Let’s begin this look at eye injuries with a bit of sage advice, and that is to consider every single eye injury as if it were an emergency. Contact an eye doctor immediately afterward and get the issue examined and treated. That is the bottom line on the question of “when to see a doctor”. However, there is also the issue of what to do before you even get to the doctor. Read more »

Protecting your vision is very important, but it does require proactive steps. If you have any of these signs, it’s time for an eye exam with an optometrist in Jacksonville.

Eye health is one of the most important things to keep a priority, but it is also one of the most overlooked. Some people feel if they are not experiencing anything out of the ordinary, they don’t need to have an eye exam. However, that is not the case. Your eye health can be damaged without you even knowing it. If you begin to notice any of these eight signs, you need to schedule an eye exam as soon as possible with one of our Valuvison locations in Jacksonville.

1. Eye Discomfort – One sign that you have something wrong with your eyes are persistent red, dry or itchy eyes. While these can be caused by things like allergies or the presence of dust or smoke, they can also be signs of a deeper problem. “Floaters” or persistent spots in your vision are also signs that it’s time to make an appointment with an optometrist.

2. Diabetes and Other Health Conditions – Diabetes affects your health in a myriad of ways. One of those is damage to your vision. Other health conditions that can cause degenerating eye health include glaucoma. Even if you don’t have a family history of these conditions, make an appointment with an optometrist in Jacksonville.

3. When Was your Last One? – If you can’t remember the last time you had your vision checked, or you do and it’s been a couple of years, it’s time to schedule an appointment.

4. Headaches and Blurred Vision – Headaches can be symptoms of vision problems. Blurred vision is certainly a sign that something is wrong. If you experience either of these symptoms, it’s time to have your eyes checked.

5. Nighttime Driving – If you find that driving at night has become difficult, you may have vision problems that need to be treated.

6. Motion Sickness – While many people are prone to motion sickness, it can also be a sign of vision issues. In addition, dizziness and difficulty following a moving object are all signs it’s time to have your eyes checked.

7. Problems Reading – If you have to hold a book, magazine, or newspaper far away from your face; or find yourself squinting to read, it’s probably past time to have an eye exam.

8. Noticeable Changes – If you have any noticeable changes to your vision, it’s important to have your eyes examined by an optometrist in Jacksonville, particularly if you have recently suffered head trauma.

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact Valuvision for an eye exam.

Saving money is beneficial when purchasing new contact lenses. As a result, consumers may decide to search for the latest deals online from discount companies. However, this does not guarantee that the lenses are the right fit and quality.

Purchasing contact lenses from your local eye doctor in Jacksonville, Florida,  is the best option to guarantee the quality and accuracy of the contact lenses. The following are a few reasons why contact lenses should be purchased through your optometrist.

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Eyes give us the ability to perceive the world around us. They are intricate and complex. Keep your eyes healthy and working properly with these tips and know what to avoid.

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Acuvue contact lenses offer many benefits that other options do not. These innovative lenses offer the latest in lens comfort options utilizing features such as blink-activated and triple action moisture in a disposal product. A large variety of eye problems can be corrected including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia.

More Comfort, Better Vision

Many contact lens wearers report a higher level of comfort and overall satisfaction with Acuvue 1-Day Moist lenses as compared to traditional lenses. The material used in their production is delicate and airy, and the unique addition of HPMC, a liquid ingredient that provides a cushioning effect, adds to the comfort .

Acuvue 1-Day Moist lenses are the perfect brand for those suffering astigmatism and seeking a more accommodating contact lens for an on the go lifestyle. Its surface design is manufactured with sports fans in mind as the toric technology enhances vision stability.

Acuvue is famous for their commitment to providing a quality product that can be disposed of after every use. Gone are the days of nightly sterilization; with Acuvue contact lenses, every day is a fresh start. Acuvue prides themselves as being the number one selling daily disposable toric lens and the only daily disposable multifocal lens manufacturer in the world.

Dailies contact lenses are unique in that they are the world’s leading supplier of comfortable disposable lenses. A variety of products are offered, because they understand that every customer has unique needs. Therefore, Dailies has created several exclusive products to adequately accommodate any lifestyle.

Live an active lifestyle?

Contact wearers who are involved in sports activities would benefit from Dailies Toric line. This product features unique benefits such as scribe marks to help measure for accurate fitting. Its dual thin zone design enhances stability and comfort while its toric back surface improves vision stability.

Scratch eyes this allergy season?

Allergy sufferers will be pleased to know that Dailies offers a another product to alleviate dry irritation. Dailies AquaComfort Plus Contact Lenses include a drop of HPMC, an ingredient that provides a comfortable cushioning effect. Furthermore, moisturizing agents are released every time the wearer blinks, providing an unusually natural feel for a contact lens.

Have an eye condition?

Those diagnosed with presbyopia may prefer Dailies Progressives, the world’s only daily disposable multifocal lens. This convenient alternative to bi-focals provide clear, precise vision. The fact that it’s a disposable product means there is no cleaning and disinfecting to perform nightly and no deposit build-up to worry about as every day a brand new pair will be used.

Dailies offers a variety of benefits, making them a leading choice of contact lenses. Due to their knack at discovering customers needs on an individual basis and customizing the right product for them, they will continue to provide an exemplary product to contact wearers in the years to come.

Fat gets a bad rap, especially in the news as the risks of obesity continues to plague the mindset of the average American. We’re surrounded by news and medical research that tells us no fat is good fat! However, that’s not true. Omega 3 fatty acids offers your body the necessary fat it needs to improve your overall health and even your vision.

Now, we’re not saying go get your essential fat by eating a cheeseburger or downing a super-sized French fry basket. Let us be more clear: fatty acids are the “building blocks” of fat. It’s an important nutrient that’s critical for the normal production and functioning of cells, muscles, nerves, and organs. Fatty acids are also required for the production of hormone-like compounds that help regulate blood pressure, heart rate, and blood clotting.

So how does all of this effect your vision? A number of studies revealed that Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for normal infant vision development.

DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids are found in maternal breast milk and also are added to some supplemented infant formulas. Omega-3 supplemental formulas appear to stimulate vision development in infants.

A new iPhone app on the market allows you to perform eye exams right on your phone at your own convenience. Developed by a team of optometrists, the app allows phone users all over the world to perform a basic eye exam that is separate from the necessary eye exams performed in a medical office.

The phone app, EyeXam Pro includes tests for color perception, astigmatism, eye dominance, and links to find an eye doctor and to obtain more information about eyes. It puts the power of eye care knowledge in the hands of the user.

Other features of the eye care app includes:

• Updates in Special Products and offers.
• New information for Contact Lenses and free trial offer
• New Eye Glasses and Sunglasses screens
• New information for Ocular Vitamins

To learn more about the EyeXam Pro app, visit the Apple Store website.

Flaxseed oil and fish oil have been proven to prevent or control dry eyes. Flaxseed oil contains high levels of an omega-3 called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Upon digestion, it is converted into two different omega-3 fatty acids: EPA & DHA. These fatty acids are used throughout the body to protect cell membranes. Flaxseed oil is a natural alternative to help alleviate the discomfort of dry eyes.

What causes dry eyes?

Dry eyes are often caused by an imbalance in the tear-flow system of the eye. It can also be caused by situations that dry out the tear film, including dry air from air conditioning, heat, or other environmental conditions. There are a few other possible alternatives as to why you are suffering from dry eyes, including menopause, side effects to a medication, and diseases that include rheumatoid arthritis.

Flaxseed Oil Benefits

According to a 2006 study,a 2006 study showed that flaxseed oil may be as effective as commonly used dry eye medication doxycycline for the treatment of dry eye. The study compared oral flaxseed oil capsules (3,000 mg daily or 3 capsules a day) with the antibiotic doxycycline (100 mg twice a day) for the treatment of dry eye in patients who had undergone LASIK eye surgery. Eighty-one patients (152 eyes) were treated with either 3,000 mg daily of flaxseed oil or 100 mg twice daily of doxycycline for seven days before and after LASIK surgery.

Study results indicated that flaxseed oil was as effective as doxycycline in preventing dry eye after LASIK eye surgery. An added benefit is that flaxseed oil has fewer side effects than doxycycline, making it a good alternative.

(Colin C. K. Chan, M.D., and Brian S. Boxer Wachler, M.D.: 2006 annual meeting of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery).

Flaxseed oil can be taken in a variety of form but the most common and simplest is orally. For better absorption, take flaxseed oil with liquids, cottage cheese, and yogurt.

According to Prevent Blindness America, one in four school-age children have vision problems, that if left untreated, can affect learning ability, personality and adjustment in school. In order to improve your child’s learning ability, it’s best to schedule a mid-year, back-to-school eye exam should you see any of the warning signs below.

Does your child do any of the following:

• Sit too close to the TV?
• Hold a book too close to the face?
• Squint or tilt his/her head to see better?
• Frequently rub his/her eyes?
• Closes one eye to read or watch TV?
• Avoids activities that requires near vision, including reading, homework, or recreational activities?
• Complains of headaches/tired eyes?
• Avoids the computer because it hurts his/her eyes?
• Receives lower grades despite exponential effort?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then it’s time to schedule an eye exam for your child at Valuvision. One of our specialized, friendly eye care specialists performs a thorough evaluation of your child’s eye care needs to provide an educational and social advantage after the holiday break is over.