Americans and Hispanics have a higher risk

Q. How is glaucoma harmful to vision?

A: It causes progressive side vision loss which can lead to "tunnel vision" if left untreated.

Q. Will I go blind from glaucoma?

A: People will usually not go blind from glaucoma IF it is detected in the early stages through regular eye exams. The nerve loss which has already occurred is not reversible. Therefore, catching glaucoma in the early stages is very important for trying to prevent or slow the future nerve and vision loss.

Q. How can I tell if I have glaucoma?

A: Because of the gradual and painless nature of glaucoma, a person with early stage glaucoma will most likely not notice any vision changes. It can only be detected by a thorough eye exam.

Q. How is glaucoma detected?

A: Through a comprehensive eye exam and special imaging (Ultrasound-like OCT and visual field testing) instruments.

Q. How is glaucoma treated?

A: The treatment is most often a topical prescription eye drop.

Q. Can glaucoma be prevented?

A: Glaucoma cannot be prevented. The most important thing to know about glaucoma is that early detection and treatment through regular eye exams will result in less vision loss.

For more information about Glaucoma, please click here.

Wearing Colored Contact Lenses This Halloween? Beware and Take Care!

Countless adults, teens and even children will be wearing colored contact lenses this Halloween, but few are aware of the risks involved. Ever wondered what those cat-eye contacts are doing to your eyes? If you got them without a prescription, beware of health complications.

Enjoy a safe and happy Halloween by educating yourself and others about the dangers of wearing colored contact lenses without a prescription.

Why Can Over-The-Counter Colored Contact Lenses Cause Eye Damage?

Contact lenses made to change one’s appearance go by many names: cosmetic, theatrical, Halloween, circle, decorative, colored, or costume contact lenses. While it’s illegal to sell colored contact lenses without a prescription, authorities rarely enforce the law — which means they’re still accessible in many places.

Many people believe that wearing non-prescription color contact lenses can cause no harm. This unfortunate myth has led to many contact lens complications. For instance, when a person feels that a contact lens is “dry”, it could be because the lens is not a good fit. Ideally, the lens should follow the contour of the eye, and stay centered, with enough lens movement to allow tear exchange beneath the lens.

Professional Family Eyecare Eye Clinic and Colored Contact Lenses, Halloween in Coldwater, Ohio

Many eye diseases can be quickly and easily diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. If you were diagnosed with an eye disease, such as Cataracts, Glaucoma, Macular degeneration, Diabetic retinopathy, or Dry eye, you may be overwhelmed by the diagnosis and confused about what happens next. Will you need medications or surgery – now or in the future? Our Coldwater eye doctor has prepared the following answers to your questions about eye disease.

Furthermore, non-medical colored contact lenses are often produced by unlicensed manufacturers that tend to use inferior plastic and toxic materials, such as lead (often used in lens coloring), which can get absorbed through the eyes into the bloodstream. These illegal lenses may also contain high levels of bacteria from unsanitary packaging, shipping, and storage conditions.

Therefore, purchasing any kind of contact lenses without a prescription or medical oversight can result in a variety of eye complications, such as corneal abrasions, eye sores, conjunctivitis, other eye infections, vision impairment and, in rare cases, even permanent vision loss.

Even if you have perfect vision, all contact lenses, including colored contacts, require a prescription and proper fitting by an optometrist.

Contact us at Professional Family Eyecare and make an appointment with us to get properly examined for a contact lens prescription.

Local Colored Contact Lenses, Halloween in Coldwater, Ohio

Read what our patients have to say on Google Reviews

The Dos and Don’ts of Colored Contact Lenses

DO make sure you undergo a comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist who will measure your eyes and properly fit you for contact lenses.

DO get a valid prescription that includes the measurements, expiration date and the contact lens brand name.

DO purchase the decorative contact lenses from a reliable retailer (hint: they should demand a prescription.)

DO follow the contact lens hygiene directives (cleaning, inserting and removing lenses) provided by your eye doctor.

DO make sure to undergo follow-up eye exams as directed by your eye care professional.

DON’T ever share contact lenses with anyone else.

So don’t let an eye infection get in the way of your fun this Halloween.

Wearing decorative lenses without a valid prescription can result in serious harm to your eyes, which can haunt you long after October 31st.

Get your comprehensive eye exam and contact lens fitting by an eye doctor in Coldwater at Professional Family Eyecare.

Call Professional Family Eyecare on 419-678-3016 to schedule an eye exam with our Coldwater optometrist.

Alternatively book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT

Just in case you missed them, here are some of our previous blog posts :

Halloween Eye Safety

Is Your Baby’s EyeSight Developing Normally?

The Dangers of An Online Eye Test

Protecting Your Eyes From The Desk Job

Summer Heat Wave and Your Eyes

This summer, heat waves with scorching temperatures have hit communities nationwide, making an already hot summer even hotter. With high temps and heat waves in certain areas, it’s now more important than ever to protect yourself.

For best practices and tips for maintaining healthy vision in the summer heat, talk to us at Professional Family Eyecare.

How Can Heat Affect Vision?

Staying out in the sun too long can give you a sunburn and make you feel exhausted. Did you know that it can affect your vision, too?

If you get dehydrated, lack of moisture can make it hard for your eyes to naturally produce enough tears, which can contribute to seasonal dry eye. If you already have dry eye, extremely dry heat can exacerbate your symptoms of itchy, red, sore, and irritated eyes.

Do you sit in front of a fan or air conditioning system? That may feel great, but it can also contribute to dryer and less comfortable eyes.

To give your eyes some temporary relief, keep artificial tears on hand. If your eyes still feel dry or uncomfortable, contact Professional Family Eyecare.

Professional Family Eyecare Eye Clinic and Dry Eyes, Sunglasses in Coldwater, Ohio

If You Love the Sun, Read This

Golden sunshine may sound dreamy, but too much isn’t a good thing.

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can be very harmful, and your eyes are no exception. UV radiation, which can gradually contribute to eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Dr. Bruner recommends that you always wear sunglasses with 100% of UVA and UVB light blocking protection. There’s no shortage of trendy and sunglasses, designed with a flair for fashion, so you won’t have to compromise on style while protecting your eyes from dangerous UV rays.

Excessive sun exposure can cause headaches, blurry vision, eye pain, and eyestrain. So while you’re out at the pool, hanging out at the beach, sunbathing, or at a backyard barbeque, pay close attention to how much time you’re outside.

If you love the sunshine, you just need to protect yourself. Wear hats, sunscreen, and, of course, 100% UV protective polarized sunglasses. But if you experience discomfort or symptoms that don’t go away on their own, then it’s time to visit your eye doctor.

Local Dry Eyes, Sunglasses in Coldwater, Ohio

Read what our patients have to say on Google Reviews

Computer Vision Syndrome in the Summer

There’s nothing quite like a family road trip or flying to a vacation getaway over the summer. Yet something about being stuck in the backseat of a car or inside of an airplane makes kids feel closed in and restless. It’s then that many kids will play on a smartphone, iPad, or gaming device over many hours to help pass the time.

When it comes to kids and computer use, they’re just as susceptible to the effects of digital eye strain, also called Computer Vision Syndrome, as adults are. In fact, studies show that 25% of children spend more than 3 hours each day on digital devices.

In the summer, when the heat is sizzling, it’s tempting for kids to spend more time than usual watching TV, using a computer, or playing games on their smartphones. To help ease the effects of digital eyestrain, Dr. Bruner suggests following the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds to look at something at least 20 feet away. It’s a great way to counteract the effects of Computer Vision Syndrome and let the eyes rest.

This summer, however you choose to beat the heat, don’t forget to protect your vision and keep your eyes strong and healthy. Professional Family Eyecare is always here to help if you have any questions.

Have a great summer!

Call Professional Family Eyecare on 419-678-3016 to schedule an eye exam with our Coldwater optometrist.

Alternatively book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT

Just in case you missed them, here are some of our previous blog posts :

Be on the Lookout for Vision Problems this Summer Break

Top 4 Eyecare Tips for Summer Vacation

Holiday Season Shopping: Are Nerf Guns Safe for the Eyes?

3 Ways Diabetes Can Affect Your Vision and Eyes

Top 4 Eyecare Tips for Summer Vacation

This summer, whether you’re headed across state lines on a family road trip, flying off to Europe, grabbing a quick weekend getaway, or taking a vacation in your own backyard, don’t forget to protect your eyes!

Check out our top 4 tips for ensuring healthy eyes this summer, and remember, your eye doctor is here to help make the most out of your vision. Dr. Bruner sees patients from all over the Coldwater, Ohio area. Let us give you the top-quality eye care you and your family deserve, not only during the summer, but all year long.

Professional Family Eyecare Eye Clinic and Eye Care, Summer in Coldwater, Ohio

Don’t Leave Home Without It

If you have a chronic illness and need to head out of town for a few days, you would never leave home without your medications, right? That’s because you know that if something happens and your meds aren’t with you, you could suffer discomfort or complications to your health. The same is true for your vision. If you suffer from dry eyes, make sure to take artificial tears or medicated eye drops with you when you travel. Preservative-free eye drops are a traveler’s friend. They’re also available as individual strips, which are recommended since there’s less risk of contamination. Running low on disposable contact lenses? Include an extra pair in your carry-on suitcase and stock up on new lenses ahead of time. If you wear eyeglasses, bring a spare set and a copy of your prescription along with you, just in case they get lost or broken. We recommend speaking to Dr. Bruner before you leave for vacation to make sure your vision needs are all set.

It’s Getting Hot Outside

Usually, most people think of protecting their skin from sunburns when they’re at the beach, by the pool, or just spending time outdoors.

Did you know that your eyes can get sunburned, too? This happens when the cornea is exposed to excessive UV rays. When the sclera (the white part of your eye) looks red, that’s a sign that you’ve got sunburned eyes. You might also notice symptoms like a sudden sensitivity to light, or your eyes may feel like something is stuck in them, or they could feel sore.

The best way to prevent sunburned eyes? Always wear sunglasses with 100% of UVA and UVB light blocking protection. ”

Local Eye Care, Summer in Coldwater, Ohio

Read what our patients have to say on Google Reviews

Watch Out for the Pool

Swimming is one of summer’s greatest pastimes. There’s nothing quite like a dip in a pool or ocean to cool off from the sweltering summer heat. While you’re slicing through the water, remember to protect your eyes.

Remove contacts before going swimming, wear goggles while underwater, and rinse your eyes with cold water when you get out of the pool (it helps get the chlorine or salt out). If your eyes feel dry or scratchy after a swim, use some moisturizing eye drops to lubricate your eyes.

Back to School is Sooner Than You Think

Your kids will be back in school before you know it. Help them prepare for the upcoming school year by scheduling an eye exam now. If they need new glasses because their prescription has changed or your teen simply wants a new look for the new school year, come in to Professional Family Eyecare for a consultation and take a look at the newest selection of frames and contact lenses.

Have you had a sudden eye injury or emergency while on vacation? Don’t wait until you’re back home to handle it — seek immediate care today. Certain eye injuries can damage your vision or lead to ulcers, so if you notice symptoms like redness, eye pain, changes to your vision, or flashing light, contact your eye doctor right away.

Call Professional Family Eyecare on 419-678-3016 to schedule an eye exam with our Coldwater optometrist.

Alternatively book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT

Just in case you missed them, here are some of our previous blog posts :

Guidelines For Picking the Right Pair of Shades

Technology in the Classroom and the Eyes

It’s Time to Be Serious About Home Eye Safety

Diabetes and Your Eyes

School and Vision: 2 Important Partners

It’s February and that means we’re smack in the middle of winter, which is also the middle of the school year. It’s the season when kids fervently hope for snow days and parents hope they don’t happen. As we head towards the second half of the school year, you’ve probably attended a few parent-teacher conferences and discussed your child’s education. Like peanut butter and jelly, school and vision go hand-in-hand. Both are important partners in ensuring that children excel in their learning, extracurricular activities, and relationships with their peers.

ADD/ADHD and Vision Problems

Did you know that certain vision problems can mask themselves as behavioral or learning difficulties? In fact, education experts often say that 80% of learning is visual. A 3rd grader may be misdiagnosed with ADD or ADHD if they display behaviors like being fidgety, having difficulty focusing or concentrating, or having a short attention span. These symptoms may not always be purely behavioral; they could be vision-related. A child who experiences blurry vision, suffers from headaches or eyestrain, or itches their eyes excessively may, in fact, have a refractive error such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) or astigmatism, or another condition such as convergence insufficiency.

Professional Family Eyecare Eye Clinic and Back-To-School in Coldwater, Ohio

Undiagnosed myopia, for example can cause these same types of behaviors that are commonly attributed to attention disorders. That’s because if your child has to squint his eyes to see the board clearly, eyestrain and headaches are bound to follow. Struggling with reading or writing is common too. Other vision disorders can cause similar behavior patterns. An additional challenge is that kids don’t always express their symptoms verbally, and often they don’t even realize that other people see differently than do.

This can also impact kids emotionally. When they feel like they’re not keeping up with their peers or their learning is inferior in some way, this may lead the child to act out verbally or even physically.

Distinguishing between colors is an important skill for early childhood development. While color vision deficiency affects both children and adults, kids, in particular, can experience difficulty in school with this condition. Simply reading a chalkboard can be an intense struggle when white or yellow chalk is used. When a teacher uses colored markers on a whiteboard to draw a pie chart, graph, or play a game, this can be a difficult experience for a young student with color blindness. A child, his or her parents, and teachers may even be unaware that the child is color blind.

Local Back-To-School in Coldwater, Ohio

Read what our patients have to say on Google Reviews

What School Vision Screenings Miss

Many parents believe that an in-school vision screening is good enough. However, an eye chart test only checks for basic visual acuity, so kids with blurry or double vision, for example, may be able to pass a vision screening while still struggling to read, write, or focus on the board. Children who have problems with their binocular vision, which means using both eyes together to focus on something, can pass the screening when they use just one eye to read the chart.

Studies show that a whopping 43% of children who have vision problems can successfully pass a school vision screening. This means that the vision test may fail to detect the more subtle but significant and treatable vision problems. Early detection and diagnosis is critical to maintaining healthy eyes. That’s why it’s so important to make eye care a part of your child’s healthcare routine.

The Importance of Yearly Eye Exams

The #1 way to do this is to schedule annual eye exams. Your eye doctor can perform a comprehensive pediatric eye exam to check visual acuity, visual clarity, binocular vision, and screen for any eye diseases or vision problems.

Because children develop so rapidly at different ages, it’s essential that eye exams are done at specific stages of their young lives. In fact, The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends regular eye exams at age 6 months, 3 years, before school starts, and every 2 years thereafter.

Simply being aware of the tendency to associate a child’s learning issues with a learning disability or attention disorder instead of an underlying vision problem is critical for parents and educators. Both are partners in a child’s education and they must work together to ensure that each child gets the health care and attention he or she needs.

If you notice changes in your child’s schoolwork, behavior with friends or in sports or other after-school activities, it may be time to schedule an eye exam. You’ll want to be sure that your kids have all the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.

Call Professional Family Eyecare on 419-678-3016 to schedule an eye exam with our Coldwater optometrist.

Alternatively book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT

Just in case you missed them, here are some of our previous blog posts :

An Active and Eye Safe Lifestyle

Don’t Let Snow Blindness Ruin Your Winter Vacation

When 20/20 Vision isn’t Enough For Your Child

Don’t Let Fall Eye Allergies Get You Down

8 Tips to Relieve Winter Dry Eyes

Whether you live in a climate with cold winter weather or you are planning a ski trip up north, winter can be a challenge if you suffer from dry eyes. Dry, cool air, cold winds and even drier indoor heating can cause eye irritation, burning, itchiness and redness, and sometimes even excessively watery eyes as more tears are produced to compensate for the dryness. Many people have a chronic feeling that they have something in their eye and some even experience blurred vision. These symptoms can be debilitating!

Dry eyes is one of the most common complaints eye doctors get from patients during the winter season, especially in the cooler climates. That’s why we’d like to share some tips on how to relieve dry eye discomfort, and how to know when your condition is serious enough to come in for an evaluation.

“Dry, cool air, cold winds and even drier indoor heating can cause eye irritation, burning, itchiness and redness”

Tips to Relieve Winter Dry Eyes:

Keep eyes moist using artificial tears or eye drops. You can apply these a few times each day when the eyes are feeling dry or irritated. If over-the-counter drops don’t help or if you have chronic dry eyes, speak to your eye doctor about finding the best drops for you. Since not all artificial tears are the same, knowing the cause of your dry eye will help your eye doctor determine which brand is best suited for your eyes.
Use a humidifier to counteract the drying effects of indoor heaters or generally dry air.
Point car vents or indoor heaters away from your face when the heat is on. Try to keep your distance from direct sources of heating, especially if they blow out the heat.
Drink a lot! Hydrating your body will also hydrate your eyes.
Protect your eyes outdoors with sunglasses or goggles – the bigger the better! Larger, even wrap-around glasses as well as a hat with a wide brim will keep the wind and other elements out of your eyes. If you wear goggles for winter sports, make sure they fit well and cover a large surface area.
Soothe dry eyes using a warm compress and never rub them! Rubbing your eyes will increase irritation and may lead to infection if the hands are not clean.
Give your eyes a digital break. People blink less during screen time which is why extensive computer use can lead to dry eyes. Follow the 20/20/20 rule by taking a break every 20 minutes to look 20 feet away for 20 seconds and make sure you blink!
For contact lens wearers: If you wear contact lenses, dry eyes can be particularly debilitating as the contact lenses can cause even further dryness and irritation. Contact lens rewetting drops can help your eyes feel better and may also allow you to see more clearly. Not all eyedrops are appropriate for use with contact lenses, so ask your optometrist which eyedrop is compatible with your contacts and cleaning solution. If rewetting drops don’t help, consider opting for glasses when your dry eyes are bad, and speak to your optometrist about which brands of contact lenses are better for dry eyes. Many people find dry eye improvement when they switch to daily single use contact lenses.

Chronic Dry Eyes or Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tear film, or do not produce the quality of tear film needed to properly keep the eyes moist. While winter weather can make this condition worse, it is often present all year round. If you find that the tips above do not alleviate your discomfort or symptoms, it may be time to see a optometrist to see if your condition requires more effective medical treatment. ”

Call Professional Family Eyecare on 419-678-3016 in Coldwater, OH to schedule an eye exam with our optometrist.

Alternatively book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT

Local Dry Eye Treatment in Coldwater, Ohio

Just in case you missed them, here are some of our previous blog posts :

5 Ways to Ensure Healthy Vision

Cataract Awareness and Prevention

World Sight Day Challenge – No More Avoidable Blindness

Exercise and Your Eye Health

Resolve to Prevent Glaucoma in 2016

This year, make healthy eyes and vision your resolution. Find out if you or a loved one is at risk for glaucoma, and take steps for prevention.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of preventable vision loss and blindness in adults in the United States and Canada and the second leading cause of blindness in the World. Projections show that the number of people with the disease will increase by 58% by 2030. These facts however could change with proper awareness.

When detected in the early stages, glaucoma can often be controlled, preventing severe vision loss and blindness. However, symptoms of noticeable vision loss often only occur once the disease has progressed. This is why glaucoma is called “the sneak thief of sight”. Unfortunately, once vision is lost from the disease, it usually can’t be restored.

Risk Factors

Prevention is possible only with early detection and treatment. Since symptoms are often absent regular eye exams which include a glaucoma screening are essential, particularly for individuals at risk for the disease. While anyone can get glaucoma, the following traits put you at a higher risk:

Age over 60
Hispanic or Latino descent, Asian descent
African Americans over the age of 40 (glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in African Americans, 6-8 times more common than in Caucasians.)
Family history of glaucoma
Diabetics
People with severe nearsightedness
Certain medications (e.g. steroids)
Significant eye injury (even if it occurred in childhood)

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is actually a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve due to an increase in pressure inside the eye or intraocular pressure (IOP). Treatments include medication or surgery that can regulate IOP and slow down the progression of the disease to prevent further vision loss if detected early. The type of treatment depends on the type and the cause of the glaucoma.

What are the Symptoms?

Most times glaucoma does not have symptoms. There is no pain unless there is a certain type of glaucoma called angle closure glaucoma. In this case, the channel of outflow gets crowded then blocked, causing foggy, blurred vision, halos around lights, headache and even nausea. This is a medical emergency and should be assessed immediately as the intraocular pressure can become extremely high and cause permanent damage within hours.

Most forms of glaucoma have an “open angle”, which is not so urgent, but does need compliance with the treatment plan (which is sometimes difficult as some of the glaucoma drops have uncomfortable side effects). Once vision loss develops it typically begins with a loss of peripheral or side vision and then progresses inward.

What Can You Do To Prevent Glaucoma?

Because there are no symptoms, regular eye exams are vital to early detection. If you have any of the above risk factors or you are over 60, make a yearly comprehensive eye exam part of your routine. Make sure that your eye doctor knows your family history and any risk factors that are present.

A comprehensive eye exam can determine your risk of developing glaucoma; if you have been diagnosed with glaucoma and have concerns about your treatment, it is best to speak openly with your doctor. Remember, a simple eye doctor’s appointment on a regular basis could save your vision for a lifetime.

The Changing Face of Eye Care

Some of the Changes You Should Expect to See At Our Coldwater Eye Clinic

Why Can Over-The-Counter Colored Contact Lenses Cause Eye Damage?

Professional Family Eyecare Eye Clinic and Colored Contact Lenses, Halloween in Coldwater, Ohio

The Dos and Don’ts of Colored Contact Lenses

How Can Heat Affect Vision?

Professional Family Eyecare Eye Clinic and Dry Eyes, Sunglasses in Coldwater, Ohio

If You Love the Sun, Read This

Computer Vision Syndrome in the Summer

Professional Family Eyecare Eye Clinic and Eye Care, Summer in Coldwater, Ohio

Don’t Leave Home Without It

It’s Getting Hot Outside

Watch Out for the Pool

Back to School is Sooner Than You Think

ADD/ADHD and Vision Problems

Professional Family Eyecare Eye Clinic and Back-To-School in Coldwater, Ohio

What School Vision Screenings Miss

The Importance of Yearly Eye Exams

Tips to Relieve Winter Dry Eyes:

Chronic Dry Eyes or Dry Eye Syndrome

Risk Factors

What is Glaucoma?

What are the Symptoms?

What Can You Do To Prevent Glaucoma?

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