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Do you remember the last time you got a comprehensive eye exam? Are you starting to experience blurry vision? September is Healthy Aging Month. Let’s take a look at some signs and symptoms of vision loss and how older adults can prevent it. Signs and Symptoms of Vision Loss There are many different signs and symptoms of vision loss. Some of them are: Floaters or Flashes of Light: Sudden light flashes or an increase in floaters can be signs of retinal detachment. This can occur because of eye injuries or diseases like glaucoma and nearsightedness. Eye Pain: The majority of eye conditions do not cause pain, but some injuries or diseases do. Pain can be caused by dry eye, injury, eye cancer, glaucoma or a scratched cornea. Sudden Loss of Vision in One Eye: This could be a symptom of many eye diseases.  The leading cause of vision loss in adults 65+ in the US is age-related macular degeneration. This is usually a slow process, but sometimes it can be sudden. Another condition that can cause vision loss is glaucoma. With glaucoma, it can lead to the quick build-up of fluid pressure in the eye. Many other conditions can cause […]

Is your vision starting to look blurry or foggy? Do you have issues driving at night or seeing people’s faces? These are only a few of the common warning signs of cataracts! Keep reading to learn more about cataracts and what you can expect! What is a Cataract? Cataracts occur when the lens in your eye becomes cloudy. The lens of the eye is normally clear. When you have cataracts, looking through a cloudy lens can be like looking through a foggy window. This makes driving, seeing facial expressions, and other activities more difficult.  Cataracts are a common eye condition that people experience as they age. Vision Changes Usually, cataracts develop over time and they do not affect your vision early on. But as time passes, cataracts start impacting your vision. This is one of the many reasons why it is important to get regular eye exams. The number one vision change is cloudy, blurry or faint vision. When cataracts start, they are small, but as they get bigger, they make your vision blurry. You can also develop a sensitivity to light, glare, and halos around lights. Levels of lights that were once normal are now are too strong. If […]

Are you over wearing your glasses or contacts lenses? Do you get continuous dry eye from your contact lenses? Have you ever wondered what life would be like without glasses or contacts? While glasses and contacts are good at improving your vision, they are a temporary fix. If any of these thoughts have gone through your head, it might be time for LASIK! Wouldn’t you love to goodbye to your contacts or glasses forever? There’s no bad time to undergo LASIK, but keep reading for four reasons why summer is better after LASIK! Warmer Temperatures Summer means warmer weather, and we want to be outside as much as possible. We can’t wait to be swimming, hiking, and sailing in the beautiful sunshine! Any activity is better when you don’t have to worry about wearing glasses for it. Glasses can break, fall off or get in the way of your fun! Contact lenses are not the best either, especially if you enjoy water activities. When water hits your face, contacts can move or fall out. It is important to avoid touching your eyes if you have sand on your hands. Sand can easily get under your contact lenses and irritate your […]

Have you had problems with peripheral vision in both eyes? Do you have intense headaches? Are you experiencing halos around lights? These are all symptoms of glaucoma. Keep reading to learn more about this sneaky eye condition! What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is a family of eye conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve is imperative for good vision. Damage to the optic nerve often happens because of high pressure in the eye. For people over the age of 60, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness. Anyone can get glaucoma, but it is more common in older adults. Most types of glaucoma do not have warning signs, which is why it can be a secret thief of sight. For patients with glaucoma, symptoms won’t appear until their vision has already changed. What makes glaucoma so dangerous is any damage to the optic nerve is irreversible. Once you lose any sight because of glaucoma, it can’t come back. This is why it’s important to have regular eye exams! Your doctor will measure your eye pressure to be able to check it in case of a change. This will help them make a diagnosis early on […]

Patients with cataracts can experience a variety of symptoms. It is important to make sure they don’t impact your quality of life. Keep reading for five signs it’s time for cataract surgery! Your vision becomes blurry When a patient has cataracts they can cause blurry vision. With the blurry vision can come glare from lights and dull colors. When you go to your doctor they will do tests to figure out the thickness of your cataract. To do this, they will look at the results from glare, vision and refraction tests. For some patients, a new prescription and pair of eyeglasses will solve issues. If you have a developed cataract, glasses and contacts will no longer correct your vision. Blurry vision becomes dangerous when it affects your ability to drive at night. When you’re sensitive to lights, oncoming headlights may feel like they are blinding. Being blinded while driving makes being on the road extremely dangerous! If you don’t feel comfortable driving, do yourself a favor and stop. Cataracts are impacting your quality of life Don’t hold off on cataract surgery if cataracts are negatively impacting your life. With vision loss, many cataract patients find themselves lonely and depressed. It […]

You’ve heard the ads and may know someone who has had LASIK in Springfield, Branson, Joplin, or beyond. There’s a high chance you are wondering if laser eye surgery is a good option for you. Because every eye is unique, there is not a one-size-fits-all answer for whether LASIK is right for you. To begin, some guidelines can help: Are your eyes healthy? Conditions like dry eye, keratoconus may not rule LASIK out completely but they are a factor. Other conditions like glaucoma mean you are likely not a candidate for LASIK. No matter what the issue, Missouri Eye Institute can help you take control of your vision health. This is regardless of whether LASIK is an option. Are you healthy? Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus make you more prone to infections. Diabetes and chronic pain conditions may also be factors, as can pregnancy. Talk to your ophthalmologist to determine if these conditions affect your options. How strong is your prescription? LASIK can correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. But if you have a prescription that’s too strong, you may not be a candidate for LASIK. What is causing your vision problems? The cause of your […]

Contact lenses have long been the alternative to wearing glasses. But if you’ve worn contact lenses before, you know they still could require just as much care as your glasses.   So when it comes to vision correction, which is considered the better choice? Contact lenses are incredibly popular in part because they allow those without the best vision to experience life without glasses. This can be especially handy when you’re an athlete. Provided you follow your optometrist’s instructions on how and when to wear your contact lenses, you can forego the extra weight and hassle that may come with glasses.   All in all, there are very few complications that come with these handy vision aids. That being said, wearing contact lenses every day may be a task not everyone wants to perform.   Is LASIK eye surgery the better option? With LASIK eye surgery, you’re not putting anything foreign into your eyes to improve vision.   Part of the benefit of LASIK eye surgery is that you don’t have to worry about abruptly losing your improved vision during a game or when you’re swimming because a contact lens has fallen out. That said, it may be in your […]

It’s no secret athletes can benefit from LASIK eye surgery. Athletes need good depth perception, peripheral vision, and hand-eye coordination when playing their sport. LASIK is a popular procedure. Approximately 596,000 LASIK surgeries were performed in the U.S. in 2015. LASIK eye surgery may not turn you into an Olympic champion, but it can make a positive difference in your performance. How Can LASIK Improve My Performance On The Field? Prescription eyewear can improve your direct line of vision, but it doesn’t correct your peripheral vision. And contact lenses can dry out and cause blurriness when you’re on the field. Vision correction options like LASIK eye surgery maximize your potential to have fun on the field, court, or rink. By improving your eyesight as much as possible you can improve your performance in the more complex functions of your sport. Here are some of those complex functions you can take advantage of with LASIK eye surgery: Peripheral vision Peripheral vision is what lets you see an object or opponent when they’re outside of your direct line of vision. Focus The direct focus of the human eye is only about the length of your arm, which doesn’t leave a lot of […]

Lasik eye surgery, also known as laser eye surgery, is a common procedure that corrects a patient’s vision. In a single visit, patients are able to forgo their glasses, and most leave the procedure capable of seeing with 20/20 vision. If you’ve been considering Lasik eye surgery, you’re not alone. It’s projected that up to 718,000 Lasik surgeries will take place in the U.S. in 2020. When considering your vision correction options, it’s important to consider the facts. Therefore, examine the following Lasik eye surgery facts below to gauge whether or not laser eye surgery is right for you. Lasik eye surgery only takes minutes If you’re incredibly busy or if surgery just isn’t your forte, you can feel comforted knowing Lasik takes only a few minutes per eye. What’s more, your corrected vision is almost immediate and you’ll be able to return to work the next day after the procedure. Lasik won’t make you go blind A common fear among patients is that the laser from the surgery will cause them to go blind. However, this isn’t the case. A laser eye surgeon is a trained and licensed professional and the laser they use during the procedure won’t destroy […]

Approximately 9% to 12% of all cases of blindness in the U.S. are the result of glaucoma, a condition where pressure increases within the eye and causes nerve damage. Once glaucoma has caused damage to the eye, the effects can’t be reversed. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to identify the disease until a patient is already in the late stages of glaucoma. This is because glaucoma doesn’t often show symptoms. Surgery is often best to help prevent further damage to the eye. However, it’s best to know the facts so you know what to expect from your procedure. Consider the following questions to ask your eye surgeon prior to your glaucoma treatment to help you understand what will happen during and after your eye surgery. Do I need surgery to treat my glaucoma? You may be able to treat your glaucoma with non-surgical methods depending on how early you were able to catch the disease. Certain non-surgical treatments include medicated eye drops and oral medication. However, it’s essential to speak to your eye doctor before assuming non-surgical methods are an option. What type of surgery do I qualify for? There are different types of glaucoma and, likewise, there are different […]

It’s important to protect your eyesight to maintain your quality of life as you age. Between 9% to 12% of all blindness cases in the U.S. are caused by Glaucoma. While Glaucoma and other eye problems such as cataracts can affect Americans as soon as the age of 45. Although there are many types of eye surgery to protect one’s eyesight, these eye conditions can affect not only your quality of life but also your overall health. For this reason, it’s essential to protect your eyesight as a part of your healthcare. Consider the following ways you can ensure your eyesight stays as great as possible as you age. Know your risk Prevention is key when it comes to eye care, especially when you’re at higher risk for eye diseases such as Glaucoma. If you’re unsure whether or not your family has a history of eye conditions or other diseases, try to find out. Once you’re aware of your risk for potential conditions, you’ll know what to look out for in the future. Exercise regularly Regular exercise has been known to keep more than the body in shape. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, exercising as a part of your […]

It’s always a challenge to find the right gift for the right person during the holidays. You want to get your loved one something that’s meaningful, useful, and will last them a lifetime. Think of giving your loved one the gift of LASIK eye surgery this season. LASIK is an incredibly popular procedure. Up to 718,000 people are estimated to receive the procedure in 2020 alone. It’s no exaggeration that vision correction is a gift with lasting value. Consider the following reasons why laser eye surgery may be the perfect present to improve your loved one’s life. Vision correction has long-term value A gift card might get used every few months when your loved one remembers they have it in their wallet. But laser eye surgery is something your loved one will be grateful for every day. Effective almost immediately after the procedure, your loved one will no longer have to worry about paying for contacts or glasses and how they’ll pair their specs with their outfit. What’s more, laser eye surgery helps reduce the risk of eye infections and irritation your loved one may experience with contacts. By gifting laser eye surgery, you’ll not only be gifting your loved […]

Glaucoma is a degenerative condition of the eye that causes damage to the optic nerve and may eventually result in blindness. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, up to 3 million Americans are estimated to suffer from glaucoma with only 1.5 million being aware of their condition. Fortunately, this potentially blinding disease is perfectly treatable — if it’s caught in time. Glaucoma treatment is available via corrective eye surgery. However, early detection can help to reduce the risk of damage to one’s optic nerve. Below are some of the early signs of glaucoma to help reduce the risk of greater eye damage: Headaches or eye pain One of the most common early signs of glaucoma is a sharp, sudden pang in the eye area or a headache that seems to be centered around the eyes. These pains are often a symptom of angle-closure glaucoma. Cloudy or hazy eyes  Corneas that exhibit cloudiness is often a telltale sign of developing glaucoma. Although often seen in the elderly, children and young adults can also exhibit this type of glaucoma symptom. Other early signs of glaucoma in infants or children also include light sensitivity and watery eyes. Ocular hypertension  High-pressure readings in the […]

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States, second only to cataracts, and has been known to affect up to 3 million Americans and many more who go undiagnosed. Glaucoma is caused by an increase in fluid in the eye, which becomes blocked and puts pressure on the optic nerve. The result is pain, blurred or hazy vision, and sometimes headaches. However, many Americans with glaucoma experience no symptoms at all. Types of glaucoma Depending on your family history, some people are more at risk for glaucoma than others. Those with a history of an irregular heart rhythm, those over the age of 60, and those with a family history of glaucoma are more likely to suffer from glaucoma. However, simply because you aren’t considered at risk doesn’t mean that glaucoma can’t affect you. There are three main types of glaucoma. These types include: Normal-tension glaucoma. Normal-tension glaucoma, also known as low-tension glaucoma, is considered one of the more unique types of glaucoma. Patients with this type have a normal eye pressure but still experience vision loss and optic nerve damage. Primary open-angle glaucoma. Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma and occurs […]

Cataracts most often appear in those Americans over the age of 40. These impairments of the eye are often age-related and result in blurred vision or temporary blindness. Fortunately, there are vision correction options available to you and the success rate for cataract surgery is as high as 98%. Yet there are ways you can help to reduce your risk of developing age-related cataracts while you’re still in your youth. The lifestyle choices you make on a day-to-day basis can either increase or decrease your risk of cataracts. Here are a few lifestyle changes you can make to maintain eye health and to avoid the need for future cataract and refractive eye surgery. Quit smoking Smoking is bad for your overall health, but particularly for your lungs and eyes. Those who smoke regularly were found to be three times more likely to develop cataracts by the age of 40 than those who don’t smoke. Stay out of the sun Staying out of the sun isn’t only important for protecting your skin from harsh sunburns. It’s also important for helping to protect your eyes from ultraviolet light. When the eyes are exposed to UV light directly, it can cause damage to […]

Cataracts are an eye condition that often occurs in patients over the age of 40. Cataracts happen when the natural lens in your eye gradually becomes opaque. This can cause blurred and cloudy vision that may impair your eyesight or cause blindness in extreme cases. There are three types of cataracts. These include: The cortical cataract, which is when the cataract affects the lens cortex of the eye. Opacities appear wedge-like and work their way from the outside of the lens to the center, like a bicycle wheel. The subcapsular cataract, which occurs at the back of the lens. This type of cataract is most often experienced by those who have diabetes. The nuclear cataract, which occurs in the center of the lens. This type of cataract is most associated with aging. Cataracts can occur in either one or both of your eyes as you age, but they are not a disease that is spread from one eye to the other. What happens during cataract surgery? Cataract surgery as a corrective eye surgery is typically recommended by an eye doctor only when the cataract begins to impact your way of life. During the procedure, a cataract surgeon will make an […]

Every year, millions of Americans receive corrective eye surgery to fix problems they experience with their vision, including glaucoma and cataracts. Because of more serious conditions such as these, it’s easy to forget that blurred vision is also considered a vision problem. In 2015 alone, up to 21 million people around the world received LASIK eye surgery to correct their own vision difficulties. For those with glasses, LASIK eye surgery may sound either like a wondrous treatment to get rid of their frames once and for all or it may sound like a needless surgery. After all, with glasses, why would LASIK be necessary? However, there are a number of things you can do when your eyes aren’t burdened by lenses. What can I do after I receive LASIK eye surgery?After you’ve given your eyes time to heal, there are a number of things you can do without glasses. Sports: Glasses often inhibit those who play sports because of the constant worry of breaking the lenses or frames. With LASIK, an athlete can confidently play on the field without having to worry about the way they turn their head. Wear makeup: Whether it’s for a dance, for theatre, or for […]

Glaucoma is an eye condition that can be severe enough to cause blindness. Many Americans have it, but don’t actually exhibit any symptoms so they are forgoing treatment. In fact, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, it is estimated that a staggering 3 million Americans suffer from glaucoma, but only half of those people have been diagnosed by a eye surgeon. Simply put, glaucoma is when the nerve connecting the eye to the brain is damaged, causing the potential for blindness. There are plenty of different types of glaucoma, and it is important to understand their differences in order to obtain the correct glaucoma treatment for your condition. Here we explain the different types of glaucoma so you can be prepared to seek the proper treatment route. Open-Angle Glaucoma This is the most common type of glaucoma, and it encompasses about 90% of all glaucoma cases nationwide. Caused by: the slow clogging of the drainage canals around the eye, which increases eye pressure. Rate of development:Develops very slowly, and is a permanent condition. Effect on the eye:A wide, open angle between the iris and the cornea, which means less light is entering the eye, causing blindness. Symptoms:Unfortunately, there are no noticeable symptoms. Normal-Tension […]

Of all the cases of blindness in the United States, glaucoma accounts for 9 to 12% and is the leading cause of blindness in those Americans over the age of 60. Unfortunately, glaucoma may be difficult to detect without the assistance of an eye doctor. Therefore, it’s important to go for a routine eye exam every two years. What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a condition in which fluid pressure builds up inside of the eye and causes damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve transfers images of the world to the brain, allowing you to see. Because of this, when the optic nerve is damaged it can cause blurred vision and blindness if left untreated. There are two types of glaucoma: open-angle and angle-closure. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of the disease and occurs when the trabecular meshwork, or the draining system, isn’t working properly and therefore causes fluid to build up against the optic nerve. Angle-closure glaucoma is rare and occurs when your cornea or iris is narrowed, making it difficult for the fluid of your eye to drain correctly. What Causes Glaucoma? The disease itself occurs when fluid, called aqueous humor, inside the eye fails to circulate properly although […]

Baseball is one of America’s greatest pastimes. And with great pastimes comes great responsibility on behalf of the athletes that play the sport. Baseball players often cause their careers or health to suffer when they don’t take proper care of themselves. With proper technique and physical care, a baseball player will be able to prolong their career on the field. Too often does the modern athlete put their desires ahead of their own health. This often results in negative physical effects and easily avoidable problems on the field. Here are some of the common problems baseball players experience and how they can make simple changes in order to get back in the game: Problem: Injuries caused by overuse The majority of injuries suffered by athletes are caused by overuse of a specific muscle area. For the baseball player, these overused areas consist of the wrist, elbow, and shoulder. The repetitive motions of pitching, throwing, and catching can create inflammation and irritation to the muscle or surrounding tendons. When the athlete refuses to rest and overuses the muscular area, this can result in tendonitis. Solution: Stretch and Relax As in all exercising, the key to reducing inflammation is by stretching before […]

If you’ve endured a lifetime of vision issues and are tired of wearing contacts or glasses on a daily basis, you may have considered looking into LASIK eye surgery. In 2015, 21 million LASIK eye surgeries were performed worldwide by certified laser eye surgeons and have become a popular choice for those looking to improve their vision. But while LASIK can be effective in treating nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism in many patients, laser eye surgery is not for everyone. Let’s take a closer look at some of the criteria that needs to be met by potential laser eye surgery patients. LASIK patients must be: Age 18 or over In good general health with no problems like uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune diseases Free of medications that compromise immune response Free of certain eye diseases (i.e., glaucoma, cataracts, retinal or optic nerve problems, corneal disease, or herpes simplex or herpes zoster), chronically dry eyes, eye infections, or eye injuries Forthcoming with their doctor about problems like lazy eyes, strabismus, scarring, claustrophobia, or mental health conditions Not pregnant or nursing six months before or after the time of the procedure Confirmed to have stable vision for at least a year prior to the […]

If you’re experiencing blurriness in one or both of your eyes, a sensitivity to light, unusual glares, and/or a decrease in night vision, there’s a possibility you may have a cataract. A cataract is a medical condition in which a person’s eye lens progressively develops a cloudiness, resulting in blurred vision. Cataracts are typically experienced by patients over the age of 60 (although they can occur at any age) and are caused by a change in the eye lens’ proteins. While cataracts are common, it’s important to seek treatment when and if your cataracts begin to conflict with your everyday life. Here are some signs that it may be time to seek cataract surgery. You’re unable to drive For those with cataracts, vision impairment is common but is often not drastic enough to cause complications. However, if your cataracts have progressively worsened and you find yourself unable to drive on the road as you used to, it may be time to talk to you doctor. Additionally, if you’re suffering from blurred vision that differs from that of farsightedness or nearsightedness (which may be treated with LASIK or prescription eyewear), there may be a chance that your cataract may in fact […]

Most sports can be played while wearing glasses; however, there’s always the possibility of glare from the sunlight affecting your game as well as the threat of your glasses being thrown from your face during unexpected roughness. Even contacts can create issues such as eye irritation if dirt is misplaced beneath the lens or, in some cases, the lens itself may get lost on the field. Laser eye surgery allows athletes to play the games they love without the risk of losing or harming their glasses or contacts. LASIK eye surgery is a surgical procedure in which an eye surgeon uses a laser to reshape corneal tissue in the eye, effectively correcting astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness in the patient. Approximately 596,000 LASIK eye surgeries were performed in the United States in 2015 alone. Laser eye surgery is beneficial to athletes not only because it allows them to compete harder without the fear of breaking their glasses, but also because it can save them money over time by no longer having to pay for new frames or prescriptions. LASIK eye surgery, which takes just a few minutes to perform, grants improved vision to the patient almost immediately after the procedure. LASIK […]