Category: Blog

Did you know that there are as many as 46,000 optometrists in the US? That’s a lot of choices to ‘look’ at! Your eyes are crucial to your lifestyle, health, and well-being—and for many of you, your work and driving ability. Choosing the right one is very important! A Mercer Island, WA eye doctor offers some advice on this below.

Know the Different Professions

Optometrists, opticians, and ophthalmologists are the three main pillars of the eye care industry. We all work in different niches. Optometrists perform eye examinations, and can screen you for vision and/or health issues. They can also prescribe eyewear. Ophthalmologists can do all of those things, but can also perform surgery. Opticians fit and sell glasses and contacts. Some vision care centers will have all three in one building. Others are more specific. Look for a team that fits your needs.

Get Recommendations

This is always a good rule of thumb when seeking out any new service or care provider. Ask your friends and family for recommendations, and read reviews online.

Check Technology

Every year, there are new innovations in the eye health industry. A doctor that is still ‘focused’ on older technology may be fine for someone who just needs a fairly standard pair of glasses, but not be the best fit for everyone. Our advice? Look for an eye care center with cutting edge, up-to-date options.

Qualifications

Credentials are another thing to consider. You only get one set of eyes, so it’s important to make sure that you’re entrusting yours to the right person. Ideally, you want someone with both great credentials and a lot of experience.

Family

If you have young children, and/or are helping aging parents with things like appointments, choose an eye care center that works with people of all ages. Having your whole family go to the same place is just easier, even if you all have different needs.

Retail

Eyeglasses can have a huge effect on your appearance! It’s important to choose a pair that is comfortable and helps you see clearly, but also looks great on you. You really have to try glasses on to know what works for you. This is one area where one-stop shopping is definitely your best bet.

Do you have questions or concerns about your eyewear? Contact us, your Mercer Island, WA eye care center, today!

Do you enjoy changing your look? Do you tend to plan outfits down to the smallest accessory? If the answer to either of those questions is yes, you may want to look into colored contacts. These can be a fun way to give yourself a new look. However, there are some things to keep in mind with these. A local Mercer Island, WA eye doctor goes over a few key points below.

Get A Prescription

You can sometimes find colored contacts in discount stores, Halloween shops, and the like. However, these products sometimes choose style over safety, in manufacturing, source materials, and/or packaging. Given that contacts are medical devices that you wear on your eyes, this is not something you want to take risks with. Go through a licensed optician or eye care center. Even if you don’t need vision correction, it’s still important to get your contacts professionally fitted. Otherwise, the hole in the contact may not align with your cornea. This can interfere with your vision, and potentially cause problems.

Look For Breathable Lenses

It may sound weird to think of your eyeballs breathing, but your eyes do need fresh air to stay healthy. Many colored contacts do not allow as much air to permeate them as regular ones do. This not only makes them more uncomfortable, it’s also bad for your eyes.

Choose The Right Type

There are different kinds of contact lenses. If you need vision correction, you can get colored options for your regular contacts. If you don’t need vision correction, you can get non-corrective lenses. You can also choose between contacts that enhance your natural eye color, and more vibrant ones that completely change it.

Follow Proper Care Procedures

This is the big one. Some people think of colored contacts merely as accessories. However, any damage or contamination to your contacts can lead to serious trouble, up to and including loss of vision. Always properly clean and disinfect your lenses and lens cases, and never wear them beyond the recommended time.

Be Wary Of Theatrical Lenses

The more striking contacts, such as whited-out or blacked-out lenses, can also be the most dangerous. These are made with different materials than other lenses, many of which aren’t as safe. Ask your eye doctor for advice on these.

Are you interested in getting colored contacts? ‘Contact’ us, your Mercer Island, WA eye care center, today!

Did you know that the average American adult spends nearly 8 hours a day on smartphones, computers, and other digital media? Although technology has improved our lives in many ways, it can be a double-edged sword when it comes to our vision. All that online time is hard on your eyes! One danger that is now coming to light is blue light. Blue light is part of the natural light spectrum, but it’s also emitted from screens. It’s been linked to several vision problems, including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. It can also damage your retinal cells, which do not regenerate. A Clyde Hill, WA optometrist offers tips on protecting your eyes from blue light in this article.

Take Breaks

Time can pass quickly when you’re immersed in a task, game, or conversation. Those long stretches of staring at screens puts a lot of strain on your eyes. Try to take regular breaks. Even mini-breaks can help.

Eat Well

A good diet will influence nearly every aspect of your health and well-being. Fill your plate with colorful foods, such as kale, spinach, green beans, carrots, berries, corn, and eggs.

Blockers

As the name suggests, blue light glasses filter out blue light, helping to protect your eyes. (Tip: choose ones with anti-reflective lenses.) You can also find blue light screens for computers and tablets. Many newer devices also have blue light blockers built in. Take full advantage of these options!

Supplements

Blue light is absorbed by a specific type of pigment in the eye. This is known as the macular pigment. It’s comprised of three carotenoids: lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin. Supplements can help boost these pigments. Ask your eye doctor for specific recommendations.

Wear Sunglasses

Screens aren’t the only source of blue light: it’s also emitted by the sun. Always wear sunglasses when you’re outdoors or driving when it’s bright out.

Get Outside

This one is especially crucial for children, who are at increased risk of damage from blue light. Make it a point to unplug regularly, and try to limit your screen time when you aren’t working. This is also great for your quality of life!

Get Your Eyes Checked

It’s also important to stay on top of any changes in your eye health. Keep up with your eye exams!

Please contact us, your Clyde Hill, WA eye care clinic, anytime. We’re here to help!

Sunglasses are a unique accessory. They’re one of the few things that almost everyone wears–or should wear–regardless of season or climate. Some styles come and go, some come and stay, and some vanish and reappear regularly. There’s also always a huge selection of basic glasses, which don’t change all that much year over year. That said, every year designers offer options with a new look or twist. A Mercer Island, WA optometrist discusses some current trends below.

Retro

As the saying says, everything old is new again. Vintage, retro glasses are making a comeback, as are vintage, retro-style dishes, furniture, and appliances. However, the modern versions of classic aviator shades offer better UV protection than the original ones ever could, and are also available as polarized and/or prescription lenses. Talk about the best of both worlds!

White/Pale

White sunglasses were big in 2011, and we’re happy to see them coming back around again. These offer a look that is both bold and classy. 

Oversized Lenses

To be fair, oversized lenses really never go out of style. In our opinion, they also never should! They provide the best protection for your eyes. They also look great on almost everyone.

Square Frames

These bring a fun, funky appeal to any outfit, and often come with colored frames that can help you turn any outfit into a statement. Many are also great for driving.

Tortoise Shell

Kate Spade is one of the top brands when it comes to sunglasses. The designer has put out several attractive leopard frames, many with a cat’s eye shape that looks amazing.

Gender Neutral/Unisex

Pride Month may be over, but we’re happy to support our local LBGTQ community. One way that we do that is by offering great options for unisex shades. How can you not love rainbow glasses for LBGTQ events? Be yourself!

Colored Lenses

You can get sunglasses in a wide array of colors and tints. These are really fun, as you can really match your glasses to your outfit.

Tips

Eye protection should always take precedence over style. Go for quality over quantity. In general, high-end brands are superior to discount/drugstore options, because they’re made with better materials and better vision performance. Ask your eye doctor for specific advice.

Contact us, your WA eye care clinic, for your vision care needs. We’re always here to help!