Category: <span>Eye health</span>

Category: Eye health

Diabetes, Eye Exam, Eye health

Got Diabetes? Get An Eye Exam

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Living with diabetes is a constant journey, filled with daily management, lifestyle changes, and regular check-ups. While monitoring blood sugar levels and adopting a balanced diet are integral aspects of diabetes care, one often overlooked but crucial component is a diabetic eye exam performed by an optometrist.

Understanding Diabetes-Related Eye Complications

Diabetes is a systemic disease that affects various parts of the body, including the eyes. High blood sugar levels can lead to several eye complications, collectively known as diabetic eye diseases. These conditions include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. Left unchecked, these conditions can result in vision impairment and even blindness.

Diabetes Eye Exam

Why See an Dr. Yamamoto and Dr. Inouchi for Diabetic Eye Exams?

  1. Specialized Expertise: Dr. Yamamoto and Dr. Inouchi are eye care specialists trained to diagnose, manage, and treat a wide range of eye conditions. They possess the knowledge and experience required to identify diabetes-related eye complications in their early stages.
  2. Early Detection Saves Sight: Diabetic eye exams can catch eye problems before they progress to a stage where they seriously affect vision. Early detection and intervention can help preserve your eyesight and prevent irreversible damage.
  3. Tailored Care: Dr. Yamamoto and Dr. Inouchi understand the unique eye health challenges faced by individuals with diabetes. They can provide personalized guidance on managing your eye health while taking your specific diabetes management plan into account.
  4. Comprehensive Assessments: Diabetic eye exams are more than just a vision check. Optometrists perform a series of tests, including dilated eye exams, which enable them to examine the retina, blood vessels, and other critical structures of the eye. This thorough evaluation helps identify early signs of diabetic eye diseases.
  5. Coordinated Care: Our eye doctors work closely with other healthcare professionals involved in your diabetes management, ensuring a coordinated approach to your overall health and well-being. This teamwork is essential for managing diabetes effectively.

The Importance of Regularity

Consistency is key when it comes to diabetic eye exams. Diabetes is a chronic condition, and its impact on the eyes can change over time. To safeguard your vision, it’s crucial to attend these exams at regular intervals, as recommended by your eye doctor.

Never underestimate the importance of regular diabetic eye exams by a our eye doctors. These exams are not only a proactive approach to maintaining good vision but also a crucial step in preserving your overall quality of life. By catching eye complications early and managing them effectively, you can continue to enjoy the beauty of the world around you while keeping your diabetes in check.

Remember, your eyes are not just the windows to your soul; they’re also a vital part of your well-being. So, make an appointment with Dr, Yamamoto or Dr. Inouchi, and take the first step in safeguarding your precious gift of sight. Your eyes and your future self will thank you for it.

Eye Exam, Eye health

An Eye Exam is not Just About Vision

 

August is National Eye Exam Month

Perhaps you don’t wear glasses or contacts and haven’t had any issues with your eyes. So, you think, “Why would I need to go to the eye doctor every year?” You might be surprised to know that there is more to an eye exam than just checking your visual clarity. Here are three reasons why you should visit your eye doctor every year.

  1. Detects Early Signs of Chronic Diseases like Diabetes. Regular eye exams are critical because what may seem like a vision-related problem might be an indication of a broader health issue.
  2. Some Eye Diseases Are Symptom-Free. Getting an annual eye exam can help detect health conditions before they progress and may help preserve your vision.
  3. Your Vision Might Not Be as Clear as You Think. You may not notice that your vision changed, but an eye exam can reveal if you need glasses, contacts or an update to your current prescription.

Need an eye exam? Schedule your next comprehensive eye exam today.

Book Your Eye Exam Online
Eye health

3 Ways to Protect Your Eyes on Vacation 

Summer Vacation Eye TipsSummer is the perfect time to head to the mountains, relax on the beach of visit family and friends. Here are three things to remember next time you head out the door for vacation:

Sunglasses

If there’s one thing you can’t leave home without, besides your wallet, phone, and keys, it’s a trusty pair of sunglasses. No matter where you’re headed, sunglasses are the perfect accessory to keep your eyes comfortable on sunny and overcast days. Make sure that they provide 100% UV protection. If you’re headed to the beach or mountains, you may want to consider polarized sunglasses as they can help reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water from a lake or ocean. Wraparound styles are also great for windy conditions, as they provide more coverage to protect the eyes from flying particles and dryness.

Spare glasses/contacts

If you are an avid contact lens wearer, bring your cleaning solution and back up eyewear. You never know when one of those little guys might pop out. Even if you wear glasses, a back-up pair in the glovebox can be handy for some of life’s unexpected moments.

Eye Drops

When traveling you may need to adapt to different climates. Even airplanes have drier air than your eyes might be used to. Keeping some artificial tears on hand can help you deal with environmental factors or even flush out irritants like smoke or pollen.

If you do run into unexpected eye issues away from home, it’s important to not wait to see your eye doctor. Give us a call and we can help you determine the best course of treatment while you’re away from home.

Book Your Eye Exam Online Summer Vacation Eye Tips

BluTech, Eye Exam, Eye health

Blue Light Exposure?

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Avoid the Blue light blues

Did you know digital devices emit blue light and blue light exposure may contribute to digital eye strain? Here are a few tips to help keep your eyes healthy:

  • Ask The Expert. At your next annual eye exam, talk to your doctor about your lifestyle and ask about the best options for combating digital eye strain.
  • Unplug Before Bed. Power down your devices before heading to bed.
  • Give Your Eyes A Break. Whenever you find yourself spending time looking at a digital device, be sure to take frequent breaks. Get up, stretch, and give your eyes a rest.

Make an appointment today if you’re concerned about blue light exposure and digital eye strain.

Schedule Your Eye Exam Now
Eye Exam, Eye health

Relieve Your Allergy Eyes

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Blow spring eye allergies away.

High levels of pollen, mold, dust, and other irritants can make for miserable eyes! These airborne allergens may be the primary culprit of watery, itchy eyes, but relief may be closer than you think. Check out these do-it-yourself remedies for mild cases of seasonal allergies.

  • Keep the windows shut in your car and home—especially in the early morning hours when pollination tends to occur.
  • Wear wrap-around glasses or sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes.
  • Place a cold compress over your eyes to soothe discomfort.
  • Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to flush out any irritants.

Don’t let allergy season get you down. Talk to your eye doctor about more ways to combat eye allergy symptoms this spring!

Book Your Eye Exam Online
Eye health

Your Eye Health Matters

Your Eye Health Matters
Your Eye Health Matters

May is Healthy Vision Month! Did you know that there are multiple ways you can promote healthy vision? One of the best ways is to get an eye exam regularly. Eye exams can provide early detection of vision problems and possible health conditions and taking steps to promote healthy vision is something you can do every single day! Here are 6 different ways you can keep your eyes and body healthy. 

  1. Schedule a Yearly Eye Exam. Regular eye exams go far beyond detecting blurry vision. In addition to serious health conditions, many eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataracts, can also be detected early through annual eye exams.  
  2. Drink Water. Dehydration can greatly affect your eyes in addition to the rest of your body. Dehydration can worsen eye strain and dry-eye symptoms and can even cause blurred vision. Make sure water is a regular part of your day to keep your eyes healthy and protected. 
  3. Eat Well. Your diet affects your vision. There are key nutrients in leafy greens, berries, beets, citrus, and even foods with high omega 3s that are important for helping to maintain healthy vision.  
  4. Exercise. Many eye diseases are related to high-blood pressure and diabetes. Exercising 4 times a week can lower your blood pressure and eye pressure, which may reduce your risk for disease*.
  5. Cover Up. Just like sunscreen is important for your skin, sunglasses and hats are important for your eyes. Protect against harmful UV rays by wearing your sunglasses while the sun is shining.
  6. Limit Screen Exposure. Digital eye strain can cause visual discomfort as well as dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. Give your eyes a break throughout the day and look at something other than a screen! 
  7.  Put your vision first this month and every month going forward. Schedule an appointment today.
Schedule Your Eye Exam Now
*Glaucoma Research Foundation, https://www.glaucoma.org/q-a/can-exercise-lower-eye-pressure.php 
Contact lenses, Eye, Eye Exam, Eye health

The Signs are in Your Eyes

Blow spring eye allergies away.Even before we see the sunny weather, blooming flowers, and greening trees, there are a few sure signs that spring is near. You’re more likely to feel the season change versus seeing it with your own eyes. The problem is, sometimes, it’s your eyes that get hit the worst with the first signs of spring. 
Considering the time of year, if your eyes are itchy, watery, and red, chances are your eyes are reacting to pollen. Allergens stimulate the histamines located in the eyes causing these symptoms. Pet dander, dust, dirt, and cigarette smoke can also cause a similar reaction to plant allergies. 
Here are some tips to help arm yourself as we head into spring: 
  • Avoid allergens - Stay indoors to limit your exposure to common allergens you are sensitive to. If you do go outdoors, wear wrap-around sunglasses to help shield your eyes from pollen, ragweed, dust, etc. 
  • Remove contacts - Contact lenses can attract allergens and accumulate throughout the day. Consider wearing your glasses or switching to daily disposable contacts during allergy season. 
  • Over-the-counter eye drops – There are a number of allergy drops that are formulated to relieve itchiness, redness, and watery eyes. 
  • If you are experiencing symptoms that won’t go away, your eye doctor might need to prescribe something stronger. Make an appointment today to discuss these options and get your comprehensive annual eye exam. 
Eye, Eye Exam, Eye health

Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Women are more likely than men to suffer from eye-related disease and conditions such as: Cataract, Glaucoma, and Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Ladies, stay ahead of your eye health and schedule your annual exam today! #Women’sEyeHealth

Women's Eye Health and Safety Month
Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month
Eye, Eye Exam, Eye health

21st Century Eye: Ways to Protect your Eyes

 

Eye protectionWhen it comes to really seeing what’s going on with your eyes, there is no substitute for a comprehensive, yearly eye exam by our eye doctors. Despite catchy claims, there is truly no ‘app’ for that. While a variety of new mobile applications claim to evaluate vision or the fit of eyeglasses, often these apps give inaccurate or misleading information, and misinformed consumers end up delaying essential, sight-saving exams. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical and can often prevent a total loss of vision and improve quality of life.  Get your eyes check annually.

Eye, Eye Exam, Eye health

Clues to a healthy heart can be found in your eyes.

 

Healthy Heart Healthy Eyes

 

Did you know your eyes may help show how healthy your heart is? A yearly eye exam does more than check your vision – it can help detect signs of chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes that could lead to heart disease.

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam so we can keep your heart pumping and your eyes seeing. And in the meantime, here are 5 things you can start doing today to show your eyes and your heart more love:

  • Exercise regularly
  • Get enough sleep
  • Don’t smoke
  • Eat a heart-healthy diet
  • Reduce stress

Schedule an appointment today! 

Schedule Your Eye Exam Now
Eye Exam, Eye health

Am I at risk for glaucoma?

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January is Glaucoma Awareness Month.

Did you know that Glaucoma is the second-leading cause of vision loss and blindness? According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 3 million people affected by the disease in the U.S. today, and that number is expected to reach 4.2 million by 2030.

It’s important to know some of the potential risk factors for glaucoma, which include:

  • High myopia (very severe nearsightedness)
  • Diabetes
  • Previous eye surgery or injury
  • High blood pressure
  • Family history of glaucoma
  • Use of corticosteroids (for example, eye drops, pills, inhalers and creams)

For those at risk of developing glaucoma, the American Optometric Association recommends an annual comprehensive eye exam. Early detection through regular eye exams, is the key to protecting your vision from damage caused by glaucoma.

Has it been a while since your last comprehensive eye exam? Give us a call to schedule one today!

Eye Exam, Eye health

Tips for Keeping Your Eyes Healthy For A Lifetime

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Carrots are good for your eyes.
Carrots are good for your eyes.

Here are some healthy vision tips from Dr. Dan an Dr. Tracie

  1. We feel that patients should schedule yearly comprehensive eye exams Seeing an eye doctor regularly will help keep you and your eyes healthy for a lifetime.
  2. Protect your eyes against ultra violet (UV) rays. Living in Hawaii, ts important to wear sunglasses.
  3. Give your eyes a break from digital devices use. Practice the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes take a 20 second break and look at something 20 feet away.  Limit your screen time.
  4. Practice good nutrition.  Eat your greens. Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables – particularly the leafy green variety.  Leafy greens keep your retina helthy.
  5. Practice safe wear and care of your contact lenses. Keep them clean and don’t over wear them too long.  Don’t forget to dispose of your contact lens on a regular basis.
Eye health

FDA warns consumers not to use 27eye drops from several major brands due to risk of eye infection

 

The FDA has issued a warning to consumers to immediately stop the purchase and use of 27 over-the-counter (OTC) eye drop products due to a potential risk for eye infection.

Anyone who owns the recalled eye drops should follow the FDA’s guidelines for throwing the products away, which may involve taking them to a drug take-back site.

Here is the list of all 27 eye drops that are on the warning list.

CVS Health

  • Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack)
    • Active Ingredient: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5%
  • Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack)
    • Active Ingredient: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5%
  • Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml (single pack)
    • Active Ingredient: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1%
  • Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml (twin pack)
    • Active Ingredient: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1%
  • Multi-Action Relief Drops 15 ml
    • Active Ingredients: Polyvinyl Alcohol 0.5%, Povidone 0.6%, & Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride 0.05% Eye Drops
  • Lubricating Gel drops 10 ml
    • Active Ingredients: Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
  • Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (single pack)
    • Active Ingredient: Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6%
  • Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (twin pack)
    • Active Ingredient: Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6%
  • Mild Moderate Lubricating Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack)
    • Active Ingredient: Polyethylene Glycol 400 Eye Drop ‘0.25%

Rugby (Cardinal Health)

  • Lubricating Tears Eye Drops 15 ml
    • Active Ingredients: Hypromellose 2910-0.3% & Dextran 70- 0.1% Eye Drops
  • Polyvinyl Alcohol 1.4% Lubricating Eye Drops 15 ml
    • Active Ingredient: Polyvinyl Alcohol Eye Drops 1.4%

Leader (Cardinal Health)

  • Dry Eye Relief 10 ml
    • Active Ingredients: Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
  • Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack)
    • Active Ingredient: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5%
  • Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack)
    • Active Ingredient: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5%
  • Dry Eye Relief 15 ml
    • Active Ingredient: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1%
  • Eye Irritation Relief 15 ml
    • Active Ingredients: Polyvinyl Alcohol 0.5%, Povidone 0.6%, & Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride 0.05% Eye Drops

Rite Aid

  • Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack)
    • Active Ingredient: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5%
  • Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (twin pack)
    • Active Ingredient: Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6%
  • Gentle Lubricant Gel Eye Drops 15 ml
    • Active Ingredients: Hypromellose 0.3%, Glycerin 0.2%, and Dextran 70 0.1% Eye Drops
  • Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml
    • Active Ingredient: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1%
  • Lubricating Gel Drops 10 ml
    • Active Ingredients: Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
  • Multi-Action Relief Drops 15 ml
    • Active Ingredients: Polyvinyl Alcohol 0.5%, Povidone 0.6%, & Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride 0.05% Eye Drops

Target

  • Up&Up Dry Eye Relief Lubricant Eye Drops 30 ml
    • Active Ingredients: Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
  • Up&Up Extreme Relief Dry Eye 15 ml (single pack)
    • Active Ingredients: Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
  • Up&Up Extreme Relief Dry Eye 30 ml (twin pack)
    • Active Ingredient: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5%

Velocity Pharma LLC

  • Lubricant Eye Drop 10 ml (triple pack)
    • Active Ingredient: Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6%

Walmart

  • Equate Hydration PF Lubricant Eye Drop 10 ml
    • Active Ingredients: Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops