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What Causes Tunnel Vision?

Tunnel vision is a highly disruptive condition, making it difficult or impossible to see objects that aren’t positioned directly in front of you. Without your peripheral vision, navigating the world becomes riskier, as you can’t clearly identify objects to your side. As a result, it’s critical to understand what causes tunnel vision and whether it’s correctable. Here’s what you need to know. 

What Is Tunnel Vision? 

Technically referred to as peripheral vision loss, tunnel vision is functionally the loss or diminishment of your peripheral vision. When it occurs, objects that aren’t directly in front of you become unclear or impossible to see. Essentially, your field of vision shrinks, leaving only the central part intact. 

What Causes Tunnel Vision? 

There are several potential causes of tunnel vision. In some cases, medical conditions impacting the brain can lead to the condition. Issues with blood vessels or nerves connected to your eyes or vision centers may also cause tunnel vision. 

Additionally, there are eye conditions that may lead to tunnel vision. Diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, retinal detachment, retinal vein occlusion, and optic neuritis are all eye diseases that have the potential to cause tunnel vision. 

In some cases, migraines may lead to peripheral vision loss. The same is true of hypertension, concussions, and strokes. 

Is Tunnel Vision Serious? 

Any change to your vision is serious. With tunnel vision, the loss of your peripheral vision impacts your daily life. Along with altering what you can and can’t see clearly, it can lead to headaches, dizziness, and other uncomfortable symptoms, which are often highly disruptive. 

Additionally, some conditions require immediate treatment to have the best chance of restoring your vision. Since that’s the case, treating any occurrence of peripheral vision loss as a serious medical event and seeking care immediately is wise. 

Finally, some causes of tunnel vision are also life-threatening. Conditions like strokes can lead to peripheral vision loss, though there may be other damage that isn’t causing immediately clear symptoms. If treatment is delayed, the stroke can cause more damage to the brain, which can lead to catastrophic outcomes, including loss of life. 

Can You Recover from Tunnel Vision? 

Whether tunnel vision is temporary or permanent depends on the cause of the peripheral vision loss. For example, tunnel vision relating to migraines often clears once the migraine subsides. If retinal detachment is the cause, tunnel vision isn’t recoverable unless the proper treatment option is available and pursued quickly. With diabetic retinopathy, stroke, or glaucoma, the peripheral vision loss is often permanent. 

As a result, it’s critical to see a medical professional or your eye care provider right away if you’re experiencing tunnel vision. They can determine the cause and recommend treatments that may restore your vision, depending on what underlying condition is responsible. Additionally, some causes of peripheral vision loss are life-threatening, making immediate care essential. 

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you’re experiencing tunnel vision or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today. 

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Questions to Ask Your Doctor About AMD

Receiving a diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is often startling and concerning, particularly if you aren’t overly familiar with AMD. As a result, it’s wise to prepare questions that you can ask your ophthalmologist after being referred for an appointment. If you aren’t sure what to ask, here are a few questions that will help you understand the diagnosis and get the conversational ball rolling. 

Is It Wet or Dry AMD, and Is It Affecting One or Both Eyes? 

AMD comes in two primary forms, wet and dry. Each type has a unique cause and requires different treatments to manage. As a result, it’s critical to learn which kind of AMD you have early in the process. 

Additionally, finding out if it’s affecting one or both eyes is wise. Either is a possibility, so learning whether both eyes are impacted is essential. 

What Stage Is My AMD? 

Knowing the stage of AMD lets you know how advanced the condition is, and it may make it easier to determine which treatment options are worth pursuing at that time. By asking your ophthalmologist whether you’re in an early, intermediate, or advanced stage, you’ll have a better understanding of your current diagnosis. 

Is My AMD Likely to Progress? 

When, how, or if a condition progresses depends on multiple factors. With this question, you can find out how quickly your AMD may advance, allowing you to determine whether various treatment options make sense at this time. 

Will Any Lifestyle Changes Slow Progression? 

In some cases, lifestyle changes – like altering your diet, adjusting your exercise schedule, or taking supplements – can impact the progression of specific eye conditions. However, whether any changes are right for you depends on many factors. For example, whether there are other medical conditions you have that would be negatively impacted by an adjustment is something you need to discuss with your care team before making lifestyle changes. 

Should My Blood Relatives Get Checked for AMD? 

Genetics can play a role in some eye conditions, including whether someone is potentially at greater risk of developing AMD. By asking your doctor this question, you can find out if your blood relatives – such as siblings or children – may need more frequent screenings to ensure the health of their eyes. 

How Frequently Should I Schedule Follow-Ups with My Eye Care Provider? 

With conditions like AMD, it’s wise to schedule follow-up appointments with your eye care provider to monitor how your AMD progresses and whether various treatments are effective. Speak with your ophthalmologist to determine an ideal schedule and prioritize those appointments. That ensures your eye care provider can adjust the treatment plan quickly if necessary, increasing the odds that your vision is preserved as much as possible. 

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you were recently diagnosed with AMD and want guidance on treatment options, our board-certified ophthalmologists are here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today. 

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Ways to Take Better Care of Your Eyes in 2023

Caring for your eyes is an excellent way to help keep them healthy. Specific eye care habits can reduce your odds of developing specific conditions, while others can keep your eyes comfortable during changing environmental conditions. 

Fortunately, creating an effective eye care routine is typically far simpler than most people expect. If you are prioritizing your health this new year, here are a few simple ways to care for your eyes every day. 

Wash Your Hands Regularly (and Avoid Touching Your Eyes) 

Regular hand washing helps remove bacteria, dust, and dirt, reducing the odds of transfer if you contact your eye area. By also avoiding touching and rubbing your eyes, you make it even less likely that any substance or bacteria will infect your eyes. Plus, not rubbing can reduce irritation if anything is in your eye, making injuries less likely, too. 

Adopt Healthy Eating Habits 

Eating a healthy, balanced diet and drinking enough water can improve your eye health. Remaining hydrated can prevent your eyes from getting dry and irritated. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, lycopene, lutein, beta-carotene, and others also help ensures your eyes have what they need to stay healthy. 

Quit Smoking 

Smoking isn’t just harmful to your lungs; it also negatively impacts your eyes. Smokers are more at risk of developing certain conditions, including cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and others. Smoking also leads to optic nerve damage that can reduce your visual acuity over time, even if it doesn’t lead to another condition. By quitting, you reduce your risk significantly, so it’s worth doing. 

Where UV-Blocking Glasses 

Ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your eyes in several ways. Corneas are susceptible to sunburns which, along with being uncomfortable, can potentially lead to vision issues. Exposure to UV rays is also associated with conditions like photokeratitis and age-related macular degeneration. 

By wearing UV-blocking sunglasses or getting UV-blocking coatings on regular glasses lenses, you can filter out harmful UV light. Coupling those with hats or visors can also make the approach more effective. 

Use Screens Correctly 

Digital devices and screens can lead to a variety of eye issues. Improper distances, excessive glare, or extended durations classically lead to problems like eye strain and dry eye. 

When you’re using screens, keep the brightness and angle appropriate. For computer screens, that generally means keeping the monitor about 20 degrees below eye level and the distance close to arm’s length. For any screen, make sure you look away every 20 minutes and focus on a spot that’s about 20 feet away from your position. It’s also wise to take breaks regularly, giving you a chance to move around and rest your eyes before returning. 

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. We recommend that everyone get their eyes checked annually by an eye doctor to ensure eye health and early detection of any problems. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today, we’d love to see your family for a checkup. 

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What Is Thyroid Eye Disease?

hyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune condition that impacts eye tissues. Typically, TED leads to inflammation, swelling, and damage to the muscles, connective tissues, and fatty tissues in the eye area. 

Since TED can cause permanent, lasting damage, understanding what it does, who’s at risk, early systems, and why prompt treatment is critical is essential. Here’s a closer look at thyroid eye disease. 

What Thyroid Eye Disease Does to Eye Tissues 

As commonly occurs with autoimmune conditions, the person’s immune system is essentially attacking their own body. With TED, the eye tissues are targeted by the immune system. 

TED occurs in two phases. First, there’s the active phase, which is also known as the inflammatory phase. This period can last up to three years, and it’s generally marked by ongoing inflammation and inflammation-related symptoms and damage. Second, there’s the stable phase, where inflammation subsides. 

TED can cause lead to other conditions, such as secondary glaucoma. Regardless of whether that occurs, the damage created by TED is potentially impactful. 

Who Is at Risk of Thyroid Eye Disease? 

In many cases, TED is connected to Graves disease, an autoimmune condition that affects the skin, thyroid, and eyes. Graves disease can lead to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, both of which can trigger TED. 

Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism not related to Graves disease may also result in TED. However, TED can occur without Graves disease or thyroid hormone abnormalities. Another risk factor is low levels of selenium in your blood. 

The Early Symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease 

There are many symptoms associated with TED. While one of the most pronounced is proptosis (bulging eyes), dry eyes, watery eyes, irritation caused by a gritty feeling, redness, and double vision may occur before there are obvious physical changes. 

Vision changes can occur, as well as pain with eye movements or discomfort behind the eyes. Trouble closing your eyes fully is also a potential symptom and may lead to a corneal ulcer. 

In some cases, symptoms may only affect one eye. However, they can also occur in both. 

Why Regular Eye Appointments Are Crucial 

Scheduling regular eye appointments is critical regardless of whether you currently have TED. Your eye care provider can look for signs and symptoms that may indicate TED or conditions that may lead to thyroid eye disease. 

If you have TED, frequent appointments allow your eye care provider to monitor your condition and provide treatment options. This may include over-the-counter options to relieve irritation or dryness and reduce inflammation, selenium supplements if the levels in your blood are low, or prescription medications. 

Your eye care provider may also recommend certain home remedies or lifestyle changes. For example, using cool compresses to reduce swelling and discomfort may be part of the plan. Keeping your head higher when lying down, wearing sunglasses when in well-lit spaces or outdoors, eyelid taping, and similar steps may also be included. 

In some cases, surgical treatments might be on the table. This can include eyelid, eye muscle, or orbital decompression procedures. Radiation therapy is a potential option for combating inflammation, as well. 

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you are concerned about thyroid eye disease or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today. 

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Do I Have a Blocked Tear Duct or Stye?

For many patients, issues like bumps on your eye are immediately concerning. One common condition is a stye, which usually presents on the eyelid, is typically a bit red, and may or may not come with soreness. 

Blocked tear ducts are different. Your tear ducts – also referred to as nasolacrimal ducts – are positioned near the inner corners of the eyes close to the nose, and their main purpose is to drain tears from the eye surface. 

If you’re wondering if you have a blocked tear duct, here’s what you need to know. 

Symptoms of a Blocked Tear Duct 

One of the most common symptoms of a blocked tear duct is watery eyes. When there’s a blockage, tears don’t drain properly, causing them to pool and leading to watery eyes. However, there are other signs of a blocked tear duct, including: 

  • Blurry vision 
  • Eye Redness 
  • Eyelid crusting 
  • Recurring eye infections 
  • Mucus or pus discharge 
  • Ongoing inflammation 
  • Swelling in the inner corner of the eye 

It’s important to note that the symptoms above can also point to a range of other eye conditions. As a result, if they’re present and persistent, it’s best to meet with your eye care provider for a formal diagnosis. 

Will Blocked Tear Ducts Clear Up on Their Own? 

Blocked tear ducts can clear up on their own. For infants, there is often a membrane that covers the duct, resulting in a blockage. As they grow, the membrane usually opens on its own, resolving the issue. 

With adults, blocked tear ducts may resolve if the blockage ultimately clears. In some cases, specific eye care steps can encourage this process, though it may also occur naturally. 

However, if there are signs of an eye infection, that may not clear up on its own. Additionally, if the blockage is due to a structural issue, such as an overly narrow tear duct, it often requires treatment from an eye care professional to resolve. 

Home Care for Blocked Tear Ducts 

There are home treatments for blocked tear ducts. Begin by washing the eye with warm water and a gentle soap to remove any eyelid crusting and reduce the odds of infection. 

You can also carefully massage the lacrimal sac, which is the spot where tears drain. Twice a day, use clean fingers to gently rub the lower corners of the impacted eye or eyes for a few seconds to encourage the tear duct blockage to clear. 

When to Seek Medical Treatment 

Generally, it’s best to speak with your eye care provider if you experience excessive tearing for more than a couple of days. Additionally, if there are signs of infection – such as mucus, pus, or eyelid crusting – making an immediate appointment is best. 

Recurring infections also signal the need for treatment from an eye care specialist, ensuring that the root cause of the ongoing problem is addressed. Pain that impacts your daily activities should also be evaluated, as well as long-term discomfort that could signal a persistent issue. 

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you are experiencing symptoms that could indicate a blocked tear duct or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today. 

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Night Blindness and Trouble Seeing at Night

Many people struggle with seeing clearly at night. This is particularly true under specific conditions. For instance, glare created by headlights on oncoming vehicles may result in temporary vision difficulties. 

However, trouble seeing at night might be more severe. With night blindness, there are broader issues with seeing in the dark or in dimly lit spaces. If you’re wondering if your issues seeing at night are genuinely night blindness, here’s what you need to know. 

What Is Night Blindness? 

Night blindness – which is formally known as nyctalopia – is a vision impairment that results in poor vision when in dark or dimly lit spaces. It often leads to difficulties when driving at night, but it can also make dining in dim restaurants, moving through movie theaters, and similar situations hard to navigate. 

Often, the issues are most noticeable when transitioning from a well-lit space to a darker one. For example, heading into a dimly lit restaurant on a bright, sunny day may cause struggles. Similarly, oncoming headlights or streetlamps along the road at night may result in definitive symptoms. 

What Causes Problems with Night Vision? 

Night blindness may occur for a variety of reasons. Certain medical conditions that impact how light moves through the eye are common examples. This can include anything from general nearsightedness to cataracts to retinitis pigmentosa. 

In some cases, medications may result in night blindness, as the condition is a known potential side effect. Specific birth defects or genetic disorders – such as congenital stationary night blindness or Usher syndrome – may also cause the condition. 

Temporary issues with night vision can also occur after vision correction surgery like Lasik. At times, a vitamin A deficiency may result in night blindness. However, this is generally rare and is more common in individuals with cystic fibrosis or conditions that cause pancreatic insufficiency. 

Can You Correct Night Vision Issues? 

Whether night blindness is correctable depends on the root cause. If nearsightedness is responsible, specific vision correction options – such as glasses or contacts – may solve the issue. For vision correction surgery-related night blindness, the situation may resolve after a patient fully heals from the procedure. 

With cataracts, cataract removal surgery may restore night vision. If the issue is caused by a medication, switching to a new treatment can be effective. For vitamin A deficiencies, a supplement or diet change may work well. 

However, night blindness related to other conditions may be uncorrectable. That’s the case for night blindness caused by specific birth defects or genetic disorders, such as retinitis pigmentosa. 

When to See an Eye Care Provider 

If you’re experiencing difficulty seeing at night or when transitioning from brightly lit to dim spaces, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your eye care provider. They can gather information and perform tests to determine if night blindness is occurring, its cause, and what treatment options are available based on the results. 

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you are experiencing symptoms of night blindness or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today. 

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Why Does Bright Light Bother My Eyes?

Many people’s eyes are bothered by bright light. A degree of photosensitivity, as a result, isn’t uncommon overall. However, the causes of photosensitivity can vary. While some are relatively benign, others may require care from an eye care provider to resolve. 

By understanding why bright light can be uncomfortable and when you should seek medical care from an eye care provider, you can make wiser choices and protect your vision. Here’s a look at common reasons why bright light may bother your eyes, as well as when to see a doctor. 

Causes of Photosensitivity 

Many people experience mild discomfort when exposed to bright light, particularly when transitioning from a darker space. For example, leaving a darkened movie theater and walking straight out into the midday sun would cause some photosensitivity in many people, so it isn’t inherently concerning. 

However, some causes of photosensitivity are potentially troubling. Several conditions have sensitivity to bright light as a symptom, which makes getting evaluated by an eye care physician wise. 

For example, eye inflammation conditions like uveitis, episcleritis, or acute iritis can cause photosensitivity. The same is true of glaucoma, meningitis, or migraines. Even a chalazion or wearing poorly fitted contacts, or keeping contacts in for an extended period, may cause photosensitivity. 

Certain medications or illicit substances can trigger photosensitivity. Corneal abrasions, corneal ulcers, and burns to the eye can lead to issues with bright light. At times, photosensitivity is a side effect of eye surgery. 

Each of the conditions and situations above can vary in severity. Additionally, some may require treatment to ensure your vision is preserved, as they can cause other types of damage beyond light sensitivity, some of which may be permanent without intervention. 

Ultimately, photosensitivity isn’t uncommon, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. While the occasional twinge when a bright light hits the eye after being in a dark space isn’t often cause for concern, if there are any additional symptoms – such as redness or pain – it’s best to assume that something besides normal reactions to bright light may be occurring. 

When to See an Eye Care Provider About Photosensitivity 

Generally speaking, it’s best to see an eye care provider if your photosensitivity is accompanied by certain symptoms. Redness or blurry vision that doesn’t resolve within 24 to 48 hours should be evaluated by a professional, as it could be indicative of an infection or other medical condition. 

Additionally, if your light sensitivity is severe enough that wearing sunglasses indoors or turning off indoor lights is a must, set an appointment with your eye care provider. The same goes for photosensitivity that’s painful, especially if it’s severe and repeatedly occurs or lingers. 

Eye Care Providers in Buffalo, NY

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. We have four locations in Western New York; Buffalo, Orchard Park, Niagara Falls, and Williamsville. If you are experiencing photosensitivity and are concerned about its origins or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today. 

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When Is a Cornea Transplant Needed?

Cornea damage can impact patients in a variety of ways. It may lead to vision changes, preventing you from seeing clearly. Often, damage to the cornea alters how your eyes focus and filter light, leading to issues like blurriness or glare. 

Additionally, cornea damage might cause irritation or pain in varying degrees. While some of it may be relatively mild, these symptoms may also be severe, potentially to the point of making it difficult to enjoy daily life. 

Cornea damage can occur in several ways. Degenerative conditions and infections are two examples, though they aren’t the only potential causes. However, whether a surgical treatment option like a cornea transplant is wise varies. If you’re wondering what a cornea transplant is and when a cornea transplant is necessary, here’s what you need to know. 

What Is a Cornea Transplant? 

A cornea transplant is a surgical procedure. It involves removing the damaged cornea and replacing it with tissue from a donor. 

The extent of the procedure is often determined by the amount of damage. A full-thickness corneal transplant – also called a penetrating keratoplasty – replaces every layer of the cornea, and it’s used to treat the most severe kinds of cornea damage. 

Partial thickness cornea transplants (lamellar keratoplasty) involve replacing the outer and middle layers, making it a better choice for moderate damage. For those with certain medical conditions – such as Fuchs’ dystrophy – an inner layer corneal transplant (endothelial keratoplasty) may be the better choice. 

Recovery times vary depending on the extent of the procedure, ranging from several weeks to a year or more for a full recovery. However, even with longer recoveries, returning to your daily activities is typically an option well before full recovery occurs. 

Generally, full-thickness corneal transplants take longer to recover from than the other surgical options. Inner layer corneal transplants often have the shortest recovery, while partial thickness cornea transplants fall in the middle.  

Ultimately, your eye care provider will discuss treatment options with you, including recommending the best type of corneal transplant for your situation if one is potentially necessary. 

When Is a Cornea Transplant Needed? 

Whether a cornea transplant is needed depends on the type of damage. Only certain forms of cornea damage may require surgery to correct, as others can be treated with less invasive options like corrective lenses. 

In most cases, the situations that make a corneal transplant necessary include specific medical conditions, such as keratoconus, keratitis, or Fuchs’ dystrophy. However, damage caused by infections -if it leads to scarring – may make a patient a good candidate for a cornea transplant, as well. 

At times, previous eye surgeries may have led to corneal damage, potentially to the point where a transplant is a wise choice. Similarly, patients with trichiasis – where the eyelashes grow inward – can experience damage to the cornea, which makes a corneal transplant a necessity. 

Ultimately, if you’re a potential candidate for a cornea transplant, your eye care provider will discuss why they’re making the recommendation. Additionally, they’ll outline what you can expect during and after the procedure, allowing you to determine if moving forward is right for you. 

Eye Care in Buffalo, NY

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you are a potential candidate for a cornea transplant and want more information or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Our eye care specialists in Western New York can be found at any of our four locations in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Williamsville, and Orchard Park. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today. 

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Why Am I Seeing Halos?

While light is critical for vision, it can also lead to some difficulties. One prime example is halos, rings of light around light sources. At times, halos are simply distracting. In others, they’re a major hindrance. Plus, they can be a sign of certain eye-related medical conditions.  

If you’re wondering why you might be seeing halos and whether you should speak with your eye care provider, here’s what you need to know.  

What Causes Halos in Your Vision?  

In a general sense, halos in your vision occur when light doesn’t move through the eye the correct way. If the light is bent as it enters the eye, it can cause light rings around light sources; a phenomenon commonly referred to as a halo.  

Typically, halos are more noticeable at night. Along with more individual lights being on, the darker background of the night sky or a poorly lit spot makes the halos easier to see. However, they can technically occur at any time, suggesting there is a light source to create them.  

Reasons You Might Be Seeing Halos  

There are several reasons why a person may see halos, and not all of them are cause for concern. A halo is common due to the overall conditions if you see an incredibly bright light against a very dark backdrop.  

Certain refractive errors may also lead to halos. In some cases, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can all create conditions where light passes through the eye in a less than ideal fashion, which may result in halos.  

Similarly, glasses or contact lens wearers may experience halos relating to the lenses. Eyeglasses and contacts alter how light passes into the eye. Additionally, both glasses and contact lenses can get dirty, foggy, scratched, or otherwise damaged. Depending on the issue, that can make halos more likely because light can’t pass through the lenses without encountering an obstacle.  

Halos are known potential side effects of certain vision-related procedures, too. For instance, Lasik can lead to halos. While they usually only last a few weeks, ultimately disappearing when the eye heals, halos can also be a permanent issue in rare cases.  

However, halos can also be symptoms of certain health conditions. Halos are relatively common among those with cataracts. As the cataract clouds the lens of the eye, it alters how light moves through it. The blurriness or haziness that often accompanies cataracts can cause halos as a result.  

In some cases, halos are also a sign of glaucoma. While cataracts are common and generally easy to manage, glaucoma can cause severe, potentially irreversible damage to your vision, including potentially leading to blindness  

Is Seeing Halos Serious?  

Whether halos are serious ultimately depends on the underlying cause and the overall impact to your vision. If the halos make it hard to focus, then night driving or similar tasks could become dangerous, which is a significant hindrance. Additionally, halos can be a symptom of a medical condition, which may require immediate attention.  

Ultimately, any change to your vision should always be treated seriously. Similarly, if any issue is disruptive, it’s better to seek help.  

When to Speak with Your Eye Care Provider About Halos  

While halos aren’t inherently a troubling sign, it’s always best to speak with your eye care provider if you have any vision concerns. This is particularly true of the halos that are new or accompanied by other vision changes.  

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patient’s eyes are our priority. If you are experiencing halos and are worried about the potential cause or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

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Things Your Ophthalmologist Wishes You Knew

Maintaining proper eye health throughout the course of your life is essential. By doing so, you can potentially preserve your vision and get the correct lenses at the right time, potentially allowing you to avoid issues like eye strain and headaches.  

While most people know that eye care is essential, many do go beyond that. With that in mind, here are a few things that your ophthalmologist wishes you knew.  

Having Regular Appointments Is Always Important  

When it comes to medical needs, many people overlook their eye health. They might assume that vision changes are only common in the young, causing them to stop checking if theirs is changing. Others may figure that they won’t develop certain conditions until they’re well into retirement, when the reality can be quite different.  

Unless they notice a significant change in their vision, some adults may simply assume that they’re fine, causing them to bypass routine appointments. However, forgoing eye care is dangerous. Regular appointments can identify certain health conditions – like cancer, diabetes, macular degeneration, and glaucoma – before they cause irreversible damage. As a result, you can preserve your vision longer.  

Regular appointments allow you to update your glasses or contacts prescription as needed. In some cases, subtle vision changes over time aren’t noticeable to the patient, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t negatively impacting their quality of life or leading to side effects like eye strain. You can ensure your vision is always at its best by routinely seeing your ophthalmologist.  

That Protective Eyewear Is Worth It  

Protective eyewear is often undervalued. Whether it’s sunglasses to block UV light, sports goggles that can limit your odds of an injury, or safety glasses for DIY projects or work, that protection matters.  

Physical eye injuries can be incredibly serious. They can lead to temporary or permanent vision damage. In some cases, a strike to the eye or the surrounding area or chemical exposure can even lead to blindness. UV light can increase your risk of developing certain eye conditions, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and skin cancer along the eyelids.  

Ultimately, protective eyewear literally helps shield your eyes from harm. As a result, it’s wise to use it whenever possible, even if it isn’t technically required.  

How Harmful Screen Time Is for Everyone  

Screen time isn’t great for your eyes, even in short durations, though prolonged exposure usually poses a greater risk. Spending hours a day working at a computer, using a smartphone, or watching television can lead to issues like eye strain. Plus, blue light from screens can disrupt sleep patterns.  

People also typically blink less when they’re using an electronic device. This can cause issues with eye dryness or may make dry eye harder to manage for those with the condition.   

Ophthalmologists in Buffalo, NY

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patient’s eyes are our priority. If you are experiencing vision changes or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. As one of the top eye care practices in Western New York, we have offices in Buffalo, Williamsville, Orchard Park, and Niagara Falls. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.