SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS

Sports are a great way to have fun and stay active, but it’s important to understand the risks they pose. Basketball, for instance, tops the list for sports-related eye injuries in the United States. Activities involving projectiles carry the greatest risk of temporary or permanent vision loss. Full-contact sports like boxing and martial arts pose an extremely high risk of serious, potentially blinding eye injuries. Thousands of people seek treatment for sports-related eye injuries annually in the U.S., with youth athletes being particularly vulnerable. The good news is that most of these injuries are preventable. Here are some safety measures athletes can adopt to safeguard their eyes while playing their favorite sports: The first defense against sports-related eye injuries is proper protective gear . Different sports may require specific types of goggles or helmets, so it's important to use the gear recommended for your sport. Regular glasses or contact lenses alone do not provide sufficient protection against injury. Sports-related concussions can also have a significant impact on ocular health. Athletes who sustain concussions may experience temporary or lasting damage to their eyesight. If a head injury occurs, seek medical attention immediately to assess the extent of the damage and determine the appropriate recovery period. It's imperative for individuals affected by concussions to allow sufficient time for recovery before returning to sports. By implementing these preventive measures, athletes can continue to enjoy their sports while significantly reducing the risk of unwarranted eye injuries. If an ocular injury occurs, visit your optometrist as soon as possible so you can get back to playing the sport you love.

How many hours do you spend on your computer each day? Screens dominate our homes, schools, and workplaces, which is why digital eye strain is on the rise. Also known as computer vision syndrome, this condition can lead to various discomforts such as tired, burning, or itchy eyes, dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. Luckily, there are several ways to minimize the impact of digital eye strain, even if you can’t turn your screens off completely. One of the key contributors to digital eye strain is improper screen positioning. To reduce strain on your eyes, neck, and shoulder muscles, ensure your screen is 20 to 26 inches away and slightly below eye level . Additionally, consider using a blue light filter to minimize the amount of blue light emitted by your screen. Optimal lighting plays a crucial role in preventing digital eye strain. Excessive glare and reflections can intensify eye discomfort. Take control of your environment by using shades, curtains, or blinds to regulate sunlight. Anti-glare screens for your digital devices can further diminish glare and reflections. Don't forget about the 20-20-20 rule ! Every 20 minutes, shift your focus away from the screen and look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This simple practice refreshes your eyes and mitigates the effects of prolonged screen exposure. You can significantly reduce the effects of digital eye strain by following these tips while using your devices. Check your environment and lighting before beginning work, and take advantage of your breaks to rest your eyes. If you have any concerns about your vision, schedule an appointment with us today!