Vision Over Age 40

It is natural after age 40 for near vision to change. You will notice you are not able to focus as quickly or as sharply on objects that are close. This could be due to an eye disorder known as presbyopia. You may develop headaches, eye strain or feel fatigued when performing near work such as sewing, handwriting, or reading. When your arms just aren’t long enough anymore to read a book, newspaper or restaurant menu, it is time to consider reading glasses. A visit to your Clarkson Eyecare optometrist or ophthalmologist will get you fitted for the right pair.

Do I need an eye exam?
Yes. Because the inability to focus up close is natural to the aging process, you may feel it is not necessary to have a comprehensive eye exam. However, changes in vision can signal more than just the need for a new pair of reading glasses. It can be an indication of a more serious problem with your eyes.

Early detection is key to a positive outcome. Some conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration can lead to blindness if left untreated. Glaucoma has no symptoms at first and is one of the leading causes of blindness. A simple test by your eye doctor can determine if you have glaucoma, and medication can be administered to help keep it under control. If you already wear corrective lenses, it makes sense for good eye health to consult your eye doctor when you notice a need for a change in your prescription. Schedule an appointment at one of our more than 50 locations today.

Contact Lenses Over 40

Baby Boomers may very well be increasing the number of contact lens wearers beyond eyeglass wearers, but there are those over 40 who find that wearing contacts is a challenge. As you age, you may experience dry eye which may cause discomfort with the use of contacts. And those who wear contacts for distance vision may discover that presbyopia presents new vision correction issues. During your eye exam, your eye doctor can guide you toward the best option for your specific needs to help keep you wearing contacts and live glasses-free.

If you find that you have difficulty reading your phone, computer or other electronic device, but don’t want the hassle of reaching for readers for every single text message, contacts may be the best solution. Ask your eye doctor about the latest technologies in vision correction and find out about your options.

Vision for Computer Users

In today’s society, people use computers for extended periods of time, which requires visual demands unlike those for other activities. As a result, many experience eye strain, headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision and other symptoms associated with Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), which is a very real problem for those who spend hours in front of a computer screen. If you are one of the millions who do, you should schedule a comprehensive eye exam.

What is Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)?
Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) refers to a group of eye and vision-related problems caused by prolonged computer use. Eye discomfort and vision problems appear to increase with extended periods of use.

Computer Eyeglasses
Customized computer glasses are specifically made to reduce eye strain, and with a large field of vision, you will be more comfortable. If you are using regular reading glasses you will probably notice they aren’t working that well. Computer eyeglasses are designed to work at the right distance for normal computer use. This eliminates the need to lean forward and tilt your head, which reduces neck, shoulder and back strain associated with CVS.

What causes Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)?
Environmental factors such as inadequate light or improper distance from the computer screen can be causes of CVS as well as prolonged computer use. Undiagnosed or uncorrected vision problems like farsightedness, astigmatism, inadequate eye coordination or eye focusing, presbyopia or other age-related changes can all contribute to CVS as well. With longer computer use, individuals suffer more severe problems.

While many visual symptoms are noticed temporarily during computer use, some computer users will experience blurred distance vision after computer work is stopped. An eye exam to address vision correction should be performed to reduce the risk of continued symptoms or increased eye problems. See the chart below for symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome.

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) Symptoms

• •Eyestrain
• •Fatigue
• •Headache
• •Blurred Near Vision
• •Blurred Far Vision
• •Neck and/or Backaches
• •Dry Irritated Eyes
• •Diplopia (Double Vision)

Vision and Children

Vision care for children is an essential part of every child’s development. Good vision and academic performance are closely linked. Experts say that a large portion of what your son or daughter learns is through visual presentation. Beginning in infancy, children should have routine eye exams to detect poor vision as well as health related eye problems.

Children need the following basic skills for good eyesight and learning:

• •Near vision
• •Distance vision
• •Binocular (two eyes) coordination
• •Eye movement skills
• •Focusing skills
• •Peripheral awareness
• •Hand-eye coordination

At what age should my child have his first eye exam?
During the first several months of life, a baby can focus only on objects that are close up and seen mostly in high contrast colors such as black, white, or red. Around six months of age, a baby’s visual acuity becomes sharper. Color is seen more accurately and eye movement and hand-eye coordination skills are keener. At that stage, an eye exam should be administered by a doctor to determine if both eyes are working together as a team. An eye exam during early development can prevent a lifetime of poor vision in one or both of your child’s eyes. If risk factors for vision problems are present, an eye exam should be completed earlier than six months of age.

Routine Eye Exams for Children

Routine eye exams for children can detect vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and the overall health of the eyes. During your child’s eye examine, the eye doctor will check for amblyopia, strabismus and other eye disorders that could affect your child’s vision development.

How often should children have eye exams?
In general, risk-free children should have their first eye exam at six months of age, at age three, just before starting school and every two years until age 18. Children who have risk factors for vision problems may need an eye exam earlier than six months of age and more frequently. Regular eye exams to detect vision problems and eye health are essential to success in school, sports and other activities. It is best to detect and treat vision problems as early as possible. Some vision problems such as amblyopia (lazy eye) have the most successful treatment if detected early during vision system development.

Factors that may indicate vision problems include:

• •A history of prematurity
• •Delayed motor development
• •Frequent eye rubbing
• •Excessive blinking
• •Failure to maintain eye contact
• •Inability to maintain a gaze (fixation) while looking at objects
• •Poor eye tracking skills

Be sure to share with your doctor any factors listed above.
For visual skills needed to perform well in school schedule your child’s vision screening appointment today! Call 888.EYECARE!