Myopia and your child

Can Myopia be reversed?

 Is it possible to reverse myopia? That’s a question many of those with nearsightedness have probably asked at one point or another. Glasses can correct this common refractive error but can’t turn the clock back.

Myopia can’t be reversed, but myopia control can slow its progression in kids whose eyes are still growing. Regular eye exams play a crucial role in managing myopia. They allow optometrists to monitor your eye’s progression and adjust prescriptions accordingly. While we can’t hit ‘undo’ on myopia, we can certainly take steps to manage it effectively.

What is Myopia?

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a vision condition that affects nearly 30% of Americans. It’s a type of refractive error—a problem with your eyes that affects how you see. In a healthy eye, light rays land directly on the retina, the layer of light-reactive cells at the back of the eye. The retina sends this information through the optic nerve, where the brain turns it into an image.

Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long, or the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) is overly curved, causing the light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of onto it. This makes it difficult to see distant objects clearly, while close objects are typically sharp and clear.

What Causes Myopia?

Although myopia can affect people of any age, it usually emerges in childhood and worsens during adolescence. Genetics play a major role in determining who develops myopia; if one or both parents have myopia, their children are at higher risk of developing it as well. However, environmental factors may also increase your chances, such as:

• Excessive screen time
• Lack of outdoor activities
• Reading in poor lighting conditions

Correcting Myopic Vision

The most common treatment for myopia is prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Eyeglasses are available in many styles and designs, offering a stylish way to meet your unique needs. For people who prefer a more natural look, contact lenses are an alternative to glasses that sit directly on the eye.

Whatever you choose, these devices work by bending light to focus it directly on the retina, which can improve visual acuity and clarity for people with refractive errors. Your optometrist has to measure your refractive error with an eye exam to determine the correct prescription.

Myopia Control

Since myopia can worsen until a child’s eyes stabilize around age 20, myopia control focuses on slowing down the rate at which a child’s myopia progresses. Every child’s eyes are unique, so myopia control plans are individualized to meet each child’s needs.

After an eye exam, our doctors may recommend a range of myopia control methods. Be sure and discuss these with Dr Brian and Dr Boyer

(909) 596-6756 LaVerne (909) 982-0100 Upland

 www.drboyeroptometrist.com

How To Get Rid Of Under Eye Bags

 

Under-eye swelling or puffiness is a common cosmetic concern. Often referred to as “eye bags,” these areas of swollen tissue under eyes can add to the appearance of aging or sleepiness. According to the Mayo Clinic, bags under eyes rarely signal a serious health condition, but many people still struggle with this feature of their appearance. 

Puffy eyes and dark circles under the eyes occur for many reasons, including genetics, allergies, stress, eye fatigue, and salt consumption. Swelling around the eyes is caused by an accumulation of fluid in the surrounding skin tissue. Because the skin around the eyes is very thin, swelling and discoloration can be easily visible.

Bags under eyes generally result from a variety of factors, including:

• A weakening of the muscles around the eyes, which happens naturally with age
• Consuming too much salt
• Allergies
• Genetics
• Dehydration
• Lack of Sleep 
• Stress

Lifestyle Changes

Reduce your salt intake: Too much salt in your diet can cause your eyes to puff, as excess sodium levels can lead to fluid retention. If you think too much salt may be the cause of your puffy eyes, cut back on salty foods

Eat potassium-rich foods: A healthy intake of potassium acts as a counterbalance to high sodium levels. The combination of too much sodium and not enough potassium not only causes puffy eyes but relates to your cardiovascular health as well. Bananas, avocados, spinach, sweet potato, coconut water, yogurt, and other potassium-rich foods help restore the balance of potassium in your body and reduce the water retention that contributes to bags under the eyes.

Stay hydrated: When your body is dehydrated, it tries to retain more water, causing your under eye area to swell. The Mayo Clinic’s water drinking recommendations are that men drink about 3.7 liters of water per day, while women drink about 2.7 liters.

Manage Stress

Medical studies show that stress changes the salt balance in your body. If salt and water balances are off, your eyes can retain more water and swell as a result. Stress also causes some people to lose sleep. Lack of sleep causes the blood vessels under the thin skin of the eyes to dilate, creating the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. Look for ways to reduce your stress, such as the following recommended by the Cleveland Clinic:

• Exercise
• Quitting smoking
• Meditation
• Deep breathing
• Counseling

Another way to reduce stress is by maintaining a relaxing bedtime routine.

Home Remedies for Puffy Eyes

To accelerate your treatments of puffy eyes, you can also use home remedies such as: 

• Chilled spoons
• Frozen bags of peas
• Gentle facial massages
• Eye creams*

*Be aware some eye cream preservatives and retinoids around the eyes can cause skin dryness to the sensitive under eye area, or even do damage to the glands that nourish the eye, and can cause dry-eye syndrome. [dry eye syndrome or blepharoconjunctivitis are the most common side effects, appearing in 20-50% of patients treated with retinoids. They often contribute to other occurrences or side-effects such as ocular discomfort and contact lens intolerance.]

Surgery

With aging, and in other cases, the only true treatment might be a surgical procedure known as lower eyelid blepharoplasty. It’s always good to talk to our doctors who can recommend qualified surgeons in our area.

And last but not least…

Skin Protection 

Protect your skin from the sun (sunlight damages the skin and makes eye bags worse)

• Use UV protection sunblock 
• Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection (polarized vs non polarized sunglasses-we’ll post that in another blog article)

Schedule an appointment for your yearly eye exam and discuss this information with our doctors to get the best medical advice for your personal situation.

(909) 596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750 

(909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784

#undereyebags www.drboyeroptometrist.com

Halloween and costume contacts

 Just 10 hours after she first put in a pair of colored contact lenses that she’d bought at a souvenir shop, Laura of Parkersburg, W.Va., had "extreme pain in both eyes," she said. "Because I had not been properly fitted by an eye care professional, the lenses stuck to my eye like a suction cup."

Even if you have perfect vision, you need to get an eye exam and a prescription from an eye care professional before you wear any kind of contact lens. A prescription ensures that the lens is a proper fit for your eye, among other things. If the lens doesn't fit properly, it could prove difficult to remove and cause serious injury.

In Laura's case, the lenses caused an infection and left her with a corneal abrasion. "I was in severe pain and on medication for four weeks and couldn't see well enough to drive for eight weeks," she said. "I now live with a corneal scar, vision damage and a drooping eyelid."

Safely Wear Costume Contact Lenses for Halloween With These Tips:

Get an eye exam from a licensed eye care professional such as an optometrist— an eye medical doctor — who will measure each eye and talk to you about proper contact lens care.

• Obtain a valid prescription that includes the brand name, lens measurements and expiration date.
• Purchase the colored contact lenses from a retailer who asks for a prescription, or at our office.
• Follow the contact lens care directions for cleaning, disinfecting and wearing the lenses.
• Never share contact lenses with another person.
• Get follow-up exams as directed with your eye care provider.

If you notice redness, swelling, excessive discharge, pain or discomfort from wearing contact lenses, remove the lenses and seek immediate medical attention from Dr Boyer & Dr Brian. Eye infections can become serious very quickly and sometimes the damage is not reversible.

(909) 596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750 

(909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784

www.drboyeroptometrist.com

UV Safety Awareness Month

Studies show that long-term exposure to bright sunlight may increase the risk of cataracts and growths on the eye, including cancer.

One day can still do damage 

If your eyes are exposed to excessive amounts of UV radiation over a short period of time, you will likely experience photokeratitis. Like a "sunburn of the eye," photokeratitis can be painful, with symptoms including red eyes, a foreign body sensation or gritty feeling in the eyes, extreme sensitivity to light and excessive tearing....potentially resulting in temporary blindness in just a few hours. Fortunately, these symptoms are usually temporary and rarely cause permanent damage to the eyes.

Overexposure Over time

The longer the eyes are exposed to solar radiation, the greater the risk of developing cataracts, eye cancer, pterygium (surfer’s eye) or macular degeneration later in life. It is not clear how much exposure to solar radiation will cause damage. So, whenever you spend time outdoors, wear a wide-brim hat as well as quality sunglasses that offer UV protection.

To provide adequate protection for your eyes, sunglasses should:

• Block out 99 to 100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.
• Screen out 75 to 90% of visible light.
• Have lenses that are perfectly matched in color and free of distortion and imperfection.

If you spend a lot of time outdoors in bright sunlight, consider wearing wraparound frames for additional protection from the harmful solar radiation. Don't forget protection for children and teenagers. They typically spend more time in the sun than adults. 

Also, certain contact lenses can provide additional UV protection, which is why it is so important to visit your optometrist when renewing your prescription—to ensure your contacts are the right fit for your lifestyle and level of sun exposure, which is something that so-called “online vision tests” cannot provide.

Don’t forget indoor risk

Artificial sources of UV light such as welding machines, tanning beds and lasers can also pose serious eye health issues. As part of your annual comprehensive eye exam, be sure to talk to your doctor of optometry about any indoor risks—as well as your outdoor activities in all seasons—so that your level of UV exposure can be assessed and the appropriate UV absorbing glasses and/or contact lenses prescribed for your individual needs and ongoing protection. 

Our Dr.’s can provide you with best and most up-to-date information on protecting your eyes. 

Call for an appointment today. (909) 596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750 or (909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784

www.drboyeroptometrist.com

Eye Strain

 You probably use screens for just about everything -- to work, to relax, or just to keep up with daily life. If your eyes feel dry and tired, your vision is blurry by the end of the day, or your head, neck, and shoulders ache, all that time with your digital devices might be to blame.

If you change how you use smartphones, computers, tablets, and other screens, you can keep from straining your eyes.

Why Do Screens Cause Eyestrain?

Normally, we blink about 15-20 times a minute. That spreads tears evenly over your eyes, which keeps them from getting dry and irritated. But researchers have found that people blink less than half as often when they’re reading, watching, or playing on a screen. Also, the contrast of text against the background, the glare, and flickering from digital screens can be hard on your eyes.

Prevent Digital Eyestrain

No, you don’t have to cut out all screen time. But a few changes to how your use your devices can be easier on your eyes.

• Make sure your computer screen is about 25 inches, or an arm's length, away from your face. The center of the screen should be about 10-15 degrees below eye level.
• Cut glare by using a matte screen filter. You can find them for all types of computers, phones, and tablets.
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
• Take a longer break of about 15 minutes after every 2 hours you spend on your devices.
• Use artificial tears to refresh your eyes when they feel dry.
• Try putting a humidifier in the room where you most often use a computer or other device.
• Make sure the lighting in the room you’re in is bright enough. You don’t want your device to be brighter than the surroundings.
• If you wear contact lenses, give your eyes a break by wearing your glasses.
• Get regular eye exams. You might need to use a different pair of glasses when you’re working on a computer.

(909) 596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750 

(909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784

www.drboyeroptometrist.com

Eye Safety At Work Month

Each year, nearly 25,000 Americans visit the emergency room due to a workplace eye injury. A crucial reminder to employers and workers about the importance of wearing certified and approved eye protection. Our office provides safety protective goggles and eyewear, schedule an appointment today. (909) 596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750 (909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784 #drkennethboyerOD #drbrianboyerOD #eyesafetyawarenessmonth #workplaceeyewellnessmonth www.drboyeroptometrist.com

 

What is farsightedness?

 Hyperopia

Far sightedness means that ones best sight is at far. It is a lay man's term for hyperopia. Hyperopia describes an eye that is too short in length (sometimes people confuse hyperopia with presbyopia, which also causes near vision problems but for different reasons). That means that the focal length lies behind the eye. People with hyperopia might squint to see nearby objects. This is especially true for an object that is close, like a book, a computer, or a cell phone. In that case the eye must focus harder with the crystalline lens in order to see clearly. This increased effort can cause fatigue, headaches , and eye strain. 

Seeing comfortably

What can be confusing about hyperopia is one would pass a vision screening with an eye chart and even report that they're able to see a book clearly. Yet, they definitely benefit from reading glasses. In this case the glasses are more about seeing comfortably than clearly. This is one reason that yearly eye exams are recommended starting at school age. Most of our learning is visual and reading glasses can make a huge difference in that person's life. 

Treatment options

Treatment options include eyeglasses, contact lenses, and surgery such as LASIK. 

Don't forget a yearly eye exam for you and your family. (909) 596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750 (909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784 www.drboyeroptometrist.com

Vision Benefits

 This year more than ever, making sure you have an appointment before the end of the year, in order to not lose your vision insurance benefits is important.

With  the limitations of social distancing our number of available appointments is less than half our usual time slots. And we are booked out a month or more!  Call our office today, or through our website  in order to schedule a time, so you don't lose out.


We're doing our best to meet everyone's needs, but we have restrictions.
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COVID-19 and CONTACTS

What Contact Lens Wearers Should Know

When it comes to eye health, Dr Brian and Dr Kenneth Boyer want to keep you up-to-date on the most accurate and helpful information.  Contact lens wearers in particular may be wondering if they should be handling their day-to-day health differently, in terms of preventative measures and daily usage of lenses.  We have included practical information below. 

CDC Guidance on Contact Lens Use

The CDC has offered the following guidance on safe use of contacts during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Currently there is no evidence to suggest contact lens wearers are more at risk for acquiring COVID-19 than eyeglass wearers.

• Contact lens wearers should continue to practice safe contact lens wear and care hygiene habits to help prevent against transmission of any contact lens-related infections, such as always washing hands with soap and water before handling lenses.

• People who are healthy can continue to wear and care for their contact lenses as prescribed by their eye care professional.

Centre for Ocular Research and Education 

 (909) 596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne 91750

 (909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland 91784

 #drkennethboyerOD #drbrianboyerOD 
www.drboyeroptometrist.com

Ortho-K overnight sight

Orthokeratology, or ortho-k, is the use of specially designed and fitted contact lenses, worn at night to temporarily reshape the front surface of the eye while you sleep. Ortho-k is a surgery-free way for some people to leave their glasses behind and not have to wear contact lenses all the time. 

Sometimes recommended to correct children’s vision, it is being studied to see how it can slow down the progression of myopia.  Trust Dr Boyer to evaluate your specific circumstances and prescription for you. Schedule a consultation at drboyeroptometrist.com

What is Astigmatism?

First. Astigmatism is quite common. 75% of us have astigmatism. That is, most of us have some small amount. Often, in smaller amounts, astigmatism doesn't cause problems and requires no correction. However, in larger amounts, astigmatism can cause blurry vision both close up and far away. 

Astigmatism means that the cornea, the front of the eye, is warped. It's not a disease and does not cause blindness but the warped cornea causes distorted vision that can result in headaches and eye strain. It's easily corrected with spectacles but soft contacts won't correct for astigmatism. However, rigid gas permeable contact lenses and soft toric lenses will work.

Also, LASIK can correct for astigmatism. 

Often, a young person and some adults with significant astigmatism will pass a vision screening. Another reason why yearly eye exams are important starting at school age.

Schedule your family’s eye exams with Dr Boyer Optometrist 

Why does Grampa need reading glasses?

A normal aging change that affects everyone is presbyopia. Presbyopia means old eyes. It is the loss of focusing of the crystalline lens in the eye. Sometimes confused with far sightedness or hyperopia it is something different. With hyperopia the eye works harder to focus a near object but it is able to focus. With presbyopia the eye is unable to focus. That's why Grampa needs reading glasses. Presbyopia typically begins around 40 and gradually gets worse as you approach your fifties. It usually levels off around 60. It can be corrected with glasses. Traditionally bifocals or reading glasses were used. Now there are other options. Today most people use progressive addition glasses or PAL's. PAL's have no lines. They look like regular glasses. PAL's have gotten quite sophisticated and work well for all vision tasks. Multifocal contact lenses are also available. Mono vision contacts or LASIK is an option. Presbyopia is another reason to get a regular eye exam. When you get your eyes checked ask your eye doctor about the the new options available for old eyes that keep you looking younger.

Call or go online to schedule a evaluation and eye exam

Dr Boyer Optometrist 

Can I get sunglasses in my contact lenses?

Yes! Transition lenses are now available in contact lenses. Vistakon has partnered with Transitions to create Acuvue Oasys contact lenses with Transitions. 

Oasys is the number one contact lens in the world. It is a proven 2 week disposable lens that provides excellent comfort, vision and now with Transitions, filters out harmful UV rays and protects the eye from bothersome glare. These lenses darken outdoors in the sun and then lighten up when you walk inside so they can be worn all day long. 

If you’re interested in contact lenses that have Transitions sun lenses come on in. We have free trials and they could be a great option for you.

Easily make an appointment at Drboyeroptometrist.com

Watch how ACUVUE® OASYS with Transitions™ works

Come in and try these new contact lenses out with a pair of free trials at www.drboyeroptometrist.com

Introducing ACUVUE® OASYS with Transitions™

Lenses are not a replacement for sunglasses.

Light - while essential for sight - is also challenging for the visual system to cope with. Nearly two-thirds of people (64%) admit to being bothered by harsh or bright lighting conditions on a daily basis.

The coping mechanisms adopted when light becomes troublesome include shading or averting the eyes, turning down the brightness of digital devices and turning off room lights. Actions which are certainly inconvenient, and for some behaviors such as squinting, have the potential to cause visual discomfort.

Introducing ACUVUE^® OASYS with Transitions™

Ten years in development, ACUVUE^® OASYS with Transitions™ is a first-of-its-kind light-responsive contact lens that combines the proven senofilcon A material with a photochromic additive copolymerized homogeneously throughout the lens matrix.
ACUVUE^® OASYS with Transitions™ seamlessly adapts to balance the amount of indoor and outdoor light entering the eye, including filtering blue light* and blocking UV rays.

• The lens blocks up to 15% of light indoors, mainly in the high energy visible (HEV) range, and up to 70% of visible light at full activation.
• It begins to darken as soon as it is exposed to sunlight, is dark in 45 seconds, and fades back within 90 seconds.
• In objective measures of functional vision, ACUVUE^® OASYS with Transitions™ has been shown to deliver significant improvements in both the partially-activated (outdoor state) and inactivated states (indoor state) over the leading reusable contact lens.
• In subjective clinical evaluations, ACUVUE^® OASYS with Transitions™ has been shown to be superior in multiple indoors and outdoors performance metrics over the leading reusable contact lens.
• Among those with a preference, ACUVUE^® OASYS with Transitions™ was preferred over the leading reusable lens. 

Come in and discuss if this lens is right for you with Dr Boyer today... Click on our website to call or schedule an appointment.

The Contact Lens That Knows Light

When the light gets too bright, these contact lenses can filter it. Ask us how you can #SquintlessSeeMore with NEW ACUVUE^® OASYS with Transitions^TM
These lenses are not a replacement for sunglasses.
See Safety Info: https://www.acuvue.com/important-safety-information