The Effects of Normal Aging on Your Vision   

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As we age, we may find our vision becoming less clear than it once was, or it may seem we need more lighting to perform close-up tasks such as sewing or reading. This is completely normal, with around 75% of people experiencing these same types of symptoms. Your vision care specialist in Riverdale, NJ, can help you find solutions to age-related vision problems such as these.

How Normal Aging Changes Vision

Many vision changes happen as a result of aging. You may find yourself having difficulty recognizing the difference between similar colors, such as where one starts and the other ends. You may also have a hard time reading or doing other close-up activities in dim lighting. Trouble focusing the eyes is extremely common as well.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, there’s a good chance they’re caused, at least in part, by getting older. If you’re over the age of 40, you are at risk of vision-related changes. Accordingly, you should schedule regular appointments with your local vision specialist to ensure the most is being done about your vision. If you’re 60 or older, at least once a year is ideal.

What to Do About Vision Changes Caused By Normal Aging

Your eye doctor can examine your eyes to determine the best solutions to any problems you’re experiencing with your vision. Products such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, or LASIK eye surgery may ‌help. It’s important to take care of your vision as you get older, because you’ll need it to perform daily tasks, such as driving, reading, and writing. Also, some vision problems may have painful symptoms, such as headache or red, itchy eyes, that impact your quality of life. You’ll want to have any painful or uncomfortable symptoms resolved right away.

And if your recent vision problems are only symptoms of something more serious, seeing your eye doctor is the first step in getting an early diagnosis and receiving intervention.

Book an Eye Appointment in Riverdale, NJ

You shouldn’t have to live with the inability to see clearly, regardless of age. Eyesight is extremely important, and maintaining it should always be a priority. At Riverdale Vision Care your vision is important to us. If you are experiencing age-related vision changes in Riverdale, NJ, call our experienced and friendly representative to schedule an eye exam, or visit our website for more information.

 

Working Remotely? Protect Your Vision at Home

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Spending more time at home working remotely? If so, you are definitely part of a growing population. As of 2022, there were roughly 4.7 million people who were working remotely at least part of the time in the U.S. As great as it can be to hang out at home and fulfill your workplace duties, the added screen time can be a challenge for your vision. In fact, a lot of remote workers seek dry eye treatment in Riverdale, NJ because of too much screen time. Take a look at some ways you can protect your vision while working from home.

1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

After working for 20 minutes using a screen, focus your eyes on something at least 20 feet away for around 20 seconds. The 20-20-20 rule gives your eyes a break. When spending a lot of time focused on a task, it is easy to stay glued to a screen right in front of you for so long that it becomes hard on your eyes.

2. Keep Your Lighting Right

The best lighting when you are working at a computer is natural lighting. So be sure to open up your curtains and allow some sunlight to stream into the room. Avoid working for long hours at a screen in the dark.

3. Adjust the Font Size on Your Screen

Pay attention to how your eyes feel as you work. If you recognize that you are squinting or your eyes feel more tired than usual, adjust the font size on your screen. This helps you focus on something larger instead of tiny font, which can be easier on tired eyes.

4. Negate Blue Light Exposure When You Can

A lot of modern computers, laptops, and even phones have a blue screen filter you can use to adjust the lighting being emitted from the screen. Blue light exposure may lead to permanent vision changes, so reduce exposure as much as possible.

Visit a Riverdale, NJ Eye Doctor for an Exam

If your eyes are feeling the strain after working from home, it may be time to visit a Riverdale, NJ eye doctor for an exam. Reach out to us at Riverdale Vision Care to schedule an appointment.

3 Reasons to Remove Your Contacts Before Showering or Bathing

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When you want to break free from everyday eyeglasses, contact lenses in Riverdale, NJ make sense for a lot of patients. However, when you opt for contact lenses, you also have to be mindful of proper use. Removing your contacts before showering or bathing is one rule to always follow. Take a look at some of the most important reasons to remove your contacts before showering or bathing.

1. Showering with contacts heightens risks of infection

Even though the contact lenses are in your eye, it is still possible for water to splash into your eye and get trapped behind the lens. Unfortunately, bathing water can be laden with bacteria and microbes. This can leave bacteria in close contact with your eyes for long periods, which can leave you at risk of developing an infection.

2. Showering with contacts may cause contacts to warp

Exposure to high levels of heat is always something to watch out for when you are a contact lens wearer. The material the contacts are made from can warp with excessive heat exposure, even when you have the contacts in your eyes. This not only damages the lenses, but it can also make the lenses harder to remove or lead to an injury.

3. Showering with contacts could cause lenses to stick to your eye

One of the more problematic situations that can arise due to bathing or showering with contacts is the lens getting stuck to your eye. This can occur for a few reasons, such as warpage or getting bathing products in your eyes. If a contact lens gets stuck, you may be at risk of scratching your cornea while trying to remove the trapped lens.

Talk to a Riverdale Eye Doctor About Contact Care

After a brief adjustment and following advice from a Riverdale, NJ eye doctor, contact lenses can truly be a beneficial change. Be sure to follow the guidance of your optometrist when you initially get your new lenses. If you would like to know more about contact lenses or contact lens care, reach out to us at Riverdale Vision Care to schedule an appointment.

3 Rules to Follow with Eye Makeup to Protect Your Eyes

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From mascara and eyeliner to false eyelashes and eyeshadow, all the ways we make our eyes pop are a lot of fun to experiment with. Unfortunately, using the wrong techniques and products could mean everything from dry eye problems in Riverdale, NJ to problems with eye irritation, infections, and more. Take a look at some simple rules to follow with your eye makeup to ensure you don’t put your visual health at risk.

1. Only buy products from reputable brands

When you buy eye makeup, opt for products from brands that have a reputable reputation. Don’t go through third-party sellers with what appears to be name-brand makeup for really low prices. In recent years, several counterfeit makeup products have been found to contain everything from carcinogens to arsenic and lead. You definitely don’t want these agents hanging out around your eyes.

2. Watch out for irritating ingredients

While makeup that does come from reputable producers must contain ingredients that are safe to use, you do still have to be mindful of irritants that may be specific to you. For example, some people find that their eyes are more sensitive to eyeliner that is waterproof. This may lead to issues with dry eyes, chalazion, and other problems.

3. Always wash off your makeup before going to sleep

Even though this is a tip that most people know, a lot of people do neglect to properly clean off their eye makeup before going to bed. When you are asleep, you may rub your eyes with your hands or get makeup in your eyes. Plus, cleaning off the products before bed gives your eyes a break from any irritants that may be in the cosmetics you use. Use warm, soapy water or an eye-safe makeup cleanser to remove all of the makeup from your eyes and eyelashes before bed.

Talk to a Riverdale, NJ Eye Doctor About Vision Protection

Whether you have experienced an issue with eye makeup you use on a regular basis or you just need advice about what products are safe to use, a Riverdale, NJ eye doctor can help. Reach out to us at the Riverdale Vision Center to schedule an appointment and keep your visual health in check.

How to Recover From UV Damage 

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Photokeratitis is a temporary but painful eye condition caused by overexposure to UV radiation. UV radiation is emitted by the sun, which is why sunglasses are recommended by youreye doctor in Riverdale, NJ. Your eyes can be overexposed to UV radiation from other sources, too, such as tanning beds and the use of UV lights in the home or garden area.

Symptoms of Photokeratitis

Symptoms of overexposure to UV radiation are impossible to miss. You may not realize that your eyes are being overexposed to UV radiation, but the symptoms will be very apparent shortly afterward. Symptoms include:

  • Painful eyes
  • Scratchy eyes; “sandy” sensation
  • Blurred vision
  • Headache
  • Swelling around the eyes
  • Seeing halos
  • Low vision or partial loss of vision
  • Teary, watery eyes

You may have multiple symptoms, depending upon the severity of the overexposure.

How to Recover From UV Radiation

Although photokeratitis is painful and scary, it is usually temporary. You can expect symptoms to abate from between six and 24 hours later. By 48 hours, all symptoms should have disappeared. To aid in recovery and help with the discomfort, do the following:

  • Take an over-the-counter medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen for any associated pain and/or swelling
  • Remove any contact lenses. Do not wear eyeglasses
  • Lie down and keep your eyes closed
  • Place a cool, moist cloth over the closed eyes
  • Do not resume normal activities like driving, cooking, etc.
  • Do not use electronic devices
  • Do not watch TV

Preventing Photokeratitis in the Future

You can prevent this from reoccurring by practicing simple lifestyle habits. Wear sunglasses outdoors or invest in transition prescription eyeglasses. Get regulareye exams in Riverdale, NJ to help keep eyes healthy. Avoid the use of UV “grow lights” and antibacterial lights.

Dangers of UV Radiation

Photokeratitis is temporary, but you can suffer long-term effects from chronic overexposure to UV radiation. Consider how your eyes were overexposed and alter the behavior that got you there. Over time, UV radiation can lead to macular degeneration or permanent vision reduction.

If you have any special concerns or questions about photokeratitis or other eye conditions, or to book an appointment, please feel free to contact us today.

Happy 2022! Is It Time for Your Annual Eye Appointment?

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2022 is here! It’s time to make an eye appointment! There are many reasons why you should see an eye doctor in Riverdale NJ once per year. Knowing those reasons can help you take care of your eyes and prioritize your eye appointments! Here’s what you need to know about making your eye appointment for 2022.

Why You Should See the Eye Doctor Annually

There are many reasons why you should see the eye doctor annually! Whether you have glasses or not, you should be making appointments with your eye doctor once annually. Here’s why:

  • Your eyeglasses prescription may change. If you have prescription glasses, that prescription may change over time. As the prescription changes, you may need more powerful lenses to continue to function in school or out in the world.
  • If didn’t need eyeglasses before, you may need them now. Just because you didn’t need eyeglasses in the past doesn’t mean that you won’t ever need them. Your eyes will change with time. The only way that you can ensure that you’ve got the right tools for maintaining good vision is to see the eye doctor regularly.
  • Your eye doctor will check for eye diseases. Some eye diseases have no symptoms until vision loss occurs. The only way to detect these eye diseases is to see the eye doctor, who will be able to run tests to find out if you have one of these conditions.

Make Your Appointment a Routine

Lots of people forget to see the eye doctor because they forget when it’s time to make an appointment. If you start making your eye appointments in Riverdale NJ at the same time every year, you’re less likely to forget to make your appointment. Choose the same month to see the eye doctor, then make your first appointment.

What You Can Do to Take Care of Your Eyes in 2022

Wondering what else you can do to take care of your eyes in 2022? Wear sunglasses. Know the symptoms of an eye problem. And see your eye doctor at least once annually. Call today to make your appointment.

How Often Should My Little One See the Eye Doctor?

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How many times have you taken your little one to see the eye doctor? Children need to visit the eye doctor for a pediatric eye exam in Riverdale NJ on a regular basis, to ensure they have healthy eyes. If you’ve never taken your little one for an eye checkup, it may be time. Below, we’ve listed a schedule of times when you should bring your child to get their eyes checked.

Once Before Age 1

Take your child to the eye doctor for the first time when before they turn one year old. This eye checkup at a very young age can help catch eye conditions early. Some eye conditions are reversible if they’re treated as soon as possible, so don’t wait to see the specialist.

Again at Three Years Old

After your child goes to the eye doctor in Riverdale NJ for the first time at age one, take them to the eye doctor again when they’re around three years old. This will catch eye conditions that your child’s eye doctor couldn’t identify in the first exam, and will allow the eye doctor to check up on any conditions they may have identified in the first examination.

Before School

Even if your child isn’t diagnosed with any conditions during the first two eye exams, they should see the eye doctor again every year before school. Eye health is vitally important for success in school. Your child needs to be able to see so they can read, follow what’s happening in the classroom and beyond.

Remember that eye conditions and eye health can change over time. Even if your child’s eyes were healthy at the first two appointments, that can change. Going to the eye doctor will ensure that your child gets the help they need to be successful in school.

When You Notice Symptoms

Any time you notice symptoms that your child is having a problem with their vision, bring them to the eye doctor. Symptoms include:

  • Squinting to see distances or close up
  • Sits close to the TV
  • Headaches
  • Complains of blurry vision

Does your child need to see the eye doctor? Call today to make an appointment.

Are Over The Counter Readers Bad For Eyes?

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If you require the use of reading glasses to see for short distances, you are probably aware of over-the-counter readers. These readers are available without a prescription from drugstores, supermarkets and even dollar stores. They come in a range of mild prescriptions, and you can simply pick them off the rack, try them on and buy them. This makes them very appealing for folks who feel they are too busy to go to the eye doctor in Riverdale, NJ to get prescription eyewear. They are also appealing because over-the-counter readers come in a wide range of color and styles for men and women, and are highly affordable. However, are over-the-counter readers bad for the eyes?

Users May Avoid the Eye Doctor

A huge drawback to over-the-counter readers is that they are a little too easy to access. In fact, using over-the-counter readers may inadvertently make user avoid seeing the eye doctor. If adequate reading vision can be achieved by buying a cheap pair of readers, then why would a person want to go to the trouble of making an eye doctor appointment?

The inherent danger is that most people who need readers are older people. This demographic is more prone to vision problems than younger generations. Serious problems like glaucoma need to be detected and diagnosed as soon as possible in order to prevent total blindness. If an older person skips regular eye doctor appointments in favor of relying on over-the-counter readers, it’s much more likely that any eye conditions will go undetected until they cause serious damage.

Readers Can Improve Quality of Life

Now, if an older person is on a low, fixed income, those cheap over-the-counter readers can help to improve quality of life. For as little as a dollar, a person could wear readers and be able to pursue favorite hobbies like reading, doing puzzles, sewing and more. Those things are important to everyone, but especially retired persons.

The best scenario is monitored use of over-the-counter readers. This simply means that, if you choose to wear cheap readers, you should still have regular visits with your eye doctor in Riverdale, NJ. Bring in your over-the-counter readers for examination to make sure they are okay for you to use. This way, you and your eye doctor can help to make sure your vision is protected.

Eye Glasses or Contact Lenses? What to Consider When Trying to Decide

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Eyeglasses and contact lenses can both improve your vision, whether you’re far-sighted or near-sighted. However, there are many differences between glasses and contact lenses in Riverdale NJ. Knowing the differences between these two options can help you decide which one is right for you.

What to Know About Contact Lenses

Not everyone is a good candidate for contact lenses, so before you can order contacts, you’ll have to work with your eye doctor in Riverdale to find out whether you’re a good candidate for contacts.

Contact lenses need to be properly cleaned, maintained and removed on a regular basis. Patients who are too young are not able to handle the care regimen for contact lenses. Most patients aren’t eligible to have contacts until their teen years, and not every teenager is ready to take care of contacts.

Some eye conditions, like dry eyes, make use of contact lenses problematic. To find out if you’re a good candidate for contact lenses, speak to your eye doctor. Your eye doctor will evaluate your eye health and talk to you about what must be done to maintain contact lenses. Together, you two can determine whether contacts are right for you.

What to Know About Eye Glasses

Eye glasses sit on the bridge of your nose and are visible to everyone who sees you. Because they’re so visible, some people don’t want eye glasses. Others prefer glasses because they like the way glasses look, they’re easy to take on and off and harder to lose than contact lenses.

Which One Is Right For You?

If you’re not sure whether eye glasses or contacts are right for you, make an appointment with your eye doctor. To determine which product is best for you, follow these tips:

  • Have a discussion with your eye doctor about what is involved in each type of vision correction tool.
  • Try on glasses to see how you like them.
  • Find out whether you’re even eligible for contact lenses (if contact lenses appeals to you).

Finally, remember that some people who need vision correction have both contacts and glasses. They might wear glasses at night before bed, and contacts during the day. Your eye doctor can help you decide what is the right choice for you.

To find out more, make an appointment at Riverdale Vision Care.

Symptoms of COVID-19-Related Conjunctivitis

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Conjunctivitis is a big word, but it’s really only a fancy term for an eye infection. You may know it better as pink eye. Conjunctivitis can be caused by several factors, including bacteria, virus, and allergens. It’s a relatively common condition that usually clears up through medication, and it’s a known symptom of COVID-19, though not everyone who contracts COVID-19 will develop conjunctivitis. And just because you may have pink eye, this doesn’t mean you have Coronavirus. Your eye doctor in Riverdale, NJ, can give you more information regarding pink eye.

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

Symptoms of conjunctivitis are the same regardless of the cause. They include:

  • Itchy eyes
  • A pink tint to the whites of the eyes
  • A feeling of grittiness when you rub your eyes
  • Excessive tearing
  • Discharge
  • Crusty eyes in the morning

When you have pink eye, this means the conjunctiva, or transparent membrane that covers the whites of your eyes, has become inflamed. The tiny blood vessels in your eye become more visible as a result. This makes your eye appear pink where it’s usually white.

Pink eye is irritating and may cause pain and discomfort. It’s also contagious. It’s easily treated, however, with artificial tears, warm or cold compresses, and frequent cleaning of the area around your eye with a clean, wet cloth. Your eye doctor may also recommend over-the-counter medicines for pain.

Symptoms of COVID-19-Related Conjunctivitis

If your conjunctivitis is caused by the COVID-19 virus, it will usually be accompanied by other symptoms, including:

  • Sore Throat
  • Congestion
  • Fatigue
  • Cough
  • Headache

If you think you may have COVID-related pink eye, it’s important to contact your health care provider right away. If you’re not terribly sick, a phone call may be best. If you have the symptoms of pink eye without the accompanying cold symptoms, schedule a pink-eye screening in Riverdale, NJ.

Riverdale Vision Care Can Help

Riverdale Vision Care is a top choice of eye doctor in Riverdale, NJ. We offer comprehensive eye exams that can help detect the early stages of eye disorders and diseases such as pink eye. In addition, we’re a one-stop shop for contact lenses. Stop by our location inside Pearle Vision Center today, or call to book a consultation.