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Specialty Eye Institute

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How Much Does LASIK Eye Surgery Cost?

LASIK Eye Surgery Cost

The cost of LASIK eye surgery can be a concern for many individuals, even though it is an extremely common procedure and millions of people have had this surgery to correct their vision. These surgeries have a success rate of over 90% and are generally considered safe, quick, and incredibly successful. 

LASIK eye surgery is a procedure in which the shape of your cornea, the clear covering in front of your eye,  is permanently changed to improve your vision and reduce your need for glasses or contact lenses. You can have this procedure done within 30 minutes and can walk out of the surgical center the same day. The recovery time is very quick, and the risk of complications is not high. 

It is genuinely a life-changing procedure that is an excellent choice for most people who want to drastically improve their vision. However, the cost of LASIK eye surgery can be a concern for many. 

Let’s discuss how much LASIK costs, the factors that can affect those costs, and the different options you have for paying for the procedure. 

What Factors Influence the Cost of LASIK Eye Surgery?

There are a couple of factors that can cause the price of LASIK eye surgery to fluctuate. Typically, they are out of your control and will entirely depend on the state of your vision, which technology your surgeon believes is best for your surgery, and the level of experience that your surgeon has. 

Required Vision Correction

Depending on the state of your vision,  your LASIK eye surgery cost could be less or more than the average. If your vision is in a poorer condition, then the cost of your surgery will most likely be raised. 

Laser Technology

The cost of the surgery also depends on the type of technology that’s being used. Newer technology, like custom LASIK, often costs more than older technology that can be used. Additional charges that are placed on surgeons by manufacturers of laser devices may get passed on to the patient. 

Surgeon Skill

Your LASIK surgery price can also vary based on your eye surgeon’s level of expertise. The more experienced they are, the higher they will charge. 

LASIK Surgeon

Does Insurance Cover LASIK?

Because LASIK is an elective surgery, insurance typically doesn’t cover the full cost of it. However, many providers will offer discounts for the surgery, and there are financing options available to help pay for it. 

Financing Options for LASIK

Payment Plans

There are a lot of providers that offer payment plans to ease the upfront cost of your LASIK eye surgery. They will usually put you on a finance plan that spreads out the upfront cost into lower payments over a certain period of time. Be sure to pay attention to any interest rates to ensure they’re not too high and be informed of the exact amount you will be paying. 

Credit Card Payments

Putting the surgery on your credit card is also a viable option for payment that allows you to spread out the initial cost of your surgery. Your credit card may offer points or benefits for spending so much on it, and you can make monthly payments to chip away at the cost over time. It’s important to take note of the APR when doing this, so you don’t end up paying more than you should due to high interest. 

FSA or HSA

Using the money saved in your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Saving Account (HSA) is an excellent way to pay for your LASIK eye surgery, particularly because you save money through pre-tax dollars. Many are able to pay for the majority or full amount of their procedure this way. 

Why Choose Specialty Eye Institute for Your LASIK Procedure?

Getting LASIK eye surgery is a big decision to make and having the right support is vital. At Specialty Eye Institute, we will be there for you every step of the way, from your first appointment to discuss your options, to your post-operation care. 

Specialty Eye Institute uses the most cutting-edge IntraLase Method for our LASIK surgery, ensuring that you are receiving industry-leading treatment. We have a commitment to providing the very best care, and we are able to do that by following our four core values:

  • Excellence
  • Patient-Centered Advocate
  • Compassion
  • Integrity

If you’re considering LASIK eye surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable staff. We’re also happy to provide our other services, like comprehensive eye care, corneal transplants, cataract surgery, and much more. 

Call today or Schedule an Appointment!

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: eye surgery, laser eye surgery, LASIK

What Happens During The LASIK Procedure? Step-by-Step

LASIK Eye Surgery Procedure

LASIK surgery can change the way that you see the world around you. With its typically quick recovery and mostly painless procedure, it’s easy to see why LASIK is one of the most popular eye surgeries in the US. If you’re considering it, too, it’s important to know what exactly to expect if you undergo the surgery. 

We’ll discuss pre-procedure preparation, what will happen during the surgery, and what you can expect after in terms of recovery. 

How To Prepare For LASIK Surgery

What To Expect

The first step on your journey to LASIK is to set up a consultation. At this point, your doctor will walk you through the process, explain the benefits, and warn you about the risks. 

The benefits of LASIK include: 

  • LASIK can give you improved vision that reduces your reliance on glasses or contacts 
  • About 99% of people have vision of 20/40 or better after the procedure without glasses
  • More than 90% end up with 20/20 vision

There are some risks, though, including: 

  • Issues with your cornea that require further treatment or surgery
  • Corneal ectasia, which is the weakening of your cornea
  • Inflammation or infection that will need to be treated with medication
  • Vision that’s worse than before you had LASIK, which will require treatment

Some side effects that you may experience are:

  • Glare around lights
  • Reduced night vision
  • Blurred vision
  • Tiny red or pink spots on the white of your eye
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Dry Eyes

Comprehensive Eye Exam

After your consultation, they will perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine your eligibility for the surgery. During your comprehensive eye surgery, they will look at: 

  • Your general medical history
  • Any medications you're currently taking
  • The shape and thickness of your cornea
  • Your pupil size
  • Your refractive errors
  • Any pre-existing ocular conditions

Once you’re approved, you can get your surgery scheduled. 

Pre-Procedure Instructions

Your preparation for your LASIK surgery will need to start a couple of weeks beforehand. 

Be Informed

Make sure that you’ve read any information that’s been given to you about the surgery, and ask any questions that you have. It’s better to go prepared with knowledge of what’s going to happen than to be surprised during the procedure. 

Avoid Contacts

If you’re wearing soft contact lenses, most surgeons will ask that you stop using them about two weeks before your surgery. 

If you’re wearing rigid contact lenses, then it may be asked that you stop using them about four weeks before your surgery. 

Stop Using Make-Up and Lotions

On the day of your procedure, or even a couple of days before, make sure that you are not wearing make-up, perfumes, or facial moisturizers. These products can get into your eyes and increase your risk of infection. 

Arrange For Someone To Drive You 

After your surgery, you should not drive until your doctor has given you permission to. You will need to ask someone to drive you home after the procedure, as well as for your check-up the next day. 

LASIK procedure step-by-step

The LASIK Procedure: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Arrival and Pre-Procedure Prep

You are asked to arrive promptly at the appointment time for your procedure, especially if there is paperwork that needs to be filled out. 

Anesthetic Eye Drops and Lid Speculum

Before the procedure begins, numbing eye drops will be administered to ensure that the surgery is as pain-free as possible. 

Next, a small, metal instrument called a lid speculum will be used to hold your eyelids open and in place for the surgery. 

Creating The Corneal Flap

Once the lid speculum is in place, a precision flap-making instrument will be meticulously put into position. You’ll be asked to focus on a special fixation light and the surgeon will activate the precision instrument electronically. This will fold away a corneal flap, making the middle layer of the cornea accessible.  

Reshaping the Cornea

After, the cornea is reshaped by an excimer laser. This is done differently depending on which ocular condition you are trying to treat. 

Myopia

The cornea is flattened to reduce the converging power of the eye. This is done by removing more tissue from the center of the cornea than around. 

Hyperopia

The central cornea is steepened to enhance the converging power of the eye. This is done by removing more tissue from the periphery than the center. 

Astigmatism

The cornea will be made more spherical by changing the pattern of the beam, which can remove tissue in one direction more than the other. 

Repositioning The Corneal Flap

Once the reshaping is finished, the flap will be put back in place and will naturally be held there by the moisture in your eye for fast healing. 

Immediate Post-Procedure Steps

Once the surgery is completed, you will be prescribed eye drops to help reduce inflammation and avoid infection while your eyes heal. It may cause slight stinging when you start using them, but this is normal and they should continue to be administered as directed by your doctor. 

You may also be prescribed artificial tears to avoid dry eyes after surgery. The artificial tears should keep your eyes full of moisture and comfortable. They may also provide you with a shield to protect your eyes and stop you from touching them. 

What to Expect After The LASIK Procedure

LASIK Recovery

In most cases, recovery from LASIK surgery is extremely fast. 

Many can return to work within a few days and, with caution, can start driving again. A side effect of LASIK surgery is blurred vision, so be aware of the state of your vision before you get behind the wheel. 

Some activities should be limited while your eyes heal. It is situational, but the general guidelines are: 

  • Wait three days before exercising
  • Wait two weeks to use make-up or lotion near your eyes
  • Wait at least one month to play contact sports
  • Wait one to two months to swim or use hot tubs

Healing Timeline

Most people have 90% of their best vision possible after the procedure. Within a couple of days, you will notice an improvement. But it will take three to six months for your eyes to fully recover and heal. 

For the first week after your surgery, you may experience: 

  • Dry eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Discomfort or mild pain in your eyes
  • Puffy eyelids

It’s vital that you do not touch your eyes during this week so that they can heal. 

Long-Term Care

For long-term recovery, you will need to attend check-ups with your doctor to monitor your progress. After your post-op check-in, you should be checking in with your doctor about once every one or two years, unless they recommend more frequent visits. 

The LASIK Procedure With Specialty Eye Institute

LASIK surgery is a life-changing procedure with the ability to vastly improve your vision and reduce your reliance on glasses or contacts. It’s a huge decision that can cause monumental change, and you should only let the most experienced, skilled doctors help you make it. 

The trusted team at Specialty Eye Institute is here to help you every step of the way, from deciding to undergo LASIK surgery, to efficiently and safely performing the procedure, to ensuring that your recovery goes smoothly.

If you’re interested in discussing LASIK surgery with us, call us at 866-435-8935 or request an appointment on our website. You can also take our LASIK self-test online for free. 

See our list of FAQs about LASIK surgery for more information. 

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: LASIK

What Is Heterochromia? Everything You Need to Know

Man with heterochromia.(Two colored eyes)

The term heterochromia can sound a little intimidating to those who’ve never heard it before or don’t know what it is.  But, thankfully, the word is a lot scarier than the condition it represents. There’s a lot to know about heterochromia, so let’s unpack what exactly it is, the different types it can take the form of, what the causes are, the steps to take to diagnose it, and how to get treatment, if necessary. So, what is heterochromia?

What is Heterochromia?

What does it mean when you have two different colored eyes? That’s a condition call heterochromia! Heterochromia, also known as bicolor eyes, is a rare and unique condition where a person’s eyes are two different colors. This can occur in one eye or affect parts of both eyes. Even dogs—like Huskies and Border Collies—can be seen with distinctively different colored eyes. The reason for this phenomenon is a rare condition that affects the iris and the melatonin that gives it its color. Heterochromia can be present at birth or develop later in life due to certain medical conditions or injuries.

Different Types of Heterochromia Eyes

There are three types of heterochromia: complete, central, and sectoral. It’s fairly easy to tell the difference between the three types, as each of them has their own unique physical appearance.

Complete Heterochromia Eyes

Complete heterochromia is the rarest type of the condition. It occurs when each eye is a fully different color than the other. For example, if one eye is completely green and the other is dark brown, this would be considered complete heterochromia.

Central Heterochromia Eyes

Central heterochromia occurs when the multi-coloration starts within the eye. There will be a different color near the pupil, but as it moves toward the edge of the iris, it shifts to a different color.  With central heterochromia, both eyes are typically affected in a similar manner.  For example, the color around the pupil could be brown and gradually switch to green around the edges. This type can be commonly confused with hazel eyes. However, the difference is that central heterochromia has two distinct colors in two specific areas, while hazel is a mixture of multiple colors throughout the iris.

Sectoral Heterochromia Eyes

Sectoral heterochromia, which can also be referred to as partial heterochromia, is the most varied of the types. It takes place when an eye has a secondary color that forms a “slice” or “wedge.” It can occur in one or both eyes and doesn’t necessarily manifest in both the same way. For example, one blue iris could have a thin slice of brown, while the other could have the brown take over a majority of the iris.

Woman with heterochromia

What Causes Heterochromia?

So why do some people have two different colored eyes? The causes of heterochromia typically depend on whether the condition is congenital, or if it’s acquired. Both exhibit in the same way, but at different times in a person’s life. The causes behind them can vary pretty drastically.

Congenital Heterochromia

Congenital heterochromia is when the condition is present at birth, or shortly after.  If it’s congenital, it is generally considered to be harmless and just caused by a genetic mutation. In these cases, the babies will be given an eye examination to rule out any underlying causes. While uncommon, it is possible that congenital heterochromia could be caused by other issues. The following examples are conditions that could manifest with heterochromia as an indication:

  • Horner’s syndrome: a rare condition that affects the eye and face due to disruption of sympathetic nerve supply.
  • Waardenburg syndrome:  a group of genetic conditions that can cause changes in coloring in skin, hair, and eyes.
  • Sturge-Weber syndrome: a neurological disorder that typically manifests in a port-wine birthmark, a brain abnormality, and excessive pressure in the eyes.
  • Piebaldism: a condition that is characterized by a lack of melanocytes (which create melatonin) in specific areas of a person’s hair and skin.
  • Bourneville disease (tuberous sclerosis): a hereditary disorder that can cause seizures, behavioral and developmental slowness, and a variety of diseases in the kidneys and lungs.
  • Hirschsprung disease: a birth defect in which nerve cells are missing from the infant’s large intestine.
  • Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome: an X chromosome-linked syndrome that manifests in abnormalities in a person’s skin, hair, eyes, teeth, and central nervous system.

Acquired Heterochromia

Acquired heterochromia is when the condition becomes present later in life, which is less common and more concerning. It can happen over time or rapidly due to the following factors:

  • Eye injury: any incident that can cause bruises, punctures, or scratches.
  • Eye surgery: typically due to intraocular surgery, like pars plana vitrectomy or cataract surgery.
  • Uveitis: inflammation inside the eye, generally due to a person’s body fighting an infection.
  • Glaucoma: a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve in the back of the eye, which can cause vision loss or blindness.
  • Glaucoma medication: an effect of the medication that can cause a person’s natural iris color to darken over time.
  • Diabetes: a chronic condition that affects how a person’s body transforms food into energy.
  • Eye tumors (benign or cancerous):  a collection of abnormally growing cells in a person’s eye.
  • Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO): a condition that occurs when a person’s main vein flowing from their retina is blocked by a blood clot.

Heterochromia Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosis and treatment for heterochromia varies depending on a couple of factors surrounding the condition.  The condition itself is not harmful and does not need to be treated. The only changes to the body are aesthetic. If the condition is simply a genetic mutation, the symptoms can be covered by colored eye contacts if the iris color variations are undesired.

This is usually the case for congenital heterochromia. If the condition presents itself in infants, there is not generally a need or concern for treatment. As mentioned before, the baby would need to visit an eye specialist for an official diagnosis and to make sure there are no underlying causes that could be more serious. If one is found, it will be the underlying condition that will need to be treated.

As for acquired heterochromia that occurs later in life, a comprehensive eye exam will be necessary to find out what is causing the change in iris color. This underlying disease or condition will need to be pinpointed and treated. In these cases, heterochromia is not the cause of these conditions. Heterochromia can be a symptom that will alert a person to seek help for what could potentially be a more serious issue.

Comprehensive Eye Care From Specialty Eye Institute

From comprehensive, routine exams to cataract eye surgery and everything in between, Specialty Eye Institute’s physicians are here to take care of you. For over 40 years, we’ve been trusted as an innovative expert in the industry. We have accomplished this by always putting our patients first. We have a commitment to technology and research that allows us to be on the cutting edge of treatments.

Are you in need of comprehensive eye care? Whether you need a routine eye exam or treatment for a condition, take the leap to better vision and a clearer future by setting up an appointment at Specialty Eye Institute.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: eye care, heterochromia

What Is Considered Legally Blind?

What is Legally Blind? Visually impaired man In wireless earphones holding walking stick

You may have heard the term “legal blindness” and wondered what it really means to be legally blind. We’re here to help you understand this complex—and often misunderstood—term so you know what warning signs to be aware of in your own life.

Keep reading to learn about the technical definition of legal blindness along with its common causes, treatments, and prevention tips.

The Definition of Legal Blindness

Normal or “perfect” vision is 20/20 central visual acuity. Someone is legally blind if they:

  • Have 20/200 central visual acuity or worse in their better-seeing eye with the help of prescription glasses or contacts
  • Have a visual field of 20 degrees or less

If a person with 20/20 vision can see an object that’s 200 feet away from them, someone with 20/200 vision would only be able to see the same object from 20 feet away. If a person can see clearly while wearing prescription glasses or contacts, they’re not considered to be legally blind.

It’s important to note that there are different levels of blindness. For example, legal blindness doesn’t necessarily equate to total blindness, which is characterized by a complete lack of light and form perception. However, some people who are legally blind are also totally blind.

The vast majority of people who are legally blind do not fall within the threshold of total blindness.

The U.S. government uses this definition of legal blindness to determine eligibility for things like federal disability benefits, driving privileges, rehabilitative care, school and workplace accommodations, low vision devices, and tax exemption programs. Doctors use this definition to determine candidacy for various vision treatments, like medication and surgery.

3 Tests That Are Used to Diagnose Legal Blindness

Optometrists and ophthalmologists use these three methods to test for legal blindness in patients.

Snellen Eye Chart

Even if you’ve never been to the eye doctor, you could probably recognize a Snellen eye chart. It features a series of black capital letters that decrease in size as you move down the chart. As a result, the letters at the bottom are the most difficult to read. Someone who is legally blind can only read the top letter on the chart.

Your doctor will have you cover one eye at a time and read the lowest row of letters so that you can measure your visual acuity in each eye. This test helps your doctor determine if you need prescription glasses or contacts or if you need a new prescription for the glasses or contacts you already wear.

Confrontational Visual Field Test

A confrontational visual field test is another way that eye doctors measure visual acuity. As the doctor sits in front of you, he or she will hold up a series of fingers in various positions to test all four quadrants in your visual field—particularly your peripheral vision. You will cover one eye at a time and recite the number of fingers you see. If you struggle to detect the number of fingers being shown, you may be legally blind.

Comprehensive Eye Exams

A comprehensive eye exam uses a series of tests to measure your visual acuity and detect common eye diseases and conditions that could lead to legal blindness. If you have one of those vision conditions, you face a greater risk of losing your vision and becoming legally blind—if the condition goes unchecked.

How to diagnose legal blindness. Male optometrist taking eye test of female patient in ophthalmology

Common Vision Conditions That Are Linked to Legal Blindness

The common vision conditions described below can cause legal blindness if left untreated.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe vision loss in adults over the age of 60. It occurs when the macula—the central part of the retina—deteriorates. The retina is the light-sensing nerve tissue at the back of the eye. Although age-related macular degeneration doesn’t typically cause total blindness, it’s still a possibility. At the very least, it can cause visual impairments that inhibit daily tasks.

Cataracts

A cataract is distinguished by a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which blurs vision. Cataracts make it more difficult to complete daily tasks, like reading, driving, and watching TV. The more a cataract progresses, the more likely it is to cause vision loss, which could lead to blindness.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a vision condition that can affect people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It damages the blood vessels at the back of the retina, which can lead to vision loss and even blindness if left unchecked.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma constitutes a group of vision conditions that damage the optic nerve, which transfers images from the eye to the brain. Similarly to age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in people over age 60.

How Legal Blindness Is Treated

The particular vision condition that caused you to become legally blind will help your doctor determine the proper treatment plan. Common treatments for legal blindness include prescription glasses or contacts, medication, a corneal transplant, cataract or retinal surgery, and visual rehabilitation—like low vision therapy and low vision devices.

These treatments are designed to enhance one’s vision to improve their daily function and overall quality of life. Keep in mind, though, that not all cases of legal blindness can be treated.

How to Prevent Legal Blindness

Prevention is always preferred over treatment. Here are five practical ways that you can prevent legal blindness.

  1. Schedule routine eye exams with dilation: These comprehensive exams enable doctors to detect, diagnose, and treat vision conditions that could cause legal blindness.
  2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat nutrient-rich foods, exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight, and get plenty of sleep each night.
  3. Know your family history: Some eye conditions that cause legal blindness are hereditary. Knowing your family’s history of these conditions can help you protect your vision.
  4. Wear eye protection when necessary: Whether you’re mowing the lawn or participating in a contact sporting event, you should wear protective eyewear to shield your eyes from common hazards.
  5. Don’t smoke: If you’ve never smoked, don’t start. If you currently smoke, quit.

Schedule Your Annual Eye Exam at Specialty Eye Institute

The best thing you can do for your vision is schedule routine eye exams. During a comprehensive eye exam at Specialty Eye Institute, the doctor will check your eyes for signs of common vision conditions that can cause legal blindness. This exam also helps the doctor determine your need for prescription glasses or contacts.

Schedule your appointment today to get started.

Book An Eye Exam

Filed Under: Blog

What Causes Computer Vision Syndrome And How Can I Prevent It?

Computer Vision Syndrome Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments

Did you know that frequent computer use can negatively impact your eye health? Excess exposure to digital screens can result in what’s called computer vision syndrome (CVS). To learn more about what CVS is and how to treat it, check out the guide below.

What Is Computer Vision Syndrome?

Computer vision syndrome—also called digital eye strain—is a group of vision problems that result from excess digital exposure. This condition is characterized by spending extended periods looking at a screen without blinking, at too close or too far of a distance, and/or too soon before falling asleep. If left untreated, chronic CVS can lead to a permanent loss of visual acuity—which is your eyes’ ability to make out shapes and letters at a given distance.

What Causes Computer Vision Syndrome?

Common digital devices that cause CVS include laptops, computer monitors, tablets, smartphones, and e-readers. Most people with CVS typically don’t experience symptoms until after spending two or more consecutive hours looking at a digital screen.

Here is a list of the most common causes of this vision condition:

  • Poor room lighting
  • Screen glare
  • Improper viewing distance
  • Poor posture
  • Underlying, uncorrected vision or general health issue(s)
  • Lack of blinking

Why Are Digital Screens Harmful to Your Eyes?

According to the American Optometric Association, working American adults average roughly seven hours of daily screen time. Since our eyes aren’t designed to spend so much time looking at digital screens, this prolonged screen time can negatively impact your eyes and, ultimately, your vision.

A leading reason why digital screens are harmful to our eyes is that words on a screen are more difficult to read than printed words. Our eyes must work harder to make out the letters, which increases eye strain. 

Screen time—whether it’s on a computer, a mobile phone, or a TV—also exposes our eyes to blue light. This high-energy light that digital devices emit not only interferes with our ability to fall and stay asleep but has been linked to eye strain, blurry vision, dry eye, and other vision conditions. These underlying eye conditions increase your risk of developing CVS.

Computer Vision Syndrome

What Are Common Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome?

If you have CVS, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms—most of which are temporary. The greater your screen time, the worse your symptoms are likely to be.

1. Blurred Vision

As discussed previously, letters on a digital screen are more difficult to make out than letters printed on a page. This forces your eyes to work harder to make out words, which can cause vision to blur.

2. Dry Eyes

People with CVS often suffer from chronic dry eye. That’s because staring at a screen for hours on end without taking breaks and without blinking enough causes the eyes to lose their natural moisture. Learn more about dry eye treatment from Specialty Eye Institute.

3. Eye Strain

The leading symptom of excess screen exposure is eye strain.

4. Headaches

Eye strain caused by excess screen exposure may cause mild to severe headaches.

5. Neck & Shoulder Pain

Angling your head downward to read a computer screen and practicing poor posture can lead to an array of physical discomfort.

How Is Computer Vision Syndrome Diagnosed?

Any case of CVS must be diagnosed before treatment can begin. The go-to method for diagnosing CVS is a comprehensive eye exam. Here’s what you can expect from a comprehensive eye exam at Specialty Eye Institute.

  1. Your doctor will review your patient history, including medications taken, any underlying health issues, and the average amount of time spent on digital devices
  2. Your doctor will perform a series of tests to measure your visual acuity

Learn More About Comprehensive Eye Exams From Specialty Eye Institute

Computer Vision Syndrome Diagnosis

5 Ways to Treat & Prevent Computer Vision Syndrome

While visual exposure to digital devices can’t be prevented entirely, it can be reduced and treated with the following methods.

1. Eyedrops

Over-the-counter eye drops keep the eyes moist and prevent dry eye, which makes CVS more likely to develop.

2. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and blink often to help your eyes retain their natural moisture.

3. Humidity

Adding a humidifier to your workspace increases the air’s moisture level, which can reduce dry eye symptoms that lead to CVS.

4. Screen Position

While reducing screen time is the goal, modifying your computer use can help prevent or reduce CVS symptoms. Here are some habits to incorporate into your daily routine.

  1. Keep your monitor at eye level and at a safe distance from your eyes.
  2. Practice the 20-20-20 rule: After working on a digital device for 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes time to rest and readjust.

5. Lighting

A room that’s too dark can force your eyes to work harder than they should, while a  room that’s too bright can overstimulate your eyes. Be sure to invest in an anti-glare computer screen to keep light reflection at bay.

Comprehensive Computer Vision Syndrome Treatment Options at Specialty Eye Institute

From dry eye treatment to routine eye exams, Specialty Eye Institute is the name you can trust to provide the comprehensive eye care services you need. Click the button below to Schedule Appointment with the #1 eye care providers in Ohio and Michigan.

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Filed Under: Blog

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