Do I Need Readers?

Over time, a person’s vision typically changes. Losing near vision is one such change, frequently impacting people as they reach their 40s and beyond. It’s a normal part of the aging process, leading to a condition called presbyopia.  

One normal response to this shift in visual acuity is to get reading glasses or readers. These types of corrective lenses can help you see items that you’re holding up close, such as the pages of a book you want to read.  

If you want to know if you need readers, here’s what you need to know.  

What Is Presbyopia?  

First, it’s important to understand a bit about what presbyopia is and what it isn’t. Presbyopia is a form of farsightedness caused by an eye’s loss of lens elasticity, something that generally happens naturally as a person ages, usually starting when a person is in their mid-40s.  

As the lens hardens, it struggles to focus properly, impacting visual acuity. Having trouble reading is usually one of the first signs of presbyopia, leading people to hold objects further away in an attempt to focus on the text.  

However, presbyopia is not the only form of farsightedness. Hyperopia – a form of farsightedness – also makes it harder to view items that are close to your eyes. But hyperopia is caused by irregularities in the eye’s shape, not a loss of elasticity.  

How to Tell If You Need Readers  

Figuring out whether your vision changes are related to presbyopia, hyperopia, or another eye condition usually requires a thorough eye exam. That way, they can determine which course of treatment is best.  

If it is presbyopia, glasses are usually the answer. For people who don’t have any issues with their distance vision, readers may be all you need. They allow you to increase your up-close visual acuity when you need it, such as when you’re reading. Then, you can take them off when you’re relying on your distance vision.  

In the early stages of presbyopia, readers with diopters of +1.25 to +1.50 are usually enough. However, as your vision continues to change, you may need stronger reading glasses, potentially up to +2.50 to +2.75 by the time you reach your late 50s or early 60s.  

However, if your distance vision also needs correction, then bifocals may be a better choice. A section near each lens base will have a different prescription, one dedicated to close tasks like reading. The upper portion of the lens will have your distance vision prescription, allowing you to cover both visual issues. When you need your near vision, you simply focus through the lower section of the lens. When you don’t, you use the mid to upper portion.  

As with readers, your bifocals may also need to be adjusted over time. That way, you can have the right strength, allowing you to see up close with greater ease.  

If you think you may have presbyopia or are experiencing any vision changes, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. At ECVA, our staff works diligently to care for patients’ health and will help determine the cause of your vision changes and identify the right course of treatment. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

Recognize the Signs of Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is a serious condition that should always be treated as an emergency. Without quick intervention, permanent vision loss is possible. In the worst-case scenario, when left untreated, it can even cause blindness in the affected eye.  

By recognizing the signs of retinal detachment, you can take immediate action if you experience the symptoms. Here’s a look at what the condition is, who is at risk, and the symptoms that can occur.  

What is Retinal Detachment?  

A retinal detachment is a condition where the retina – a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye – pulls out of its normal position. Retinal cells end up moving away from blood vessels, reducing or cutting off their access to nutrients and oxygen. As time passes, these cells get damaged and die off, resulting in potentially permanent vision loss.  

Who’s at Risk of Retinal Detachment?  

Technically, everyone is at risk of retinal detachment simply because they have a retina. However, certain segments of the population are more likely to develop the condition, including individuals with:  

  • Severe nearsightedness  
  • Previous eye injury  
  • Previous cataract surgery  
  • Diabetic retinopathy  
  • Lattice degeneration  
  • Posterior vitreous detachment  
  • A family history of retinal detachment  

What Are the Symptoms of Retinal Detachment?  

While a retinal detachment sounds like it would be painful, it isn’t. Usually, those affected don’t feel anything happening at all. As a result, identifying the warning signs of a retinal detachment in progress is critical.  

Some of the symptoms of retinal detachment include:  

  • Blurred vision  
  • Flashes of light  
  • Reduced peripheral vision  
  • Shadow or “curtain” over your field of vision  
  • Sudden, significant increase in the number of floaters (small specks that appear to float across your field of vision)  
  • Changes in visual perception, typically straight lines starting to appear curved  

What to Do If You Suspect a Retinal Detachment  

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with a retinal detachment, seek medical help immediately. A retinal detachment is an emergency, and any delay could increase your chances of severe and irreversible damage or blindness. The faster you act, the more likely the detachment can be halted or repaired, preserving or restoring your vision.  

Once you arrive at your ophthalmologist’s office, they will examine your eyes with special instruments to look for retinal detachment. If they find evidence one is occurring, they may recommend several treatments approaches, including:  

  • Thermal or Cryopexy Repair  
  • Pneumatic Retinopexy  
  • Scleral Buckle  
  • Vitrectomy  

It’s important to understand that retinal detachments won’t repair on their own. Action by a medical professional is required if you want to preserve or restore your vision. With quick action, retina procedures are predominately successful. However, it could take time for your vision to return, and, in severe retinal detachment cases, some of the damage may be permanent.  

If you believe you are experiencing retinal detachment, contact your ophthalmologist immediately. Additionally, make sure to attend your regular eye care appointments, ensuring your eye doctor can look for signs of retinal detachment or other conditions that may be going unnoticed. If you haven’t visited your eye care specialist recently, schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

Eye exam patient having their eyes checked out

Your Safety is Our Priority

Starting on Monday, May 18, 2020, all ECVA locations will be re-opening. Our goal is to provide high-quality eye care services to each and every one of our patients during these unprecedented times.

Your safety is our priority. As a result, we will be taking extra precautions to ensure your health as well as the health of our staff. We are adhering to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations to preserve the well-being of everyone who comes into our clinics. Here is an overview of any changes you may experience when coming in for an eye care appointment.

Socially Distanced Waiting Areas

Each of the waiting rooms in our clinics has been reconfigured. The adjustments support social distancing standards, ensuring patients can remain appropriately separated during their visits.

Protective Shielding

Reducing the spread of germs is essential. Each ECVA clinic now has protective shielding installed in the reception areas, a step that can mitigate the spread of diseases.

Surgical Mask Requirements

When coming in for an office visit, all patients will have to wear surgical masks. This step can help reduce the spread of germs, keeping both patients and staff members safer.

PPE Use by Staff

When appropriate, staff members may choose to wear additional personal protective equipment (PPE). Along with surgical masks, this can include medical gloves, protective face shields, and protective eyewear.

Handwashing Practices

Handwashing can be an effective approach for combating the spread of germs. Our clinics now have new standards in place that promote more frequent handwashing, a step that enhances safety for patients and staff members alike.

Disinfecting

While disinfecting surfaces has always been a priority at ECVA, those efforts are currently enhanced. Along with all equipment used on patients, seating areas and work surfaces are be disinfected regularly throughout the day.

Visitor Limits

As a means of keeping patients and staff members protected, we are requesting that friends or family members who arrive at an appointment with a patient remain in their vehicles. If that is not possible, we ask that only those with an appointment head into the exam room to meet with their doctor.

Rescheduling

If you or a household member are experiencing symptoms that may be associated with COVID-19, or you have been recently exposed to anyone with symptoms, we ask that you reschedule your office appointment. The potential symptoms include:

  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fever

We would also like to reiterate that the situation is fluid, and new precautions may be implemented should the need arise. If you have questions regarding the new processes or about your upcoming appointment, or have an emergency eye care need, please contact the ECVA main office at (716) 631-8888. Our team will be happy to speak with you.

We also thank our patients for their patience during these unique times. We look forward to seeing you again starting on May 18.