VisualEyes Optometrists Blog

Happy 2025 from Everyone at VisualEyes Optometrists

30 December 2024

VisualEyes Optometrists - Happy New Year

Happy New Year! Thank you for choosing VisualEyes Optometrists and putting your trust in our service, we enjoy serving clients like you and hope to serve you again in 2025.

As this year comes to a close, we want to take this opportunity to send warm wishes to you and your family. We hope your New Year is filled with the warmth of family and an abundance of happiness and health.

Our valued customers and clients have been the backbone of our success. We hope you enjoyed 2024 and we wish for you an even better and refreshed new year. Here's to a New Year that is as amazing as you are.


Happy Holidays From All of us Here at VisualEyes Optometrists

23 December 2024

VisualEyes Optometrists - Happy Holidays

As the holiday season approaches, we want to extend our warmest wishes to you and your families. We hope you and your loved ones have a joyous holiday season filled with warmth and happiness, food, laughter, and beautiful memories. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and support throughout the year. Here’s to a fantastic holiday season, may this special time be filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories!

Yes, it’s been said, many times, many ways, but we still mean it just as much! Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah, we appreciate your business and look forward to being your provider in the new year!


Get Vision Care Now - Don’t Let Your Flexible Saving Account Dollars Go To Waste

4 December 2024

VisualEyes Optometrists - Flexible Spending Account

Dear VisualEyes Patients and Friends:

Every year countless people fail to execute “use or lose” Flexible Spending Account (FSA) dollars before year’s end. Don’t let that happen to you. Taking care of your vision health is the PERFECT way to take full advantage of your FSA benefit before unused account balances expire on January 1.

Make the call to your nearest VisualEyes Optometry Clinic today:

Alexandria: (703) 417-9316 / Alexandria@visualeyesoptometrists.com

Arlington: (703) 671-1178 / Arlington@visualeyesoptometrists.com

Fairfax: (703) 764-3937 / Fairfax@visualeyesoptometrists.com

We will help you execute your FSA savings for such things as:

  • Designer Frames
  • Bifocals, transition, and other specialty lenses
  • Contact Lenses
  • Accessories and more

Wishing you all the very best in vision health and for the upcoming Holiday season.

Dr. Terri Vo
Dr. Linh Hoang-Braley
Dr. Melissa Ogden


Wishing You A Very Happy Thanksgiving!

26 November 2024

VisualEyes Optometrists - Happy Thanksgiving

You are an integral part of the VisualEyes Optometrists family and we are so grateful for your support!

In the spirit of the Thanksgiving season, we want to give thanks to all of you, our exceptional clients who make our growth not just possible, but worthwhile. Our customers are the reason we thrive and the reason we are here. Thank you so much for choosing us time and time again. The economy may be in a struggle right now, but we do know one thing: Without your loyalty, your feedback, and your support, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

May this Thanksgiving be as joyful as you deserve, and the start of a fun and happy holiday season and a successful and healthy new year! In this time of giving thanks, we want to thank you, our customers. Wishing you all the best, and a very happy Thanksgiving.


How to Prepare for LASIK: Tips for a Smooth Vision Improvement Experience

22 November 2024

VisualEyes Optometrists - LASIK

If you're considering LASIK surgery to correct your vision and say goodbye to glasses and contact lenses, you're on the path to a life-changing experience. However, proper preparation is essential to ensure a smooth and successful procedure. At VisualEyes Optometrists, we’ve compiled a list of important tips to help you get ready for your LASIK surgery and achieve the best results.

1. Schedule a Pre-Operative Consultation

Before you commit to LASIK, you'll need to undergo a thorough eye exam with an experienced optometrist or ophthalmologist. This consultation allows your doctor to assess whether LASIK is the right option for you. Expect tests that measure the thickness of your cornea, the shape of your eye, and your overall eye health. Be prepared to discuss your medical history and any current medications you are taking.

Pro Tip: If you have any concerns or questions, this is the perfect time to address them with your surgeon. Don’t hesitate to ask about the technology they use, the procedure itself, and any potential risks.

2. Stop Wearing Contact Lenses

If you wear contact lenses, you’ll need to stop wearing them for a specific period before your LASIK surgery. Contacts can alter the shape of your cornea, which can affect the accuracy of measurements taken during your pre-operative exam. Your optometrist will provide clear instructions on when to stop wearing contacts based on the type of lenses you use:

  • Soft contacts: At least 1-2 weeks before your consultation.
  • Hard or gas-permeable lenses: 3-4 weeks prior to your exam.

Pro Tip: Stick to wearing glasses only during this time to ensure your cornea returns to its natural shape.

3. Follow Your Surgeon’s Pre-Op Instructions

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions in the days leading up to your surgery. These may include:

  • Avoiding makeup, lotions, and creams around your eyes on the day of the surgery.
  • Not wearing perfumes or colognes, as they may irritate the eyes during the procedure.
  • Ensuring that you have a driver to take you home after the surgery, as your vision may be blurry for a few hours post-op.

Pro Tip: If you wear makeup regularly, plan to take a break from it for a few days before surgery to avoid any irritation or residue near the eyes.

4. Arrange for Post-Operative Care

After LASIK, your eyes will need time to heal, and you may experience some discomfort. Arrange for someone to accompany you to your appointment and drive you home afterward. You’ll also need a few days of rest after the procedure, so take this time to relax and allow your eyes to recover.

Pro Tip: Stock up on any medications your doctor may prescribe, including eye drops, and have everything ready for a smooth recovery.

5. Prepare for the Day of the Surgery

On the day of your LASIK procedure, be sure to:

  • Arrive on time and follow all instructions provided by your surgical team.
  • Wear comfortable clothing, and avoid wearing any eye makeup, lotions, or perfumes.
  • Bring a list of any medications you’re taking, and inform your surgeon of any changes in your health since your last appointment.
  • Get plenty of rest the night before the surgery to ensure you're feeling well and relaxed.

Pro Tip: Bring a pair of sunglasses to wear on your way home, as your eyes may be sensitive to light after the procedure.

6. Relax and Trust the Process

LASIK is a quick and relatively painless procedure, but it’s natural to feel a little anxious beforehand. Take deep breaths, relax, and trust your experienced team of optometrists and surgeons. They’re there to guide you through the process and ensure your comfort and safety every step of the way.

Pro Tip: Focus on the end result — clearer vision without the hassle of glasses or contacts — and remind yourself of the countless benefits LASIK will bring to your life.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for your LASIK surgery and on your way to enjoying the clear vision you’ve always wanted. If you're ready to take the next step or have any questions about LASIK, the team at VisualEyes Optometrists is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start your journey toward better vision!


Are You Diabetic? Are You Assessed for Related Vision/Eye Disease?

31 October 2024

VisualEyes Optometrists - Diabetic Eye Disease

At VisualEyes Optometrists, we believe that protecting your vision is just as important as managing other aspects of your health. For individuals living with diabetes, eye health is a critical concern—especially because diabetic eye disease can develop without any noticeable symptoms in the early stages.

Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye problems that people with diabetes may face, including diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. These conditions can affect your vision and lead to blindness if left untreated. The most common and dangerous of these is diabetic retinopathy, which affects the blood vessels in the retina and can cause permanent vision loss over time.

The Importance of Early Detection

The scary truth is that diabetic eye disease often has no symptoms in the early stages. That’s why routine eye exams are crucial, even if you feel fine and have no noticeable vision changes. Through comprehensive eye exams, we can detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy and other eye problems long before they start affecting your sight.

Why Early Detection is Essential

  • Prevent Blindness: When caught early, treatment can prevent or slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy and other serious eye conditions.
  • Preserve Vision: Early intervention can help maintain good vision and prevent long-term damage.
  • Better Diabetes Management: Regular eye exams can also offer insight into how well your diabetes is being controlled, helping your healthcare team make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

At VisualEyes Optometrists, we use advanced diagnostic tools and the latest technology to screen for diabetic eye disease, ensuring that we catch potential issues before they become problems. Our experienced optometrists are here to guide you through the process, discuss any concerns, and help you take the right steps toward protecting your vision.

Schedule Your Eye Exam Today!

If you have diabetes, it’s essential to have an eye exam at least once a year, or as recommended by your healthcare provider. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—early detection is the key to preventing serious vision loss. Contact us to set an appointment with our optometrist.


How Vision Treatment Corneal Reshaping Works: The Science Behind the Procedure

21 October 2024

VisualEyes Optometrists - Corneal Reshaping

At VisualEyes Optometrists in Alexandria, VA, we are committed to helping our patients achieve clear vision through innovative solutions like corneal reshaping. If you’ve ever wondered how this groundbreaking procedure works, you’re in the right place! Let’s dive into the science behind corneal reshaping and how it can benefit your vision.

What is Corneal Reshaping?

Corneal reshaping, often referred to as orthokeratology (Ortho-K), is a non-surgical method that uses specially designed contact lenses to temporarily reshape the curvature of the cornea. This process helps correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness) while you sleep, allowing for clearer vision during the day without the need for glasses or regular contact lenses.

The Science Behind Corneal Reshaping

1. Understanding the Cornea
  • The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye that plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the retina. Its shape can greatly influence how light is refracted and, consequently, how clearly you see.
2. The Custom Lens Design
  • Corneal reshaping involves using custom-made gas-permeable contact lenses that are designed to gently flatten the cornea overnight. These lenses are tailored to fit the unique shape of your eye, ensuring optimal comfort and effectiveness.
3. Applying the Lenses
  • Patients wear specially designed lenses while sleeping. During this time, the lenses exert gentle pressure on the cornea, gradually reshaping it to improve focus. This process typically takes a few nights to achieve the desired results.
4. Temporary Effects
  • The changes made to the cornea are temporary, meaning the reshaping will last as long as the lenses are worn regularly. Most patients experience clear vision throughout the day after just a few nights of treatment, but continuous use is necessary to maintain the results.
5. Safe and Reversible
  • One of the key advantages of corneal reshaping is that it is a safe and reversible procedure. If you decide to stop wearing the lenses, your cornea will return to its original shape, making it an excellent option for those hesitant about permanent surgical procedures.

Who Can Benefit from Corneal Reshaping?

Corneal reshaping is particularly beneficial for children and teens experiencing progressive myopia, as it can help slow the progression of their condition. Adults who prefer not to wear glasses or contact lenses during the day can also enjoy the freedom that this procedure offers.

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

At VisualEyes Optometrists, we’re dedicated to providing personalized care and innovative solutions tailored to your vision needs. If you’re interested in learning more about corneal reshaping and whether it’s right for you, contact VisualEyes Optometrists today to schedule a consultation. Our experienced team is here to guide you on your journey to clearer vision!


Astigmatism Untreated Can Cause Even Bigger Vision Damage

10 October 2024

VisualEyes Optometrists - Astigmatism

At VisualEyes Optometrists, we believe that understanding the intricacies of your vision is key to maintaining optimal eye health. One common condition that many people experience is astigmatism. But what exactly is astigmatism, and how does it relate to your overall eye health? Let’s dive into the details.

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens in the eye. Instead of being perfectly round, the cornea is shaped more like a football, which prevents light from focusing evenly on the retina. This results in blurred or distorted vision at various distances.

Symptoms of Astigmatism

Common symptoms include:

  • Blurred or distorted vision
  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • Eye strain or discomfort
  • Frequent headaches

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an eye exam with us.

The Link Between Astigmatism and Eye Health

While astigmatism itself may seem like a simple vision issue, it can have broader implications for your eye health. Here are a few key connections:

  1. Increased Risk of Other Conditions: Individuals with astigmatism may be at a higher risk for other refractive errors, such as myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). Regular eye exams can help detect these issues early.
  2. Impact on Daily Activities: Untreated astigmatism can lead to significant challenges in daily activities, from reading to driving. This can affect your quality of life and overall well-being.
  3. Management and Treatment: Understanding and managing astigmatism is crucial for maintaining good eye health. Options such as corrective lenses or refractive surgery can significantly improve your vision.
  4. Regular Eye Exams: Routine eye exams are essential for monitoring astigmatism and overall eye health. During your visit, our optometrists will assess your vision, check for other potential issues, and discuss the best treatment options for you.

Taking Action

If you suspect you have astigmatism or are experiencing any symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to VisualEyes Optometrists. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care and helping you maintain your eye health. Schedule your appointment today, and take the first step towards clearer vision!


Vision Disease: Hyperopia - Signs and Symptoms of Farsightedness

20 September 2024

VisualEyes Optometrists - Signs and Symptoms of Farsightedness

At VisualEyes Optometrists, we prioritize your vision health and want to help you understand hyperopia, commonly known as farsightedness. This condition can affect people of all ages, making it important to recognize the signs early. Here’s how to detect hyperopia and what you can do about it.

What is Hyperopia?

Hyperopia occurs when the eyeball is too short or the cornea has too little curvature, causing distant objects to be seen more clearly than those that are close. This can lead to eyestrain, headaches, and difficulty focusing on nearby tasks.

Signs and Symptoms of Hyperopia:

  1. Blurry Vision Up Close: Difficulty seeing objects that are close, such as reading a book or working on a computer.
  2. Eyestrain: You may feel discomfort or fatigue in your eyes, especially after prolonged periods of reading or focusing on near objects.
  3. Headaches: Frequent headaches can occur due to the effort your eyes are making to focus.
  4. Squinting: If you find yourself squinting to see better, it might be a sign of hyperopia.
  5. Difficulty with Reading: Struggling to keep your place while reading or having to take breaks often.

How to Diagnose Hyperopia:

  1. Comprehensive Eye Exam: The best way to detect hyperopia is through a thorough eye examination with our skilled optometrists. We’ll assess your vision and eye health using various tests.
  2. Visual Acuity Test: This standard test measures how well you can see at different distances, helping identify any refractive errors.
  3. Retinoscopy: Using a specialized instrument, we can evaluate how light reflects off your retina, aiding in the diagnosis of hyperopia.
  4. Refraction Test: This test determines your precise prescription for glasses or contact lenses and evaluates how your eyes focus light.

What to Do If You Suspect Hyperopia:

If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, it’s important to schedule an appointment at VisualEyes Optometrists. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce discomfort.

Treatment Options

  • Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses: Corrective lenses can help focus light directly on your retina, improving your vision.
  • Refractive Surgery: In some cases, procedures like LASIK may be an option to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts.

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Don’t let hyperopia affect your daily life. At VisualEyes Optometrists, we’re here to provide comprehensive eye care tailored to your needs. Contact us today to schedule your eye exam and take the first step toward clearer vision!


Low Vision Therapy Treatment with VisualEyes Optometrists

30 August 2024

VisualEyes Optometrists - Low Vision Therapy Treatment

At VisualEyes Optometrists, we understand that vision challenges can impact daily life in significant ways. That’s why we offer specialized Low Vision Therapy designed to help you maximize your vision and improve your quality of life.

What is Low Vision Therapy?

Low Vision Therapy is a personalized program aimed at assisting individuals with vision impairments that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Our therapy focuses on enhancing the use of remaining vision through:

Personalized Assessment: We start with a comprehensive evaluation to understand your unique vision needs and challenges.

Customized Training: Our expert therapists provide tailored exercises and strategies to improve visual function, including techniques for better reading, mobility, and daily activities.

Specialized Aids: We introduce and train you to use specialized optical and non-optical devices, such as magnifiers, telescopic lenses, and electronic tools, designed to support your vision.

Adaptive Techniques: Learn practical skills and techniques to adapt your environment and tasks to better suit your vision capabilities, enhancing your independence.

Why Choose Low Vision Therapy?

Enhanced Quality of Life: Gain confidence and improve your ability to perform everyday tasks, from reading and writing to navigating your surroundings.

Personalized Care: Our therapy is customized to your specific vision needs, ensuring that you receive the most effective support for your situation.

Expert Guidance: Benefit from the expertise of our trained optometrists and therapists who are dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes.

Supportive Environment: We provide a compassionate and supportive atmosphere, addressing your concerns and helping you adapt to your vision challenges.

Don’t let vision challenges hold you back. Discover the difference Low Vision Therapy can make with VisualEyes Optometrists!


Orthokeratology Explained: The Non-Surgical Way to Better Vision

15 August 2024

VisualEyes Optometrists - Orthokeratology

Are you looking for a non-surgical solution to correct your vision and enjoy clearer sight without the hassle of glasses or contact lenses during the day? At VisualEyes Optometrists, we offer a cutting-edge treatment known as Corneal Reshaping, or Orthokeratology (Ortho-K). Here’s everything you need to know about this innovative technique and how it can enhance your vision.

What is Corneal Reshaping (Orthokeratology)?

Corneal reshaping, commonly referred to as Orthokeratology, is a non-invasive treatment designed to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. This technique involves wearing specially designed, gas-permeable contact lenses overnight that gently reshape the cornea—the clear front surface of the eye. By altering the curvature of the cornea, Ortho-K temporarily corrects your vision so you can enjoy clear, unaided sight during the day.

How Does Orthokeratology Work?

  • Custom Lens Fitting: The process begins with a thorough eye examination to determine your specific corneal shape and vision needs. We then create custom Ortho-K lenses tailored to fit your eyes precisely.
  • Overnight Wear: You wear these specialized lenses while you sleep. As you rest, the lenses gently reshape the cornea to correct the refractive errors that cause blurry vision.
  • Clear Vision During the Day: After removing the lenses in the morning, you’ll experience clearer vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. The effects are temporary, and consistent overnight use is required to maintain optimal vision.

Benefits of Corneal Reshaping (Orthokeratology)

  1. Non-Surgical Solution: Ortho-K provides a safe and effective alternative to refractive surgeries like LASIK, with no need for cutting or permanent alterations.
  2. Freedom from Glasses and Daytime Contacts: Enjoy the convenience of clear vision without relying on corrective eyewear during your daily activities.
  3. Reversible and Adjustable: If you decide to discontinue treatment, the cornea will gradually return to its original shape, allowing you to stop using the lenses at any time.
  4. Convenient for Active Lifestyles: Perfect for athletes or individuals with active lifestyles who need clear vision without the interference of glasses or contact lenses.
  5. Control Myopia Progression: Research indicates that Ortho-K may help slow the progression of myopia in children and teenagers, potentially reducing the need for stronger prescriptions over time.

Why Choose VisualEyes Optometrists?

At VisualEyes Optometrists, our team is dedicated to providing personalized care and advanced solutions for your vision needs. If you’re interested in exploring Corneal Reshaping (Orthokeratology), we’ll guide you through the entire process, from initial consultation to follow-up care. Our goal is to help you achieve clear, comfortable vision and improve your quality of life.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out if Orthokeratology is the right option for you. Experience the freedom of clear vision with VisualEyes Optometrists!


Struggling with Presbyopia? Discover How VisualEyes Optometrists Can Improve Your Vision

31 July 2024

VisualEyes Optometrists - Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a condition that typically begins to affect people in their 40s and beyond. It occurs when the lens of the eye becomes less flexible, making it difficult to focus on close objects. Unlike other vision changes, presbyopia is a natural part of the aging process and affects everyone eventually.

Common Symptoms of Presbyopia Include:

  • Difficulty Reading Small Print: Struggling to read books, newspapers, or your smartphone without holding them at arm's length.
  • Eye Strain: Feeling fatigued or experiencing headaches from prolonged close-up tasks.
  • Blurred Vision: Objects at a close distance appearing blurry or out of focus.

How VisualEyes Optometrists Can Help:

Comprehensive Eye Exams

Our expert optometrists perform thorough eye exams to accurately diagnose presbyopia and determine the best course of action. We assess your visual needs and overall eye health to provide personalized recommendations.

Prescription Glasses

We offer a range of stylish and functional prescription glasses designed specifically for presbyopia. From bifocals to progressive lenses, we help you find the perfect eyewear to improve your vision and comfort.

Contact Lenses

For those who prefer contact lenses, we provide options that address presbyopia, including multifocal and bifocal contacts. Our team will help you select and fit lenses that meet your needs and lifestyle.

Lifestyle Adaptations

Our optometrists offer practical advice on how to manage presbyopia in your daily life. This includes tips for reducing eye strain, adjusting your reading habits, and utilizing proper lighting.

Advanced Solutions

We stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in eye care technology and treatments. If you’re interested in exploring surgical options or other innovative solutions, we can provide information and referrals to specialists as needed.

Ongoing Care and Support

Managing presbyopia is an ongoing process. We provide continuous support and follow-up care to ensure your vision needs are met and to address any changes in your eyesight over time.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of presbyopia or have concerns about your aging eyes, contact VisualEyes Optometrists today. Let us help you navigate the changes and find the best solutions for maintaining your visual health.


Understanding AMD: Causes, Forms, and the Importance of Early Detection

26 July 2024

VisualEyes Optometrists - Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss among adults over the age of fifty, characterized by the gradual deterioration of the macula, the part of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision. AMD typically presents in two forms: dry AMD and wet AMD. Here's a closer look at these conditions, their impact, and why regular eye exams are essential for early detection.

Forms of AMD

Dry AMD

Dry AMD is the more common form, accounting for approximately 80-90% of all AMD cases. It is characterized by the thinning and breakdown of the macula, leading to gradual vision impairment. As dry AMD progresses, tiny yellow deposits called drusen build up under the retina, causing the macula to thin and deteriorate. Over time, this results in a gradual loss of central vision, which can fluctuate and often improves in bright light. In advanced stages, areas of atrophy may become larger, and pre-existing drusen may disappear, leaving behind visible larger choroidal vessels.

Wet AMD

Wet AMD, while less common, is more severe and progresses rapidly compared to dry AMD. This form occurs when abnormal blood vessels begin to grow beneath the retina. These blood vessels are fragile and can leak fluid or blood, leading to swelling and damage of the macula. Wet AMD can cause sudden and severe vision loss, making early detection crucial for preventing significant damage.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Many individuals with AMD do not notice any symptoms until the condition has advanced significantly. Common symptoms include blurry or distorted vision, difficulty seeing in low light, and a gradual loss of central vision. Because the macula is responsible for fine details, those with AMD might struggle with activities like reading or recognizing faces.

The condition often goes unnoticed in its early stages, making regular eye exams vital. An eye care professional can detect AMD before significant vision loss occurs through comprehensive eye exams, including retinal imaging and visual acuity tests.

Risk Factors

AMD is most commonly seen in people over fifty and is the leading cause of vision loss in this age group. The risk of developing AMD increases with age, but other factors can also contribute, including:

Family History: Genetics play a role, as AMD can run in families.

Smoking: Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for AMD.

Diet: A diet lacking in essential nutrients can increase risk.

Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light may contribute to AMD.

The Importance of Early Detection and Regular Eye Exams

Without proper intervention, AMD can progress to blindness, making early detection and management crucial. Regular eye exams are the best way to monitor your eye health and catch AMD early. Early treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and preserve vision.

At VisualEyes Optometrists, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care and support for those dealing with AMD. We offer personalized advice and treatment options to manage and mitigate the effects of age-related macular degeneration.

Get in Touch

If you have concerns about AMD or want to learn more about protecting your vision, contact VisualEyes Optometrists for expert advice and eye care services. Schedule your regular eye exam today and take proactive steps to safeguard your vision and overall eye health.


Choosing the Right Contact Lens: A Guide by VisualEyes Optometrist

30 June 2024

VisualEyes Optometrist - Contact Lens

Are you considering contact lenses but unsure where to start? At VisualEyes Optometrist, we're here to help you navigate the options and find the perfect fit for your eyes and lifestyle. Here’s a step-by-step guide to choosing the right contact lens:

Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam: Before choosing contact lenses, it’s crucial to have a thorough eye examination. Our optometrists will assess your eye health and determine if contact lenses are suitable for you.

1. Discuss Your Lifestyle and Preferences: Everyone’s needs are different. Whether you're active in sports, work long hours on digital screens, or want lenses for occasional use, we’ll discuss options that align with your lifestyle.

2. Consider Lens Types: There are various types of contact lenses:

  • Daily Disposable: Convenient and hygienic, these lenses are worn once and discarded.
  • Weekly/Monthly Disposable: Replaced weekly or monthly, these lenses offer flexibility.
  • Toric Lenses: Correct astigmatism for sharper vision.
  • Multifocal Lenses: Provide clear vision for both near and far distances.

3. Evaluate Comfort and Fit: Comfort is key! Our optometrists will ensure your lenses fit properly and feel comfortable throughout the day.

4. Learn Proper Lens Care: Keeping your lenses clean and following hygiene practices is essential for eye health. We'll educate you on proper lens care routines.

5. Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-ups allow us to monitor your eye health and adjust your prescription if needed.

At VisualEyes Optometrist, we’re committed to providing personalized care and helping you make informed decisions about your eye health. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start your journey to clearer vision with confidence


Understanding Glaucoma: The Silent Threat to Your Vision

25 June 2024

VisualEyes Optometrists - Glaucoma

Glaucoma, an insidious eye disease, quietly undermines vision by damaging the optic nerve—a crucial conduit between the eyes and the brain. This progressive condition often leads to irreversible blindness if left unchecked.

The Optic Nerve and Glaucoma

The optic nerve plays a pivotal role in vision, transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain. Glaucoma disrupts this communication pathway, causing gradual vision loss over time. It's often asymptomatic in its early stages, earning its reputation as the "silent thief of sight."

Symptoms and Progression

Glaucoma typically progresses painlessly and slowly, making it difficult to detect without regular eye examinations. By the time symptoms manifest, significant vision loss may have already occurred. Early detection through routine eye check-ups is crucial in preserving vision.

Risk Factors and Prevention

Several risk factors increase susceptibility to glaucoma, including age (especially over 60), family history, and certain medical conditions. While elevated eye pressure is commonly associated with glaucoma, it can also develop with normal pressure levels—a phenomenon known as normal-tension glaucoma.

Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams, recommended every six months, are vital for early glaucoma detection. These exams allow eye care professionals to monitor changes in eye health and intervene promptly to prevent irreversible damage. Detecting glaucoma early significantly enhances treatment outcomes and preserves vision quality.

Seeking Professional Guidance

For further insights into glaucoma detection, prevention, and treatment options, consult with VisualEyes Optometrists—an expert resource dedicated to eye health and vision care.

Conclusion

Glaucoma poses a formidable threat to vision, ranking as the second leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Awareness, routine eye check-ups, and proactive management are essential in combating this stealthy adversary. Take proactive steps today to safeguard your vision and overall eye health.

For expert advice and comprehensive care, connect with VisualEyes Optometrists to prioritize your eye health and mitigate the risks associated with glaucoma. Your eyesight is invaluable—ensure it's protected with regular screenings and professional guidance.


Clear Vision, Bright Futures: Combatting Myopia

31 May 2024

VisualEyes Optometrists - Myopia

Myopia poses a growing concern, particularly among children and young adults navigating an increasingly digital world. As screens become ubiquitous, the need for precise and optimal eye care has never been more crucial. Explore effective strategies to manage and reduce myopia, safeguarding vision for generations to come.

The rise in myopia cases among children globally signals a concerning trend, with potential sight-threatening implications in their future. Commonly known as nearsightedness, myopia manifests as clear vision for close objects but blurred vision for distant ones, impacting everyday activities such as classroom learning, driving, and sports. Contributing factors include genetics, prolonged near work, and limited outdoor activities, underscoring the urgency to intervene early and protect future eyesight.

Research underscores the pivotal role of outdoor time in myopia prevention, revealing that increased outdoor exposure correlates with reduced myopia risk. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating outdoor activities into children's routines to mitigate or slow myopia progression effectively.

Amidst the digital age's pervasive influence, fostering a connection with nature becomes paramount for promoting healthier eyes and minds in children. With tailored treatment plans, our experienced eye doctors at VIS offer personalized solutions to stem myopia progression and preserve vision clarity. Schedule an appointment with our optometrists today to explore myopia control treatments and secure a brighter future for your child's eyesight.

For invaluable insights and expert guidance on preventing myopia and optimizing eye care, reach out to VisualEyes Optometrists. Let us partner with you on the journey to clearer vision and lasting ocular health.


Dry Eyes Summer Prevention Tips

30 April 2024

VisualEyes Optometrists - Dry Eyes

In the scorching heat of summer, it's crucial to safeguard your eyes from the discomfort and potential complications of dryness. Maintaining optimal eye hydration isn't just about immediate relief; it's a proactive measure to preserve your ocular health and prevent symptoms from escalating over time.

Dry eyes stem from insufficient lubrication, often exacerbated by prolonged periods spent gazing at computer screens or other electronic devices. This strain can lead to inflammation and surface damage, underscoring the importance of preemptive action to counteract these effects.

Simple yet effective preventive measures include taking regular breaks from screen time, humidifying indoor environments to mitigate dryness, and periodically resting your eyes by closing them. Additionally, donning protective eye wear when using electronic devices can serve as a barrier against potential irritants, helping maintain moisture levels and minimize discomfort.

Recognizing the symptoms of dry eyes is pivotal for early intervention. Whether it's a persistent dry, gritty, or burning sensation, redness, excessive tearing, or waking up with eyes glued shut by mucus, addressing these signs promptly is essential to safeguard your vision.

Avoid exacerbating the situation by refraining from vigorous eye rubbing, which can lead to corneal damage, worsen allergies, and increase susceptibility to infections. If you suspect an eye infection or encounter persistent discomfort, seeking prompt evaluation from an eye doctor is imperative to prevent complications and ensure timely treatment.

For comprehensive guidance on dry eye prevention and personalized tips tailored to your needs, reach out to VisualEyes Optometrists. Let us empower you with the knowledge and strategies necessary to maintain optimal eye health and enjoy clear vision, even amidst the challenges of summer.


Vision Care Tip of the Day - Combating Red Eye

25 April 2024

VisualEyes Optometrists - Red Eye

Amidst the rapid spread of a concerning eye condition, immediate action is imperative to curb its transmission and provide essential medical care to those affected. In these times, it's paramount to exercise extra precautions and prioritize personal health and safety. Stay vigilant, remain informed, and take proactive measures to safeguard yourself against the Red Eye menace.

Red Eye, an ocular ailment triggered by infections or allergies, manifests in both eyes, presenting symptoms such as redness, burning sensation, grittiness, itching, excessive tearing, and potential pus discharge. Afflicted individuals may also experience swelling, irritation, eyelid or eyelash crusting, and a gritty sensation. Swift diagnosis and treatment are indispensable for managing this condition effectively.

Patients exhibiting Red Eye symptoms are advised to adhere to contagion and isolation protocols for a minimum of two weeks or until symptoms subside. It's crucial to avoid contact with vulnerable demographics, including infants, the elderly, individuals undergoing immuno-suppressive or chemotherapeutic treatments, and those with compromised immune systems. Seeking assistance from licensed optometrists is paramount for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.

Moreover, lifestyle factors such as dietary habits, smoking, prolonged screen exposure, and contact lens usage can exacerbate dry eye conditions. Recognizing the interplay of age, gender, and lifestyle choices in eye health is pivotal. Therefore, adopting healthy practices and seeking professional guidance are essential steps in mitigating ocular ailments.

Remember, early detection and appropriate intervention are pivotal in managing Red Eye and related ocular concerns. In cases where symptoms persist despite initial treatment, consultation with an ophthalmologist or optometrist is recommended for comprehensive evaluation and specialized care.

Above all, cherish the precious gift of sight and prioritize ocular well-being. Stay proactive, stay informed, and seek assistance promptly when encountering Red Eye symptoms. For further guidance and tips on managing this condition, reach out to VisualEyes Optometrists, your trusted partner in preserving vision health.


Understanding Astigmatism and How Visual Eyes Optometrists Can Help

31 March 2024

VisualEyes Optometrists - Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common refractive error of the eye that affects how light rays focus on the retina, causing blurred or distorted vision. It occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular shape, rather than being perfectly spherical like a basketball. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, resulting in blurred vision at all distances.

Here's how Visual Eyes Optometrists can help you manage astigmatism:

Comprehensive Eye Exams

Visual Eyes Optometrists provide comprehensive eye exams that include thorough evaluations of your vision and eye health. During the exam, they will assess your visual acuity, refractive error (including astigmatism), and overall eye health to determine the best course of action.

Prescription Eyewear

For many individuals with astigmatism, prescription eyewear such as glasses or contact lenses can effectively correct vision problems. Visual Eyes Optometrists can prescribe custom-made eyeglasses or contact lenses tailored to your specific astigmatism prescription, ensuring clear and comfortable vision.

Specialized Contact Lenses

In addition to traditional soft contact lenses, Visual Eyes Optometrists offer specialized contact lenses designed specifically for individuals with astigmatism, such as Toric lenses. Toric contact lenses have a unique design that compensates for the irregular shape of the cornea, providing crisp and stable vision for those with astigmatism.

Refractive Surgery Consultations

For eligible candidates seeking a more permanent solution for astigmatism, Visual Eyes Optometrists can provide referrals and consultations for refractive surgery options such as LASIK or PRK (photorefractive keratectomy). They will assess your candidacy for surgery and work closely with ophthalmologists to ensure optimal outcomes.

Ongoing Eye Care and Management

Visual Eyes Optometrists are committed to providing ongoing eye care and management for individuals with astigmatism. They will monitor your vision and eye health over time, making any necessary adjustments to your eyewear prescription or treatment plan to ensure optimal visual outcomes and overall eye wellness.

In conclusion, astigmatism is a common vision condition that can be effectively managed with the expertise and support of Visual Eyes Optometrists. Whether through prescription eyewear, specialized contact lenses, or refractive surgery consultations, they are dedicated to helping you achieve clear and comfortable vision. Schedule an appointment with Visual Eyes Optometrists today to take the first step toward better vision and eye health.


Insight into Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

27 March 2024

VisualEyes Optometrists - Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) casts a shadow over the clarity of vision, particularly for individuals aged 60 and above. This degenerative disease targets the macula, causing a gradual decline in central vision. As the aging process inflicts damage upon this vital part of the eye responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision, individuals find themselves grappling with blurred vision and compromised visual acuity.

Understanding AMD's Impact:

AMD's relentless progression strikes at the heart of daily activities, robbing individuals of their ability to recognize faces, read, utilize electronic devices, watch television, engage in hobbies like sewing, cook safely, drive, and navigate stairs with confidence. This degeneration undermines fundamental tasks that are often taken for granted, leaving individuals grappling with obscured fine details despite the presence of the visual image.

Exploring Causes and Preventative Measures:

While the exact cause of dry macular degeneration remains elusive, research suggests a nexus of genetic predisposition and environmental influences, including smoking, obesity, and dietary factors. As the aging process unfolds, the condition takes hold, necessitating proactive measures to mitigate its impact. Adopting a wholesome diet, engaging in regular exercise, and abstaining from smoking emerge as pivotal strategies in halting the progression of AMD, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the challenge of diminishing vision.

Navigating Treatment and Coping Strategies:

Regrettably, there exists no definitive treatment for dry AMD. However, individuals can explore the efficacy of vision aids, which serve to alleviate the adverse effects of compromised vision on daily life. Embracing an active lifestyle not only bolsters physical well-being but also fosters resilience in the face of AMD's challenges, empowering individuals to navigate their journey with newfound strength and determination.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration stands as a formidable adversary to vision health, particularly among individuals traversing the realm of seniority. However, through proactive intervention and lifestyle modifications, the impact of AMD can be mitigated, offering a pathway to preserved visual acuity and enhanced quality of life. For those seeking further guidance and support in managing AMD's complexities, reaching out to VisualEyes Optometrists promises access to valuable insights and resources, facilitating informed decision-making and holistic vision care.


Clearing the Blur: Understanding Hyperopia

29 February 2024

VisualEyes Optometrists - Hyperopia

Are you struggling with blurry vision when trying to focus on nearby objects? You might be experiencing hyperopia, commonly known as farsightedness. This common refractive error occurs when light rays entering the eye focus behind the retina, instead of directly on it. Fortunately, VisualEyes Optometrists is here to help you navigate through this vision challenge with clarity and precision.

Hyperopia can manifest differently in individuals, leading to difficulties in activities such as reading, computer work, or even recognizing faces up close. If left uncorrected, hyperopia can strain your eyes and cause discomfort, affecting your overall quality of life.

At VisualEyes Optometrists, we understand the unique needs of each patient and offer tailored solutions to address hyperopia effectively. Our experienced optometrists utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and comprehensive eye examinations to accurately assess your vision and determine the most suitable course of action.

Through a variety of corrective options such as prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, we can help you achieve clear and comfortable vision for both near and distant tasks. Our knowledgeable staff will guide you through the selection process, ensuring that your visual needs and lifestyle preferences are taken into consideration.

In addition to corrective lenses, VisualEyes Optometrists offers personalized advice on lifestyle modifications and eye care practices to manage hyperopia and promote eye health. From proper lighting techniques to ergonomic adjustments, we empower our patients with practical strategies to alleviate symptoms and enhance visual comfort.

Don't let hyperopia hinder your daily activities or compromise your visual wellbeing. Take the first step towards clarity and confidence by scheduling a comprehensive eye examination with VisualEyes Optometrists today. Our dedicated team is committed to providing exceptional care and support, helping you see the world with renewed clarity and perspective.


Safeguarding Vision: Understanding Myopia in Children

21 February 2024

VisualEyes Optometrists - Kid wearing glasses

Myopia also known as short sightedness is a condition that will compromise vision and may lead to blindness. Children are more likely to develop myopia during their early development stages (pre-school to primary age). It is highly important to have your child checked.

Myopia is the leading cause of avoidable visual impairment. A higher degree of myopia will mean a greater risk of developing sight-threatening complications such as retinal detachment, glaucoma and myopia macular degeneration. It is a common condition that is usually diagnosed before age 20. It affects your distance vision, and you will see objects that are near, but you will have trouble viewing objects that are farther away like grocery store aisle markers or road signs. Children with first prescription before the age of 10 years showed the strongest progression and a significantly final Spherical Equivalent (SER). Generally, children who developed SER at 10 years were highly myopic as adults. Further, soft contact lenses for myopia control in children are safe. In most cases, eye specialists will treat nearsightedness with glasses, contact lenses or corrective surgery, like LASEK. Other cases of pathologic myopia will lead to more serious eye conditions.

Be proactive! Get your child’s eyes checked and talk to your eye care professional today about reducing the risk of myopia. Regular eye exams are important for everyone but are especially if you have high myopia or pathologic myopia. You will follow the schedule set out by your eye care provider. Stay healthy and outdoors for better vision!

For more tips on Myopia Care, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Navigating Myopia: Understanding and Managing Short-Sightedness

31 January 2024

VisualEyes Optometrists - Myopia

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a prevalent refractive error that affects millions worldwide. Understanding its nature and implementing effective management strategies are crucial steps towards maintaining optimal vision health.

Myopia occurs when the eye's axial length is longer than normal or when the cornea is too curved. This causes light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, resulting in blurred distance vision while close-up vision remains clear.

Regular eye examinations play a pivotal role in identifying and monitoring myopia. Early detection allows for timely interventions to manage its progression. Various management options are available, including corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, which help to refocus light onto the retina, thereby improving distance vision.

Additionally, orthokeratology (ortho-k) involves wearing specially designed contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, providing clearer vision during the day. Another option is low-dose atropine eye drops, which have shown promise in slowing down myopia progression, particularly in children.

Moreover, lifestyle modifications can contribute to managing myopia effectively. Encouraging outdoor activities and limiting screen time, especially among children, can help reduce the risk of myopia development and progression.

As myopia tends to progress over time, regular monitoring and adjustments to management strategies are essential. Collaborating closely with an eye care professional ensures personalized care and optimal outcomes.

By understanding myopia and implementing appropriate management strategies, individuals can maintain clear vision and minimize the impact of this common refractive error on their daily lives. Stay proactive in managing myopia for lifelong eye health and visual wellness. Contact our eye doctors at VisualEyes Optometrists.


Diagnosing and Treating Your Vision Condition: Astigmatism

15 January 2024

VisualEyes Optometrists - Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common and, most often, a treatable condition. Astigmatism is usually caused by your cornea having an irregular shape. As Doctors of Optometry, we see this condition on a daily basis. Today we hope to set your mind at ease if you have been diagnosed with this condition.

You might also hear this condition defined as a corneal astigmatism. This condition is corrected by glasses or contact lenses. These corrective lenses have a unique design that compensates for the irregular shape of the eye, allowing light to focus correctly on the retina. The glasses used for astigmatism have a cylindrical lens that corrects the uneven curvature of the cornea or lens. There are few factors that will cause your astigmatism to worsen. This will include your age, eye injuries, and keratoconus. While most people are diagnosed as children, you will notice your sight worsening as an adult too. The good news is that astigmatism will also decrease so it is not all bad news. Eyeglasses are the most common treatment and help to improve vision. Avoid rubbing your eyes. Rubbing your eyes will worsen astigmatism and cause other problems such as dry eye. Using artificial tears will help to lubricate the eye and prevent dryness.

A regular astigmatism occurs when the eye is not completely curved. Just like a basketball being round, it will take the shape of a football. And this often leads to blurry, distorted vision. You can stop astigmatism from getting worse by wearing corrective lenses. Schedule your visit soon with our Fairfax eye doctors at VisualEyes Optometrists.


Season's Greetings from VisualEyes Optometrists

20 December 2023

Season's Greetings

As the holiday season unfolds, we find ourselves reflecting on the joy and warmth that comes with this special time of year. At VisualEyes Optometrists, we want to take a moment to extend our heartfelt gratitude to every one of you who has been a part of our journey.

From the entire VisualEyes Optometrists team, we send our warmest holiday greetings to you and your loved ones. Your support has been the cornerstone of our success, and for that, we are truly thankful.

May this festive season bring you moments of joy, laughter, and togetherness with those who matter most. Whether you're gathered around the dinner table, sharing stories by the fireplace, or simply taking a quiet moment of reflection, we hope your holidays are filled with warmth and comfort.

As we approach the dawn of a new year, we look forward to continuing this journey together. Your trust and patronage inspire us to reach new heights, and we are excited about the possibilities that the coming year holds.

Until we connect again, whether in person, over the phone, or through the written word, we wish you peace, prosperity, and all the happiness this holiday season has to offer. Thank you for being a cherished part of the  The VisualEyes Optometrists community. May your holidays be merry and bright, and may the new year usher in a wealth of opportunities and success.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

Warmest regards,

VisualEyes Optometrists


Eye Care Prevention for Blepharitis

30 November 2023

VisualEyes Optometrists - Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, and symptoms will range from stinging, watery, itchy eyes, dry eyes and red, swollen eyelids. It is very common, and American optometrists testify that at least half of their patients show some sign of blepharitis. Dealing with blepharitis will be really challenging for patients.

If you are struggling with blepharitis, know that it will be aggravated by a range of airborne substances, and is a common symptom of seasonal hay fever during springtime. Another possible cause is by a reaction to the tiny mites that live on your skin/eyelashes, named ‘demodex mites’. Overgrowth of bacteria will cause blepharitis, an infection, and inflammation of the eyelids and often seen as red, inflamed, crusty eyelids, along with recurrent styes and demodex. There are two types of blepharitis, the first one is anterior blepharitis that affects the outside, front area of the eyelid, where your eyelashes are attached. And the second is posterior blepharitis that affects the inner eyelid, where the lid contacts the eye. Further, the patient will be more at risk of developing blepharitis if he has diabetes, wears contact lenses, is exposed to irritants like dust and chemicals or work or live in dry environments. More and more eye care professionals are understanding the importance of identifying demodex blepharitis. It is highly recommended to do an external eyelid examination.

The appearance of your eyelids and intensity of reddening, discharge and swelling will help determine the type and severity. Your blepharitis treatment will depend upon the type you have. After examining your eyelid swelling and running tests, your provider will prescribe treatment and give prescriptions. These treatments will help resolve bacterial infection and reduce irritation. Love your eyes!

For more tips on Eye Care Prevention of Blepharitis, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Happy Thanksgiving From VisualEyes Optometrists

21 November 2023

Happy Thanksgiving From VisualEyes Optometrists

Greetings all from the blog team here at VisualEyes Optometrists. Thanksgiving, 2023 is just around the corner. We thought it would be appreciated to craft a Thanksgiving-focused blog a bit earlier than usual to give all our readers time to reflect and hopefully act upon the important things before we become too “holiday busy” to do so.

The Thanksgiving holiday conjures an assortment of emotions within all of us. For some, this is a time to reflect upon blessings, current and past. Thanksgiving is an invitation to pause and give thanks for the simple things we might take for granted. Things like the love of family, food on the table, and even for life itself.

Here at VisualEyes Optometrists, we never take you, our clients, service providers, employees, family, and friends for granted. Today’s blog post is dedicated to you with hope and trust that this note finds you happy, healthy, thankful, and surrounded by those you hold dear.


How To Prevent Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

31 October 2023

VisualEyes Optometrists

We hope to help you prioritize vision health. As it pertains to vision health, prevention can be your best friend as it pertains to pink eye. Seek knowledge, prioritize hygiene, and you can prevent its spread to you and your family.

Pink Eye is a viral eye infection. It's an outbreak in the rainy season. Protect yourself from getting and spreading pink eye conjunctivitis. It is highly contagious.

Pink eye is the inflammation of the lining of the eye and eyelid. Since it is highly contagious and easily transmissible, it is recommended to take precautions to prevent getting infected. In case you show any symptoms like redness or swelling of water eyes, having a gritty feeling, experienced itchiness, irritation or burning or have a green/yellow discharge from your eyes, sensitivity to light and crusting of the eyelids or eyelashes, it is time to visit your eye doctor immediately. Pink eye happens when the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelids are irritated by an infection or by allergies. Eyes become red and swollen, and will have a sticky discharge. You will get pink eyes in one or both eyes. It is usually caused by adenovirus or mild cold and flu but will also be caused by herpes simplex and other viruses. Preventing the spread of pink eye, practice good hygiene to control the spread of pink eye. To prevent spreading of this virus, avoid close contact with others until the discharge has gone. Wash hands properly and regularly. Never share your towels and tissue paper etc. with anyone. It is important to take measures to prevent its spread. Also remember to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Protect your eyes, prevent pink eyes! Eye problems are never fun, especially for kids. Pink eye is a common childhood ailment that will also spread to adults. Consult an eye specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Antibiotics will be necessary for bacterial pink eye. Remember, early detention and proper care will help you bounce back quickly. Keep your eyes healthy!

For more tips on preventing and treating for Pink Eye Conjunctivitis, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Tips on How to Care for Your Contact Lenses

25 October 2023

VisualEyes Optometrists - Contact Lens

Caring for your contact lenses is essential to maintaining good eye health and ensuring comfortable and effective vision correction. Here are some important tips from VisualEyes Optometrists on how to properly care for your contact lenses:

Wash your hands: Before handling your contact lenses, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Make sure to dry them with a lint-free towel to avoid transferring any debris or germs to your lenses and eyes.

Clean and disinfect: Use the appropriate contact lens solution to clean and disinfect your lenses regularly. Follow the instructions provided by your eye care professional or the lens manufacturer for the recommended cleaning and disinfection regimen.

Store properly: Store your contact lenses in a clean lens case filled with fresh solution. Make sure to replace the solution in the case each time you store your lenses and never use water or saliva as a substitute for lens solution.

Avoid water exposure: Prevent your contact lenses from coming into contact with water, including tap water, swimming pools, and hot tubs. Water can introduce harmful microorganisms to your lenses and increase the risk of eye infections.

Follow the wearing schedule: Adhere to the recommended wearing schedule provided by your eye care professional. Avoid wearing your lenses for longer periods than advised, as this can lead to eye irritation, dryness, and other complications.

Handle with care: Be gentle when handling your contact lenses to avoid tearing or damaging them. Use your fingertips to handle the lenses and avoid using sharp objects or fingernails that could scratch or tear the surface.

Replace as recommended: Replace your contact lenses as recommended by your eye care professional. Using lenses beyond their recommended replacement schedule can lead to discomfort, reduced vision quality, and an increased risk of eye infections.

Avoid wearing during sleep: Remove your contact lenses before sleeping, unless they are specifically designed for extended wear. Sleeping with your lenses can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching your eyes and increase the risk of eye infections and complications.

Regular eye exams: Schedule regular eye exams with your eye care professional to monitor your eye health and ensure that your contact lenses are providing optimal vision correction and comfort.

By following these tips and maintaining good hygiene practices, you can help ensure the longevity of your contact lenses and protect the health of your eyes. If you experience any discomfort, redness, or vision changes while wearing your contact lenses, remove them immediately and consult VisualEyes Optometrists.


Diabetic Eye Disease Prevention

30 September 2023

VisualEyes Optometrists - Diabetic Eye

If you have diabetes or your family has, you are at risk. Diabetes can damage your eyes over time and cause vision loss, even blindness. This disease will lead to vision loss, but early diagnosis and treatment will go a long way toward protecting your eyesight.

Diabetes is one of the most dangerous diseases when it comes to your sight. Eye diseases are common and will go unnoticed for a long time. Some have no symptoms at first. While some symptoms will appear until they are too obvious to ignore like blurry vision, flashes of light, poor night vision, dark spots or holes and seeing an increased number of floaters. It is necessary to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam to find the early stages when treatment to prevent vision loss is most effective. Diabetes will affect the small vessels of the eyes causing blurry vision and eventual vision loss. In fact, the risk of blindness is 25 times higher than normal among individuals with untreated diabetes. One of the easiest ways to protect your eyes from diabetes-related complications is with annual comprehensive eye exams. Early detection is your best line of defense.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that will have severe health consequences and requires ongoing management. Regular eye-care will have a life-changing impact on preserving the vision of millions of people. It is crucial to have a dilated eye exam every year.

To learn more about Diabetic Eye Disease, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Eye Care on Thyroid Eye Disease

15 September 2023

VisualEyes Optometrists - Bulging Eyes

You may be suffering from Thyroid eye disease also known as the Thyroid Orbitopathy or Graves disease and not even know it. Your eyes are surrounded by muscles, fat, and the optic nerve. All of these are held in a round, bony eye socket.

In thyroid eye disease the amount of fat increases and the muscles thicken. This pushes the eyes forward. It will also stretch the optic nerve. In some cases, these changes will cause vision loss, corneal ulcers, and squinting eyes. There are symptoms associated with this disease like dry eyes, watery eyes, red eyes, building eyes, double vision, difficulty closing the eyes, and problems with vision. This needs to be taken seriously because it will cause great damage. Thyroid eye disease is managed by a specialist eye doctor (ophthalmologist). Any underlying thyroid problems will be managed by your primary care doctor or by a specialist in the hormone systems of the body (endocrinologist). Your eye doctor will recommend treatments to help soothe your eyes and improve your vision. Applying cool compresses to your eyes will give extra moisture and the cooling effect will provide relief. Using sunglasses will help protect your eyes from both sun and wind. Lubricating eye drops will relieve dryness and scratchiness and a lot more.

Thyroid eye disease will have a complicated and cyclical relationship and stress will contribute to this disease. This will also cause irritability, anxiety, restlessness, and depression. Take care of your eyes. Most importantly, talk with your doctor and identify the eye conditions you are currently experiencing that will be a symptom of a more serious issue.

For more tips on Thyroid Eye Disease, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Eye Care Prevention On Glaucoma

31 August 2023

VisualEyes Optometrists - Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease that will sneak up to you. It is an eye disease that affects the optic nerve. The optic nerve is the cable that sends the information from the eye to the brain. It is also responsible for your side vision. What is important to know is that there are no pain receptors in your optic nerve. It means that once you have glaucoma you will not feel it. Unfortunately, once vision is gone, you cannot do anything to get it back. It is not possible to prevent glaucoma. But early detection and early treatment makes it possible that you will not lose vision from glaucoma.

It is important to get regular eye examinations. Regular comprehensive eye exams will help detect glaucoma in its early stages, before significant damage occurs. There are a few risks of glaucoma, a family history. Know your family’s eye health history. Glaucoma tends to run in families. If your mom, dad, aunties, uncles, are with glaucoma that is a risk. Further, glaucoma will occur at any age but it is more common in older adults. Age is a risk factor for glaucoma. Typically, glaucoma affects older people. Additionally, race affects glaucoma. So melanated people are more at risk. Many forms of glaucoma have no warning signs. The effect is so gradual that you will notice a change in vision until the condition is in its later stages. If the glaucoma is recognized early, vision loss will be slowed or prevented. If you have glaucoma, you will need treatment or monitoring for the rest of your life.

Experiencing symptoms that come suddenly like severe headache and severe eye pain, you may have acute glaucoma. Glaucoma will damage your vision before you notice any symptoms. Get regular eye examinations and wear eye protection. Serious eye injuries will lead to glaucoma. Lastly, take prescribed eye drops regularly. Glaucoma eye drops will significantly reduce the risk that high eye pressure will progress to glaucoma.

For more tips on Eye Care Prevention for Glaucoma, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Finding Your Ideal Eyeglass Frame Style: A Step-by-Step Guide

15 August 2023

VisualEyes Optometrists - Eyeglasses

Selecting the right eyeglass frames is not just about improving your vision; it's also an opportunity to express your personal style and enhance your overall appearance. With a multitude of frame options available, it's important to choose a style that suits your face shape, lifestyle, and individual preferences. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you find the perfect eyeglass frame style:

Determine Your Face Shape:

Identify your face shape – round, oval, square, heart, or diamond. Different frame shapes can complement and balance your features.

  • Round Face: Opt for angular frames to add definition and lengthen your face.
  • Oval Face: Most frame styles work well for oval faces. Choose frames that are slightly wider than the widest part of your face.
  • Square Face: Rounded or oval frames can soften strong jawlines and angular features.
  • Heart Face: Bottom-heavy frames or rimless styles can balance a wider forehead and narrower chin.
  • Diamond Face: Oval or cat-eye frames can highlight cheekbones and soften angles.

Consider Your Skin Tone and Hair Color:

Your skin tone and hair color can impact how different frame colors complement your complexion. Warmer skin tones might pair well with earthy tones, while cooler tones can work with blues and silvers.

Think About Your Lifestyle:

Consider your daily activities. If you're active, frames that are durable and lightweight might be preferable. If you work in a professional setting, more conservative styles could be appropriate.

Frame Material Matters:

Frames come in various materials, including metal, plastic, acetate, and titanium. Each material has unique characteristics in terms of weight, flexibility, and style. Choose one that aligns with your comfort and aesthetic preferences.

Ponder the Frame Color:

Select a frame color that complements your wardrobe and enhances your features. Neutral tones can be versatile, while bolder colors can make a statement.

Choose a Style That Reflects You:

Consider your personal style – are you classic, trendy, minimalist, or eclectic? The frames you choose should resonate with your overall fashion sense.

Try Various Frame Shapes:

Visit an eyewear store and try on different frame shapes. Even if you have a preferred style, experimenting with various shapes can surprise you and open up new possibilities.

Pay Attention to Fit:

Frames should sit comfortably on your nose bridge without pinching or sliding down. Ensure that the frames don't touch your cheeks or eyebrows and that they align with your eyes.

Consider Lens Thickness:

If you have a strong prescription, certain frame styles might be better at accommodating thicker lenses while maintaining aesthetics.

Seek Professional Advice:

Eyewear specialists like VisualEyes Optometrists can provide valuable insights based on your facial features, prescription, and style preferences. Don't hesitate to ask for our expertise.

Trust Your Instincts:

Ultimately, choose frames that make you feel confident and comfortable. Your glasses should reflect your personality and enhance your natural beauty.

Finding the perfect eyeglass frame style is an exciting journey that allows you to showcase your individuality while improving your vision. Take your time, explore different options, and enjoy the process of discovering frames that enhance your look and lifestyle. Also, contact VisualEyes Optometrists, we can help you find the right eyeglass frame for you.


About Our LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) Services

31 July 2023

VisualEyes Optometrists - LASIK

LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, is a popular and advanced surgical procedure used to correct common vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. The goal of LASIK is to reduce a person's dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses by reshaping the cornea – the clear front surface of the eye.

The procedure involves the use of a specialized laser to precisely remove a small amount of corneal tissue, altering the shape of the cornea and correcting the refractive error in the eye. Here's a general overview of the LASIK procedure:

Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, the patient undergoes a comprehensive eye examination to determine their suitability for LASIK. The eye doctor will assess the corneal thickness, refractive errors, and overall eye health.

Anesthetic Eye Drops: To ensure comfort during the procedure, the surgeon administers numbing eye drops to the patient's eyes.

Corneal Flap Creation: In traditional LASIK, the surgeon creates a thin, circular flap on the cornea using a microkeratome (a mechanical device) or a femtosecond laser (a laser used for flap creation). The flap is lifted to expose the underlying corneal tissue.

Corneal Reshaping: The surgeon then uses an excimer laser, an ultraviolet laser that removes microscopic layers of corneal tissue with great precision, to reshape the cornea based on the patient's specific refractive error. For nearsightedness, the central cornea is flattened, and for farsightedness, it is steepened.

Flap Repositioning: After the cornea has been reshaped, the surgeon repositions the corneal flap back into its original position, where it adheres without the need for stitches.

Recovery: The cornea begins to heal immediately after the procedure, and patients may notice improved vision within a few hours to a few days. Full visual stabilization typically occurs within a few weeks.

LASIK is generally considered a safe and effective procedure, but it may not be suitable for everyone. It is essential for candidates to have stable vision and meet certain criteria before undergoing the surgery. If you are considering LASIK, it is crucial to consult with an experienced eye surgeon who can assess your individual eye health and determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. Contact VisualEyes Optometrists, we can guide you through the preoperative evaluation and postoperative care to ensure the best possible outcome for your vision correction needs.


Eye Care for Conjunctivitis

20 July 2023

VisualEyes Optometrists - Pink eye

Pink Eye cases are rising. It is a type of infectious disease affecting your eye due to viruses or bacteria. You will feel a foreign body that is in your eye giving you an urge to rub the eyes. Pink or red color in the white of the eyes will be visible.

The most common causes of conjunctivitis are viruses, bacteria, or allergens. Others will be due to contact lens wear or foreign bodies in the eye like a loose eyelash. Indoor or outdoor air pollution is caused, for example, by smoke, dust, fumes, or chemical vapors. It will also come from fungi, ameba, and parasites. It will be difficult to determine the exact cause of conjunctivitis because some symptoms will be the same no matter the cause. To mention a few, viral conjunctivitis is the infection of the eye caused by a virus. It is very contagious and sometimes it will result in large outbreaks depending on the virus. Bacterial conjunctivitis is the infection caused by certain bacteria. This is more common in kids than adults. Allergic conjunctivitis is the result of the body’s reaction to allergens such as pollen from trees, plants, grasses, etc. This occurs seasonally when allergens such as pollen counts are high.

Vaccines will prevent some infections associated with conjunctivitis. It is important to seek medical care for conjunctivitis (pink eye). See a healthcare provider if you have pain in the eye, sensitivity to light or blurred vision, intense redness in the eye, symptoms that get worse or do not improve and if you have a weakened immune system, for example from HIV infection, cancer treatment or other medical conditions.

For more tips on Eye care for conjunctivitis, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Eye Care for Prevention of Corneal Dystrophy

30 June 2023

VisualEyes Optometrists - Corneal Dystrophy

Eye care is crucial to maintaining good vision and overall health. Our practice will monitor your corneal dystrophy and detect any changes through regular eye exams. We guarantee our advanced diagnostic equipment, and we will prescribe necessary treatments or refer you to a corneal specialist if needed.

It is an eye disease that involves changes in the cornea or the clear front layer of your eye. Most corneal dystrophies are progressive, and they get worse over time. Some cause vision loss or pain, but some have no symptoms. The only way to know if you have corneal dystrophy is to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Your eye doctor will use a microscope with a bright light attached called a slit lamp and check your eyes for signs of corneal dystrophies. One of the most common corneal dystrophies is Keratoconus. It is normally diagnosed in teens and young adults. It causes the middle and lower parts of the cornea to get thinner over time. A cornea with keratoconus will bulge outward and become a cone shape. If you feel some symptoms of keratoconus like itchy eyes, double division, blurry vision, nearsightedness, astigmatism, or sensitivity to light, check with your eye specialist. If it gets worse, it will cause eye pain and more serious vision problems.

The good part is that most people with keratoconus will correct their vision problems by wearing glasses or contact lenses. Your eye doctor will also recommend a procedure called corneal cross-linking to strengthen your cornea. If your keratoconus causes severe corneal scarring or you have trouble wearing contact lenses, you will need a corneal transplant.

For more tips on Eye care for Corneal dystrophy, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Optometrist Eye Care to Prevent Computer Vision Syndrome

15 June 2023

VisualEyes Optometrists - Computer Vision Syndrome

Protect your eyes and break free from computer vision syndrome. It is a very common eye disorder affecting 90% of computer users who spend 3 hours or more than a day on screen. Eye health supplementation and regular eye exercises will help maintain healthy vision and reduce the incidence of eye diseases.

In this digital age, it is important to prioritize your eye health. Computer vision syndrome is an eye and vision-related problem that occurs in some people who spend long periods of time in front of a computer monitor resulting in eye strain and fatigue. If you and your family are experiencing eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and neck and shoulder pain are symptoms of computer vision syndrome. Remember, if you experience persistent eye strain or headaches, it is always best to consult with your optometrist to rule out any underlying conditions. Other risk factors of digital eye strain will include glare or reflections on a computer screen, incorrectly prescribed glasses, improper viewing distance or angle, and a lot more. If you noticed an uncomfortable dryness in your eyes lately, checking with your eye doctor specialists will help you prevent and manage this condition. Eye care professionals recommend over the age of 16 to have an eye test every two years and more frequently if they have an eye problem.

Remember, healthy eyes lead to a happier you! For your eye safety, get the best eye support, quick diagnosis, and advanced treatment with the help of our highly experienced team of doctors. Let us protect your vision together!

For more tips on Eye care for Computer Vision Syndrome, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Eye Care For Macular Degeneration

31 May 2023

VisualEyes Optometrists - Eye Care for Macular Degeneration

Do not take your eye problems lightly. Get expert eye care! The macula is the area of the retina where images are focused. It is the portion of the eye responsible for fine vision. Only a comprehensive eye test will accurately diagnose eye diseases such as macular degeneration.

Macular degeneration is an eye disease that will get worse over time. It is the leading cause of severe, permanent vision loss in people over age 60. Individuals with macular degeneration will experience blurred vision, straight objects will appear distorted or bent, there will be a dark spot near or around the center of the visual field and while reading, parts of words will be missing. Further, people with macular degeneration generally have good peripheral vision. They just do not see what is directly in front of them. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is associated with a lowered risk of macular degeneration. This protection is the result of increased intake of antioxidant vitamins and minerals. There are other nutritional supplements that are important like foundation supplements: high potency multiple, vitamin D, Fish oil. Lutein supplementation has been shown to be able to halt the progression of ARMD and lead to significant improvement in visual function.

Deciding on a treatment for macular degeneration will be difficult. Depending on the type and severity of your condition, different treatments will be better than others. With stem cell therapy, many of the patients reported significant improvement in their eyesight as well as eye movements. If you are at high risk of Macular degeneration or have been diagnosed with the disease, do not delay, consult the experts now.

For more tips on Eye Care Macular Degeneration, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


We’ll Treat Your Thyroid Eye Disease

15 May 2023

VisualEyes Optometrists - Thyroid Eye Disease

Thyroid eye diseases are curable. There are patients that are left with permanent changes while others the eyes return to normal. It is critical to seek early treatment than wait for the inflammation that will push the eyes forward or cause the eyes and eyelids to become reddish or swollen. The good part is that we help patients can control the severity of thyroid eye diseases.

Thyroid eye disease is associated with an over-active thyroid gland. In some patients, inflammation involves the eye muscles causing the eyes to become out of line, leading to double vision. There are also cases where thyroid eye disease causes blindness from pressure on the nerve in the back of the eye. There are symptoms of thyroid eye disease that includes bags under the eyes, experiencing blurred/double vision, change in the eyes’ appearance like staring or bulging, difficulty moving the eyes and many more. Some patients experienced blurred vision that did not improve even if they blink or cover either eye or double vision. Once these symptoms are developed, it is highly recommended to see your doctor immediately. These symptoms will grow increasingly worse over a period of several days or weeks. It is the reason early diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent the condition from worsening. Treatments are available depending on the level of cases the patient is experiencing. For mild cases to severe cases, it starts with eye drops that will help with dry eye relief or steroids or orbital radiotherapy will be considered.

There are some patients that are left with permanent double vision or a change in the appearance of their eyes. In this case, surgery is performed as a part of rehabilitative therapy. Further, thyroid eye disease will affect your quality of life. You will experience mood swings, anxiety, or irritability if you have fluctuating thyroid levels. Contact your doctor immediately to help manage these symptoms. Contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Eye Care for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

30 April 2023

VisualEyes Optometrists - Eye Care

Living a normal life with age-related macular degeneration is challenging. You’ll need to make some changes and adjustments to enjoy life to the fullest by limiting vision loss. Macular degeneration is a common eye disorder among people over 50. Those suffering it will experience blurred or reduced central vision due to the breaking down of the inner layers of the macula.

The first sign you will notice is a gradual or sudden change in the quality of your vision or that straight lines appear distorted to you. This will gradually turn into a dramatic loss of your central vision. Other symptoms include dark, blurry areas or whiteouts that appear in the center of your vision. If treatment is made early, many AMD patients will reduce the risk of significant vision loss and preserve their vision for many years. The timeline for the progression of dry AMD from the initial diagnosis to significant vision loss is usually over years or within 10 years. There are foods which will be avoided with macular degeneration like processed foods, high-fat dairy foods, fatty beef, pork and lamb, lard and vegetable shortening, and margarine. And for the supplement, Vitamins A, C, and E are the most effective vitamins for reducing the risk of macular degeneration. Remember eating healthy, getting regular exercise, and quitting smoking will greatly help.

Having a healthy lifestyle and lowering cholesterol will help lower your risk of macular degeneration and help prevent the dry form of the disease from progressing to the wet form which will cause permanent vision loss. And if left untreated, it will lead to the cause of permanent impairment of reading and fine or close-up vision among people over 65 years older.

Contact VisualEyes Optometrists and let us help you manage your macular degeneration.


Important Everyday Eye Care Routines

15 April 2023

VisualEyes Optometrists

When you follow basic eye care routines every day you hedge against an assortment of preventable or delayable eye diseases. One condition, not necessarily defined as a disease (but could be an indicator of a problem) is dark circles around the eyes. So, let’s get to some basic everyday lifestyle routines that promote good vision health.

Eyes are one of the most important vital organs in the body. Avoid rubbing your eyes and practicing frequent hand washing will greatly protect your eyes. Regularly applying SPF to skin will prevent sun damage. Protecting your eye from the sun in comparison to the rest of the face, the skin around the eyes is 10% thinner. Moisturizing everyday gives a healthy glow that will help conceal any already present imperfections.

When you are deprived of sleep, your body will produce more cortisol which makes blood vessels enlarge to fit the extra blood which makes dark circles more visible. So, sleep 7-8 hours every night. Ultraviolet exposure will make dark circles under the eyes worse. Sunglasses will shield the skin from the sun and stop the onset of dark circles. Staying hydrated is vital to your body because your body responds to dehydration by retaining water, which causes puffiness and under-eye bags. It is the reason why drinking 3 to 4 liters of water per day prevents this.

On top of all, take good care of your eyes and go for regular eye exams. Having regular eye checkups will protect and treat your eyes well. It is not easy to neglect basic eye care. There are some common eye problems that people experience that will be prevented with routine eye care. Take care of your eyes and your vision is well-protected.

For more tips on Eye Care, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


See You Eye Doc Immediately for Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

4 April 2023

VisualEyes Optometrists - Conjunctivitis

Do you have or suspect a member of your family has pink eye? If yes, that is a direct call to act. That is, call your optometrist team here in Fairfax, VA. At Here at Fairfax’s VisualEyes, we treat this common eye condition with prescription antibiotic eye that go to work and immediately begin to remedy the infection.

If left untreated, chronic conjunctivitis will cause permanent eye damage. Conjunctivitis happens in one or both eyes. Symptoms include redness, itchiness, a gritty feeling, excessive tearing, or a discharge that forms a crust that will prevent your eye or eyes from opening in the morning.

Conjunctivitis is also known as pink eye that occurs when the conjunctiva of the white part of the eyeball and the inner eyelid is irritated by an infection or allergies. It occurs with colds or symptoms of a respiratory infection such as sore throat. If this infection is left untreated, it will lead to infections of the cornea, eyelids and even tear ducts.

While others wearing contact lenses that are not cleaned properly will cause bacterial conjunctivitis. And people who are most at risk for contracting conjunctivitis are those with exposure to someone infected with viral or bacterial conjunctivitis contact with a known allergic irritant and contact lens wearers.

Pink eye treatment is commonly focused on symptom relief. We recommend using artificial tears, cleaning your eyelids with a wet cloth or applying cold or warm compresses. If the irritation is allergic conjunctivitis, your health care provider will prescribe one of many different types of eye drops for people with allergies. This will include medicines that help control allergic reactions such as antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers.

We will prescribe an antibiotic usually given topically as eye drops or ointment for bacterial conjunctivitis. The effect of antibiotics will shorten the length of infection, reduce complications, and reduce the spread to others. Antibiotics will be necessary if the case is serious with discharge (pus).

To help you properly manage your pink eye infection, contact us here at VisualEyes Optometrists.


What Is Diabetic Eye Disease and How To Manage It

15 March 2023

VisualEyes Optometrists - Diabetic Eye Treatment

Diabetic eye disease is a form of eye damage that is caused by an extended period of diabetes. It can lead to vision loss and even blindness if it is not properly managed. The most common forms of diabetic eye disease are diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma.

The most important step in caring for diabetic eye disease is to keep your diabetes under control. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina of the eye, leading to retinopathy. It is important to follow your primary care doctor’s instructions for managing your diabetes, including diet, exercise, and medications. Combine that with dedicated adherence to your eye doctor’s advice to help prevent damage to your vision.

It is important to have regular eye exams. Your doctor can monitor your eyes for any signs of diabetic eye disease and identify it early before it causes major damage. If you have any symptoms of vision changes, such as blurred vision, floaters, or flashes of light, make sure to report them to your doctor right away. It is also important to protect your eyes from further damage.

Wear sunglasses that block out 100% of UV rays when outdoors, and wear protective eyewear when participating in contact sports. Smoking can also increase your risk of diabetic eye disease, so it is important to quit if you smoke. Finally, it is important to eat a healthy diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in saturated fat and sodium. Eating a balanced diet will help keep your blood sugar levels in check and reduce the risk of diabetic eye disease.

If your vision is important to you, then listen and act upon your eye doctor’s advice. Since we know that your vision is most certainly important to you, make that next appointment with us here at VisualEyes Optometrists.


Eye Care For Hordeolum (Stye)

3 March 2023

VisualEyes Optometrists - Eye Care For Hordeolum (Stye)

It is an acute bacterial infection found in the lid of the eye. This infection is a common condition, and patients often present to their primary care physician or acute care center for evaluation and treatment. The patient usually presents with painful, erythematous inflammation of the eyelid. It usually forms on the eternal eyelid and is commonly referred to as a stye. This condition often lasts one to two weeks and is self-limiting and resolves on its own.

Hordeolum or stye is an infection and inflammation of the oil glands in the eyelids caused by bacteria. Anyone will get a stye for no reason at all. You will not always be able to prevent one. Although it does not endanger vision function, its presence is quite disturbing to comfort and aesthetic. It looks like a tiny pimple or swelling along your eyelash line. It forms a small, round bump or causes your entire eyelid or eye area to swell. It is caused by a bacterial infection which leads to a pus or liquid that will fill the swollen area. Styes are usually also caused by, among other things, dust, dirty hands rubbing the eyes, lack of cleanliness in cleaning makeup used or sometimes related to hormonal factors. It is important to take care of eye health by washing hands before touching the eye area and leaving the habit of rubbing eyes. And if you have contact lenses, clean the lens with the disinfectant cleaning solution. Avoid sleeping while wearing contact lenses or eye makeup. Furthermore, hordeolum lasts for two to five days. In some cases, a stye does not go away, see your doctor or other healthcare provider because a different eye condition will be causing your eye irritation and require treatment. Though they are not contagious, if you do not get treatment, it will spread the bacterial infection to other areas of your own eyelid or eyes.

In any case you need treatment, antibiotics will normally clear up a stye in three days to a week. A healthcare provider will need to prescribe them to you. Tell your doctor immediately if you have blurry vision after getting a stye. This will happen if the eyelid swells so much that it is pressing against your eye. Lastly, you will reduce the risk of a stye by practicing good hygiene.

For more eye care tips, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Benefits of Contact Lens vs Eye Glasses

15 February 2023

VisualEyes Optometrist - Contact Lens

Contact lenses are an increasingly popular vision correction option for people of all ages. They offer a range of benefits and advantages over traditional glasses. Here are some of the top benefits of using contact lenses:

  1. Improved Appearance: Contact lenses look more natural than glasses and can give you a more attractive, youthful appearance.
  2. Improved Peripheral Vision: Contact lenses do not obstruct your peripheral vision like glasses can, so you can have an improved field of vision.
  3. Reduced Distortion: Contact lenses do not cause the distortion that can happen with glasses, so you can see more clearly.
  4. Improved Comfort: Contact lenses are much more comfortable to wear than glasses, as they don't weigh anything and there is less pressure on your face.
  5. Improved Safety: Wearing contact lenses can be safer than glasses because they are less likely to shatter or break if you are involved in an accident.
  6. Improved Confidence: Contact lenses can help you to feel more confident in your appearance, as they are less noticeable than glasses.
  7. Improved Sports Performance: Contact lenses can help you to perform better in sports and other activities, as they provide you with a wider field of vision and don't obstruct your vision like glasses can.

Using contact lenses can have a range of benefits, from improved appearance and comfort to improved safety and sports performance. Whether you need vision correction or just want to feel more confident in your appearance, contact lenses are a great option to consider.

Contact VisualEyes Optometrist, we offer different kinds of contact lenses.


Care About Your Long-Term Vision Health? Get Your Retinas Imaged

30 January 2023

VisualEyes Optometrists - Retinas Imaged

Whenever you go for your annual eye checkup, chances are your eye doctor will ask if you want retinal imaging done at your annual exam. There is very good reason to say yes immediately.

Retinal imaging is an eye exam conducted by your ophthalmologist, you eye doctor. It provides your eye doctor to identify early signs of eye disease that might not present during a routine eye exam. Retinal imaging is a painless diagnostic exam that uses a high-resolution camera to take colored pictures of the back of your eye.

Retinal imaging is surgery-free which is a totally safe technique of taking pictures of the back of your eye or retina. It will give your eye doctor the chance to have a closer look at your retina, blood vessels, and optic nerve and know if you have some conditions. These conditions include diabetes, glaucoma, or age-related macular degeneration. It will also detect severe eye illnesses early and help you protect your vision. The procedure uses low-power lasers to take digital pictures of your retina. The light produced by the lasers goes onto your eye through the pupil. And when the light passes through to the retina, it leaves images that are collected by a machine, creating a detailed picture of the retina. Through these pictures, your eye doctor will check what information your retina is revealing about the health of your eye, body, and brain. And with this, the eye doctor will explain your eye conditions that the pictures show and suggest suitable treatment options.

The good part of retinal imaging is it provides key insights into the state of your vision. It is a fast, painless procedure and typically does not require eye dilation. It will allow your eye doctor to detect vision problems or eye diseases early on before they become more serious issues and potentially cause permanent damage.

For more tips on eye care, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Eye Care Tips to Prevent Cataracts

17 January 2023

VisualEyes Optometrists - Eye Care

There are many eye diseases that do not have symptoms or warning signs. You could have a problem before you know it. Even if you think your eyes are healthy, getting a dilated eye exam is the only way to know for sure. It is the only way to check for eye diseases early on when they are easier to treat and before they cause vision loss. Eye examinations will help detect cataracts and other eye problems at their earliest stages.

The technology behind cataract surgery has come a long way and is now done using lasers and or without any stitches. It is advisable to consult your eye doctor for the best-suited procedure before your cataract matures. Cataracts are a common part of the eye’s aging process. Since most cataracts are related to age, it happens due to the normal changes in your eyes as you get older. Cataracts develop quickly though they vary based on the individual. In the same way, the speed of cataract development even varies between the two eyes in the same person. But you will also get cataracts for other reasons like an eye injury or after surgery for another eye problem. While some types of radiation will cause cataracts. Cataracts cannot heal by themselves or with any sort of medication. When your prescription glasses will not clear your vision, the only effective treatment is surgery. Most eye doctors suggest cataract surgery when your cataracts begin to affect your quality of life or interfere with your ability to perform normal daily activities such as reading or driving at night.

Your eye health will impact your overall quality of life. For most people, there is no rush to remove cataracts because they usually do not harm the eyes. But it will worsen faster in people with certain conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity. When vision loss starts to interfere with your everyday activities, consider cataract surgery.

For more tips on Eye care, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


New Year’s Greetings

30 December 2022

New Year’s Greetings

We hope calendar year 2022 was memorable for all the right reasons and leaves you with only life-long heart-warming memories. As the dawn of the new year approaches, we extend our best wishes for the same throughout 2023. It is truly a privilege to serve you and to be uplifted by you. From all of us here at VisualEyes Optometrists we thank you and wish you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!



An Appreciative Happy Holidays Wish from All of Us

19 December 2022

Happy Holidays

The holidays have arrived. As we write this, we continue to do our very best to meet and exceed your expectations. Simultaneously, our hearts are filled with Holiday joy, too many to itemize fully. One of our greatest joys is our appreciation of you. Please know how much we value and are personally rewarded by our relationship.

For warming our hearts and for thinking of us when our business can meet your needs, everyone here at VisualEyes Optometrists offers our thanks and heartfelt greetings for a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, and joyful wishes for your every holiday celebration.


Warm Thanksgiving Wishes to You All

23 November 2022

Happy Thanksgiving

Our path to personal and professional success is paved by- and with- the quality souls with whom we have surrounded ourselves. And, we consider you a member of our extremely valued fraternity of customers, vendors, service providers, mentors, and friends. It has been a strange couple of years, and we all have each other to thank for surviving and thriving. For this we give thanks.

This Thanksgiving we would like to use this week's blog to communicate our heartfelt appreciation for all the support, loyalty, service quality, and passion for our business we have received this past year. Going forward, our commitment is to even better strengthen our business and our relationships throughout into 2023 and beyond.

Warm Thanksgiving wishes, to you all.


Eye Care: Prevention of Hay fever or Severe Allergic Eye Diseases

17 November 2022

VisualEyes Optometrists

The impact of seasonal weather change commonly delivers (sometime severe) allergy-related eye diseases. Seasonal allergies are an allergic response causing itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and other similar symptoms. It is like other types of allergies that develop when the body’s immune system overreacts to something in the environment, especially during the season when certain plants pollinate.

Eye allergies are a reaction to indoor and outdoor allergens that get into your eyes. They are an easy target for allergens and irritants because they are exposed and sensitive. Examples of these are pollen, mold spores, dust mite and pet danger. They are not contagious. Normally, allergy sufferers will experience short-term vision blurriness and fortunately eye allergies will not cause long-term damage except if it is not a severe or potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. And the respiratory will have breathing through the mouth or wheezing. Whenever there are allergies, it suggests sneezing, a runny nose or watery eyes. While these are symptoms of some types of allergic disease, it is important to understand that the body responds to these allergens by releasing chemicals, including histamines, which produce the inflammation. Viruses and bacteria will also cause the same irritation of the eyes. Some medications and cosmetics will also cause eye allergy symptoms. The best option to prevent allergies is to avoid contact with things that trigger your eye allergies.

If you and your child are suffering from severe allergic eye discomfort, seek medical help. Do not wait to see if the symptoms go away. Eye allergy symptoms will disappear completely when the allergen is removed or after the allergy is treated. It is necessary to talk to your optometrist about what is best for you.

For more tips on Eye Care, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Keep An Eye on Your Vision’s Health

31 October 2022

VisualEyes Optometrists - Eye Exam

A regular eye exam is very important to detect eye conditions in the early stages. Eye exams will find out certain eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration which will lead to vision loss. Eye doctors perform routine and focused eye exams to determine eye health and diagnose any eye disease. Keeping an eye on your vision health will give you enormous returns for life.

There are many eye diseases that will go unnoticed for years before causing problems to your vision. Your vision changes over time, the reason why it is necessary to visit your Optometrist. From the start of childhood and adolescence the demands on a child’s vision grow as the print in textbooks shrinks and the amount of time spent studying increases. Learning will be difficult when there are vision problems present. During young adulthood, it is essential to continue protecting your eyes during everyday activities to avoid worsening vision and delay age-related eye issues for as long as possible. Studies show that common eye issues from the ages of 19 to 40 are eye injuries and visual stress. And during middle adulthood you will notice mild to moderate changes in your vision that will progress overtime. You will begin having trouble seeing close-ups as when reading or working at a computer. This is a normal age-related change known as presbyopia.

And when you reach the senior age of 60 and above you will most likely experience a range of eye diseases that will cause permanent changes to your vision. Early detection of problems will more likely be treated effectively and retain good vision for longer. A yearly eye exam is recommended for all ages even if you have generally good vision. Early detection of eye diseases will maintain and preserve your eye health and vision.

For more tips on eye care, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Prevent Dry Eye Disease

15 October 2022


VisualEyes Optometrists - Prevent Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye discomfort is annoying and even painful. It is a common condition that occurs when your tears are not able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. It will strongly influence your quality of life which prevents you from engaging in daily activities. In order to avoid experiencing the symptoms it is necessary to talk to your eye care professional.

Many people with dry eyes will experience irritated, gritty, scratchy or burning eyes, a feeling of something in their eye and blurred vision. Dry eye discomfort will be experienced. There is eye redness, sensitivity to light, difficulty wearing contact lenses, stringy mucus in or around eyes are some of the symptoms. It becomes more common with age. Dry eyes are a part of the natural aging process. This will occur due to hormonal changes that make the eyes produce fewer tears. Dry eyes will be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Testing of your eyes will emphasize on the evaluation of the quantity and quality of tears produced by your eyes. This treatment for dry eyes will restore or maintain the normal number of tears in the eye to minimize dryness and related discomfort. The doctor will prescribe treatment to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable to prevent your vision from being affected.

Make eye care a part of your day care. Talk to your eye care professional about your dry eye symptoms and consider tips for self-care. A thorough evaluation by your eye doctor is needed to determine the exact cause of your vision symptoms and keep your eyes healthy, comfortable and seeing well.

For more tips on eye care, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Your Eye Doctor Can Ward Off Unseen Eye Disease

3 October 2022

Visual Eyes Optometrists - Uveitis

Eye checks are vital health assessments. It will spot signs of eye disease years before you notice a change in your vision. There are many problems with the eye and the most common is Uveitis which is the eye inflammation and swelling that destroys eye tissues. Uveitis is a broad term for many diseases of the eye that will lead to poor vision or blindness.

If you are experiencing the signs of inflammatory eye disease it is necessary to seek immediate medical attention. Uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye called the uvea or uveal tract. It will cause eye pain and changes in your vision. If you already have these conditions, find an eye doctor and see him regularly. Prompt diagnosis and treatment will help save your vision. Your eye doctor will want to know about your medical history and overall health. He will give you a thorough eye exam. Initially, the doctor will give you eye drops that have medicine to fight inflammation. It will prevent scarring and relax your eye muscles to cut eye twitches. If an infection causes your uveitis, the infection fighters include antibiotics and antivirals. If your uveitis is severe, the doctor will prescribe stronger drugs. There are other uveitis cases wherein the treatment will depend on the severity of the case.

The treatment of uveitis is highly important that will prevent serious complications because it will be a result of other diseases. There are cases wherein the cause will not be identified. Uveitis will be a serious problem that will lead to permanent vision. It is necessary to get early diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications and preserve your vision. Take care of your eye health and make it part of your eye care routine.

For more tips on eye care, contact Visual Eyes Optometrists.


Thyroid Eye Problem Prevention

15 September 2022

VisualEyes Optometrists - Thyroid Eye Problem Prevention

Taking care of your whole self is vital. It is highly important to keep your body healthy and you need to keep your eyes healthy too. Your eyes are an important part of your health. There are some eye diseases that will lead to vision loss just like a thyroid eye problem. It is important to identify and treat eye diseases as early as possible. Getting your eyes checked especially if you have thyroid eye problems with your healthcare provider will be very beneficial if attended to as early as possible.

Thyroid eye problem is experienced by people with too much thyroid hormone or hyperthyroidism and it will also happen to have an underactive thyroid. It is surprising because you will get it even if you have a normal thyroid level too. To be safe, it is better to take note of some early symptoms of thyroid eye diseases like itching, watering or dry eyes and a feeling of grittiness of the eyes. There are some who experience swelling around the eyelids while others the front of the eye becomes swollen. Those are early signs of thyroid eye problem. This eye disease will cause problems with your eyes and eyesight and that includes pain, pressure, dryness, and trouble closing your eyes. It is necessary to have it checked by your doctor for immediate treatment to deal with the underlying cause of the condition.

Giving priority in caring for your overall physical and mental health is of utmost importance. You will give your body the best shot in managing the symptoms being experienced. Visiting your health service provider whenever you experience any vision problem or eye problem will greatly help in the early treatment of the disease. It will feel your best as you treat your condition at an early stage.

For more tips on Eye care of Thyroid Eye Problem, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Eye Care: Vision Exercises Will Boost Your Vision

30 August 2022

VisualEyes Optometrists - Eye Care

Ask anyone with diminished eyesight, they’ll tell you had they known about ways to protect their eyesight, they would have done it. We’re here today to let you know exactly how to do this.

Exercising your eyes requires some doctor guidance in order to have effective results. Some eye exercises will include the near and far focus. This is alternating between near and far focus that will help train your focusing system to engage and relax appropriately. Hold your thumb 10 inches from your face and focus on it for 15 seconds. After fifteen seconds, shift your gaze to a target 6 meters away and again hold your focus for 15 seconds. Repeating several times will give a positive improvement in your vision. Another common exercise is the 20-20-20 rule. It is the easiest exercise to remember with every 20 minutes of using your eyes for near work, look at a target 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Then return to your near activity and start the process again. These are examples of eye exercises to name a few.

Solving vision problems must be conducted on a case-by-case. It is recommended that your eye doctor provide tailored eye exercises for your specific case for better vision. Visiting your eye doctor for comprehensive exams will ensure that nothing more serious will cause your vision issues and is expected to improve your eyesight.

For more tips on eye care, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Eye Care: Astigmatism Symptoms and Treatment

15 August 2022

VisualEyes Optometrists - Eye Care

If you experience blurred and/or distorted images, headache, eyestrain, or difficulty with night vision, these are all common symptoms of astigmatism. It is highly advisable to talk to your eye doctor if you suffer any of these symptoms and have newfound concerns for your vision. Treating astigmatism is something that can deliver invaluable vision benefits.

The common eye problem that affects one in three people as per survey is Astigmatism. It happens as observed with nearsightedness or farsightedness. With astigmatism it will affect you in two different types. The corneal astigmatism is where the cornea is egg-shaped instead of round. And the other type of lenticular astigmatism that affects the lens and not the cornea. There are lenses that have imperfections and prevent images from reaching the retina clearly. And for the appearance it has a normal-shaped cornea or there are cases where they have both. There is a diagnostic test measure done on how your eyes focus light and what type of lenses you will need to improve your vision. Further, for an unbalanced astigmatism wherein the difference between the two eyes will cause lazy eye. As you all know, a lazy eye is an eye condition where vision in one eye is weaker than the other. Your eye specialist who will be performing a complete eye exam will diagnose the problem.

The best treatment for astigmatism of all degrees is corrective lenses. There are options for you to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses. It will depend on the degree of your case where for very slight astigmatism and no other conditions (such as nearsightedness or farsightedness), you will need glasses. And for moderate or high astigmatism, you will likely need corrective lenses.

For more tips on eye care, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Eye Care for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

29 July 2022

VisualEyes Optometrists - Eye Care

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is considered a top cause of vision loss for those people over 50. AMD is receiving more and more attention over the years because of its worldwide effect upon the 50+ age group. As you get older, you are at higher risk of developing age-related eye diseases and conditions.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is generally characterized by the loss of central vision. The loss of cells in the area causing blurred or distorted central vision contributes to vision loss but not total blindness. There is the macula which is the small central portion of the retina that contains millions of nerve cells (cones) that are sensitive to light. This portion of the retina is responsible for detailed vision such as facial recognition and reading. In cases where the AMD is severe, people who are suffering this problem will benefit from laser or injection of medication. Many vision problems and eye diseases become more prevalent with age and it will be prevented or corrected if you see your family physician regularly to check for any eye diseases that will cause problems, like diabetes, etc. Visiting your ophthalmologist or optometrist every year is very helpful.

Since there are many eye problems that are common as people age, there are simple things that require to be done in order to prevent discomfort and improve vision no matter how old you are. The solution will be simple, visit your eye doctor regularly for comprehensive eye exam and take special precautions if you have diabetes or a family history of eye disease,

For more information regarding professional eye care, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Eye Exams Prevent #1 Cause of Blindness Trachoma

15 July 2022

VisualEyes Optometrists - Eye Exam

Trachoma is the world’s leading cause of blindness. It is an infectious disease caused by bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Trachoma almost always affects both eyes. It will be present even in children with clean faces. In other cases, children with active trachoma will have red, sore, sticky eyes and discharge from the nose. This eye disease is common in places with overcrowding and poor hygiene.

Trachoma is a neglected tropical eye disease The symptoms of trachoma begin with mild itching and irritation of the eyes and eyelids. It spreads through personal contact via hands, clothes or bedding. It is also transmitted by flies that contact with discharge from the eyes or nose of an infected person. In the early stages of trachoma, treatment with antibiotics alone will be enough to eliminate the infection. However it depends on the severity of the case because if the disease is treated in the late stage, surgery will be administered. As trachoma progresses, scarring develops under the eyelids. If left untreated, this condition will result in visual impairment and blindness. After the incubation period the infected person will infect others too. Trachoma is very infectious in its early stage and will be infectious on and off as long as active infection persists.

In order to break the cycle of trachoma transmission, it is highly recommended good hygiene practices such as hand washing and the washing of children’s faces at least once a day with water. A single dose of an antibiotic which is prescribed by qualified primary health care staff, nurses or doctors is recommended for treatment of active trachoma to the person being treated and anyone who is living in the same house with the person.

For more tips on Prevention of Trachoma, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Eye Care: Prevention of Thyroid Eye Disease

30 June 2022

Eye Care: Prevention of Thyroid Eye Disease - Fairfax VA

People with high levels of thyroid hormones or hyperthyroidism are of particular risk for eye disease. If you have underactive thyroid less commonly you will experience this disease and very rare if you have normal thyroid levels. Check with your eye doctor to determine if you ever had thyroid problems or have an autoimmune disease and submit for blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels and confirm the diagnosis.

Most people with thyroid eye disease will already know once they have thyroid disease or sometimes it is the first problem that brings the person to the eye doctor’s clinic. The patient normally experienced dry eyes, watery eyes, red eyes, bulging eyes or a ‘stare’ double vision. Others experienced difficulty in closing their eyes and problems with visions. Thyroid eye disease will affect many different parents of the eyes and its surrounding tissues. Obviously most patients have an abnormal immune reaction causing swelling in the tissues of the eyelids and orbit that will make the eyelids look puffy or as if the person has ‘baggy’ eyelids. Early treatment if addressed early will include medications to suppress the production of hormone by the thyroid gland, radioactive iodine to eliminate hormone-producing cells and surgery to remove the thyroid tissue.

The biggest risk of untreated thyroid eye disease is vision loss. It includes blurriness and double vision. Thyroid eye disease will be managed well with appropriate treatment. In order to assess your vision and the changes in the tissues around your eyes, visit your eye doctor because there are several tests your eye doctor will perform. The earlier the diagnosis the better it will maintain your hormone level to normal.

For more tips on Thyroid eye disease, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Diabetic? Your Eye Doctor Is There to Protect You Against Preventable Eye Disease

15 June 2022

VisualEyes Optometrists

An eye exam is the only way to detect common eye diseases. Many eye diseases have no early warning signs, and many people are at risk for certain eye conditions but are unaware of them. Since diabetes impacts the eyes, it is recommended for diabetics to see their eye doctor regularly. Do not wait until it is too late. Appreciate your eyes and give them some love.

Diabetic eye disease has no warning signs and will lead to vision loss or blindness if left untreated. If you have diabetes, visit your eye care professional at least once a year for a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Ninety-five percent of severe vision loss from diabetes will be prevented with early detection, timely treatment, and appropriate follow-up care. The diabetic eye disease is a group of eye disorders that occur as a complication of diabetes. It includes diabetic retinopathy, macular oedema, cataract, and glaucoma. If not diagnosed early and managed properly, it will cause significant vision loss and blindness. Due to the absence of early symptoms, diabetic eye disease will develop without one knowing that he has diabetes. Hence having knowledge of the disease, its signs, and symptoms and how it will be managed and prevented will be helpful.

Since diabetes impacts the eyes, it is recommended to take steps to prevent diabetic eye disease or keep it from getting worse, by taking care of your diabetes. The best ways to manage your diabetes and keep your eyes healthy are to manage your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol, sometimes called the diabetes ABCs. Your eye health and care are the number one priority.

For more tips on Diabetic eye disease, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Eye Care: Preventing and Treating Dry Eye Diseases

31 May 2022

There are millions of people suffering from dry eyes and do not even realize it. If you are experiencing ongoing stinging, burning, or scratchiness in your eyes, you might be suffering from dry eye disease. Luckily there are safe treatments to help treat the dry eyes. With professional eye care, there is prevention and/or treatment dry eye diseases waiting to dramatically improve your quality of life.

It is important to visit your eye doctor to check your symptoms and find the appropriate treatment for you. Finding out the root cause of your dry eye and how it will get better. Dry eye will be either temporary or chronic condition. If it is chronic and you have suffered from it for some time now, your symptoms will get better. The longer you wait to be treated, the bigger your problems.

Your Doctor of Optometry will prescribe medications for your eyes and recommend taking supplements containing Omega-3 fatty acids or eating dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids such as tuna. Fatty acids will decrease dry eye symptoms in some patients. Other cases, your doctor will recommend surgery to plug the drainage holes at the corners of your eyelids. These holds are where tears drain from your eye to your nose. There is a plug called lacrimal plugs that is normally inserted by an eye doctor. The plugs are not painful or permanent and you will not feel it.

Eye care treatment is important because in cases of dry eye if not treated, it will be painful and lead to infections. It will pose several complications that will damage your cornea which is the front part of your eye. Loss of vision will happen. Further, dry eyes will decrease your quality of life and make it difficult to handle your everyday tasks.

For more tips on Dry eye diseases, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Eye Care: Prevent Vision Loss from Glaucoma

15 May 2022

VisualEyes Optometrists - Professional Eye Care

There are many things to be done to keep your eyes healthy and make sure you are seeing your best. It is important to visit your Eye care professional for a comprehensive dilated eye exam which is the only way to really be sure. There are common eye diseases like glaucoma which often do not have any warning signs. And the only way to detect these diseases in their early stages is through a dilated eye exam. With eye care, give time to prevent vision loss from glaucoma.

Anyone is at risk to get glaucoma. Taking a closer look at glaucoma, it is caused by high pressure inside your eyes. For others with diabetes, it will also be a risk factor for glaucoma. There are many preventions for glaucoma and the best way is getting a regular dilated eye exam and regular check-up with your ophthalmologist in order to check your eye pressure and the size/color of your optic nerve. It is glaucoma that slowly damages the eye’s optic nerve which is the important link between the eye and the brain. Unfortunately, many people with glaucoma usually lose vision before they notice any problems with their eyes. Identifying signs of vision loss from glaucoma usually affects the peripheral vision first and later it will affect the central vision which is important for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks like reading and driving.

The sad news is that you will never get back any vision you lose from glaucoma. However, there are ways to prevent serious vision loss and blindness from glaucoma. And regular eye exams play a big role in saving sight. Visiting your optometrist will find the disease in its early stages and treat it in order to delay the onset of the disease and decrease the risk of severe eye damage or blindness.

For more tips on Prevention of Glaucoma, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Diabetes and Eye Care Concerns

30 April 2022

If you suffer from diabetes, you are at a higher risk than normal for eye disease. Understanding the risk factors that diabetes introduce to comprehensive eye care is critical. Treating diabetic retinopathy is a vision care service that we provide to manage the negative effects of the disease. The condition negatively affects vision due to the damaging effect upon the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Most vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy is preventable with early detection and intervention.

Diabetic Retinopathy cannot be cured. It can be prevented by managing blood sugar. High blood sugar causes damage to the blood vessels in the eyes. It will not cause no symptoms or only mild vision problems but will lead to poor eye health and vision impairment. The worsening of the eye condition or Diabetic Retinopathy are due to the high cholesterol, poor blood sugar control, high blood pressure, smoking, eating unhealthy foods, sedentary lifestyle, etc. It is helpful to be aware of the possible risk factors that will lead to eye complications for early detection. In order to lower the risk of diabetic retinopathy and vision impairment, it is necessary to keep your blood pressure at 140/80 or below. Maintaining a normal blood pressure is beneficial as controlling your blood sugar in order to prevent eye complications. And one way to control blood sugar and pressure is exercise because when you exercise regularly, the oxygen content in the blood increases.

There are many ways you will control and monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and many other factors leading to diabetic eye complications. And the most effective ways are to exercise regularly, drink plenty of water, eat healthy foods and most of all have a complete eye exam yearly. It will be able to track the changes in the eyes or vision and the symptoms associated with Diabetic Retinopathy.

For more tips on Diabetic Retinopathy, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Eye Care: Lazy Eye (Amblyopia) Early Detection Will Prevent Long-Term Problems for Child's Vision

15 April 2022

Eye Care: Lazy Eye (Amblyopia) Early Detection Will Prevent Long-Term Problems for Child's Vision

The earlier the child is diagnosed with lazy eye or Amblyopia, the greater chance it will be controlled. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential for both immediate and long-term eye health.

This eye disorder normally develops from birth up to age seven years. Commonly, it is the leading cause of decreased vision among children. And for adults after undergoing treatments or vision therapy, it is the time that an increase in the function of the amblyopic eye appears.

It is important that once a lazy eye is detected early in life, it has to be treated immediately in order to avoid reduced vision. However, there are some which are left untreated that will severely result in visual disability in the affected eye including legal blindness. It is unavoidable that amblyopia will come back after treatment is finished. Hence, it is highly important to continue to watch your child for symptoms if they do come back and treatment will need to be done again. The treatment of lazy eye or amblyopia is through glasses or contact lenses. Corrective glasses or contact lenses will be prescribed due to nearsighted, farsightedness or astigmatism. And another treatment is wearing an eye patch over your dominant eye that will help strengthen your weaker eye.

In order to help prevent long-term problems with your child’s vision, it is important to have a complete eye exam between ages 3 and 5. Early diagnosis and treatment will treat the eye with poorer vision that is usually corrected. See your child’s doctor immediately for a vision check if you notice his eye wandering after the first few weeks of life.

For more tips on Lazy eye or Amblyopia, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Treat Blurred Vision or Refractive Errors ASAP Before Your Condition Worsens

30 March 2022

Treat Blurred Vision or Refractive Errors ASAP Before Your Condition Worsens - Arlington, VA

If you suffer from blurred vision or clear decrease in your ability to focus, you have a health issue that needs prompt attention. It is important to see your eye doctor for a checkup immediately. This can happen to anyone, young or senior. You might notice that your vision is blurry at times and might even seemingly return to normal. Then blurriness returns. With professional eye care you can end this problem and dramatically improve your quality of life.

Taking care of your eyes is vital and protecting them against injury or infection is crucial to keep it perfect. Eyes are the most beautiful part of your body. There are common vision problems that are normally experienced by many people. There is Myopia or nearsightedness in which the person is unable to focus properly on things that are far away. And the other one is Hyperopia or farsightedness in which the person has trouble focusing on things close up because their eyes are too short from front to back. And another condition called Presbyopia or loss of near vision with age. The last one is Astigmatism where the eye is differently shaped. This is where the cornea is not perfectly round to be able to see well either close up or far away. These refractive errors are very common eye disorders. It normally occurs when the eye cannot clearly focus the images from the outside world. This results in a blurred vision and that if it becomes severe it will cause visual impairment. All these refractive errors are treatable and will be corrected.

The best thing you will do in order to take care of your eyes is to have them checked by your doctor whenever you are having trouble seeing or your eyes are bothering you. Blurred vision will be a result of numerous health conditions. It is better to have your eyes examined by an eye specialist. The optometrist will diagnose which refractive error you have and treat to keep your eyes and vision working. Take care of your eyes because the beauty you carry resides in your eyes.

For more tips on Blurry Vision, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Detecting Glaucoma Early Can Save Your Vision

15 March 2022

VisualEyes Optometrists - Detecting Glaucoma in Fairfax, VA

Every human is at risk for glaucoma and other eye diseases. It is very important to have regular eye exams because early detection protects your vision. Detection and treatment will slow or prevent vision loss. It will be treated by lowering your eye pressure because once its build up it causes damage to the optic nerve. With eye care, it gives prevention of glaucoma or prolonging the possibility of vision loss.

Survey shows that glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness. It is very important to detect the early signs of glaucoma in order that it will be diagnosed and treated before the significant vision loss occurs. A yearly eye exam is highly recommended for vision changes and diseases such as glaucoma. As eye care is very important there are some symptoms which you will seek immediate help once you have experienced it. The first sign which is normally experienced as a sign of glaucoma is loss of peripheral or side vision. There are cases where whenever you see halos around lights they are unusually sensitive to light which is another sign of glaucoma. And if you feel pain in your eyes and there is redness in the eye it is a possibility of an injury, infection or acute glaucoma. There are many more signs however these are just of the top three visible and common signs of glaucoma disease.

Many people are unaware that they have the glaucoma disease. It is necessary to have an eye check up regularly because different types of glaucoma present different alternative warning signs and sometimes there are even no symptoms. Vision lost to glaucoma will never be recovered. It is essential to monitor it carefully to prevent as much vision loss as possible.

For more tips on the prevention and treatment of Glaucoma, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Your Vision: Is Refractive Errors a Problem for You?

28 February 2022

Your Vision: Is Refractive Errors a Problem for You? - Arlington, VA

Refractive errors is a visual impairment that many don’t even know that they suffer from. They must be diagnosed via eye examination and treated with corrective glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery. If undiagnosed and untreated, you can suffer measurable visual degradation. Eye care appointment is the best solution to consult your eye doctor for your child’s visual needs and utmost proficiency in refractive error problems. With eye care on refractive errors, it brings awareness to visual impairment.

The early detection and treatment of any eye disease will significantly help reduce the chances of having long term and irreparable vision damage. Regular checkups will help prevent blindness and other eye diseases. It is the eye doctor who will correct refractive errors with glasses or contact lenses or fix the refractive error with surgery. Glasses, eyeglasses are the simplest and safest way to correct refractive errors. Refractive errors are treatable cases. In order to treat them, the optometrist will first diagnose which refractive error you have. There are four types of refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), presbyopia (loss of near vision with age) and astigmatism. Any of these refractive errors experienced blurred vision, difficulty in reading or seeing up close and crossing of the eyes for children.

In this way, regular checks will help prevent blindness and other eye diseases. And it is better if early detection is being done in order that treatment will reduce the chances of worsening the damage in your eyes. It is the eye care professional who will diagnose a refractive error during the routine eye examination. And normally testing is being done by allowing the patient to read a vision chart while testing an assortment of lenses in order to maximize the patient’s vision. In this way a happy patient will enjoy the power to see the world clearly. He will enjoy the freedom to appreciate everything.

For more tips on Eye care, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Dry Eye Disease: Sow Seeds of Care For Your Eyes And It Will Bear Fruits of Good Eye Health

15 February 2022

Dry Eye Disease: Sow Seeds of Care For Your Eyes And It Will Bear Fruits of Good Eye Health - Alexandria, VA

It is one of the most under diagnosed eye conditions, yet one of the most exhausting issues. Dry eye disease is the loss of the vital liquid that exposes lymphocytes, drying them out and leading to discomfort and irritation. It will always be a serious problem if not treated. Like a dry eye disease, it is better to sow seeds of care for your eyes and it will bear fruits of good eye health.

Normally, you experience burning, itchy, sensitive eyes that affect your daily life. And having dry eyes will become a truly serious condition that if left untreated will cause vision loss. It is important to visit your Eye Specialists for prompt treatment even if the symptoms are just mild. Nothing beats an immediate treatment that will prevent further complications. Though it is a common condition, dry eye disease is caused by the eyes which are unable to remain wet. This will cause the eyes to feel uncomfortable and will result in vision problems. Giving time and attention to your eye problem will prevent developing dry eye infection that will make it difficult to perform everyday activities such as reading, etc. And for severe dry eyes it will lead to eye inflammation, corneal ulcers, vision loss and abrasion of the corneal surface. It will further worsen due to some external factors that will aggravate dry eye symptoms like prolonged stay in the computer and exposure to air conditioning, heating, dust and allergens.

Caring for your eyes is very important in order to prevent developing symptoms of dry eyes. However, there is also a possible cause which is encountering dry eye disease as part of the aging process which is inevitable. Eye care and treatment is needed and it will include lifestyle changes and eye drops. These measures will be taken indefinitely to control the symptoms of dry eyes. And treatment for dry eyes will make you more comfortable.

For more tips on Dry eye disease, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Professional Eye Care Limits Glaucoma Risk

31 January 2022

VisualEyes Optometrists - Professional Eye Care

Glaucoma is an eye disease that robs people of the gift of clear sight. This condition is difficult to diagnose especially if treated in the late stage of the disease. Since glaucoma develops slowly over the years, the regular eye exam helps greatly with the early detection. Eye care will counteract glaucoma risk factors if treated in time.

Many of the patients only seek treatment when they notice that they are losing their sight. In this case, it implies that the critical damage has already occurred in your eyes. The optic nerve that connects the eye to the brain has been damaged that requires immediate treatment in order to avoid irreparable blindness. However, there are different types of glaucoma and treatment varies too. Once the patient has been diagnosed with glaucoma, it will not be cured and the vision that has been lost will not be restored. However. further sight loss will be prevented and controlled through medication or surgery. Glaucoma patients will be given lifelong supervision for best results and care.

A comprehensive eye exam is an important part of caring for your eyes, vision and overall health. It is necessary to submit for periodic eye and vision examinations that are a very important part of preventive health care. Many eye and vision problems have no obvious signs or symptoms as such no one knows that a problem exists. Hence, early diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision problems will help prevent vision loss. Take care of your beautiful eyes and get the necessary treatment.

For more tips on Eye care, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Scheduled Professional Eye Care: Better Vision For A Better Tomorrow

15 January 2022

Scheduled Professional Eye Care: Better Vision For A Better Tomorrow - Fairfax, VA

There are many things to care for your eyes, making sure it is healthy and that you are seeing your best. Regular eye exams will give your eyes the necessary attention they need. Like your body it is important to keep it healthy as such it is important to keep your eyes healthy too. With eye care, it is for better vision for a better tomorrow.

Your eyes need ample rest too. In order to relieve stress it is important to blink, refocus them from near to a far placed object and palming that will relieve the stress. It is necessary to keep your eyes irritated free, soothed and relaxed. Nothing comes close to protecting your eyes naturally for a better vision. Visiting with your eye surgeon will enhance the patient's life and improve their vision. In order to get the best quality for your vision, it is good to choose the most skilled eye doctor that will give you the preventative care tips to prevent vision loss, detection of possible diseases and preservation of your eye sight. Overall health and quality of life is of utmost benefit that you will enjoy.

Regular check up is vital in caring for your eyes. It is important that you get your eyes checked as often as your doctor recommends it. In any case you have a vision problem, the doctor will prescribe treatments that will prevent vision loss and other eye diseases. It is highly important because some eye diseases do not have any warning signs. It is the only way to detect these diseases in their early stages while they are easier to treat. Prevention is better than cure.

For more tips on Eye care, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Happy New Year Wishes from Visual Optometrists

20 December 2021

Happy New Year Wishes from VisualEyes Optometrists

Our warmest New Year’s wishes from the entire team here at VisualEyes Optometrists. Calendar year 2021 and these ever-challenging global events placed heavy burdens upon us all. But in many ways, and supported by family, friends, and all of you, 2021 was a uniquely remarkable year, reminding us of hope, family, gatherings and more. This time of year reminds us to recognize the joy that each and every one of you has brought to our lives. We recognize that our business exists because of your friendship, fellowship, trust, and loyalty.

Our New Year’s resolution is to nurture our ever strengthening partnership with you and to deliver value to you, your business, and your family through the entirety of 2022.

Throughout this Holiday season may you be blessed with health and surrounded by friends and family. We hope that the new year brings all of you uninterrupted good health, happiness, and prosperity. Happy New Year from VisualEyes Optometrists. As Anne Frank said, “What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t even happened yet.”


Professional Eye Care Leads To Healthier And Happier Lifestyle

15 December 2021

Professional Eye Care Leads To Healthier And Happier Lifestyle - Alexandria, VA

A good vision helps people get to see the world. Caring for your eyes will give a great value to your eyes and your vision. With good eyesight it is the most important function in your body therefore it requires the utmost best care possible. Eye care leads to a healthier and happier lifestyle.

There are simple things that will keep your eyes healthy just by giving more time and attention. Giving your eyes the best and utmost protection will in turn give back the most visible and worry-free eyes away from possible eye diseases. Most importantly, it is necessary to prevent eye injuries while doing the daily activities. If it is necessary wear safety glasses depending on what kind of work that is best for you. Another important tip for caring for your eye is visiting your eye doctor for check up. It is better to know beforehand if you have eyestrain, blurriness and signs for any possible eye diseases like diabetes, glaucoma and other illnesses. Knowing the problem earlier will prevent from making it worse or giving the earliest possible treatment necessary.

There will always be some eye problems that will crop up even with the best eye care routine made. However visiting your eye care provider will help maintain healthy eyes and vision throughout that will give long term vision preservation. Many diseases will be checked, monitored and treated that will provide a lifetime of healthy eyes and eyesight. And everything starts with routine check-ups and preventive care.

For more tips on Eye care, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Thanksgiving Greetings From VisualEyes Optometrists

23 November 2021

Happy Thanksgiving Day From VisualEyes Optometrists

Very warm Thanksgiving greetings from all of us at VisualEyes Optometrists. As business owners, clients, prospective clients, friends and family, and suppliers our sense of appreciation for all of you has never been higher.

Like us, each of you have had unique and serious challenges during the last couple of years, most likely both professionally and personally. We are reflecting upon these challenging times with a “glass half-full” perspective and we hope that you all are doing the same. Each and every one of you has delivered a positive and enduring effect on us and our business as well as on those around you. We hope that in some way we’ve done the same for you.

Wishing you sincere peace and joy this Thanksgiving holiday. While surrounded by family and friends, we take time for positive reflection upon all of life’s blessings, we hope that you do as well. Happy Thanksgiving from everyone here at VisualEyes Optometrists.


Regular Eye Care Prevents Vision Loss

15 November 2021

Regular Eye Care Prevents Vision Loss - Fairfax, VA

Many common vision problems can be prevented with regular eye care treatment services. It’s so very unfortunate that so many of you out there fail to take advantage of your existing vision care insurance coverage that not only protects your most valued sense of sight but does it also most always at zero out of pocket expense!

Vision problems are very common regardless of age. It is essential to practice eye care habits everyday in order to prevent eye problems, maintain your eye health and keep your vision sharp. The common causes of vision loss are eye trauma, cataract, glaucoma and other diseases due to chronic health conditions. In order to avoid vision problems, it is necessary to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam. The regular visit to the eye doctor is a preventative maintenance for the rest of your body. With the visual inspection, the optometrists will easily know many health conditions and vision problems just by looking into your eyes. Caring for your eyes, you will experience quality vision and ocular comfort and your vision will be stabilized and greatly reduced ocular pain. Adding more you will never experience eye strain, dry eyes, headache or even problems in sleeping.

Vision problems will be avoided by caring for a functioning eyes and vision system that will reduce the risk of chronic health conditions, injuries, social isolation and other psychological problems. Visiting your eye doctor will help you preserve and protect your vision. It will make your future colorful and full of life.

For more tips on Vision Loss, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


There is No Limit To What You Can See and Achieve With Clear Vision

30 October 2021

There is No Limit To What You Can See and Achieve With Clear Vision - Arlington, VA

All successes in life depend on the beauty of life and the clarity of your vision. It is very important to have a clear vision because success comes to those with a clear vision. With a clear vision, you are opening your success for today and for the future. There is no limit to what you will achieve with a clear vision.

Eye care can help maintain a clear vision. You will realize that with a clear vision, it is essential that you will be gaining high value on taking care of your greatest asset in life, your eyes. With eye care, you will reduce the odds of blindness and vision loss while staying on top of any developing eye diseases which are very common like cataracts and glaucoma. On the other hand, maintaining healthy eyesight contributes to healthy brain functions. It is the brain that allows us to tackle the complicated lives we have. As such by protecting your eyes you keep your eyes healthy and your brain healthy too. It will improve your overall quality of life.

As a preventative maintenance for your eyes, it is highly recommended to have a regular visit to your eye doctor. The optometrists with the visual inspection will easily spot many health conditions and vision problems just by looking at your eyes. And thereby reduce the risk of other chronic health conditions, death, falls and injuries.

For more tips on eye care, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Eye Care: Your Likely Overdue for an Exam

15 October 2021

Eye Care: Your Likely Overdue for an Exam

When was the last time you had your eyes checked? Reaching for readers more often than ever even when your glasses are right at hand? For unexplained reasons, Americans tend to neglect their eyes by not scheduling regular recurring vision checkups. Today, we want to ask you one simple question. How important to you is your eyesight? If the answer is “very important”, then your next call should be to your northern Virginia optometrist.

Good eyesight delivers a quality of life that we often can’t appreciate until your less than optimal eyesight is corrected. Why so many of us accept vision challenges that can be easily corrected is beyond explanation. Regular visit to your eye doctor is as important as regular physical exams. So let’s get it done. Click here for an eyecare appointment in Alexandria. Click here for an eyecare appointment in Arlington. Click here for an eyecare appointment in Fairfax. We’ll see you soon!


How To Manage Healthy Vision

30 September 2021

How To Manage Healthy Vision - Fairfax, VA

The eyes tremendously give a dramatic effect on the way you see and to your overall health. It is necessary to protect your eyesight and stave off the vision problems that you will encounter soon in life. Eye care optimizes your eye health.

It is beneficial focusing on Eye care that will protect your eyes and your vision in the years to come. And the top most priority is getting a regular eye exam which is the main solution to catch a variety of problems or future eye diseases like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and many more. And with these comprehensive eye exams it will ensure that you will be getting timely treatment before the disease gets worse. For people with vision problems, visiting an eye doctor once a year will make sure that their sight will be retained and maintained. It will serve as a preventative maintenance for the rest of your body too. By protecting your eyes, you will ensure that the possibility of blindness and vision loss will be prevented and you are on top of any developing eye diseases.

The experienced eye doctors will make sure that your future will be colorful and full of life. They will provide you with good eyesight that will contribute to improving your athletic ability, learning and comprehension and offer a better quality of life. They are ready to help you preserve and protect your vision. Go see your doctor now!

For more tips on eye care, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


EYE CARE: Contributes To The Development of Personality

15 September 2021

EYE CARE: Contributes To The Development of Personality - Fairfax, VA

It is proven that personality traits are strongly affected in common eye disorders and traits. It organizes the pattern of behavior that makes up a person’s unique individuality that emerges over time. With clear eyesight, it influences the overall personality, environment and societal factors that immerse in a person. And with eye care, it contributes to the development of personality as a whole.

Vision disorder is the main source of problem that causes disability, suffering and loss of productivity of a person. Hence with eye care it resolves all the root causes that stem from the vision loss leading to suffering and greater distress of the sensory impairment in a person. The regular visit to your eye doctor is a preventative maintenance for your eyes. It is the best place to know and view the natural state of your eyes and with this visual inspection the optometrists will spot many health conditions and vision problems just by taking a glance into your eyes. In this way, the patient will learn to counteract the experience of the disorder and cope with the stress which caring for your eyes will give the surest remedy to prevent future eye diseases.

With a healthy eye, you will stay on top of the magical power of seeing and appreciating the world around you. Good vision will improve your learning and comprehension that will develop your personality and give a better quality of life.

For more tips on eye care, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Eye Care: Nothing is Finer Than Witnessing The Beauty of Life

30 August 2021

Eye Care: Nothing is Finer Than Witnessing The Beauty of Life - Arlington, VA

Giving the chance to appreciate the morning star in rising is so mesmerizing and fulfilling. And seeing this is giving importance to vision care that is highly increasing its impact in your overall health, productivity and quality of life. With Eye care, nothing is finer than witnessing the beauty of life.

Eye care is a very important reason why you will truly keep your eyes healthy. One way is having a regular eye exam which is like a preventative means to manage your general wellbeing. Visiting your eye care provider will give you the opportunity to detect and treat potential disease early. It will give you peace of mind because as early as possible eye exams will detect vision problems which are very common like glaucoma, cataracts and vision loss. You will be informed of early warning signs of possible future problems and discuss with you other preventive measures on how to resolve your present eye condition. With regular eye exams it will settle your conditions to be discovered early that will save you from vision loss and ensure your continuous vision health.

Caring for your eyes is important no matter what your age. The reality is as your eyes age, the more it is prone to certain conditions which if left untreated will lead to serious problems. Remember that your eyesight is very precious. It is not just seeing well but being well and your eye exam is a life-saving to your future vision problem.

For more information to protect your eye health, contact Visual Optometrists.


Vision Care: Invest in The Greatest Thing In Life

15 August 2021

Vision Care: Invest in The Greatest Thing In Life - Alexandria, VA

Generally, health is a smart investment so with your eyes. There are prevention and treatment of your eyes that if treated immediately will resolve future problems and reduce the seriousness of the infection or disease. With Vision Care, it is one of the best ways to invest in the greatest thing in life.

There is a vision care program that is performed to patients with vision problems in order to develop or improve visual skills and abilities. It helps in improving visual comfort, ease and efficiency. Aside from exercises, there is training on lenses, balance boards, patches, prisms, etc. that is being supervised and conducted especially to children who are having difficulty in reading and visual and learning problems. There are some treatable ocular conditions that if treated early will improve deficiencies and refractive errors. Adding more eye exercises will improve visual processing and visual perception that will greatly help eye deviations if any.

It is important to have a thorough eye examination in order to ensure that there are no eyes or vision disorders. With vision therapy, it will detect early if the two eyes are accurate and efficient in the focusing system. If it fails the performance in many areas will suffer eye contact, reading, sports, etc. The ophthalmologist will assess and treat children who have visual problems.

For more tips on Vision therapy, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


EYE CARE: Essential For Preserving Good Health

30 July 2021

EYE CARE:  Essential For Preserving Good Health - Fairfax, VA

Eye care is living life the stronger and happier way. Once you keep your body healthy and your eyes healthy you are fortunate to see the best of the world and having the best in life. Your eyes are an important part of your health. With eye care, it is essential for preserving good health.

Keeping your eyes healthy you are making sure that you are seeing your best. It is important to have your eyes checked as frequently as possible in order to ensure that you have no vision problems or any eye diseases that require immediate attention or treatment. There are some eye diseases leading to vision loss such that it is better to consult your health care provider immediately once you feel you have any new vision problems. It is your own responsibility to take care and protect your eyes in the best way. The top on the list is maintaining a healthy diet plan in order to have good eyesight. There are some vices that need to be stopped like smoking and the most important is having a regular check-up and many more.

It is your role to maintain the best condition of your eyes. The reality is you will not stop the ageing of your eyes however you will do something to slow it down. What matters is that you are assured of the efficiency of your vision and knowing that everything is going perfectly well is the most satisfactory feeling.

For more tips on Eye care, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Recurring Eye Care Is Often an Overlooked Health Imperative

15 July 2021

Recurring Eye Care Is Often an Overlooked Health Imperative - Fairfax, VA

Your eyesight is one of the most important parts of your health. You are seeing the best of both worlds from yourself to the world around you. It is of utmost priority that your eyes will be checked as often as possible by your doctor. You are keeping your body healthy at the same time you also need to keep your eyes healthy. Eye care is a duty which is endless.

There are many risk factors if you ignore or disregard eye problems. As you age, there is a high risk of developing age-related eye diseases and conditions. With eye care, you will be able to reduce the risk of some possible problems that will surface that never give any warning signs. It will be helpful if you check with your family if anyone has some eye diseases because some cases are inherited. Tracing your family medical history you will do some preventive care in case you have high risk of developing an eye disease. Furthermore, getting exercise and maintaining a healthy weight beats all odds because it will greatly prevent of getting an eye and vision problems.

Now getting a regular visit to your eye doctor is so beneficial in maintaining your well-being and doing some preventative care for your eye. Everyone knows that the eyes are the windows to your body. The doctor’s visit is so valuable that your optometrists will immediately see your health conditions and vision problems just by looking at your eyes. Always remember, a better eye is for a better life!

For more tips on Eye care, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


EYE CARE: Simple Cares Are Great Ones

30 June 2021

EYE CARE:  Simple Cares Are Great Ones -  Arlington, VA

Love and care of your eyes are the crowning grace of life. Keeping your eyes healthy will ensure that you are seeing your best. Since your eyes are very important for your health you will enjoy seeing the world around you and giving sense of everything that surrounds you. With eye care, the simple cares are great ones.

Every one requires that the eyesight need to be checked for vision and eye problems. There are many eye diseases that need to be checked and treated before they get worse. As such it is important to be checked by an eye care provider for vision screening not only for children but also for adults. Checking your eyes will identify and detect eye diseases as early as possible. Many adults require not only a vision screening but more of a comprehensive eye examination. There are some eye diseases that do not have any warning signs. And the exams will give an initial check on the diseases in their early stages therefore easier to treat.

Visiting your eye care provider will help determine if you are at high risk of developing an eye disease. As everyone gets older, there is always the risk of developing age-related eye diseases and conditions. Hence giving time and attention to your eye care will prevent getting vision problems and other diseases.

For more tips on eye care, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Vision Correction Contributes In Achieving Life Dreams

15 June 2021

Vision Correction Contributes In Achieving Life Dreams - Alexandria, VA

Surely with vision correction it will undoubtedly change your life. Your eyes need your full attention and care. There is no reason to struggle when you have the opportunity to change it. Correcting vision problems will contribute to achieving your life dreams.

Everyone needs regular eye exams, even young children. It is worth every penny and amount of time. Vision therapy is a program designed to improve a person's visual abilities in a variety of ways. There are many ranges of visual problems that vision therapy will provide the necessary treatment such as eye exercises, testing, occlusion or patching lenses and prisms. And for most children the common visual problem is poor eyesight. As such they need corrective aids like eyeglasses and contact lenses. Moreover, vision therapy will contribute in teaching their visual system to work more efficiently through a series of supervised exercises. Adding more with regular eye checkup it will find diseases like glaucoma that have no symptoms. It is very important to find out at an early stage when they are still easy to treat.

Depending on your eye health needs, vision correction will sufficiently assist in tracking problems like difficulty with controlling eye movement, teaming problems when the eyes are not working in coordination with each other and many more. Overall, a regular eye exam is highly recommended to everyone because it helps protect your sight and lets you see your best in fulfilling your goal in life.

For more tips on Visual therapy, contact Visual Optometrists.


Well-Being is Main Concern To Give Eye Safety And Protection

31 May 2021

Well-Being is Main Concern To Give Eye Safety And Protection - Fairfax, VA

Regular recurring vision “checkups” are just as important as dental check-ups. Your eyesight needs to be checked for vision and other eye problems. Recurring visits to your eye doctor ensure that changes to your vision as well as eye disease development is detected in their early stages when it is most effectively treated. With Vision therapy, well-being is the main concern to give eye safety and protection.

There are some eye diseases that do not have warning signs. With vision therapy it is expected that the visual skills will be enhanced like eye-tracking, focusing, concentration insufficiency and many more. It will result in achieving clear and comfortable vision. It has a variety of treatments based around eye exercises. And there are some personalized treatment programs designed specifically for children that will improve and strengthen visual skills and re-train the child’s visual system in order to interpret visual input with increased accuracy and ease. It is very helpful as it improves the brain-eye communication and coordination.

For others it is highly suggested that getting comprehensive dilated eye exams is especially important. Having your eyes checked is important as often as your health provider recommends or if you have any vision problems. Your doctor will assess your child’s improvements to determine how many visits more to achieve the best results.

For more tips on Vision therapy, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


EYE CARE: A Healthy Eye Is An Essential Wealth

15 May 2021

EYE CARE: A Healthy Eye Is An Essential Wealth - Arlington, VA

Your eyes require preventative maintenance just as like your teeth and gums. It is very important to keep your eyesight tuned and at its best. By practicing preventative maintenance on your eyesight, you ensure the best chance to maximize vision health as you age. You give yourself the best chance of developing eye diseases and infections such as cataract, glaucoma and many more. Always remember, a healthy eye is an essential wealth of everyone.

Nowadays there are increasing numbers of visually impaired people who are suffering from eye infections. And this eye infection requires immediate attention. In this case, eye care is strictly necessary in order to give lasting cures before it gets worse. There is hope as long as the patient is willing to submit for eye check up most of the time for eye care support. Blindness will affect the quality of life of any individual hence more precautions and care are of utmost importance. It is important that those who are lacking awareness on health care need to be informed before they will be susceptible to more eye infections and diseases. As such, strictly eye care from a certified optometrist or eye clinic visit will greatly help in prevention and care.

It is important to keep your eyes healthy for life. It is high time to embrace healthy eye habits no matter what your age or medical history. Caring for your eyes now will help prevent vision problems later in life. Nothing matters than having a regular eye checkup that will help you avoid problems before it is too late.

For more tips on eye care, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Eye Care: Let Your Clear Vision Never Fades Away

30 April 2021

Eye Care: Let Your Clear Vision Never Fades Away - Alexandria, VA

Nothing beats excellent eyesight! With correct eye care, you will lessen the possibility of blindness and vision loss and gives assurance to be on top of any developing eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma and others. Caring for your eyes will guarantee that your clear vision will never fade away.

The top most responsibility of everyone is giving a regular visit to the eye doctor for any preventative maintenance for the rest of your body. As the popular adage says, the eyes are the windows to the soul. The visual inspection by optometrists will immediately detect many health conditions and vision problems just by taking a glance into your eyes. Taking care of your eyes will maximize and protect the vision you currently have. There are many things that you will do to avoid possible blurry vision and other eye problems. Your doctor will give you a comprehensive eye exam that will play a very important role in caring for your eyes, vision and overall health. There is nothing better than having an early diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision problems in order to prevent vision loss.

Visiting your nearest eye doctor’s clinic will give much assurance to determine the corresponding solution for each patient’s signs and symptoms. The optometrist professional judgment will determine what tests to be conducted and give possible immediate solutions to achieve good visual and preventive health care at the earliest possible.

For more tips on eye care, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Eye Care: Enjoy Your Everyday Life With Good Eyesight

15 April 2021

Eye Care: Enjoy Your Everyday Life With Good Eyesight - Fairfax, VA

Having a good vision will make your life enjoyable and lighter as you move around facing the daily grinds of life. It is for this reason that your eyes will be healthy in order to make sense of the world around you. And the best is you will enjoy your everyday life with good eyesight.

Eye specialists will provide total eye care for you from examinations and vision correction to the diagnosis and treatment of any particular eye diseases. The ophthalmologist will determine any problem if any and recommend the optimum solution. With modern technology nowadays, there are major medical advances that are directly dealing with age-related macular degeneration and cataracts while just getting the regular exams and discussing the family history with your doctor, you will be able to do preemptive treatment and preventative measures of eye disease before it will occur. There are some eye diseases which will be treated or slowed down if diagnosed and managed immediately and treated at the earliest signs of the disease.

In order to prevent any eye problems, it is highly recommended to visit your doctor for regular check-ups and undergo eye exam once a year. Regular visits with your doctor will maintain your good eye health and eyesight throughout your life.

For more tips on Eye care, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


VISION THERAPY: Fixing Those Small Frustrations in Your Eyes

31 March 2021

VISION THERAPY: Fixing Those Small Frustrations in Your Eyes - Arlington, VA

With Vision therapy, you will reduce frustrations in your eyes because you will improve focusing your ability and control and will have an exceptionally positive experience. It is very effective in correcting eye tracking problems and produces lasting results. You will notice more consistency once the patient begins therapy and the exciting developments and improvements the person will receive.

Vision therapy is for all ages. It is very crucial for anyone in order to direct most of the body movements and actions. Directing the sequence of activities will improve and re-train the way the brain, eye, and bodywork together. This will result in how the person processes or interprets the visual information in his daily activities. Through this vision therapy, it will greatly improve eye coordination and tracking which will greatly improve concentration and awareness in the surroundings.

Treating problems with vision therapy will give more clarity of sight which will give a very satisfactory result. Though it is just a small portion of the vision process however it will remedy life-long difficulties that are caused by a vision problem. Overall, there will be no more struggles with your vision.

For more tips on vision therapy, contact Visual Optometrists.


Professional Eye Care Empowers Perfect Vision Continually Through Life

28 February 2021

Professional Eye Care Empowers Perfect Vision Continually Through Life - Alexandria, VA

Everyone desires life-long perfect vision without need for correction. For some this is achievable, for most it is not. There is a common misperception that we are all destined for systematic decline in our visual acuity as we age. The reality is a healthy lifestyle that includes a commitment to professional eye care greatly improves overall visual health. By so doing, some of us will live a lifetime with perfect eyesight.

With today’s modern challenges, people of all ages are exposing too much on screens whether on TV, Ipad, Laptop, cellphone and other gadgets. There are many factors that come with these activities that affect their eyes as they grow older. With too much exposure on screens most peoples’ eyes do suffer dull and lifeless eyesight due to environment and lifestyles but generally they suffer mostly due to neglect. With frequent visit to VisualEyes Optometrists Clinic it will support their visual processing speed and help replenish dotted pigment, enhances glare recovery time and fight exposure to blue light.

As we age, there are a lot of changes especially when it comes to our vision and eye health. Our biggest tips to help keep our eyes healthy as we get older is wearing UV blocking sunglasses outside, eating healthy nutrient-rich foods and seeing our eye doctor regularly. Let us enjoy the beauty the world has to offer with good and healthy eyesight.

For more tips on Eyecare, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


VISION THERAPY: Seeing The Full Beauty of Life is A Blessing

15 February 2021

VISION THERAPY: Seeing The Full Beauty of Life is A Blessing - Alexandria, VA

Seeing the world you are surrounded by is a great blessing. You will develop confidence in everything, feel safe and your future life will be exciting. It is because you have the necessary vision that is needed in your day-to-day aspect of life. However, in a certain time, you will encounter some eye problems that require treatment and Vision Therapy is the best solution to your eye problem.

With Vision therapy you will undergo a sequence of eye exercises that will improve the quality and efficiency of your vision. It is very advantageous because it will develop or improve your visual skills and abilities and other related visual discomforts. If you have difficulty in reading and writing, this therapy will help your eyes work more efficiently in order that you will perform your daily tasks. In addition during the exercises, lenses or training glasses, filters, patches and others are being used to train your vision. It requires your cooperation in this training as it takes patience and determination to commit to the program. However the results will totally improve your visual comfort, relief and efficiency and it will totally transform your understanding of visual information.

Prior to doing it, a thorough eye examination is necessary before submitting to a Vision therapy in order to ensure that there are no eye or vision disorders. Many patients claim that their time in committing to this program is worth the time and effort. They feel more confident now and feel safer and more comfortable when reading or when they are in public places. Seeing the beauty of life is indeed a blessing!

For more tips on Vision therapy, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Prescription Lens and Frames: Functional and Artistic Compliment to Your Pretty Face

30 January 2021

Prescription Lens and Frames: Functional and Artistic Compliment to Your Pretty Face - Fairfax, VA

Choosing the best eyewear for you will make you fashionably attractive that will let the color shine on your face. It is necessary to choose the color that will suit your skin hence selecting the right frame for your face will be simple. In this way, your personality will shine through the color and beauty of the frames you will be using.

Finding the perfect frame will depend on your face shape. You will never go wrong if you choose a frame that is a little bit out of your comfort in order to compliment your eyewear to your hair and eye color and lastly your skin tone. You will notice the color of your glasses will make a huge difference to your overall personality. The pair of frames that you will be choosing will depend on what style will complement or contrast against the color of your hair, eye color, and skin tone that will depend on the effect that you will create. There are some versatile quality frames that are neutral in color like black, brown, and tortoiseshell. However, if you want to express a bit of a statement then colored frames are highly recommended.

Wearing eyewear will depend on the vibe that you want to express yourself and the frame that will give your face a subtle look or impressive statement to your overall personality. The majority of the things to think about when choosing your glasses frame color is choosing the color that works best with your eye color. If you want to make a statement or choose something versatile then you will get it right with the frame color eyewear that will shine on your face.

For more tips on eyewear, contract VisualEyes Optometrists.


VISION THERAPY: Ensures Visual Comfort, Relaxing Eyes and Efficiency

15 January 2021

VISION THERAPY: Ensures Visual Comfort, Relaxing Eyes and Efficiency - Alexandria, VA

Many adults and children are experiencing visual challenges that require vision therapy in order to normalize their visual skills in reading, writing, and learning that refer to eye movement and focusing skills, eye-hand coordination, etc. In this case, it is required to undergo vision therapy assistance to resolve this problem and improve their visual comfort, providing a relaxing eye and making their efficiency level upright.

The Vision Therapy program focuses on improving a person’s visual abilities. It uses different methods covering eye exercises, testing, patching lenses, and prisms in order to treat several ranges of visual problems. There are children or adults experiencing problems while reading like skipping some lines or reread lines or using a finger to maintain the place. Others are finding difficulty in holding the reading material being placed very close to their eyes than the normal distance. With Vision therapy, you are assured that it is a safe, drug-free, and effective method following a progressive visual procedure that is being performed under a doctor’s supervision. This approach is an individualized approach to meet the visual needs of each patient.

The Vision Therapy will ensure that the patient will develop or improve the basic visual skills and abilities of the patient. Further, the treatment uses special tools specifically designed for unique vision therapy activities. It offers a big assurance that the patient fully improves in all aspects of eye health, vision, and visual skills.

For more tips on Vision therapy, contact Visual Eyes Optometrists.


Warm Holiday Greetings To You All

23 December 2020

Happy Holidays From VisualOptometrists

Warm Holiday greetings to you all. We write this note to you with joyous confidence that 2021 will bring happier, healthy, and more profitable days to us all! That wish is certainly a cause for optimistic celebration this Holiday season.

Our Holiday gift to you is the gift of small business in your community. To be able to buy locally is a true gift to your neighborhood as well as to your family and friends. We hope that everyone reading this takes a measured effort to buy local to the fullest extent possible, not only during this Holiday season but going forward as well.

Buying local is one of the best gifts you can give to your neighbors and your community. Visit a local restaurant, salon, store, or shop for better relationships and better customer service; but more so you can shake the owner’s hand and wish them the best in 2021 and beyond. That will be a gift for you both. Help make this a joyous holiday for everyone: Give the gift of your business to a local business.

We wish you and your entire family happiness, health, and warmth this Holiday season. Our warmest regards to you all.


EYE CARE: Say A Warm Hello To Healthy Eyes

15 December 2020

EYE CARE: Say A Warm Hello To Healthy Eyes in Alexandria, VA

In all conditions taking care of your eyes will always be at the top of your priorities. Your eyes are a very important part of your health as such never take your eyes for granted. It is because most people rely on their eyes to see and appreciate the beauty of the world around them. However, some eye diseases will lead to vision loss hence before it happened it is important to identify and treat the eye diseases as early as possible.

There are many ways to help keep your eyes healthy and make sure you are seeing the best in the world. There are things that will help keep your eyes healthy and make sure you are seeing your best. Nothing will be replaced by eating a healthy and balanced diet. Healthy foods coming from fruits and vegetables and eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids will naturally support your eyes. There are some protective eyewear that you will use in case of too much exposure to sunlight or if too much reading or watching TV. And maintaining to be physically fit by doing regular exercise will prevent or control diabetes or high blood pressure that will give you a higher risk of getting glaucoma.

Everyone needs total eye care to give you clear eyesight and avoid eye diseases. For adults getting some vision screenings during their checkups is very favorable. However more advantage if a comprehensive dilated eye exam is being provided because it will help determine if you are at higher risk of developing an eye disease.

For more tips on eye care, contact Visual Eyes Optometrists.


Thanksgiving Reflections from Our Team to Yours

23 November 2020

Thanksgiving Reflections from Our Team to Yours

We have all been challenged this year. But, never have we felt closer to our family, staff, customers, and vendors. For this we can give Thanks. The Covid-19 pandemic challenged our business as it did each and every business across our great nation. But, we would like to share with you the positives that came out of this experience.

Our families, our staff, our customers, and our vendors all remind us of the blessing it is to own and operate. The support that you have all provided, and continue to provide, during one of the most troubling and challenging times in American history is nothing short of humbling. That we in our own way returned some of that support to you has us arriving this Thanksgiving season with a deeper appreciation for our relationship with you. We move forward with an extraordinary focus to ensure that the quality of our service meets your needs, expectations, and earns your continued and highly valued trust. We do this with confidence that, together, we all will make it through the unique challenges that lay ahead.

In many ways we have more to be thankful for this year than ever before. This Thanksgiving season, we continue to reflect, recognize, give thanks, and be warmed by you all. As always, we invite you to contact us anytime with ideas, questions, and/or concerns. Thank you, and sincere "Happy Thanksgiving" wishes to you all!


Dedicating Time To Your Eye Care Shows Off Your Personality

15 November 2020

Dedicating Time To Your Eye Care Shows Off Your Personality in Arlington, VA

As the famous William Shakespeare said eyes are the windows to your soul. Because your eyes do not lie, it reveals the truth no matter what face you put on in any situation. It is the way to know another person by looking them in the eyes and observe what they reveal about their emotions. And through the eyes, you will easily shape up the personality of the person. Therefore, it is very important to dedicate time to your eye care as it reflects your whole being and the most powerful social signal that plays a vital role in developing your personality.

It is very important to treat eye diseases as early as possible. Everyone requires an eye checkup or check for their vision and eye problems from time to time. The eyesight test will ensure that your vision and eye problems are addressed to in case of possible eye diseases that will be easily identified and treated. There are Eye Care Specialists that will administer the vision screenings during the checkups. Especially for adults who really need more than a vision screening instead they need a more comprehensive dilated eye exam. Your eyes will get the proper care as often as your health care provider recommends it or if you have any new vision problems. And just as it is important to keep your body healthy and you also need to keep your eyes healthy.

Some eye diseases have warning signs hence it is just proper to get some comprehensive dilated eye exams. This test is the best way to detect eye diseases in their early stages especially when they are easier to treat. More so as always continuously dedicating time to your eye care will help keep your eyes healthy and make sure you are seeing your best and which your personality will show to the world.

For more tips on Eye care, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


VISION THERAPY: Guarantees An Effortless Feeling of Comfort

30 October 2020

VISION THERAPY: Guarantees An Effortless Feeling of Comfort in Alexandria, VA

Celebrate the quality of your vision today, but realize that great vision is never guaranteed. This is especially true if you do not engage in professional vision care.

At any stage in life, the threat of eye disease or age-related vision deterioration will challenge your quality of life. Age and illnesses are common problems that diminish your vision health. Non-vision specific health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and others threaten vision health. Vision therapy will give you the normal functioning of your vision and the capability of recovering your vision.

Vision therapy is a gradual process in progression in the entire period of treatment. It is safe, drug-free and effective for both children and adults depending on the case. It is performed under doctor supervision and a treatment plan is performed in the individual to fit the visual needs of the patient. With Vision therapy, it totally improves the visual comfort, ease and efficiency of a patient. When the vision therapy work-up is completed in every patient, it will give a confirmed validation whether the patient requires vision therapy. Further, the more vision therapy evaluations on the patient are performed, the more it gives security and understanding of the contributing factors that will affect how the patient will respond in the therapy.

Any successful treatment will depend on the response of the patient as such it is important that the patient will feel comfortable with the treatment plan. The patient knowledge of Vision therapy sessions that will be conducted is necessary. During the period of the treatment, the doctor will know how the patient responds. After which a re-evaluation is done to determine the progress made and from there assessed the remaining course of therapy.

For more tips on vision therapy, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


How to Help Kids Get Comfortable with Eyeglasses

15 October 2020

How To Help Your Kids Get Used With Their Eye Glasses in Fairfax, VA

Healthy vision and eye care good are top priorities of every patient. Some kids are simply not blessed with perfect vision. Eyeglasses become an important tool to aid them to see more clearly. When kids are new to specks, it's natural for them to feel strange while wearing them. A lot of kids have a hard time adjusting to eyeglasses at first. But parents should be firm and continue to encourage the child to wear them.

But easily said than done. How can parents really help their kids change their negative perspective on their glasses?

Get The Right Fit - Kids certainly can't bear wearing ill-fitting specks. They will constantly take them off than actually wearing them all the time. If you think your child's glasses are too tight or too loose that they are frequently falling off from his/her ears, have them adjusted or might as well get a new pair. Find the right size and style for their age. With the right-fitting glasses, they will surely learn to love them in no time.

Introduce Eyeglasses Slowly - In many cases, kids can't tolerate wearing glasses all day. So ask them to wear it for at least an hour each day. Then, slowly increase the duration until such time that they are finally fully-adjusted and can last wearing them all day.

Introduce Someone Who Can Be Role Models - Let your kids know that there are people like them who are wearing glasses. May it be someone they know in real life or even a fictional character like Superman or Harry Potter.

Stay firm - Don't let your kids talk you out of it. Be firm when you ask them to wear their glasses. In times, when you are not around to check on them, let their teacher, babysitter, or other authority figures to encourage your child to wear their glasses constantly.

Have them choose their own frames - It will be easier for children to learn to love their glasses by allowing them to pick the glass frames that will make them feel confident while wearing them. No matter what frames they choose as long it is a personal choice. They will surely get used to wearing them for they think it's cool since they choose the glasses themselves.

If there's a need for glass adjustment, contact Visual Optometrists or bring them in our office. We can help your kids adjust on their new pair of sunglasses.


EYE CARE: Save Your Vision For A Happier And Easier Life

24 September 2020

EYE CARE: Save Your Vision For A Happier And Easier Life in Alexandria, VA

Believe it or not, both young and old should get regular vision screening and check-ups in order to care for their eyes. However, as we agemaintaining eye health is essential. Eyes are muscles and just like the other muscles in your body, they get less limber and flexible as well get older. Eyesight is very essential to our well-being, it is important to care for our eyes and keep them healthy and strong. In order to keep your eyes healthy and to maintain your eyesight for as long as possible, it is necessary to have your eyes checked as often as your health care provider recommends. Just as important as keeping your mind and body healthy, the same goegs for your eyes.

Some suggestions to help you take care of your eyes.

  • Proper nutrition and a healthy balanced diet including plenty of fruits and vegetables, fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and tuna will help keep you eyes flexible and strong.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity poses a risk of developing diabetes which can bring about glaucoma. The risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol also pose a problem for your eyes and vision.
  • Eye diseases are genetic. If a family member has an eye disease it is impotant that you inform your health care provider. You should also take some precautionary measures to avoid eye disease through check-ups and eyecare.
  • As we age, we are at higher risk of developing age-related eye diseases and conditions. Before this happens, go to your health provider to have your eyes checked and lower your risk of vision loss.

For more information on eye care, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Smart Eye Care Tips from Fairfax’s Visual Eyes Optometrists

10 September 2020

Smart Eye Care Tips from Fairfax’s Visual Eyes Optometrists

As the saying goes your eyes are the window to the soul. Eyes are an essential organ of your body and provide signals on a wide range of health issues. Because your eyes are the most exposed parts of your body, they require special protection to maintain and improve your eyesight.

There are a number of simple actions that you can take to protect your eyes and keep them healthy. The first and topmost prevention is protecting your eyes from the sun. The sun is your source of energy and provides critical life support in your body however it can do damage to your vision. The ultraviolet (or UV) radiation brings much of the danger posed by sunlight that burns your skin and eyes and causes long-term damage when left unprotected. Hence to protect your eyes from sun and UV damage by wearing sunglasses with UV protection outdoors and wear a hat or cap with a wide brim. Adding more, protecting your eyes against eye strain is especially important. There are times when you ignore the great danger to your eyes.

Overworked eyes are prone to short term and long-term eye and vision problems. Hence it is necessary to take breaks during computer work. A few minutes breaks away from the computer will help and rest your eyes occasionally by looking around the room. Lastly, it is crucial to provide good lighting for your eyes. Your eyes need sufficient light to read and read, work on the computer, or watch TV. Because in low light or dark, your eyes will have to work harder than causes strain.

Regular visits to your eye doctor are the best preventative maintenance in caring for your eyes. Good vision will contribute to improve athletic skills and better movement and also improve learning and comprehension and ultimately gives a quality of life. With regular eye care, Optometrists will protect you against avoidable vision problems and deliver you the maximum in vision-related quality of life.

For more tips eyecare tips, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


The Importance of Eye Exams For Kids

24 August 2020

The Importance of Eye Exams For Kids in Fairfax,VA

Like adults, kids too need to have their eyes checked by an optometrist annually. Eye exams for kids are intended to detect any child vision problems early.

Unable to see clearly at such a young age has a huge impact on their learning, visual task performance, social development, and athletic competitiveness. Learning is 80% visual, reading and writing require the eye to see clearly what they need to read and write. So imagine the struggle of your kid having poor eyesight.

Importance of Comprehensive Eye Exam For Kids

The eye exam makes use of the Snellen Eye Chart to diagnose many vision problems not merely nearsightedness and farsightedness. These include astigmatism, visual perception, hand-eye coordination, and essential binocular vision skills such as tracking, focusing, and learning. Apparently, the abovementioned eye conditions can adversely affect the child's learning if left unattended.

Since kids can't fully express themselves verbally or rather too young to distinguish the difference between having good or poor eyesight, it would be difficult to early diagnose an eye problem if annual comprehensive eye exams are missed. There's a tendency of getting misdiagnosed with a behavioral problem because they exhibit multiple learning disorder symptoms.

Unlike adults, children don’t have the vocabulary or understanding to recognize what “good eyesight” is supposed to be like. They only have their own experience to go off of, so if it hurts to focus on close-up work for long, they probably won’t know why. They might believe they’re not smart enough for school. They might, in fact, display a lot of the symptoms common in learning disorders, and without a comprehensive eye exam, there’s a good chance they’ll be misdiagnosed with one.

While there are some eye problems that can be readily detected, there are other conditions with subtle symptoms such as reading comprehension issues, difficulty performing or completing school tasks, very short attention span, fidgeting, frequent blinking and rubbing of the eye, headaches that are prevalent and a habit of covering one eye.

Sending your kids to your trusted optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam to rule out or determine any eye problem at an early stage to address it right away before the condition gets worse.

Looking for a certified eye doctor in Fairfax, VA, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Symptoms That Suggest the Need for Corrective Eyeglasses

10 August 2020

Symptoms That Suggest the Need for Corrective Eyeglasses in Arlington, VA

Blurred vision is probably, the most obvious sign that you need to get corrective glasses or contacts as soon as possible. However, unknown to many that there are other signs that suggest the need to secure corrective eyewear sooner than later. The following are signs that you need to pay attention to as these indicate the need for an immediate eye check to know if corrective glasses or contacts are necessary:

  • Frequent rubbing of the eyes to clear them
  • Frequent headaches
  • The need to use fingers to guide you when you are reading
  • Eye strain
  • Halos and glare in vision
  • Neck pains

If you are experiencing the symptoms constantly, it's best to visit your eye doctor to check out your eye condition. Annual eye check is highly recommended but if these symptoms are bothering you because it is already causing disruption to your daily activities, you should see your optometrist sooner even between your regular annual appointments.

When you need a proven optometrist in or around Arlington, VA, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


How to Protect Your Eyes At Work

30 July 2020

How to Protect Your Eyes At Work - Alexandria, VA

No matter what sort of job you have, your eyes will be exposed to various health or injury risks. Even though you are working in a less hazardous environment like offices, you are still prone to develop digital eye strain from spending too much time using the computer.

While staring at the monitor screen for long periods won't result in permanent damage, it can exhaust and irritate your eyes. Digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome manifests symptoms which include dry eyes, headache, neck pain, back strain, and inattentiveness. These manifestations can negatively affect your productivity.

In order to minimize the effects of digital eye strain, you may do the following:

  • blink more often
  • drink lots of water
  • reposition your monitor from time to time
  • make use of an anti-glare screen or computer glasses
  • follow the 20-20-20 rule (20 minutes, spend 20 seconds looking at something 20 feet away)
  • regularly visit your eye doctor for an eye exam

So how about those working in a hazardous environment like construction sites, production and assembly lines, live line electrical work, chemical laboratories, etc? Sadly, a lot of workers in these field of work experience eye injuries daily. However, eye injuries are 90% preventable. These workers are provided with specialized working protective gear which consists of suits made from special fabrics, safety glasses/goggles, hard hats or helmets, face shields and so on. Wear this protective equipment properly when working in harsh job sites. This will keep your eyes safe from potential injuries.

For more eye care tips, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Stay Active as a Preventative Measure Against Eye Problems

15 July 2020

Stay Active as a Preventative Measure Against Eye Problems in Fairfax, VA

Did you know that regular exercise not only promotes muscular and mental wellness, but is also an excellent preventative measure to combat eye problems. Working out at least three times a week can reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. Joining a fitness club is not a pre-requisite, (although fitness trainers can program a specific workout that is suitable for you), there are a bunch of physical activities that you can do outside the gym. Walking, jogging, home workouts, or engaging in a sport to name a few are other great ways to keep an active lifestyle. What's important is that you do it regularly.

Staying active contributes greatly to preventing sight-threatening diseases. The risk of vision loss is usually aggravated by health conditions including increased blood pressure and Type 2 Diabetes. Glaucoma, macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts are commonly associated with diabetes specifically.

Regular exercise will not only guarantee overall wellness but is also an excellent preventative measure to combat eye problems. Working out at least three times a week can reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. Joining a fitness club is not a pre-requisite, (although fitness trainers can program a specific workout that is suitable for you), there are a bunch of physical activities that you can do outside the gym. Walking, jogging, home workouts, or engaging in a sport to name a few are other great ways to keep an active lifestyle. What's important is that you do it regularly.

Finally, eating healthy foods, regular exercise, and taking regular eye exams are necessary to keep track of your eye health. It is especially important to detect eye issues at an early stage to prevent it from worsening.

For more eye care health tips, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Your Risk of Photokeratitis

23 June 2020

Your Risk of Photokeratitis in Alexandria, VA

Your eye glasses or sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement. In fact, they serve a more important purpose than that. Sunglasses protect your eyes from getting sunburned when you are staying outdoors. Most sunglasses nowadays are designed with UV protection system to protect your eyes from getting “toasted” or medically termed as photokeratitis.

Photokeratitis is a common condition usually developed after spending brief stints under the sun. Now don't get too worried about it if you have the condition, in most cases they are resolved in just a few days. However, if you are regularly exposed in areas with vast quantities of UV light, you may eventually develop serious eye problems, such as cataracts.

Mild cases of photokeratitis are short-lived, they diminish without treatment after a few days - so long as you won't stay too long under the sun.

You may feel the following manifestations when you have a photokeratitis:

  • Feels like there something foreign that gets into your eyes
  • red eyes
  • unable to tolerate bright lights
  • watery eyes

While symptoms of mild cases of photokeratitis are short-term, those people who are constantly exposed to large amounts of UV light without protection have the higher risk of developing age-related macular degeneration like or cataracts.

If you think you have this case, it is very advisable to seek professional help. Your eye doctor or optometrist can help you find the best treatment for your sun-damaged eyes. Contact VisualEyes Optometrists we can properly assess your condition and provide you with the best treatment.


How To Keep Your Contact Lenses Sterile

10 June 2020

How To Keep Your Contact Lenses Sterile - Fairfax, VA

If you think it is safe to soak and store your contact lens in clean water, think again. Contact lenses are designed along with a special sterile solution. Since they are directly applied into your eyes, it should be completely free from microbes. The following are some tips on taking care of contact lenses:

  1. Prior to touching your eyes and contact lenses, make sure to wash your hands first.

  2. Follow the instructions provided by your eye doctor on the proper tending of your contact lens.

  3. Clear the entire solution in the lens case, rinse it with fresh solution, and allow it to air dry.

  4. Put the contact lens with solution in the palm of your hand and give it a gentle rub with your index finger. Rinse properly before you store it in a sterile contact lens case filled with fresh disinfecting solution overnight.

  5. The case should be replaced at least every 3 months.

  6. Take off your contacts when swimming.

  7. Make sure to regularly visit your eye doctor and have a scheduled eye exam.

  8. Prior to applying make-up, insert first your contact lenses and remove them before you take off the gunk of cosmetics in your face.

  9. Before you wear your contact lenses, check first for cleanliness and signs of damage.

  10. Never soak the contact lens in water or any saline solution. Or place it anywhere for storage other than its case filled with fresh solution.

  11. Avoid reusing old solutions or transfer it from one container to another so as not to break its sterility.

  12. Do not use other contact lens care products without consulting your eye doctor first.

  13. Do not share or let others use your contact lenses.

For more information about the proper care of your contact lenses, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


The Negative Effect of Late Night Smart Phone Use on Your Eyes

27 May 2020

The Negative Effect of Late Night Smart Phone Use on Your Eyes in Arlington, VA

A lot of us has a bad habit of checking our smartphones for last updates before finally drifting off to sleep. Today we’re going to educate you on why this is not ideal as it pertains to your vision health. The blue light in our phone’s screens can negatively affect the eyes and disrupt our circadian rhythm (biological clock).

The sun is our natural and primary source of blue light to which we are designed to respond. As a result, we feel more awake and energetic to perform different tasks and routines in daylight. Conversely, the absence of blue light cues our brain that it is time to hit the sack. However, our smartphone screens are also releasing artificial blue lights. When we use them at night, the artificial blue light released by this gadgets signals us to stay awake and this impedes the production of melatonin (hormones that regulate the sleep-wake cycle). The blue light messes up with our sleep cycle and quality. We know that lack of sleep impacts our health negatively.

Avoid using smartphones at least an hour before you hit the hay. But in case, this is not possible for you, you could at least set your phone into night mode or search for an application that lowers blue light when you use your phone at nighttime.

How It Affects The Eyes

Many believed that blue light has similar harmful effects as UV radiation. Fortunately, our phone screens don't release same large amount of blue light as the sun and not emitting UV radiation as well.

However, with extended screen time, eye strain is a common issue. So whenever you need to use the computer or smartphone for long periods, use computer glasses or screen filters. In addition practice the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look on something that is 20 feet away from your computer for 20 seconds).

For more eye care tips, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


How To Tackle Eye Allergies

15 May 2020

How To Tackle Eye Allergies in Alexandria, VA

Spring brings warmer weather, blossoming flowers and vibrant greens which a lot of people seem to enjoy. However, some people, particularly those with allergies find it hard to appreciate spring. Unfortunately, those who are hypersensitive to pollens suffer terribly from sniffles, wheezes and red, itchy, puffy eyes.

There are several elements that trigger allergic reaction. It may be dust mites, pet dander and fumes but the major culprits during spring are pollens . A lot of plants tend to produce more pollens at this time of the year. This tiny particles are carried by the air and can get into our eyes unnoticed. When this takes place to a person with overactive immune system, it results to itchy watery eyes and congested drippy nose with a lot of sneezing.

Typically, the eye's response to allergens include watery, red eyes that is super itchy which makes you want to rub it. There's also that gritty, burning sensation as eyelids become swollen.

How To Soothe Eye Allergy Symptoms

When your taking anti-histamine, make sure to stay hydrated and use eye drops to soothe eye irritation because allergy medications can dry them out. Also, it's better to use glasses rather than contact lenses, since it can prevent allergens to get into your eyes. Finally, the itch would tempt you to rub your eyes, but refrain from doing so as this could worsen your symptoms.

While we can't totally avoid pollens and other allergens, we can prevent the likelihood of an allergic attack by lessening your exposure. Keep the windows closed and skip using window fans which may blow the pollen into your home. Also, wearing a mask comes handy not only in the prevention of pollen inhalation but also to avoid coronavirus contraction. Same goes with wearing eyeglasses for eye protection against allergens and viruses. From our previous blogs, we informed you that the eyes is another portal of entry (aside from nose and mouth) for the coronavirus to penetrate our respiratory system.

If you have persistent eye allergies or your symptoms are getting worse and troublesome, contact VisualEyes Optometrists. Our eye doctors can prescribe medications to help taper off the symptoms and provide you more tips on keeping allergies at bay.


Contact Lens Care Tips

30 April 2020

Contact Lens Care Tips in Fairfax, VA

Contact lenses and prescription eye wear are two things that we sometimes take for granted. Getting the right contacts and/or eye glasses are one of the single most quality of life enhancers that we ever experience. We specialize in working with you to ensure you get the perfect fit, function, and look that you desire.

Today let’s focus on contact lenses. If you’ve never worn them, you might feel a bit conscious wearing them on your first try, but trust us, you will get used to it. Here are five tips to help you adjust safety with your new pair of contacts:

1. Relax. You might be anxious that you might accidentally scratch and damage your eye while inserting your lenses. You don't have to worry at all as long as your touching it with clean hands. And although at first, you may feel uncomfortable wearing them, you will certainly get accustomed to it overtime at daily use.

2. Clean your lens regularly. Make sure to follow your doctor's instructions with regards to the contacts lens cleaning and care. There are specific guidelines that you must follow. For instance, if they instructed you to use a multipurpose solution whenever you take off your lenses, make sure to rub and rinse, and then soak them into a fresh solution. In the morning when you wear your lenses, clear out the case all the way, rinse it using a fresh solution and dry it on a paper towel uncapped and upside down. Moreover, it is highly recommended to replace your lens case every 3 months. If the cleaning process seems a hassle to you, you may opt for disposable contact lenses. Ask your eye doctor about it.

3. Keep your eyes hydrated. Aside from drinking plenty of water, your doctor will advise you to use rewetting drops for your eyes to prevent it from drying. Especially, if you are looking at your computer for hours or you are staying longer in an environment with dry air, the eye drop is highly recommended for you.

4. Follow your doctor's advice. It's imperative to use lens care solutions that are recommended by your doctor. Don't use alternative products without consulting your doctor first. The solution that they prescribed to you is particularly for the lens type you are using. Furthermore, make sure to stick with your scheduled appointments in the clinic.

5. Stick to the suggested schedule for wearing and replacing contact lenses. There's only a certain duration as to the wearing of your lenses as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the schedule for the safety of your eyes. Lastly, under any circumstances do not wear your contacts while sleeping.

For more information about contact lenses, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Why Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

10 April 2020

Why Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes in Alexandria, VA

We rub our eyes for a variety of reasons, Generally, people understand that is something to avoid, but a surprisingly high number of people don’t know why we should avoid rubbing our eyes. Today we’re going to help you out there.

Several types of microorganisms reside on our skin especially in our hands. The skin flora consists of bacteria, germs, and yes, viruses. Unlike the skin, the eyes are more susceptible to becoming infected, but they are not totally defenseless. Irritants are filtered by your eyelashes, while blinking of the eyes is an automatic response to keep the irritants out. Then, there's the lacrimal gland that produces tear to protect the cornea from various foreign bodies that reach the surface. But rubbing the eyes can in fact cause injury to the cornea. This minor injury can be a portal of entry for germs to invade and infect the eyes.

How To Properly Protect Our Eyes?

It is best to avoid touching the eyes as much as possible. When you need to touch it like when you are inserting your contact lenses, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly first. Also, make sure your fingernails are trimmed so germs may not hide in your nails and spread to your eyes when you touch it.

If you think you have symptoms of eye infection such as itchiness, redness, burning, and watery eyes, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. Contact VisualEyes Optometrists anytime.


Coronavirus and The Eyes

28 March 2020

Coronavirus and The Eyes in Fairfax, VA

An anecdotal report reveals that coronavirus has another possible transmission aside from droplets produced from coughing and sneezing. It suggests that transmission via aerosol contact with conjunctiva is plausible. In this respect, they interpret that those who traveled overseas and affected local regions with active outbreaks or a relative that just returned more likely carry the disease.

How can it be transmitted?

As stated by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, coronavirus is spread through respiratory droplets generated by an infected person by coughing or sneezing. However, it can also be transmitted by touching a contaminated object where the virus is present and then touch the nose, mouth, and eyes.

"SARS-Cov-2" the recent coronavirus that causes the disease COVID-19 usually manifests as common flu to a more serious condition. Those with the positive cases of the disease often show the following signs and symptoms - fever, cough or shortness of breath. However, some reports prompt that the virus can also conjunctivitis and it can be transmitted through aerosol contact with the conjunctiva. Patients with conjunctivitis who have recently traveled to places with reported outbreaks are suspected to have carried the virus.

Unfortunately, as of now, there is no specific cure or treatment for the disease. Although some known anti-viral drugs are now being tested and have shown efficacy. The US government has yet to confirm these findings and make a formal announcement. However, many supportive treatments are now applied to relieve the symptoms and improve the prognosis of those infected.

How to protect yourself?

  • Wash hands with soap and water frequently
  • Apply an antiseptic solution to your hands every after you hold anything outside your home
  • Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or sneezing
  • Put social distancing into action by maintaining a 1-meter distance from other people
  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and wash your hands thereafter
  • Seek medical attention when you have a recent travel history and manifested the signs and symptoms

Recommendations from the American Academy of Ophthalmology

  • The institution recommends postponing any elective visits or surgery
  • In case your case is urgent and you have the symptoms, the patient can expect to answer a couple of additional questions about your seasonal health when you call to schedule an appointment or when we call to confirm your appointment.

Contact VisualEyes Optometrists for clinic updates and appointments.


Flu and Corona Virus Screening

16 March 2020

Flu and Corona Virus Screening in Arlington, VA

Regarding the spread of seasonal flu, the common cold, and the “Corona Virus”:

We are taking proactive steps to protect you, your family, and our caring staff. Please call to reschedule your appointment if you are actively sick or exhibit symptoms like cough, runny nose, fever, or sore throat.

Regarding the steps we are taking to ensure your health and safety:

Pre-Appointment Phone Screenings

All patients can expect to answer a couple of additional questions about your seasonal health when you call to schedule an appointment or when we call to confirm your appointment.

In Office Screenings

If a patient arrives showing symptoms of the seasonal flu or the common cold, we will politely and respectfully request that they reschedule their appointment to reduce the risk to other patients and our staff.


Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Why Know About It

28 February 2020

Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Why Know About It in Alexandria, VA

Macular degeneration happens when the macula, a tiny portion of the retina starts to deteriorate. Since it occurs as people get older, it is often referred as age-related macular degeneration. The disease can get worse in the course of time. Although it may not cause blindness, it can lead to severe vision problem.

Macular degeneration comes in two forms:

  • Dry form - A yellow deposit called drusen can form to patients with dry macular degeneration. Few tiny drusen may not affect the vision. However, as they increase in number and size, it may cause distortion of the vision and patient will experience a dimmed vision. When the disease turn for the worse, the macula becomes thinner and later die. Patient can experience blind spots in the center of the vision. As the condition gets severe, patient may lose central vision.
  • Wet form - In the wet macular degeneration, blood vessels extend beneath the macula. These blood vessels drains fluid and blood into the retina. This causes distorted vision making straight lines appear rippled. Blind spots and loss of central vision may happen as well in this form. The blood vessels as well as the bleeding ultimately form a scar which causes irreversible loss of central vision.

Symptoms of macular degeneration:

  • Blurred vision
  • Dark, blurry areas in the central vision
  • Different color perception

In case you have any of these symptoms, have an eye doctor check your condition. Contact VisualEyes Optometrists as soon as possible.


What is the Eye Condition “Heterochromia”?

14 February 2020

Do you know someone with two different eye colors? Then, you probably have seen a person with heterochromia. It's a rare eye condition that only affects three out of every 500 people. It occurs for a number of reasons.

Genetics

In the vast majority of cases, heterochromia results from unique genetics, a non-malignant alteration that affects the pigment development in one or part of one iris.

Traumatic

Some people can develop heterochromia as an adverse result of injury or disease. Trauma can lead to change in the eye appearance. Disease such as glaucoma and diabetes can make the eyes appear differently than the other.

Types of Heterochromia

Heterochromia can be complete heterochromia, segmental, or central.

  • Complete Heterochromia (or heterochromia iridum) - each iris has different color
  • Segmental Heterochromia (heterochromia iridis) - there's a patch of a different color in one iris.
  • Central Heterochromia - two irises are matched but rings of a different color appears around the pupils.

If your heterochromia is not inborn but you notice one or both of your eye color suddenly change, it's highly recommended to see your eye doctor to assess your eye condition. If in case it is due to unaddressed adverse effect from an injury or a health condition, contact VisualEyes Optometrists. We will help you find out the cause and proper treatment of your eye condition.


Combating the Eye Disease Diabetic Retinopathy

31 January 2020

Combating the Eye Disease Diabetic Retinopathy in Fairfax, VA

Diabetes is a leading contributor to the eye disease diabetic retinopathy. The disease occurs when blood sugar levels rise and damages the blood vessels in the retina. It can cause swelling, leakage, and constriction of the eye’s blood vessels. In some cases, unusual blood vessels sprout on the retina. These alterations can severely affect the vision.

The following are symptoms of diabetic retinopathy:

  • blurring of vision
  • seeing spots or floaters
  • dark spot in the center of the vision
  • night vision problems

A comprehensive eye examination is necessary to diagnose the disease. Other tests include:

  • Patient history - to detect vision problems, diabetes, and other health conditions that may be affecting vision.
  • Visual acuity measurements - to assess the severity of the damage of central vision
  • Refraction - to determine if a new prescribed eyeglasses are necessary
  • Ocular structure and retina evaluation through a dilated pupil
  • Eye pressure measurement

How It Is Treated?

The treatment greatly depends on the stage of the disease. The treatment goal is to mitigate the disease progression.

Regular monitoring is recommended at the early stage of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. It is important to control blood sugar levels in order to slow down or stop disease progression.

Medications through injections in the eye are also recommended in some patients to prevent abnormal blood vessel formation and can also help decelerate the damaging effects of the disease.

Injections of medication in the eye are aimed at discouraging the formation of abnormal blood vessels and may help slowdown the damaging effects of diabetic retinopathy.

To stop blood and fluid leakage into the retina, laser treatment is recommended. The laser beams will slightly burn the areas of the retina where the abnormal vessels grow to seal the leaks.

For more information the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, contact VIsualEyes Optometrists.


Your Next Eye Exam Can Protect Against Glaucoma

14 January 2020

Your Next Eye Exam Can Protect Against Glaucoma in Arlington, VA

We are all familiar to the term, "Prevention is Better Than Cure" and this is undoubtedly true about the eye disease called Glaucoma. Early diagnosis and treatment lessens the devastating effect of the disease.

Many new year’s resolutions involve the commitment to improved health. However, many are not aware that taking an eye exam is one of the most effective way of uncovering a multitude of health issues that effect more than vision. Your Doctor of Optometry is skilled at diagnosing the potential for hypertension and diabetes.

Back to glaucoma, its detrimental impact upon vision is detected through an eye exam even before a patient observes symptoms. The disease is asymptomatic in early stages. Patient may not notice any vision loss or experience any pain. It is accurately referred to as the “sneak thief of sight.” When symptoms present to the sufferer, irreversible eye damage might have occurred.

Glaucoma can lead to loss of sight by injuring the optic nerve. This nerve is responsible in transmitting information from the eyes to the brain. Peripheral vision will start to diminish when the optic nerve is damaged. Over time, when left untreated, glaucoma can affect the central vision. Unluckily, vision cannot be restored when it is lost to glaucoma. It can be lessened, however, if the disease is detected and treated early.

Prevent Blindness America promotes January’s National Glaucoma Awareness Month as it unites other leading eye care groups to educate the public about the disease and what they can do to help save their vision.

Don’t take a chance on the gift of vision. Contact VisualEyes Optometrists here in Arlington today.


Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah to You and Yours this Season

23 December 2019

Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah to You and Yours this Season

Christmas and Chanukah share a similar spiritual message: that it is possible to bring light and hope into the world. These two holidays occur together this year, which makes this an even more special holiday season.

This is a season to reflect upon how fortunate we are to have you as our customers: our friends and neighbors. During these holidays, we wish you, your family, and your friends a safe, joy-filled, and relaxing season.

Warm wishes for a Happy Hanukkah, a Merry Christmas, and a most Happy New Year! With peace, joy, and love this holiday season and beyond!


Year-End Eye Care Considerations

10 December 2019

Year-End Eye Care Considerations in Arlington, Fairfax, Alexandria, VA

Vision care is a year-round responsibility, but year’s end is a time when many of us give special consideration to eye care. Part of this is due to the cold wind that tend to dry and irritate our eyes more than in the summer. Inside air is typically drier this time of year as well.

So while we’re thinking about our eyes, here are some quick thoughts we share with you in the hope that everyone takes proactive measure to protect the precious gift of sight. The following are eye care tips for better eye health in winter.

  • Choose a Healthy Diet - The holidays can tempt you to indulge in less healthy diet options. Consider healthy food choices like leafy greens, fruits and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Stop Smoking - Smoking has negative effects to almost entire organ in the body which include the eyes. Smokers are more prone to eye disease which can lead to deteriorated eyesight and even blindness.
  • Vision Health Insurance - Take advantage of your vision insurance before they expire at the end of the year. This is the perfect time to have your eye examined and get pair of glasses or contact lenses. Schedule an appointment with your optometrists.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) balances expire at year’s end. What better way to utilize FSA dollars than on your precious eyesight?
  • Get an Eye Cosmetic Surgery - If you think your droopy eyelids, under eye circles and puffy eyebags are making you appear older than your age, consider getting an eyelid surgery which can correct these issues. Consult your eye doctor to learn more about this treatment.
  • Sharing the gift of vision - You may want to donate to charities that imparts eye care and eyeglasses to those in need.

For more eye care tips, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


Now is the Time for Us to Say "Thanks" to YOU!

25 November 2019

VisualEyes Optometrists, Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, VA

Thanksgiving Day is the perfect time to remind one another of the many reasons there are to be grateful. We gather on this day to be thankful for what we have, for the family we love, the friends we cherish, the success we have had, and for the blessings that will come.

Thanksgiving is more than the festivities, it gives us time to ponder the lessons that we have learned and how we can spread happiness around, to look back at all the great memories and good people who came into our lives. We appreciate you, our customers and clients, so much.

At this time of year our thoughts turn gratefully to you with warm appreciation. Our best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving.


Professional Eyewear Fitting Makes a Difference

14 November 2019

Professional Eyewear Fitting in Fairfax, VA

When purchasing new eyeglasses, you need to consider the shape of your face as it pertains to the style of frame you choose. There are certain frames that will look good on you and some other styles that will not match your facial figure. To figure out what style will look best on you, get a mirror and take a closer look at the entire shape and contours of your face and head.

The following are common face shapes and eyeglass frame styles that are best for each shape. These will give you an idea on what eyeglass frames can be suitable for you:

Oval

Wider than the larger part of the face like walnut-shaped frames is the most ideal style for oval face shape. This frame style can maintain the natural balance of an oval face shape.

Heart-shaped

When you have a heart-shaped face, go for frame styles with wider bottom. Rimless frames and light-colored ones are excellent choices.

Oblong

For those with longer face and has long straight cheek line, frames with more depth, decorative, and contrasting temples help the face look shorter and more balanced.

Square-shaped

A Facial shape with prominent forehead and wider jaw, and almost have symmetrical width and length is pertained as a square-shaped face. Narrow frame styles that emphasize more width than depth are designs that will help make the face appear longer and subtly softens the angles.

Diamond-shaped

It's a unique face shape that has a narrow forehead and jawline, but with wider cheek line that is a bit striking. In order to soften the cheekbones while giving much emphasis to the eye, frames with detailing or distinguishing brow lines will do the trick. You may also try rimless eyeglasses and oval or cat-eye-shaped frames.

Round

This facial shape has curved lines with no angles and with symmetrical width and length. Angular narrow eyeglasses are perfect choices in order to lengthen the face and make it look thinner and longer. Rectangular frames with clear bridge are also good options.

Base-down triangle

This shape has a less broad forehead but has a wide cheek area. Frames with significant detailing and color accents on the top half of the frame will add emphasis to the narrow upper third of the face. Cat-eye-shaped frames are a good choice as well.

With so many options, selecting the right eyeglass frame can be a daunting experience without the right guidance. VisualEyes Optometrists makes the process. We’ll consult you every step of the way. We offer a wide variety of options that can be tailored to suit not only your medical needs but also your fashion preferences. Contact VisualEyes Optometrists in Fairfax, VA.


Use FSA and HSA Dollars BEFORE Year’s End

26 October 2019

Visual Eyes Optometrists, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, VA

Every year, our Arlington-area new eye care patient’s come to us in January asking if they can recover eye care and eye wear expenses by using their Flexible Savings Account (FSA). The answer is most definitely yes but then we also learn from so many of them that they just turned-in “use or lose” FSA dollars from the previous year. Had only they scheduled eye care services for November or December of the previous year. Don’t let this happen to you.

Check out our “Using FSA and HAS Dollars for Care and Products” page that covers everything you need to know about tapping your FSA (use-or-lose savings) and Health Savings Account (HSA) savings. If it is your first time seeking qualified FSA or HSA qualified eye care services in Arlington, we’ll be glad to help explain it all and consult you on how to file your claim. You can use FSA and HSA dollars for both your treatment and for your eye care products. You’re going to love our collection of designer frame eyewear sure to have you looking your best for the upcoming Holiday season.

Just need some questions answered? Feel free to call us anytime!


Using TriCare Vision for Contact Lenses In Arlington / Shirlington, VA

9 October 2019

Using TriCare Vision for Contact Lenses In Arlington / Shirlington, VA

Contact lenses became popular because of the many perks it offers to users. Although many fancy it due to aesthetic benefits, as it allows users to wear different eye colors. We highly advise that you take full advantage of your TriCare Vision insurance to acquire your new contact lenses in Arlington and Shirlington. The following important advantages make it a superior alternative to eyeglasses.

Ease in Viewing - Contact lenses are recommended to those with refractive errors like astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness. It can help correct these refractive defects while specialty lenses are designed to tackle distinct needs. One good example is scleral lenses. They come in larger diameter to correct corneal irregularities.

Improved Eye Comfort - Modern contact lenses are made from durable material with a soft lens skirt to provide clearer vision while maintaining comfort and eye health.

Broader Visual Access - When you are wearing a contact lens, your central and peripheral visual access is unconstrained. Image distortions and glare reflections are also minimized when the contact lens is worn.

Feeling Normal - Since contact lenses are securely attached to your cornea, you won't experience the hassle and discomfort associated with wearing eyeglasses. When you don't wear glasses you are more comfortable to perform daily activities and routines. Also, you no longer have to worry about fog or splashes of water that may dim your vision. Wearing them is apt for any types of weather.

Aesthetic Benefits

Contact lenses in Arlington, VA are available in a wide array of colors. This allows users to experience wearing different eye colors and choose the best shade that will complement their look. When getting contact lenses even just for cosmetic purposes, we still highly advise to consult an eye doctor to ensure the safety of your eyes and prevent complications related to lens wear.

To learn more about Contact Lenses or if ever you need a pair, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


About Glaucoma and the Immediate Need to Treat

25 September 2019

VisualEyes Optometrists - About Glaucoma and the Immediate Need to Treat in Alexandria, VA

Glaucoma is globally the leading cause of permanent blindness. The disease does not discriminate which is commonly cited as "the sneak thief of sight". This is because the disease presents itself with no symptoms in the early stage with the slight peripheral vision loss commonly going unnoticed. The condition is permanent once the damage is in progress. For this reason, people are encouraged to have a regular eye examination for glaucoma screening. The frequency of the eye examination depends on person's age, race and family history.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease which results to irreversible blindness due to optic nerve injury. The injury results from the increase ocular pressure brought about by fluid accumulation.

Symptoms

Patients who are suffering from glaucoma usually perceive no pain or symptoms at the early stage. Most people only notice it when their peripheral vision becomes impaired or blind spots occur at the corner of the eye. But contrary to popular belief, there are in fact some early signs and symptoms suggestive of glaucoma that you need learn, these include:

  • Severe pain in the eye or forehead
  • Eye Redness
  • Blurred vision
  • You may see rainbows or halos around bright lights
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Photophobia or painful light sensitivity

Treatment

Various treatment options for Alexandria area glaucoma patients are available. But it depends on the type and severity of the disease:

  1. Eye Drops to reduce eye pressure and an initial attempt to control the onset of the disease.
  2. Laser Therapy variations are decided by the severity of the damage and also a way to control eye pressure.
  3. Surgery is the last resort when all aforementioned treatment fails. It helps repair the damage and restore vision.

Prognosis

There's a positive prognosis when the disease is early detected and diagnosed before optic nerve injury takes place. On the other hand, late diagnosis implies more intensive treatment is required and there's an impending visual loss. Glaucoma patients must be educated to the fact that the disease is a lifetime condition and full compliance with prescribed medications and regular checkups with an eye doctor is critically important.

If you have any reason to suspect that you think have glaucoma-like symptoms, contact VisualEyes Optometrists here in Alexandria for consultation.


Contact Lens Myths Debunked!

10 September 2019

VisualEyes Optometrists - Contact Lens Myths Debunked in Fairfax, VA

Like any other medical myth, contacts lenses has its fair share of silly fiction stories. Let's debunk some of them to set the record straight.

Contact Lens Can Get Lost Behind Your Eyes

It is impossible for the contacts to wander behind your eye since there's a clear, thin membrane called conjunctiva that covers part of the front surface of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. So there's no way it can slip through it and migrate at the back of your eye.

Using Contacts Is Painful

You may feel a slight discomfort and a bit of irritation at first, but in very short-order you will feel comfortable wearing them.

You May Leave It In Your Eyes Without Taking It Off

If you leave the eye contacts for an extended period beyond that which is recommended, your eye will be prone for oxidative stress and inflammation can occur. You may also experience dry eyes, red eyes, infections, eye ulcers, or an irreversible damage to your vision.

Contacts Are Not Recommended For Those With Astigmatism or High Prescription

Maybe true in days past, but not today. Toric contact lenses are specifically designed for people with astigmatism and those who require high prescription.

Contacts Can Alter Your Eye Color Permanently

Colored contact lenses will only alter the color of your eye when you are wearing them.

Contacts Are Costly

Compared to high-quality glasses, contact lenses can be more affordable. Even disposable contacts can be more economical than eye glasses.

Contact lenses are safe to use. You just need to follow simple instructions on how to properly use it. Contact VisualEyes Optometrists to learn more about contact lenses.


Low Vision Therapy

26 August 2019

VisualEyes Optometrists, Arlington, VA

Low vision pertains to partial vision loss which can't be fully corrected with eye glasses, contact lenses, medication and even surgery. Patients with low vision suffer from different diseases, field defects, and degrees of vision loss. Low vision involves bilateral reduction to visual acuity or field arising out from visual system failure.

Those who suffer partial vision impairment are unable to perform work and daily activities effectively. The quality of life is significantly affected. Low vision therapy is path to an increased quality of life. The therapy is intended to help patients accept their condition and overcome the difficulty associated with it. Helping them maximize their available vision to continue performing their daily tasks despite their condition.

Low Vision Therapy services here in Arlington, VA involves a thorough assessment of our patient's current visual ability, defining what specific life tasks that are negatively affected, and the patient’s goals for improvement. We will define a path to maximize the utility of one’s remaining vision and will develop strategies to better complete daily tasks and improve quality of life. To learn more about Low Vision Therapy, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.


What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?

12 August 2019

VisualEyes Optometrists, Fairfax, VA

Has your vision taken a notable turn for the worse? Have you known for sometime that you are nearsighted, farsighted, or perhaps know that you have an astigmatism? These are all common vision problems that can be corrected through a safe, effective, and affordable procedure called LASIK or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. This procedure corrects vision issues by reshaping the cornea.

When you are nearsighted, your cornea is too steep. When the cornea is flat you may be farsighted. A football-shaped cornea is linked to astigmatism. In LASIK surgery here in Fairfax, the certified eye surgeon will form a flap of tissue that will serve as a protection in outer layer of the cornea and with the use of a laser, it eliminates microscopic cells in the layer beneath. The procedure will only take a few minutes. The surgeon will return the flap back into position which will serve as a bandage while the eye is healing. In few month post-surgery, the patient's visual acuity is improved.

LASIK eye surgery offers a long-term alternative solution to eyeglasses or contact lenses. The operation uses numbing drops so only minimal pain will be felt during procedure. Since LASIK is a complex procedure, it's important to seek a highly-experienced eye surgeon to perform the surgery. If you think you are a good candidate for this refractive treatment, contact VisualEyes Optometrists here in Fairfax.


Treating Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

24 July 2019

VisualEyes Optometrists, Arlington, VA

Conjunctivitis (better knows as pink eye) is an inflamed or infected conjunctiva caused by several factors that include virus, bacteria, allergies, fungi, and other irritants. The conjunctiva is a thin membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the white part of the eye or sclera.

Conjunctivitis is a highly contagious disease. Kids can easily get them when an outbreak takes place at school. Although it's not a serious disease, patients are recommended to visit their eye doctor in Arlington, VA to treat it quickly. Permanent vision issues are rare in older children and adults but some may develop corneal inflammation and can be a serious case to newborns, for it may lead to irreversible vision problems.

Patients suffering from conjunctivitis have these following symptoms:

  • eye redness
  • swollen conjunctiva
  • increased tearing
  • thick yellow or green discharge
  • itchy and burning eyes
  • increased sensitivity to light
  • vision may be blurred

You need to see a certified optometrist right away when you experience a lot of yellow or green discharge from the eye, when it is accompanied with fever and chills, severe eye pain extending to the face and loss of vision. If you suspect of conjunctivitis, contact VisualEyes Optometrists in Arlington, VA to get immediate treatment.


How To Treat Astigmatism?

10 July 2019

VisualEyes Optometrists, Alexandria, VA

A normal eye is perfectly round. When the light enters the eye it bends evenly providing you clear sight. Unfortunately for people suffering astigmatism, that person's eyeball and/or cornea is irregular in shape. The problem with this is that eye fails to properly bend and present light to the retina. This results in partial focus upon the targeted visual zone. A person with astigmatism suffers blurred and distorted vision. The condition usually occurs after an eye injury and becomes progressive over time.

What Are The Symptoms?

  • Blurred / Distorted Vision
  • Eye Strain
  • Headache
  • Eye Irritation

An Eye Exam can help diagnose this condition. Typically, people with astigmatism may also have myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness).

How It is Treated?

Corrective lenses can help correct this eye condition. Toric, a soft contact lens, can be prescribed by optometrists. These special type of eye glasses or contacts will curve the light more in one direction than the other. For those with severe cases a gas-permeable rigid contact lens is prescribed. Refractive surgery is also an option to discuss with your optometrist. This is laser surgery that re-shapes the cornea.

In order to know what treatment is best for you, you need to see your eye doctor for in Alexandria, VA.

Contact VisualEyes Optometrists in Alexandria to help you figure out the right treatment for your condition.


Protect Your Eyes From the Dangerous Summer Sun

15 June 2019

Visual Eyes Optometrists, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, VA

As promised, we here at Visual Eyes Optometrists (serving the fine people of Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax) are pleased to post our first educational eye care-related blog post here on our new blog. Today’s work provides you valuable tips to take care of your vision during these long summer days where your exposure to sun risk is the highest it will be all year.

We’re now enjoying the longest days of the year and all the benefits of days with maximum sunshine. It’s the time when many of us attempt to make up for lost time and go out and enjoy the weather without abandon – hit the beach, dust off that home improvement project, maybe join a pickup basketball game. But please, take care of your eyes! Today’s blog post is intended to help you do just that.

“Summer activities pose a number of potential hazards to your vision. Your exposed higher levels of UV radiation which can increase your risk for developing certain conditions, including cataracts and cancerous growths. With more activity outdoors and around your home, you increase your risk for eye injuries.

Here are 10 Summer Eye Protection Tips to Reduce the Risk of Injury or Vision Loss

  1. Choose sunglasses with full UV protection: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is much stronger in summer, and just because the lenses are dark doesn’t mean your eyes are protected from these damaging rays. Look for glasses labeled either UV400 or 100 percent UV protection, which means that the lenses will block the full spectrum of UVA and UVB rays.
  2. Pay attention to the lens style: Wraparound styles can provide better summer eye protection, since they cover your peripheral vision. And if you plan to be in situations where you could increase your risk for injury – such as taking a spike to the face during a game of beach volleyball with friends – choose shatter-proof polycarbonate lenses.
  3. Buy sunglasses from a reputable retailer: Some online sources will sell products that can be dangerous for your eyes. Do your research.
  4. Wear a hat as often as possible when outside: “This includes on cloudy days. Clouds don’t block all spectrums of UV light. Not only will this give your eyes some extra protection, it will also protect your scalp and face from sun damage.
  5. Always wear swim goggles: Goggles are necessary for both indoor and outdoor pools. Even in chlorinated pool water, some microorganisms may survive and cause an infection, and this infection risk increases in lakes and other non-chlorinated water areas, such as hot tubs. These communal areas may be teeming with bacteria, including acanthamoeba, which causes an intense infection that is difficult to treat.
  6. Don’t swim in contact lenses: “If you wear contact lenses, you’re more susceptible to infection, given that your eyes are more likely to get irritated.
  7. Choose the right eye protection for your sport: Depending on the sport, this might include goggles, a face guard or a helmet. The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) has developed protection standards for every sport. In addition, by supplementing any official standard with the tips above (wearing a hat, full UV sunglasses, etc.), you can increase your summer eye protection.
  8. Be careful when working around the house: From cutting the grass and gardening to woodworking or digging into a car project, summertime also means an increase in risk from hazardous chemicals or flying debris. When engaging in these or other similar activities, wear glasses, goggles or a face shield that features “ANSI Z87.1” on the lens or frame. This designation means that it has met the American National Standards Institute safety standard for protective eyewear.
  9. Avoid indoor tanning: Tanning beds can produce far greater UV levels than the sun, increasing your risk for both skin cancer and serious eye damage. If you do use a tanning bed, make sure to wear protective UV-blocking goggles, not sunglasses.
  10. Wash your hands frequently: “While this is important any time of the year to help prevent the spread of eye infections, in the summer, people are more active outside. This makes it easier for infections to spread, including pink eye. So make sure to wash your hands regularly, and especially before you touch your eyes or put in your contacts.”

So, all ten suggestions are pretty simple to do, right? But as vision care professionals, we can’t emphasize strongly enough how valuable these actions are to help protect the priceless resource of good vision. We’ll add an 11th suggestion here. Be sure to have your eyes examined annually or as directed by your optometrist. You can call or schedule an eye exam in Alexandria, Arlington, or Fairfax with us anytime. Enjoy your summer!


Welcome to Our New Eye Care Public Service Blog

1 June 2019

Visual Eyes Optometrists, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, VAGreetings to our years-long optometry patients and to all of you finding us for the first time as well. All of us here at Northern Virginia’s Visual Eyes Optometrists are proud and pleased of our new website and we hope it serves all of you well. This is the first of what will be regular recurring blog posts offered as a public service to educate the general public on all things related to promoting and maintaining healthy vision.

For those who don’t know us, for over a decade now we’ve provided superior eyecare services in Alexandria, eyecare services in Arlington, and eyecare services in Fairfax as well. We invite you to meet our doctors, all with a celebrated history in providing superior optometry services.

It is our sole goal to improve your quality of life whether that involves helping you maintain your fully healthy vision or treating even the most dreadful of eye diseases. Call us to get things started and we hope to see you visiting our blog on a regular basis to help you take care of one of your most precious resources…your vision!


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