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Common Questions Patients Ask About Their Eyes
The experts at MEI have answers for you!
Maintaining good eye health enables you to perform daily activities to the best of your ability. But it takes practice and knowing the right vision questions to ask. So, where do you start?
Turning to Google can be daunting: hundreds of different answers to your common vision questions can leave you confused and unsure. Fortunately, Michigan Eye Institute can help. We know you have questions, and many others like you have them too. That’s why we’ve gathered five common eye questions patients have about their vision.
Do digital devices affect my eyes and, if so, what can I do about it?
Have you ever left your laptop screen with an unexplained headache or dry eyes?
More than ever, devices are present in our everyday lives. According to The Vision Council, over 83 percent of Americans use digital devices more than two hours a day.
Excess screen time can strain your eyes, resulting in blurred vision, dry eyes, headaches, and neck and shoulder pain—just to name a few. This is largely due to the high-energy blue light that digital screens emit. So yes, devices can affect your vision.
However, there are ways to protect your eyes against blue light. Simple tips include taking a break from your laptop screen every 20 minutes for 20 seconds. You can also change your light and display setting on your device to minimize eye strain.
If looking for something more, opt-in for a specialized prescription, including contact lenses, to address digital eye fatigue. A popular solution is blue blocker lenses that shield your eyes from harmful blue light. However, be cautious when choosing specialized lenses: some inexpensive blue blocker lenses may advertise quality blue light protection but aren’t as effective in doing so.
MEI offers true blue light lenses that reduce the strain on your eyes, allowing you to enjoy longer screen time and look and feel your best. Protect your eyes with MEI optical true blue light lenses; consult an MEI eye expert! Schedule an appointment today and find out which vision correction treatment is right for you.
Does wearing reading glasses make my eyes worse?
Reading glasses doesn’t worsen your vision, but you will become more dependent on them the more you wear them. Most patients will need to wear reading glasses once they reach the age of 40-50. That’s because the natural lens in your eyes starts to harden, making it difficult to focus on close-up objects. However, don’t worry. This is a completely natural part of the aging process.
As we age, so do our eyes. When we start to rely on reading glasses more and more, it is one common sign cataracts may be developing. Generally speaking, once you start wearing reading glasses, you will likely continue to depend on them until the need for a lens implant, such as cataract surgery, arises. This helps you become less dependent on your eyewear.
And that’s where we can help. If you’re experiencing eye symptoms, consult the eye experts at MEI to discuss the best eye treatment for you. Book an appointment!
Why does the eye doctor dilate my eyes, and can I drive afterward?
If necessary, an eye doctor will use dilating drops to see the back of your eyes clearly. This enlarges the pupil so that more light enters the eyes, allowing your doctor to get a better view of the retina. Not everyone, however, requires dilation drops for a regular eye exam. Typically, dilating eye drops apply to those with an eye condition or disease, medical history, or small pupils that need dilating.
As far as driving while eyes are dilated—everyone differs. Most patients can drive home from their dilated eye exam. While near vision may remain blurry for several hours after dilation, your distance vision is still good. But keep in mind, you will need to wear sunglasses when doing so. This helps you avoid brightness while driving. If you feel uncomfortable driving after a dilated eye exam, MEI recommends having someone pick you up.
Does fish oil help my eyes?
Yes, fish oil can aid eye health. As you age, the risk of dry eyes increases. Omega 3 oils can help the eye glands generate the oily components of tears, protecting the surface of your eyes.
You can find Omega 3 oils in supplements such as Thera Tears Nutrition. Foods with Omega 3 oils include walnuts, tuna, flaxseed, spinach, and more. However, please keep in mind: for patients taking a blood thinner, we recommend that you talk to your primary care physician before taking Omega 3 supplements to ensure it is in your best interest. You should never add a medication or supplement without your PCP’s instruction.
Do cataracts have to become “ripe” before they can be moved?
Many variables determine the right time to remove cataracts. For instance, if cataracts cause difficulty in completing your daily routine, you may qualify for cataract surgery. Furthermore, your vision may need to meet the insurance company’s criteria. The most common sign is a slow decrease in your vision clarity. It appears as though a haze or fog develops, and it seems like you are looking through a dirty window. Other symptoms include decreased night vision, light sensitivity, faded or yellowed color appearance, double vision, and the appearance of light “halos.”
If you suspect you have cataracts, you shouldn’t prolong treatment. There are no requirements for cataracts being “ripe” enough. In fact, patients tend to get cataract surgery much younger than in the past. Additionally, most patients don’t even notice symptoms until cataracts have progressed substantially. We recommend consulting an eye expert at MEI to determine the best solution.
MEI offers state-of-the-art laser cataract surgery treatment options. Our cutting-edge techniques and a wide array of options ensure that our patients are given the best surgical outcome possible so that they return to their normal schedule.
When You Think Eyes, Think Michigan Eye!
Michigan Eye Institute provides excellent care to our patients in a warm, caring, and professional manner. We recognize that every patient deserves expert-led vision solutions to fit each individual need.
Schedule an appointment with MEI today to protect your eyes for a brighter tomorrow. No matter what questions or concerns you have about your vision, our expert physicians will answer them all and ensure you get the best treatment that’s right for you.
