Eyecare
Ask Dr. Tavel
Why are eye exams important?
Your vision is an important part of your overall health. Adults should have regular eye exams to ensure they have the best prescription for them and to detect the onset of eye diseases so they can be treated as quickly as possible. Equally important, children should have regular eye exams to ensure their development does not suffer because of faulty vision. There has been a direct link between a child’s development and vision. A child who can’t see the chalkboard, or teacher will fall behind without proper eye diagnoses and prescription.
What is Amblyopia?
Watch the videoAmblyopia (or lazy eye) is when someone can see better out of one eye than the other. This can occur for a number of reasons, sometimes it's because a person has a large prescription in one eye and virtually none in the other. This usually causes people to primarily use one eye, which causes a less than perfect visual pathway to the brain in the weaker eye. To counteract this, we can patch the strong eye half the time, forcing the weaker eye to form a strong pathway to the brain. We have had great success with this method if we can treat patients under the age of eight.
Will eating carrots improve my eyesight?
Watch the videoNot really. The nutrients found in carrots can improve the health of the retina but only in massive quantities.
Will regular work at my computer cause me to need glasses?
Watch the videoAny work that causes eye-strain can cause headaches and discomfort. Regular eye exams can identify minor prescriptions, which may be causing the symptoms. And if you do require glasses, be sure to ask about an anti-reflective coating, which will block much of the glare from your computer screen.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic Retinopathy is a condition that occurs in people with diabetes and is the result of damage to the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina. Hispanic and African Americans and people with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes are especially at risk and should watch for early warning signs including hazy vision, floaters (moving spots), or other patterns that obstruct your vision.
What is a Cataract?
A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear lens of the eye. The size and location of this cloudy area determines how much it may interfere with normal vision. According to the National Eye Institute, cataract is the leading cause of low vision among all Americans and especially affects those over 40.
What is Glaucoma?
This disease impairs the optic nerve when fluid and pressure build up in the eye and damage the optic nerve. Many don’t realize the early signs of glaucoma because there are no warning signs of the impairment. Depending on the severity of the case, Glaucoma can be treated with eye-drops, pills or eye surgery.
What is age-related Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness among white Americans 40 and over. It is the breaking down or degeneration of the macula--the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision needed to read or drive. Some common symptoms are gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly, distorted vision, a gradual loss of color vision and a dark or empty spot appearing in the center of vision.
Why does the doctor dilate my eyes?
To get a better view of the inside of your eye you may be given dilating drops, which make your pupils larger and makes you more sensitive to light. If you know you will be receiving dilating drops you should bring sunglasses to protect your eyes from light as it can take a few hours for your eyes to return to normal after the exam.
What is refraction?
During your eye exam, you will take part in several tests that will help zero in on the right prescription for you. A refraction test will determine your level of nearsighted, farsighted, astigmatism or presbyopia. These results will help determine the perfect prescription for you.
What should I know about UV rays?
Most people know that extended periods of time exposed to sunlight can damage your skin, but don’t realize that it can also damage your eyes. A good pair of polarized lenses will block the UV rays from damaging your eyes. Be especially careful if you’re around snow, water and sand or driving in the car. You only get one pair of eyes, so take care of them!