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5 Vision-Saving Tips for National Save Your Vision Month

March is here. And you know what that means…

It’s National Save Your Vision Month!

In honor of this special month, which not only signals the start of spring but reminds us to protect our eyes, we’ve put together a list of 5 essential ways that you can ‘save your vision.’

It goes without saying that routine eye exams are a top priority when it comes to taking care of your eyes, so here are 5 additional things you can do to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.

1. Maintain a Healthy Diet

You’re likely aware that a balanced diet consists of all different types of nutritious foods that contain the vitamins and nutrients you need to keep your body healthy and strong.

But did you know that certain foods actually promote eye health and can lower your risk of eye disease?

Eating foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as vitamins A, B, C and E, can protect your eye health and help save your vision from sight-threatening eye diseases, like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.

If you don’t think your daily meals offer enough of these essential vitamins and nutrients, ask your doctor whether you should add a daily supplement to your diet.

2. Limit Screen Time

The digital world has created a new venue for working, communicating, socializing and entertainment. But it’s also brought about a new eye condition called computer vision syndrome (CVS) — also called digital eye strain (DES) — that’s a growing concern among eye care professionals.

Not only can too much screen time affect productivity in work and school, but it can also result in dry, red, irritated eyes, blurry vision, headaches, neck, back and shoulder pain, and even have a negative effect on your mood and quality of sleep.

So this month, take it upon yourself to be more aware of how much time you spend in front of a digital screen, and try to set boundaries whenever possible for you and your children. You can also practice the 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for a minimum of 20 seconds.

3. Use Protective Eyewear

Every day, thousands of people receive emergency care for an eye-related accident — many of them resulting in permanent damage and vision loss.

The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is by wearing protective eyewear for all activities that pose an eye health risk — from sports and water gun fights to lightsaber tournaments and science experiments. And, of course, this also implies any type of home-improvement project that involves small particles like grass, saw dust or metal flying into your eye.

Protective eyewear can truly save your vision.

 

4. Wear Sunglasses All Year Round

Sunglasses are more than just a fashion accessory to enhance your look. They shield your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can damage your vision and lead to serious eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration.

Now you have an even better excuse to go out and buy yourself the new pair of shades you’ve been dreaming about. Just make sure they offer 100% UV protection.

Wear your new sunglasses all year round, even on cloudy and snowy days, because the sun’s UV rays can penetrate the clouds and reflect off the snow-covered ground, doubling your exposure.

5. Quit Smoking

If you’ve been thinking about quitting, now’s the time! Smoking is not only dangerous for your overall health, it increases your risk for sight-threatening eye diseases like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

So, for the sake of your vision and overall health, take the first steps toward kicking your smoking habit.

In honor of National Save Your Vision Month, why not try some of these vision-saving habits that can help you keep your eyes and vision healthy for a lifetime. Your future self will thank you.

Interested in learning more about how you can protect your eyes and vision? Contact Eyellusion Vision Center in Woodside today to schedule an appointment. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions and to offer you the best possible eye care.

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Do children need to wear sunglasses?

Yes, sunglasses are essential for protecting your child’s eyes both now and in the future. A child’s eyes are still maturing and are therefore even more susceptible to UV damage than adults. Encourage your child to wear sunglasses whenever they play outside by setting a good example and making sure to wear sunglasses whenever you venture outdoors.

What are sports goggles?

Sports goggles are a type of protective eyewear worn by many athletes. These goggles contain impact resistant, durable polycarbonate lenses, offering the ultimate eye protection during sports activities. If you or your child play sports, sports goggles are an essential accessory to your athletic gear.

How Pregnancy Can Affect Your Eyesight

Pregnancy can impact almost every part of a woman’s body and health — including her eyes. In fact, an estimated 14% of pregnant women report experiencing visual changes during pregnancy that usually resolve on their own within a couple of months after giving birth.

Knowing the different visual symptoms that can present when you’re expecting can help alert you to potential underlying health concerns that your physician may need to address.

Normal Visual Changes During Pregnancy

Blurred Vision

Blurred vision is the most common visual symptom that pregnant women may experience. Hormonal fluctuations are usually to blame for the temporary decrease in visual acuity, and your eyesight will likely return to normal soon after giving birth.

The influx of pregnancy hormones causes fluid retention in some areas of the body and can cause the cornea to thicken slightly. As a result, the light entering the eye isn’t focused accurately and vision may be blurred.

Less commonly, blurred vision can signal gestational diabetes, a pregnancy complication affecting 6-9% of pregnant women. The rise in blood sugar level impacts the focusing lens of the eye, leading to blurry vision. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, including gestational diabetes, it’s a good idea to book an eye exam to monitor for retinal changes.

Blurred vision is also a common side effect of dry eye syndrome, a condition characterized by tears that don’t adequately lubricate the eyes, which can be brought on or exacerbated by pregnancy.

Eye Dryness

Pregnancy hormones can cause a reduction in the amount of tears your eyes produce or affect the quality of the tears. These changes can affect a woman throughout her entire pregnancy, but studies show that eye dryness is particularly common in the last trimester. For this reason, some women find it difficult to wear contact lenses in their third trimester and temporarily switch to glasses.

Eye Puffiness

Yet another body part that swells during pregnancy: the eyelids and tissues around the eyes.

Pregnancy-related water retention may cause your eyelids to appear puffier than during your pre-pregnancy days. You may also notice darker areas under the eyes. If your puffy eyes bother you, try limiting your salt and caffeine intake, as they can worsen the problem.

Visual Changes That May Indicate a Problem

The following visual changes warrant a prompt call to your eye doctor or obstetrician to rule out any underlying complications.

Flashes or floaters

Seeing stars during pregnancy can signal high blood pressure, which is associated with preeclampsia — a serious medical condition that requires close monitoring by your physician and possible treatment.

It’s crucial to have your blood pressure monitored throughout your pregnancy, as preeclampsia can potentially endanger the life of mother and child, as well as damage the cornea and retina.

Temporary vision loss

Temporary vision loss is concerning for pregnant and non-pregnant individuals. Vision loss is another warning sign of preeclampsia, so contact your doctor promptly if you suddenly lose any portion of your visual field.

Sensitivity to light

Light-sensitivity can either be a normal side effect of fluid retention in the eye, or it can signal dangerously high blood pressure and preeclampsia.

How We Can Help

At ​​Eyellusion Vision Center, our goal is to keep your vision and eyes healthy throughout your pregnancy and beyond. If you experience any visual symptoms, we can help by thoroughly examining your eyes to determine the underlying cause and provide you with guidance on what next steps to take.

Pregnancy is a wonderful time, when self care should be at the forefront — and that includes comprehensive eye care.

To schedule an eye exam or learn more about our eye care services, call Eyellusion Vision Center in Woodside today!

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Why are regular eye exams important?

Having your eyes evaluated by an optometrist on a regular basis is crucial for detecting early signs of eye diseases and changes in your prescription, including during pregnancy. Many serious eye diseases don’t cause any noticeable symptoms until they’ve progressed to late stages, when damage to vision may be irreversible. Whether or not you wear glasses or contact lenses for vision correction, ask your optometrist about how often to schedule a routine eye exam.

Will my baby need an eye exam after birth?

According to the American Optometric Association and the Canadian Association of Optometrists, babies should have an eye exam within the first 6-12 months of life, even in the absence of noticeable vision problems. Healthy vision is a significant part of healthy overall development, so be sure not to skip your baby’s eye exams!

Choosing The Best Sunglasses

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Optical Store & Eye Care in Woodside

Sure, sunglasses might add the final touches to your chic ensemble, but the real reason to purchase your shades is to protect your eyes from the sun. Not only does glare from the sun make it difficult to see, but the UV rays it reflects can cause permanent damage to your eyes and vision. You want to make sure your sunglasses offer optimal protection, fit, comfort and of course, the best possible vision.

To purchase the best pair of sunglasses for you consider the following tips .

UV Protection

There are two types of UV radiation, UVA and UVB. UVA rays are less intense yet more prevalent than UVB rays, making up 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the surface of the Earth. They have been linked to skin cancer, aging and the development of cataracts. UVB rays are very dangerous to the eyes and are the primary cause of sunburns and cancer. While they are dangerous year round, these rays are more intense during the summer months, especially mid-day between around ten in the morning and four in the afternoon. UVB rays also reflect off of snow, water, sand and concrete.

The damage caused by UV rays is irreversible and cumulative, building up over a long period of time. This is why it is important to start wearing sunglasses when you are young (also because your eyes are more sensitive at a younger age). You want to make sure your sunglasses block out 100% of UV rays. This is the most important factor to consider when purchasing your sunglasses.

Additionally, in certain circumstances of intense UV exposure, a condition called keratitis can occur, which is essentially a sunburn on the eye. Symptoms often occur hours after sun exposure and can include temporary vision loss and severe pain.

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Sunglass Lens Options in Woodside

Once you are certain your sunglass lenses have the requisite UV protection, you can begin to consider other lens possibilities.

Here are some other lens options to consider:

Polarized Lenses:

Reduce glare from light reflecting off glass, water, snow, sand or pavement. You should consider polarized lenses if you participate in water or snow sports such as fishing, boating or skiing as the water and snow can create a strong glare. They are also great for comfort while driving by reducing glare and to enhance vision when on the road.

Tinted Lenses:

Certain lens tints enable you to see better or more comfortably under certain circumstances but you have to be careful. Lens tints can distort or reduce vision and some can even harm your vision by increasing your pupil size which leads to an increase of UV radiation penetrating the eye. Look for lenses with a medium tint that keep your eyes comfortable and do not have a negative impact on your vision. Your optometrists’ office can often make specific tint recommendations depending on your lifestyle or particularly activities (ex. golfing vs fishing) and the health of your eyes (for example, cataracts tend to cause more glare).

Photochromic Lenses:

Automatically darken when exposed to UV light. Photochromic lenses are a great option for individuals that wear prescription eyeglasses: one pair can serve you both indoors and outdoors. As soon as you step outside, the lenses will darken, and they’ll reverse when you go back indoors.

Lens Materials

There are also a few options when it comes to lens materials, such as plastics – including polycarbonate or acetate; trivex – which is a polymer material; or glass. The type of lens will determine the durability, clarity of vision and price of your lenses, so you should consider the factors that are most important for you and try out a few options to see how they feel.

Sunwear Frames

Frame Size

The size of your sunglass frame is important for both comfort and protection. Your frames should fit according to your face size and provide ample coverage for your eyes. When you try on your frames, make sure they cover your eyes and feel comfortable around the bridge and temples. Also check that they don’t slip off when you move your head down toward the floor.

Frame Materials

Frames can be manufactured from a number of materials and, these days, frame companies are constantly innovating to come up with new and improved options. These materials vary in strength, flexibility, weight, comfort and price. You need to choose a frame material that is comfortable, safe, and functional and that suits your lifestyle and your fashion style.

Making the Purchase

When purchasing sunglasses, keep in mind that your vision insurance may help to cover the costs when purchased at an optometry office rather than at a sports or recreation store. Check with your insurance and your local optical to find out about any discounts or coverage. Another advantage of purchasing from an optometrist’s optical is that the optician can help you to find the perfect pair to suit your eye and vision needs, as well as your lifestyle and fashion preferences.

The good news about choosing the right pair of sunglasses is that there are ample brands, colors, styles and materials to choose from. So when it comes to your shades, don’t settle for less than optimal protection, fit and comfort for your eyes.

6 Ways To Bid Dry Eyes Goodbye

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Eye Doctor in Woodside, New York

Dry, itchy, and irritated eyes are no fun. Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a multifactorial condition that is generally caused by poor tear quality, insufficient tears, allergies, or other irritants. The symptoms of DES can range from slightly uncomfortable to debilitating and can include:

  • Dryness
  • Redness
  • Grittiness
  • Watery eyes
  • Light sensitivity
  • Blurred vision

If you suspect you have dry eyes, speak with Dr. Seul Ki Lim about the latest treatments to manage or eliminate your symptoms. In the meantime, below are a few of our tips to ease dry eye symptoms for lasting relief.

Here Are Our Top 6 Tips for Dry Eye

1. Use Artificial Tears

Artificial tears can provide the eyes with the moisture they lack, thus relieving irritation and discomfort. Dr. Seul Ki Lim can advise on which lubricating drops best suit your eye condition.

2. Stay Hydrated

This may sound obvious, but keeping hydrated is a crucial component in managing DES. Since the eyes are part of a larger system (the body), dehydration will affect them as well. Try increasing your water intake to see if symptoms clear up on their own. You’ll want to stick to drinking water and avoid excess caffeine or alcohol, as these can dehydrate the body. Many health authorities recommend drinking about 2 liters of water per day to stay hydrated.

3. Eat More Fish or Flax seeds

Healthy tears are made of water, oil, and mucus, and any imbalance of any of these components can result in DES. Including the recommended amount of Omega-3 fats in your diet can help support healthy tear production. The U.S Department of Agriculture recommends consuming at least 250mg of Omega-3 fatty acids daily.

4. Shield Your Eyes

Wearing protective eyewear, such as wraparound sunglasses or UV blocking lenses, can shelter your eyes from harmful debris and irritants in the air. Breezy weather can also contribute to dry eyes, as the wind causes the eye’s tear film to evaporate faster than the normal pace.

5. Check Your Surroundings

Be aware of environmental factors that may be contributing to dry eyes. Always make sure your car air conditioner vents are pointed away from your eyes so as not to cause irritation. If you style your hair with a blow dryer, be sure to avoid the eye area, as the warmth and forced air will cause the tears to prematurely evaporate. Additionally, if you find that your home or work environment is too dry, try using a humidifier next to your desk or by your bed to put moisture back into the air.

6. See Your Eye Doctor

This is perhaps the most important step in treating your dry eyes. An eye exam with Dr. Seul Ki Lim will help determine the underlying cause of the dryness and best treatment options. Our goal here at Eyellusion Vision Center is to alleviate any eye discomfort and increase our patients’ overall quality of life. If you or a loved one are suffering from DES, schedule your appointment today and find the relief you deserve.

Call Eyellusion Vision Center to find out our eye exam appointment availability: 513-407-5112 or alternatively you can look available appointments online here REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

Top 5 Tips To Manage Eye Allergies This Spring

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Eye Doctor in Woodside, New York

With spring just around the corner, there’s no better time to learn about managing those uncomfortable eye allergy symptoms that pop up when the weather gets warmer. While eye allergy symptoms can negatively affect quality of life, they are often treatable. If you or a loved one is suffering from eye allergies, call Eyellusion Vision Center for an eye exam to get the relief you seek.

What Are Eye Allergies?

Allergic conjunctivitis, or eye allergies, are the eyes’ response to various allergens and irritants that tend to be airborne.

Symptoms and Causes of Eye Allergies

Some eye allergy symptoms include:

  • Itchy, red eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Irritated or painful eyes
  • Sneezing or runny nose
  • Swollen eyelids

Eye allergies can be triggered by both airborne and non-airborne allergens. Some of most common include:

  • Pollen
  • Pet dander
  • Mold
  • Makeup
  • Dust mites
  • Perfume
  • Skin care products

5 Tips To Manage Eye Allergy Symptoms

  1. Clear the air of allergens by using air filters on all of your cooling systems. Keeping your home as clean as possible will also help reduce airborne allergens.
  2. Use cold eye compresses to alleviate symptoms. You can either purchase a cold eye compress at your local drugstore or easily make one at home. Soak a clean, soft washcloth in cold water, wring it out, and place it over closed eyelids for a few minutes at a time or until it is no longer cool. The coldness will help to soothe irritated eyes and reduce swelling.
  3. Try removing your contact lenses, as they can attract and accumulate allergens and irritants on their surfaces. Switching to glasses or daily disposable contacts during allergy season may help to reduce your symptoms.
  4. Use medicated eye drops to reduce redness and itching. There are over the counter options as well as prescription eye drops, which can be prescribed by Dr. Seul Ki Lim. Antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, multiple-action, and decongestant eye drops can all help manage eye allergy symptoms.
  5. Wear protective eyewear while outdoors, such as wraparound glasses, to shield your eyes from direct contact with airborne irritants and allergens. Opt for eyewear with larger lenses that provide fuller coverage.

We Can Help Treat Your Eye Allergies

Eye allergies can be bothersome, but they don’t have to be. An eye exam with Dr. Seul Ki Lim can help diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms and determine the best treatment to alleviate any discomfort.

Call Eyellusion Vision Center today to make an appointment: 513-407-5112 or alternatively you can book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT.

Frames That Match Your Style – Eyewear Trends 2020!

Optical Store & Eye Care in Woodside, New York

Optical Store & Eye Care in Woodside, New York

Whether you prefer a pair of bold and bright frames or something more elegant and subtle, the trending eyeglass frames of 2020 offer something for everyone.

The Trendiest Eyeglasses of 2020

  1. White or translucent frames are some of the most popular eyewear styles this year. Almost every designer has their own version, so you have plenty of options to choose from if you’re looking for a pair of clear frames to make a statement.
  2. Classic aviators are still trending in 2020, making them a perfect choice for both men and women who prefer something sporty. Many designers are modernizing the aviator shape, offering their own spin on these flattering frames.
  3. Unique tortoiseshell glasses are now available in more than just classic brown. Teal, blue, and even purple tortoiseshell frames are currently trending and flatter every eye color. These beautiful frames come in thicker and thinner versions, depending on your preference.
  4. Gold wire frames are simple yet elegant and suit both men and women who prefer a more minimalistic design. Round golden metal frames are great for a professional look.
  5. “Matrix” sunglasses are making a comeback this year, especially the more angular versions out there. Celebrities such as Bella Hadid and Billie Eilish have been seen sporting these 90’s inspired frames, making them all the more popular.
  6. Vibrant and bold colored frames are returning in 2020 and are not for the faint of heart. Be it bright red, pink, yellow, or purple, these colorful frames are for fashionistas who want to express their individuality.
  7. Vintage style frames or “granny frames” are popular this year and are available in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. From light nude to dusty pink, these oversized frames could be the missing accessory to your vintage outfit.

No matter what kind of glasses you’re looking for, we can help you find the perfect pair to suit your personal style. Eyellusion Vision Center offers a wide range of the most trendy eyewear on the market. If you’re looking to refresh your look, there’s no better way than a new pair of glasses.

What Are Eye Allergies?

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Eye Allergies, also called “allergic conjunctivitis,” are the eyes’ response to environmental irritants and allergens. Their symptoms range in severity from uncomfortable to debilitating but fortunately are often treatable. If you suspect you have eye allergies, speak with Dr. Seul Ki Lim about finding lasting relief.

Understanding Eye Allergies

What Causes Eye Allergies?

Allergies occur when the immune system becomes hypersensitized to certain allergens — otherwise harmless substances, such as pollen or dust mites. When allergens are introduced to the body, histamines are released in the blood-stream, causing inflammation and swelling.

Some airborne allergens that can cause eye allergies include:

  • Mold
  • Pet dander
  • Pollen

Non-airborne allergens include:

  • Makeup
  • Perfume
  • Skincare products
  • Cleaning chemicals
  • Contact lens solutions
  • Preservatives in multi-use eye drops

Symptoms of Eye Allergies

When the blood vessels in the eyes are affected during an allergic reaction, the following symptoms can arise:

  • Red eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Itchy or irritated eyes
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Nasal congestion
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Burning or painful eyes

How Are Eye Allergies Treated?

There are several approaches to treating eye allergies and Dr. Seul Ki Lim can help determine which options best suit your symptoms.

Limit Allergen Exposure

One of the best ways to reduce allergy flare-ups is to avoid allergens altogether or at least reduce exposure to them. If pollen causes your eyes to become red and itchy, try driving with the windows closed and limit your time outdoors. Additionally, wearing wrap-around glasses can shield your eyes from irritants and possibly allergens.

Take Antihistamines or Decongestants

Histamine is what gets released in the bloodstream and causes the allergic response. Antihistamines work by blocking the attachment of histamine to the body’s cells that produce the allergic reaction, thus reducing or eliminating symptoms.

Decongestants can help you breathe easier by shrinking swollen nasal pathways that may have become inflamed due to allergies. Decongestants can also shrink the blood vessels in the whites of the eyes (sclera), relieving red eyes.

Try Eye Drops

Over-the-counter lubricating and antihistamine eye drops can help soothe red, itchy, and irritated eyes. Dr. Seul Ki Lim can recommend the brand and type that will offer the best relief, or prescribe more potent eye drops than the ones available at your local drugstore.

Aside from soothing irritated eyes, lubricating eye drops and artificial tears can help flush the eye of allergens and remove any foreign substances.

Temporarily Remove Your Contact Lenses

Allergens can accumulate on the surface of contact lenses, which makes it difficult to get rid of symptoms while wearing lenses. If you suffer from eye allergies, try temporarily switching to glasses and see if your symptoms persist. Typically, the best contact lenses for those with eye allergies are daily disposables, which are discarded daily.

Visit Your Eye Doctor

An eye exam with Dr. Seul Ki Lim is the best way to rule out other possible eye conditions and determine the root cause of your symptoms. If you suffer from any of the symptoms mentioned above and suspect you have eye allergies, don’t hesitate to call Eyellusion Vision Center today to schedule your eye exam.

Call Eyellusion Vision Center today to make an appointment: 513-407-5112 or alternatively you can book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT.

Emergency Eye Care and Eye Injuries

Emergency Eye Care in Woodside, New York

Emergency Eye Care in Woodside, New York

What are Eye Emergencies?

Eye trauma refers to an eye injury caused by a direct blow that causes damage to the eye, adjacent tissue, or surrounding bone structure. Eye traumas can occur in a number of ways, such as punches, a blow from a ball, or flying objects. The severity of eye trauma can range from minor to emergency. However, in all cases, one should seek medical attention and call Dr. Seul Ki Lim as soon as possible.

What Are the Symptoms of Eye Trauma?

When the eye is forcefully impacted, blood collects underneath the affected area, potentially causing any of the following symptoms:

  • Pain
  • Troubled vision
  • Visible blood in the eye
  • Protruding eye
  • Reduced mobility in the injured eye

Other eye trauma symptoms include:

  • Cut in the eyelid
  • Unusual size or shape of the pupil
  • Something embedded in the eye or underneath the eyelid

If you’ve suffered an eye trauma, make sure to immediately seek medical attention. In the event of minor eye trauma, there are several things you can do to prevent more damage until examined by your eye doctor.

Home Care For Ocular Traumas

While you await medical attention, it’s important to prevent further damage and thus further harm.

  • Never touch, rub, or apply any pressure to the eye
  • Don’t attempt to remove a foreign substance from the eye
  • If the eye has been cut or an object is stuck in the eye, place something protective (such as a paper cup) on the surrounding bone of the eye
  • Do not apply ointments or medications to the eye – they can often exacerbate the condition
  • In the event of a black-eye, a cold compress may be applied to decrease swelling and promote healing
  • Never use dry cotton (cotton balls or swabs) or sharp objects (such as tweezers) near the eye area

Emergency Treatment For Eye Trauma

We can’t stress this enough – call Eyellusion Vision Center to have Dr. Seul Ki Lim examine your eye injury. When you call, make sure to tell us about the injury and please ask any questions you may have.

Our staff is trained to assess the patient’s condition in specific ways and offer specialized care that one wouldn’t receive in an ordinary urgent care facility. We can help with extracting foreign objects, prescribing medicine, bandaging the eye, and if necessary, refer you to another practitioner for surgery or other procedures.

Don’t delay calling – the earlier you seek treatment, the better your chances are for recovery and preserving your vision. Call us at Eyellusion Vision Center in Woodside for any eye emergency – we’re here to help.

Call Us 513-407-5112

What Does a Scratched Eye Feel Like?

Eye Care & Eye Exams in Woodside, New York

Eye Care & Eye Exams in Woodside, New York

A scratch on the cornea (or corneal abrasion) is one of the most common eye injuries. It can happen without anyone noticing because it doesn’t take a major accident to scrape or scratch the cornea.

If you suspect your child may have scratched his or her eye, seek the help of an eye care professional near you immediately. A corneal abrasion can quickly get worse and lead to serious eye infections unless it receives professional treatment. An experienced and qualified optometrist such as Dr. Seul Ki Lim in Woodside, New York can offer effective treatment.

Symptoms of a Scratched Eye

Is your child rubbing its eye and complaining that there’s something in it? Make sure he/she stops rubbing and washes out the eye with clean water. If the feeling prevails, there’s a good chance he or she may have scratched the eyeball.

Check for additional symptoms:

  • Tearing
  • High sensitivity to light
  • A red spot or red line in the white part of the eye
  • General redness of the eye
  • Blurry or decreased vision
  • Headaches
  • Sometimes even nausea

These are signs of a possible corneal abrasion, a scratch on the outer protective layer of the cornea (the round dome covering the front of the eyeball). This layer is called the corneal epithelium.

What Can Cause a Scratch on the Cornea?

This is the tricky part. Almost anything can scratch an eyeball, from a fingernail to a piece of paper, from a branch to sand or dust. In many cases, the child will not feel anything when it happens, but develop symptoms a few hours later.

When a child plays outside, it may fall and get some dirt on his face and a tiny sharp rock or wooden splinter into the eye. This is enough to scratch the sensitive cover on the eyeball.

A sudden blow of strong wind can carry sand and dust particles, which sometimes are sharp enough to cause a scratch on the cornea. Such dirt and sand particles may also hide in a pile of snow your child is using to build a snowman.

If your child is playing with others or with a pet, a fingernail can accidentally get into the eye, even for a brief moment without causing any pain.

How to Treat a Scratched Cornea

There is nothing you can do to treat a scratched eye by yourself. An eye care professional needs to diagnose the severity of the damage and prescribe treatment.

Make sure you or your child do

  • NOT rub the eye
  • NOT use eye drops to relieve redness
  • NOT patch or bandage the eye

To minimize discomfort and risk do

  • Rinse the eye with a sterile saline solution or multipurpose contact lens solution
  • Encourage the child to blink frequently to ensure sufficient moisture
  • Let the child wear sunglasses

What Will the Optometrist Do?

The eye doctor will examine the eye to determine the severity of the injury and assess treatment. Lubricating drops may be used to support the eye’s natural healing process. In many cases, the doctor will prescribe antibiotic drops as a preventive measure against infections.

A scratched cornea will heal within a few days. Typically, it takes less time to heal than a cut to the skin would. If you are not sure about whether your child has injured its cornea, consult Dr. Seul Ki Lim at Woodside, New York now.

Call Us 513-407-5112

Are There Different Types of Contact Lenses?

Contact Lenses & Eye Care in Woodside, New York

Contact Lenses & Eye Care in Woodside, New York

For those who need vision correction but don’t want to wear glasses or undergo LASIK surgery, contact lenses are a great option. Yes, there are many types of contact lenses to choose from. The list below will take the guesswork out of navigating the various options. Speak with Dr. Seul Ki Lim and the friendly staff at Eyellusion Vision Center to select the best contact lenses for your eyes.

4 Contact Lens Categories

  • Soft lenses are made from hydrogels (water-containing plastic) that are very thin, soft, pliable, and easily hug the surface of the eye.
  • Silicone hydrogel lenses resemble regular soft lenses, though they’re more porous, allowing for more oxygen to reach the eye. These are by far the most commonly prescribed contact lenses in the United States and Canada.
  • Gas permeable (GP) lenses are rigid lenses. They allow for the passage of oxygen, rendering them more comfortable than regular hard contacts. These lenses tend to be as comfortable as soft lenses (after the initial adjustment period) and often provide better optics.
  • Hybrid contact lenses have a rigid center with a flexible outer rim that tend to provide the same sharp vision offered by GP lenses, but with the comfort of soft lenses.

Apart from their material composition, contact lenses can also be categorized by wear-time and other features.

Contact Lens Wear Time and Replacement Frequency

Contact lenses are often selected according to preferred wear time and replacement frequency.

Daily contact lenses are removed at night, while the extended-wear contacts are worn day and night without removal, usually for a period of 7-30 days.

All contact lenses require proper hygienic care and need to be replaced periodically to avoid irritation or infection.

  • Daily disposable lenses are worn during the day and discarded before bedtime. A new pair is inserted the next day.
  • Weekly/ Monthly disposable lenses are to be replaced every two weeks at the latest. Others can be replaced every month or quarter.
  • Traditional/reusable lenses are discarded every six months.

Contact Lenses For Every Eye Type

Contact lenses come in several design features that accommodate almost every eye condition.

  • Certain contact lenses, such as scleral lenses, can help treat dry eye syndrome (DES) and benefit those with corneal irregularities, all the while providing comfort and sharp vision.
  • Those with astigmatism or farsightedness (presbyopia) may choose bifocal contact lenses.
  • Multifocal contacts help to slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children.
  • Prescription colored contact lenses are great for those who wish to experiment with different eye colors.
  • Spherical contacts are used to treat hyperopia, myopia, and presbyopia.
  • Toric lenses can also benefit patients with astigmatism and provide clearer vision than standard contact lenses.
  • Varifocal lenses can also be worn by those that are farsighted, thus eliminating the need for reading glasses.
  • Monovision lenses are used to treat presbyopia by strengthening the eye-brain connection.

Schedule a contact lenses eye exam and fitting to achieve clear and comfortable vision with contact lenses. Our eye doctor and professional eye care staff at Eyellusion Vision Center in Woodside will happily help you choose comfortable contact lenses that best suit your eyes and lifestyle.

Call Us 513-407-5112

Visit Eyellusion Vision Center in Woodside, New York

Our office is located at 69-09 Roosevelt Ave, Woodside, NY, 11377. Please enter your zip code or city, state below for door-to-door directions.

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