All About the Eyes

People don’t just wear sunglasses to block UV rays, they wear them to show off their personal style, just as your clothes and your haircut do.

Presbyopia is a vision condition in which the crystalline lens of your eye loses its flexibility, which makes it difficult for you to focus on close objects.

Protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays is critical this summer.

Contact lenses are more often than not, the best vision option for our active kids. They provide a full field of view without any eyeglass or rec specs frame getting in the way.

A healthy diet along with enough exercise is very important to maintaining good eye health.

Let your doctor know when something is new or different, as this is a process that should be monitored to reduce the risk of vision loss.

Exercise, even at moderate levels, can have significant benefits to the eye, both directly and indirectly, so keep moving!

Eyelid – Defends and protects, spreads and supplements tear film. Did you know that humans blink at a rate of around 4 blinks per minute when reading but up to 29 blinks per minute while in conversation.

The mother-to-be must be aware that hormonal changes occurring due to pregnancy may have an effect on her eyes and cause vision changes that should be evaluated by an eye professional.

Finally, as we age, all patients are at greater risk for developing a potentially debilitating eye condition, including macular degeneration and glaucoma. Those conditions typically occur in women over the age of 55.

There are no words to describe the value of a clear, accurate picture of your eyes and a lifetime of healthy vision. For one man on vacation and having routine eye exams as a normal part of maintaining his overall health, it made all the difference in the world. It saved his sight.

Doctors Vision Center takes many different vision plans. Like BCBS, VSP, Eyemed, Superior Vision and Community eye. Most vision plans pay for the exam and glasses or contacts.

Have you  already given up contact lens wear because of your allergies?  Or are you contemplating going to glasses full-time due to feeling like your contact lenses  are constantly dirty causing your eyes to feel like you have something in them other than your contact lenses?

Eye allergies affect roughly 1 in 5 Americans. Common symptoms include eyes that are itchy, watery, and red and eyelids that are swollen.

This anti-fog lens is activated by simply adding a drop of “Optifog Activator” concentrate to each side of the lens and using a microfiber cloth to rub it in. It’s that easy!

The Optomap is an imaging instrument that captures a wide field view of the back of the eye.

Titanium Eyeglasses? Did you know that Titanium is the ninth most abundant element on the planet compromising 6% of the earth’s crust? It is no wonder why today it is used in motor vehicle parts, architectural elements, medical and dental devices, sporting goods, cosmetics and eyeglass frames. There are four main benefits and features of [...]

What is a frame show? Simply put, a Frame Show is the ultimate personal shopping experience. It is also know as a “trunk show,” since sales reps will literally show up with a trunk of merchandise to show off. It is a way for participants to see a large array of frame selections from a [...]

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is an exaggeration of the normal aging process characterized by changes in the macular region called drusen. The macular region of the retina is a highly specialized area measuring approximately 5.5mm in diameter; it is responsible for color vision and “20/20″ vision. Drusen in the macula appear as yellow spots which [...]

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease associated with the aging process that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly in daily tasks such as reading and driving. AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. AMD causes no pain [...]

The eyes are extremely complex organs and through their ceaseless work, we are given the ability to see. I am always amazed to learn new facts about the eyes and explore their various properties. Below are some interesting eye facts that you may not know, but are sure to amaze you and compel you to [...]

New genetic tests are becoming increasing common in the discovery of an individual’s risk of developing Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Age-related Macular Degeneration is an eye disease in which a loss of central vision occurs while peripheral vision remains. With the new genetic tests doctors are able to detect their patients chances for AMD and [...]

When women come into our office with an eye infection, the first question they always ask me is, “do I have to throw away my make-up?” This leads me to ask them the next question, “how old is your make up?” To date, I can count on my hand how many patients tell me they [...]

A cataract is an eye disease in which the crystalline lens of the eye becomes clouded. This is a very common eye disease in senior patients and is almost expected to develop in more than half the American population by the age of 80. Besides aging, there are several risk factors associated with the development [...]

Everyone! Although anyone may develop glaucoma, there are certain individuals who are at a higher risk: Individuals over the age of 60 African Americans Hispanics over the age of 40 Those with a family history of glaucoma Additionally, patients who have a history of severe ocular trauma, chronic inflammation of the eye, or who are [...]

Cataracts are a common term in the vision industry. Everyone has heard this word before and knows that it refers to a negative eye condition. But can you actually define or explain what a cataract is? Probably not. A cataract is a progressive opacification of the eye’s lens that causes vision problems such as blurriness, [...]

Glaucoma is an eye disease in which damage to the optic nerve, the structure that transmits vision signals between the eye and brain causes vision loss. Glaucoma is usually associated with high intraocular pressure (IOP), which occurs when there is excess fluid in the eye or the eye does not drain properly due to blockage. [...]

The American Academy of Ophthalmology deems the month of January as cataract awareness month. A cataract is an eye disease that occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. The lens of the eye is responsible for focusing the light that enters the eye onto the retina. In order for the brain to interpret what [...]

Commonly called the “silent thief of sight,” Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness for over four million Americans and 60 million people worldwide.  According the Glaucoma Research Foundation, “it is estimated that of the four million Americans that have glaucoma, only half of those know they have it.” Besides having no symptoms, what [...]

Sunglasses are popular fashion accessories that have gone through different fads throughout the years.  The popularity of the frames tend to change in shape, size, and color. Although a great pair of sunglasses can be the final touch to your outfit, there is more to sunglasses than just looking cool. Extended exposure to the sun’s [...]

As we prepare to say farewell to 2011, we reflect upon this last year and think about what we would like to change about our lives, our priorities, or ourselves. This year I challenge all of my patients to take their vision and put it into a more literal sense. Vision is a gift that [...]

High blood pressure is not only bad for your cardiovascular system but for your eyes and vision as well. Blood pressure is the force against the wall of the arteries as the heart pumps blood throughout the body. Hypertension is an increase in blood pressure that affects many organs in the body. What most people don’t [...]

You probably have a standard pair of glasses that you take wherever you go. You rely on them for excellent vision, in a range of situations but there are also many reasons to consider having at least one additional pair of eyeglasses. First of all, limiting yourself to only one pair of glasses can lead [...]

From the moment of birth, your child is learning to see. Just as a child learns how to walk, their brain must learn how to use their eyes to see and develop the visual skills necessary to succeed in playing sports, reading books,a nd completing everyday school activities. Parents (and Santa Claus) can help their [...]

Can you name one thing that all United States presidents have had in common? They have all worn glasses! Recent presidents from both parties have chosen not to be seen with their glasses on, but its true…. they have all worn them. You may be asking, why have all of the U.S. presidents worn glasses? [...]

2011 marks my 20th year as a practicing optometrist. Over the years, there have been many advancements in technology.  One, that has had a significant impact on how we conduct eye exams, is called the Optomap.The Optomap provides your eye doctor with the ability to view the back of the eye, without dilation or drops in [...]

It’s officially December, Santa and his elves are wrapping up the toys for all the good boys and girls. Although he would never intentionally deliver a harmful toy to your child, it is our job as parents to inspect each gift for potential hazards. First, when checking toys for your children, remember to be sure [...]

2011 is  quickly coming to a close. If you have money in your Flexible Spending Account when the New Year comes around and your company doesn’t offer a grace period, you will lose those funds you spent all year aquiring. You may be asking, What is a Flexible Spending Account? It is a savings plan [...]

Eyes are an amazing and extremely interesting part of the body. Through their intricate design and composition, we are fortunate to have the precious gift of sight. I bet most of you have not stopped to think about the complexity of our eyes and the numerous elements that are involved in the process of seeing. [...]

Have you ever told your kids the little white lie that watching too much TV can harm their eyes? Well that may indirectly be true. A recent study indicates that playing outside may reduce the occurrence of nearsightedness in children; yet another reason to get the kids up and moving, putting a time limit on [...]

Choosing the right frame can be the most daunting and time consuming aspect of visiting the eye doctor. When you have reached the eyeglass frame selection phase, you have already completed the process of seeing your best, but next comes the step where you have full reign over looking your best. With so many eyeglass [...]

November is National Diabetes Month, and this year Doctors Vision Center is encouraging you to take action against this disease, which can be managed or even prevented. Diabetes affects nearly 26 million people in the United States and an estimated 285 million people worldwide. Diabetes is brought on by the body’s inability to produce an [...]

Halloween can be a great time for kids but it’s also a time when we see an increase in eye injuries in the optometrist office. I don’t mean the kind of eye injury that is part of some of some gruesome costume; rather I’m referring to something truly frightening – permanent damage to children’s eyesight. Every [...]

Glaucoma is an eye disease in which there is damage to the nerve fibers of the eye that lead to the brain. Glaucoma causes loss of vision, first in your side (peripheral) vision, later in your central (reading/driving) vision.  There are 3 main types: Chronic Open Angle – most common Normal Tension – common Closed [...]

Online bill paying services offer a range of benefits, but the most important is that it saves one of your most valuable assets—time. Online bill paying services were created to save individuals and businesses time and resources throughout the bill paying process. Unfortunately, many customers do not know that these services exist and even fewer [...]

Do you wear reading glasses but still have problems seeing your computer or have difficulty focusing on the dashboard in your vehicle? Sometimes reading glasses are not enough.  Reading glasses provide focus from one particular point, usually at about 40 centimeters, where most of us are comfortable reading our favorite book or checking out the sports [...]

Choosing the right contact lens solution can be overwhelming and confusing. But, it’s not your responsibility to choose…it’s your eye care providers responsibility to prescribe the most effective and compatible contact lens solution for you and your contact lenses. Not all contact lens solutions are made equal. Here are some general guidelines on different types [...]

When choosing the enhancements for your lenses, you are faced with a variety of options. Selecting lenses is an important decision, from both a functional standpoint, as well as for your comfort and enjoyment.  Your lens selection affects your vision clarity at work, home, and hobbies. In this blog I will briefly provide you with [...]

In today’s ever evolving world of technology, the use of computers is becoming second nature to us and unfortunately, so are the side effects.  In my Optometry practice we hear about those symptoms on a daily basis from our patients.  The term “CVS,” or “Computer Vision Syndrome,” refers to vision problems experienced while staring at your [...]

Autumn often brings to mind pleasant thoughts of football games, crisp air, and leaves changing color. But for those with allergies, it can also be a time of distress. Millions of people suffer from the sniffling, sneezing, and nasal congestion that accompany allergies. Weed pollen is the biggest allergy trigger for most fall allergies. Pollen [...]

During a routine exam, one of the main complaints from patients is decreased night vision. In many instances, the patient experiences functional daytime vision, but as soon as it gets dark patients feel that their vision becomes impaired.  He or she may notice a variety of visual issues ranging from an increase in glare from [...]

We have all heard the saying “the eyes are a window to the soul,” but did you know that the eyes are also a window to your health?  Many people think that the eye doctor’s office is just a place to get new contact lenses and glasses, but there is much more to an eye examination [...]

I have always believed that if you made a difference in someones life, you have done your job.  I never guessed that in doing this, my own life would be changed for the better.  When I met my first wounded warrior, my life changed forever. The media will sometimes inform us of the lives of [...]

Are you a fashionista who is always on the cutting edge of what’s new and exciting in fashion?  Or are you the type of person who likes to sport an original look different from everyone else?  If you fit into either of these categories, Doctors Vision Center has some exciting news for you. We are [...]

How do your eyes feel?  Are you aware of your eyes throughout the day?  Ideally, we shouldn’t have to think about eyes on a daily basis.  But if your eyes are uncomfortable, scratchy, red, irritated, or running water, they are probably constantly on your mind. Dry Eye Disease (also known as Dysfunctional Tear Syndrome or [...]

Contact lenses are a great option for people of many ages. There is no minimum age for someone interested in wearing contact lenses. Even babies are frequently fitted with contacts to correct or treat eye problems present at birth. A person’s age should not be the deciding factor when choosing contact lenses. A parent’s judgment of [...]

Color deficiency is not color blindness!  A very common misuse of terminology – color deficiency, which is much more common and alludes to a difficulty in perceiving certain colors or color blends, is different from color blindness, or achromatopsia/monochromacy, which denotes the inability to see anything other than variations in brightness on a grey scale. [...]

Adult onset Diabetes, also called type 2 Diabetes, is now the leading cause of blindness in Americans under the age of 70. Why? One word: Food. Insulin production is the body’s way of regulating sugar levels. Increased fat tissue decreases the body’s ability to produce insulin properly. The increased sugar in the blood can weaken the [...]

Throughout the spring and summer came the beach, the pool, baseball games, BBQ’s, and a whole bunch of outdoor events that are inviting socially but can cause serious eye damage to you and your child. The most immediate danger is a painful corneal sunburn. This is caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The damage to [...]

Children across the country are gearing up for a new school year. Before heading back to the classroom, the American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends a visit to the optometrist. Healthy vision is an important part of the learning process and success in school. Reading, writing, and computer work are among the visual skills that students [...]

I recently had the opportunity to sit in on an Optomap training session held at our Raleigh, New Bern Avenue location. The optomap is an ultra-wide digital retinal imaging system that helps your eye doctor make a thorough assessment of your eye and general health. I am no doctor, not even a technician for that [...]

Prior to the birth of our newborn bundle of joy, most of my free time was spent taking long walks with my pug, sitting in the porch rocker reading a book by a favorite author, or relaxing at the beach with my husband.  As a new mom, my life and my definition of “free time” [...]

Cataracts are a common term used by eye care professionals. You may have even heard of someone who has had a cataract. Most of us know that a cataract is an eye condition but few can actually define or explain what a cataract is? As cataracts are common among older adults, we thought we would [...]

All ocular emergencies, including a penetrating globe injury, retinal detachment, central retinal artery occlusion, acute angle-closure glaucoma, and chemical burns, should be referred immediately to the appropriate specialist. A careful eye examination and a few simple tests can help primary eyecare physicians make decisions about the appropriate treatment and referral. All patients with eye problems [...]

A “trunk show” is defined as a special sale in which vendors publically showcase merchandise directly to customers at a retail location or a unique venue. In many cases it allows customers to preview and/or purchase merchandise at a reduced price. Trunk shows highlight new items and allow customers to see and try on a [...]

I recently read a very interesting book on memory and learning. The book is titled Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer. It is a good read and traces the changes in human memory over time. Back before books, computers and smart phones folks had to remember things or die – where food was, what was [...]

For Americans, the Fourth of July holiday is marked with relaxing backyard barbeques and patriotic firework displays. Unfortunately, the fun can be cut short when fireworks are handled inappropriately resulting in serious injuries. Celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks is an American tradition, but safety needs to be the top priority. Children are especially [...]

One of the most frequent questions i am asked is “How old do you have to be wear contact lenses?” It’s a great question that really has no specific answer. Physiologically there is no difference between and 7, 17, or 27 year old eyes that makes one more prepared for contacts over another. In regard [...]

Sunglasses have become another wardrobe piece with which people express their style and individuality. Unfortunately, some people completely miss the mark when choosing the right frame fit for them. The good news is that the perfect shades do exist; you just need to be aware of the correct way to evaluate frames and their features. [...]

A report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week indicates that men are less likely than women to visit their eye care provider on a regular basis because they “don’t see a need.” This supports another study done by the CDC that reports that men from ages 18-44 years were [...]

When you think of Ray Ban sunglasses what is the first image that comes to mind?  Maybe it is Tom Cruise in Risky Business or Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and who could forget Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi in The Blues Brothers.  These classic and iconic styles have been around for decades and [...]

When you walk into a party, wearing the right outfit for the occasion is crucial. It can make or break your reputation. Try walking into your best friend’s birthday party sporting a Martha Stewart outfit and you will see what I mean. Well, sunglasses are the same way. You definitely want to be up-to-date with [...]

By: Cristin Hollis, Practice Coordinator Ever wonder why your mother always told you to eat your carrots? Apparently it wasn’t just because she wanted you to finish all of your veggies… studies have actually shown that carrots are good for your eyes and maintaining your vision. Carrots are packed with beta-carotene, an organic compound that [...]

by Dr. R. Ted Watson Almost anyone who wears contacts is familiar with this frustrating situation: After a long day, you’ve gotten ready for bed, set your alarm, switched off all of the lights, and slipped underneath your covers… only to remember that you forgot to do one important thing. You haven’t taken out your [...]

“Change is good.” It’s been said before, but change has never been better when it comes to your eyeglasses or more specifically the lenses you put in your eyeglasses. Think about the convenience of stepping outside into the sunlight and not having to switch out your glasses for sunglasses because your lenses just changed to [...]

Funky and fun eyeglass line now in King!

No need to suffer with seasonal allergies-we CAN help!

Early detection is key in treating Age-related Macular Degeneration.

Large, retro frames are back and are latest fashion trend for both fall and winter

We invite you to our Fysh an Kliik trunk show on Tuesday, November 2nd from 2-7pm.

See video to learn about the potential damaging social effects vision problems may have on children.

Transitions introduces XTRAactive lenses.

Dry Eye disease affects approximately 77 million patients. Are you one of them?