Contact lenses are a popular choice for vision correction due to their convenience and unobtrusive nature. However, while they offer freedom from the constraints of traditional eyeglasses, contact lenses require a higher level of care and attention. Unfortunately, many people underestimate the importance of proper contact lens care, which can lead to a number of complications that can affect their eye health. Understanding and avoiding these common mistakes associated with contact lens usage is essential in order to maintain healthy eyes and enjoy the benefits of clear vision.
Sleeping in Contact Lenses
Sleeping in contact lenses is a common oversight that significantly increases the risk of eye infections and corneal complications. The closed-eye environment during sleep can promote the accumulation of bacteria and can reduce oxygen supply to the cornea, which can lead to discomfort, inflammation, or potential long-term damage. Unless your contacts are specifically designed for extended wear, always take them out before sleeping, even if you are just taking a nap.
Neglecting Proper Hygiene
Failing to maintain proper hygiene while handling contact lenses can introduce harmful bacteria and debris to the eyes. Poor hand washing, using saliva to moisten lenses, and ignoring lens case cleanliness are common habits that can lead to severe eye infections and discomfort. Practicing good hygiene is vital to ensure the safety and effectiveness of contact lens use.
Using Tap Water for Cleaning or Storing Contact Lenses
Some individuals resort to using tap water as a substitute for the recommended contact lens solution, not realizing that it contains microorganisms that can adhere to the lenses and cause infections. Tap water may also contain chemicals and impurities that can damage the lenses, leading to discomfort and reduced clarity of vision. To reduce the risk of infection, it is best to keep contacts away from any kind of water.
Failing to Replace Lenses on Time
Overextending the lifespan of contact lenses beyond their recommended usage period can compromise their integrity and lead to discomfort, decreased vision quality, and increased risk of eye infections. This is why it is so important to regularly replace lenses according to our advice during your exam, in order to maintain optimal eye health and visual acuity.
Ignoring Symptoms of Discomfort
When it comes to wearing contact lenses, it is important to pay attention to signs of a potential problem, such as redness, dryness, irritation or pain. Ignoring these symptoms can allow underlying eye issues to worsen, and potentially lead to severe complications. You can’t be too careful with your vision, so if you have any concerns at all about a possible issue with your contacts, always come to see us for an evaluation.
At Family Vision Development Center, our dedicated team will make sure you have the right contact lenses to properly correct your vision. And just as importantly, we will make sure you understand the responsibilities involved in order to protect your eye health. Contact us at 630-862-2020 to schedule your appointment for a vision exam, consultation and to get all of your important questions answered.
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, sports vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear. We are dedicated to keeping our patients comfortable and well-informed and we will explain every exam and procedure and answer all of your questions. We accept both scheduled and emergency appointments, and offer convenient financing and insurance options to ensure that high-quality vision care is available and affordable to all of our patients.
November is typically the time of year that schools allow parents the opportunity to meet individually with their child’s teacher in order to assess their progress and discuss any issues before getting too far into the school year. As the teacher explains your child’s behaviors in the classroom, interactions with other students, punctuality with homework assignments and more, make sure to listen closely. If you hear the teacher mention any of the following issues, it could be a sign of an underlying vision condition.
Classroom Clues that can Indicate a Vision Issue
- Reading problems – a vision disorder can cause a child to transpose letters, confuse similar letters or words, skip lines or words while reading, or lose their place easily. Additionally, vision conditions often cause blurry or double vision. Any of these issues could obviously make reading extremely challenging.
- Avoids doing homework – if a student has a vision condition, it can be very difficult to complete visually demanding tasks. Therefore, they may lose interest or give up trying to complete assignments.
- Messy handwriting – Children with vision problems may have poor eye movement skills or poor visualization abilities. The lack of these necessary skills could prevent a child from being successful at writing.
- Sits too close to the board, computer screen or reading materials – when a student consistently positions himself or herself very close to things they need to read, it might mean they cannot see clearly from a distance. This can affect classroom performance when important information is outside of their clear field of vision.
- Poor behavior in the classroom – when a student cannot maintain focus, they may begin to act out. But many students are misdiagnosed with ADHD, when binocular vision disorders actually have similar symptoms. In fact, functional vision problems often mimic ADHD symptoms, such as difficulty focusing, fidgeting in their seat or making careless mistakes. Any child facing an ADHD diagnosis should also be examined for a binocular vision problem.
Additional Questions to ask the Teacher
Along with discussing classroom performance, it’s a good idea to also question any unusual frequent behaviors by your child. The teacher interacts with your child on a daily basis so ask if they notice any of the following occurring consistently throughout the day. While these issues may not directly affect their academic performance, they can be signs of a possible vision issue:
- Excessive rubbing of their eyes
- Abnormal head tilting or turning
- Often complains of headaches
- Sensitivity to light
- Poor hand-eye coordination
- Frequently bumps into things
Explore the Possibility of a Binocular Vision Disorder
A teacher may be quick to assume that a child has a problem with learning new material, has a behavior issue, is not interested in participating or does not have the capability to succeed in school. However, this could be because they have not been trained to watch for signs of an underlying binocular vision condition. Correcting a binocular vision disorder can be just what your child needs to experience school in a whole new way and enjoy the success they truly want!
When you bring your child in to Family Vision Development Center for a comprehensive vision exam, we will thoroughly evaluate and diagnose any vision issues that could be affecting your child’s school performance. Additionally, we offer many ways to effectively treat the common binocular vision disorders that can cause classroom struggles. In fact, our doctors have extensive training in the latest vision therapy techniques that can vastly improve your child’s visual skills. Contact us at 630-862-2020 to schedule your appointment and set your child on a path to success.
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, sports vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear.
Vision plays an essential role in our overall well-being. Therefore, taking care of that vision should be a high priority, especially for parents. A child’s eye exam can be a scary event for both the child and the parent if you don’t know what to expect. But the team at Family Vision Development Center is here to assure you that there is nothing to be concerned about! Regular vision exams are the best way to maintain your child’s healthy vision and we are committed to making the process as easy as possible.
When to Bring your Child in for a Visit
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that infants have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months old. Moving forward, they should return at age 3, then again at age 5 or 6 when the child starts first grade. School-aged children should have an eye exam every two years if no vision correction is required. If a child needs corrective glasses or contact lenses, it is recommended that they get an exam every year in order to ensure proper vision correction. Following these guidelines is an important way to allow for quick diagnosis and treatment of any potential vision concerns.
What to Expect at your Child’s Eye Exam
When you bring your child to Family Vision Development Center, you can expect that we will provide a comfortable environment where your child feels safe and welcome! This exam is where we collect all of the necessary information and testing to determine the health of your child’s eyes and if any vision correction is required.
During this assessment, we will gather information about your child’s medical history, and will perform tests to determine how well the eyes are functioning and to check for signs of eye problems such as amblyopia, eye misalignment, convergence insufficiency, poor depth perception or focusing issues. Some of the tests we might perform during your child’s eye exam include:
- Visual acuity test – we assess visual clarity by having the child identify letters or pictures of varying sizes
- Refraction test – this helps us determine if your child needs glasses or contact lenses
- Pupil test – we quickly flash a light into each eye to see how the pupil responds
- Eye movement test – here we assess how well your child’s eyes align and move together, which is crucial for proper depth perception and coordination
How to Best Prepare for your Child’s Eye Exam
A child’s eye exam can go more smoothly if you are prepared! Here are some easy tips to make the visit easier for you and your child:
- Schedule the appointment properly – when choosing a time, make sure that it fits well with your child’s schedule. For example, try not to schedule a time when they would normally be napping or during a time when they are typically tired or cranky. Happy kids make for easier appointments!
- Bring appropriate items with – before heading out to the exam, check to make sure you have all important information, such as your child’s and family medical history, previous prescription information, as well as your current insurance information. The more organized you are, the less likely the chance of delays.
- Talk to your child before you go – much of the nervousness from kids comes because they do not know what to expect. They will be much more at ease if you explain to them that the doctor will look at their eyes, ask some questions and do a few tests. But the tests are not painful and the team is very nice so there is nothing for them to be afraid of.
- Bring a few small toys or their favorite stuffed animal – we always try to stay on schedule, but in the event of an emergency there may be an unexpected wait. In those cases, it’s best to have something to keep your child occupied while they wait. And having a comfort item like a blanket or animal can help calm their nerves during the exam.
- Stay calm and supportive – as much as you prepare a child, it is still normal for them to be apprehensive during their visit. Simply giving them words of encouragement about the great job they are doing can go a long way in helping them to stay calm throughout the visit.
- Plan a post-visit treat – kids love rewards! Consider planning a fun activity or treat for your child after the exam to give them something to look forward to and to make the experience more enjoyable.
Keep in mind that we are here to help make your visit as easy as possible. We take great pride in the care that we provide to our young patients and want to provide them a lifetime of healthy vision! Contact us at 630-862-2020 to schedule your appointment or to ask any additional questions.
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, sports vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear. We are dedicated to keeping our patients comfortable and well-informed and we will explain every exam and procedure and answer all of your questions. We accept both scheduled and emergency appointments, and offer convenient financing and insurance options to ensure that high-quality vision care is available and affordable to all of our patients.
Sports vision therapy is a personalized form of vision therapy that is used to develop or enhance specific visual skills in athletes. Just like any other physical skill, an athlete’s visual skills can be improved through proper training. A custom sports vision therapy program can be just the solution an athlete needs to outperform their competition or solidify their place on a team.
Benefits of Sports Vision Therapy
Many athletes have the necessary basic skills to play their game, such as strength, speed and endurance. However, high-performing athletes go above and beyond, often because of their exceptional visual processing skills. This is why those who want to excel often turn to sports vision therapy to rise above and take their game to the next level. Sports vision therapy can help athletes improve their performance in a variety of ways, including:
- Improved hand-eye coordination: Hand-eye coordination is the ability to coordinate the movement of the eyes with the movement of the hands. Many sports require precise hand-eye coordination, and sports vision therapy can enhance this skill, helping athletes catch, throw or hit a ball with greater accuracy.
- Improved depth perception: Depth perception is the ability to judge the distance of objects from oneself. Accurate depth perception is vital in sports where athletes must judge the distance between themselves and the ball or other players. Refining depth perception reduces the likelihood of misjudging distances and making costly errors on the field or court.
- Improved visual processing speed for faster reaction times: Visual processing speed is the ability to process visual information quickly and accurately. Sports vision therapy helps athletes process visual information more quickly and respond accordingly. This can make all the difference in sports where split-second reaction times are essential.
- Enhanced Visual Acuity: Visual acuity is the clarity or sharpness of vision at a distance. Sports vision therapy can sharpen an athlete’s vision, improving their ability to see fine details. This skill is crucial for many sports where precision is essential. Better visual acuity also allows athletes to spot movements and objects more quickly, giving them an advantage in fast-moving sports like soccer or basketball.
Sports Vision Therapy Can Help for Your Sport
Each sport requires its own set of athletic skills in order to excel. Therefore, an athlete can improve their chance of success by working on those visual skills and abilities that are used most often during their gameplay.
- Basketball players often use sports vision therapy to improve shooting or passing skills
- Football players use this training for recognizing defensive coverage, expanding peripheral awareness and for receiving drills
- Baseball players can use this therapy to improve their hitting and fielding skills, recognize pitches more quickly or to improve catching reaction times.
- Soccer players can improve their dribbling and shooting skills, while goalkeepers can train their reaction time, peripheral awareness and decision-making.
- Hockey players can improve their game by enhancing the essential skills used on the ice, such as depth perception, reaction times and focusing ability.
- Golfers can enhance their depth perception in order to accurately assess distance to the hole and club selection, as well as hand-eye coordination to improve their swing and putting ability.
- Tennis players can see similar benefits, with improved focus, visual tracking and depth perception in order to maintain control of a small, fast-moving ball as well as maintain proper position on the court.
Family Vision Development Center Provides Highly Specialized Sports Vision Therapy
At Family Vision Development Center, we have advanced training in sports vision therapy techniques that allow us to help athletes fine tune the essential skills they need to succeed in their sport. First, we assess each athlete to determine the areas of improvement that are needed. Then, we develop a customized visual therapy program to enhance their specific visual skills and improve their athletic performance. We work with athletes of all ages and are dedicated to helping athletes reach their full potential. Contact us at 630-862-2020 to schedule your appointment to learn more about this type of visual training.
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, sports vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear.
Vision plays such an important role in our everyday lives. So for those who experience vision difficulties, proper treatment can have a significant impact on their overall quality of life. Vision therapy is a very effective option for restoring proper visual function. However, many people believe that only young kids can benefit from the treatment. But that is not true! Vision therapy programs are tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient, and therefore can provide important benefits at any age.
Vision Therapy in Elementary School – Laying the Foundation for Learning
For children in elementary school, vision plays a critical role in their education and overall development. During this stage, they are learning to read, write, and grasp fundamental concepts that they will use for the rest of their lives. Vision therapy can be very beneficial for children in this age group by helping in the following areas:
- Improve School Performance – Vision therapy can help identify and address vision problems that may be affecting a child’s ability to read and write effectively. Conditions like convergence insufficiency (difficulty focusing on close objects) or tracking problems (difficulty following lines of text) can be treated through vision therapy. By improving these visual skills, children can perform better in school.
- Enhance Visual Skills – Vision therapy not only corrects vision problems but also enhances visual skills. For instance, it can improve eye-hand coordination, which is important for activities like handwriting, catching a ball, or playing musical instruments. These skills are essential for a child’s physical and cognitive development.
- Boost Confidence – Struggling with visual issues in elementary school can affect a child’s self-esteem and willingness to participate in class. Vision therapy can boost their confidence by addressing these challenges and helping them feel more comfortable in academic settings.
Vision Therapy in High School – Preparing for Success
As students get to high school, they often face greater academic challenges that require more complex visual skills. Additionally, this is the time that many students begin preparing for higher education opportunities or greater athletic goals. A vision therapy program at this age can help with:
- Reading and Studying – High school students are faced with more extensive reading assignments and the need to study for important exams. Vision therapy can help improve reading fluency, comprehension, and the ability to sustain attention while studying.
- Reducing Eye Strain Symptoms – With the rise in screen time, many high school students experience digital eye strain. Vision therapy can teach techniques to reduce eye fatigue and discomfort, promoting healthier screen habits.
- Athletic Performance – High school sports can be very competitive and students are often trying to prepare for athletic scholarships. Vision therapy can help athletes develop and strengthen visual skills such as hand-eye coordination, tracking and reaction time in order to give them an edge over their competition.
Vision Therapy for Adults – Improving Quality of Life
It’s never too late to improve your vision, so adults should be happy to know that vision therapy programs have many benefits at this age as well.
- Workplace performance – refined visual skills are needed for many aspects of a job, such as fine-detail work, computer work and presentations. Vision therapy can help improve reading and writing ability, concentration, as well as the ability to shift visual focus from close up to farther distances. These improvements can increase performance and productivity and reduce stress.
- Driving Ability – The ability to drive safely is crucial, especially as you age. Vision therapy can address issues like poor night vision, glare sensitivity, or difficulties with depth perception, enhancing road safety.
- Reduce Headaches – more than 15% of adults experience severe headaches or migraines. Both of these are common symptoms of a binocular vision problem (a condition in which the eyes don’t align properly). An adult vision therapy program can improve the communication between the eyes and brain, correct the binocular vision disorder and alleviate the headaches.
Family Vision Development Center is a Vision Therapy Specialist
The team at Family Vision Development Center has advanced training in a variety of effective vision therapy programs. After a comprehensive evaluation, we will custom tailor a program to meet your individual needs. We take pride in our one-on-one approach to vision improvement, and understand the significant impact that restoring or enhancing visual skills can have on the overall quality of life for our patients. Contact us at 630-862-2020 to learn more or to schedule an appointment today.
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear.
Sports are a great way for young athletes to stay active, build discipline and learn about teamwork. However, while the benefits of participating in sports are great, it is also important to address the potential risks and take precautions. Every year, thousands of children sustain serious sports-related eye injuries in sports like baseball, basketball, hockey, racquet sports and others. Therefore, parents, coaches and athletes must all understand that eye safety must be a top priority during sports participation.
Common Eye Injuries for Young Athletes
In order to understand the importance of eye protection during sports, it helps to understand what types of injuries young athletes are in danger of experiencing. Without proper eye protection, the most common types of eye injuries include:
- Corneal abrasions – painful scrapes on the surface of the eye that can occur from flying dust or debris, or from a poke in the eye by a finger.
- Blunt injuries – injuries caused by the impact of an object, such as a flying ball, racquet, elbow or fist.
- Penetrating injuries – these serious injuries occur when a foreign object pierces or punctures the eye, and they must be treated immediately to prevent lasting damage.
Warning Signs of a Sports Eye Injury
Things can happen quickly during a sporting event, and young athletes may not realize they have been seriously injured. Some signs or symptoms to watch out for include:
- Vision loss
- Bleeding on the surface or inside of the eye
- Eye pain
- Double vision
- Redness around the white part of the eye
- Eye or facial swelling
- Cut on or near the eye or eyelid
- Pupil size looks unusual
Ways to Prevent Sports-Related Eye Injuries
When it comes to youth sports, taking the proper precautions up front can be an essential step to prevent eye injuries from occurring.
- Most importantly, young athletes should always wear the proper protective eyewear for a sport with a risk of eye injury. This includes high-risk sports such as baseball, hockey and racquet sports, to lower-risk activities like track & field and swimming.
- Parents and athletes should fully understand the risks of injury for a sport before agreeing to participate.
- Parents should bring their child to Family Vision Development Center for protective eyewear recommendations before beginning any sports program.
- Parents should ensure that proper procedures are in place and that the athletic directors are adhering to all safety recommendations.
- If an eye injury does occur, parents should recognize the warning signs and make sure they get their child evaluated by us immediately to avoid permanent vision damage.
Visit Family Vision Development Center for any Vision Concerns
Some sports-related eye injuries can heal on their own, with only minor treatment needed for pain. However, other injuries can be more serious and can result in damage to the eye structure and even permanent vision loss. At Family Vision Development Center, we can perform a full examination and determine the severity of the injury, recommend the proper treatment, as well as clear a student to return to their sport when appropriate.
Enhance Visual Skills for Better Athletic Performance
Family Vision Development Center offers more to young athletes than just treating injuries. In fact, our sports vision therapy programs are an extremely effective way to sharpen and strengthen the visual skills needed to excel in sports. For example, athletes rely on hand-eye coordination, strong peripheral vision, quick reaction times and accurate tracking ability. A customized sports vision therapy program can take an already high-performing athlete and give them an important edge over their competition.
Whether you are in need of treatment for an eye injury, or want to boost your athletic performance to a new level, our team can provide the right support. You can never be too careful when it comes to your child’s vision, so always consult with us to ensure the proper action is taken following any kinds of sports-related eye injury. Contact us at 630-862-2020 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, sports vision therapy, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear.
The beginning of a new school year is an exciting time for students and parents alike. However, as students step into new classrooms, meet new teachers, and tackle fresh challenges, it’s important to remember that each child learns and processes information differently. For those with visual processing disorders, the school year can present unique challenges.
Understanding Visual Processing Disorders
Visual processing disorders, also known as visual perceptual disorders, refer to a range of issues that affect how the brain interprets visual information. These disorders can make it difficult for individuals to process, understand, and make sense of visual stimuli. While their eyesight might be normal, they struggle with tasks that require them to interpret and respond to visual information efficiently. This can cause a variety of difficulties in the classroom, including:
- Visual Discrimination: Difficulty distinguishing between similar letters, numbers, or shapes.
- Visual Memory: Struggles with remembering visual information, like spelling words or recognizing familiar faces.
- Visual Motor Integration: Challenges with tasks that involve hand-eye coordination, such as writing neatly or catching a ball.
- Visual Sequential Memory: Problems remembering the order of visual information, affecting reading comprehension and math problem-solving.
- Visual Closure: Difficulty recognizing an object or word when parts of it are missing.
Navigating the New School Year
For students with visual processing disorders, starting a new school year might come with a mix of excitement and apprehension. For both parents and teachers, being aware of potential challenges and adopting strategies to address them can lead to a more successful and fulfilling learning experience.
For Parents:
- Open Communication: Share your child’s needs and challenges with their teachers. This can foster a supportive learning environment and allow teachers to tailor their teaching methods accordingly.
- Professional Assessment: If you suspect your child might have a visual processing disorder, consult with a vision specialist. Early identification and intervention can make a significant difference.
- Home Support: Work with your child on exercises that strengthen their visual processing skills. This could involve puzzles, memory games, and activities that improve hand-eye coordination.
For Teachers:
- Varied Instructional Techniques: Use a mix of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles. This can help students with visual processing disorders grasp concepts more effectively.
- Clear Instructions: Provide clear and concise instructions. Breaking down complex tasks into smaller steps can make them more manageable for these students.
- Visual Aids: Utilize visual aids like charts, diagrams, and color-coding to reinforce learning. These aids can assist students in organizing and comprehending information.
Consult with Family Vision Development Center for Visual Processing Disorders
The team at Family Vision Development Center is dedicated to helping our young patients achieve success in and out of the classroom. We understand that a visual processing disorder can make school extremely difficult and we are trained to help them overcome these challenges. Our vision therapy treatment options are tailored to each individual child to target and correct the unique difficulties they are experiencing. Contact us at 630-862-2020 to learn more about vision therapy or to schedule an appointment.
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear. We are dedicated to keeping our patients comfortable and well-informed and we will explain every exam and procedure and answer all of your questions. We accept both scheduled and emergency appointments, and offer convenient financing and insurance options to ensure that high-quality vision care is available and affordable to all of our patients.
Pregnancy is a miraculous journey that brings about many changes in a woman’s body. One of the less-discussed yet significant changes that can occur during pregnancy is in a woman’s vision. Fluctuations in hormones, increased blood flow, and changes in fluid retention can all contribute to changes in vision. Here are a few changes to watch out for, along with helpful ways to manage them effectively.
Possible Vision Changes During Pregnancy
Blurry Vision: Many pregnant women report experiencing blurry vision, especially during the second and third trimesters. This can be attributed to hormonal changes affecting the shape of the cornea and the eye’s ability to focus properly.
Dry Eyes: Hormonal shifts can lead to reduced tear production, causing dry and irritated eyes. This condition can be uncomfortable and may result in temporary vision disturbances.
Increased Sensitivity to Light: Some pregnant women become more sensitive to bright lights, like sunlight or fluorescent lighting in office buildings, which can cause discomfort.
Changes in Prescription: Pregnant women who wear glasses or contact lenses might notice changes in their prescription. These changes are usually temporary and might revert to normal after pregnancy.
Puffy Eyelids: Puffiness around the eyes can be a common occurrence during pregnancy, and can be caused by water retention or hormone changes.
Flashing Light, Floaters or Spots: These symptoms might be a simple result of dehydration, or they can also be a sign of a dangerous condition known as pre-eclampsia when accompanied by other conditions such as high blood pressure or headaches. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of these.
Why Do These Changes Occur?
Hormones play a crucial role in many common vision changes. The elevated levels of hormones during pregnancy, like estrogen and progesterone, influence the body’s fluid retention, affecting the eyes’ refractive properties. Additionally, changes in blood circulation can impact the pressure within the eyes, leading to shifts in vision. Other, more serious conditions can also be the cause of vision changes. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention, take the proper precautions and notify your doctor of any changes right away.
Managing Vision Changes During Pregnancy
Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done about changing hormones during a pregnancy, which are a major contributor to vision changes. However, there are some other ways to lessen the likelihood of these changes becoming too disruptive to daily life:
Regular Eye Exams: It’s essential for pregnant women to schedule regular eye exams with their optometrist. Monitoring vision changes and adjusting prescriptions, if necessary, can help ensure optimal eye health throughout a pregnancy.
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water can alleviate dry eyes and promote overall eye comfort. Adequate hydration supports tear production and reduces eye irritation.
Proper Lighting: Being mindful of lighting conditions is important, especially if you’re experiencing light sensitivity. Dimming harsh lights or wearing sunglasses when outdoors can ease discomfort.
Rest and Breaks: If you find yourself working on screens for extended periods, take regular breaks to rest your eyes. The 20-20-20 rule – looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes – can help reduce eye strain.
Cold Compress: Many women find relief from swelling or puffiness around the eyes by placing a cold compress over closed eyes.
Pay Attention to Salt Intake: High sodium levels can cause water retention and increased swelling, which can contribute to those puffy eyelids.
Maintain Blood Sugar Levels: If you have gestational diabetes, closely monitoring and managing your blood sugar levels can help mitigate potential vision changes associated with this condition.
Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: Rubbing your eyes can worsen dryness and irritation. Instead, use artificial tears to lubricate your eyes when needed.
Family Vision Development Center is Dedicated to your Eye Health
Vision changes during pregnancy can be unsettling, but they are typically temporary and often resolve after childbirth. Maintaining regular eye care, staying hydrated, and adopting healthy habits can go a long way in managing the vision changes that can occur during pregnancy. Remember, if you notice any severe or persistent vision disturbances, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider or visit us for a vision exam to rule out any underlying or serious issues. Contact us at 630-862-2020 to schedule an appointment or for any additional information during this exciting time.
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear.
Every year, millions of people worldwide experience concussions, a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can have a lasting impact on their lives. While the initial symptoms of a concussion are well-known, what many may not realize is that some individuals develop a condition called post-concussion syndrome (PCS). Among the various symptoms associated with PCS, vision-related issues are particularly prevalent and can significantly affect a person’s daily activities and overall well-being. Therefore, it is important to understand the importance of promptly addressing vision concerns following a concussion.
Understanding Post-Concussion Syndrome
Post-concussion syndrome refers to a collection of symptoms that persist for weeks, months, or even years after a concussion. These symptoms can vary widely from person to person, making PCS a complex and often misunderstood condition. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, cognitive difficulties, sleep disturbances, and mood changes. However, visual problems are also a significant aspect of PCS that should not be overlooked.
The Importance of Vision and Its Impairment
Vision is a fundamental sensory system that allows us to perceive and navigate the world around us. It plays a crucial role in our ability to maintain balance, process information, and engage in everyday tasks such as reading, driving, and socializing. When vision is impaired, even simple activities can become challenging and overwhelming.
Post-concussion vision problems can include blurred or double vision, light sensitivity (photophobia), difficulty with eye coordination and tracking, problems with depth perception, and visual disturbances such as seeing flashing lights or floaters. These visual disturbances can greatly impact a person’s quality of life and can affect their ability to return to work, school, or other daily routines.
The Importance of Prompt Treatment
Prompt treatment of post-concussion vision concerns is crucial for several reasons:
- Accurate Diagnosis: Seeking medical attention quickly allows healthcare professionals, including your properly-trained optometrist, to conduct comprehensive evaluations to determine the specific vision issues and their underlying causes. This allows for a tailored treatment plan, maximizing the chances of a successful recovery.
- Rehabilitation and Recovery: Vision therapy and rehabilitation programs can help address the visual deficits associated with PCS. These programs typically include exercises and activities designed to improve eye coordination, visual tracking, and perceptual skills. The earlier these interventions are initiated, the better the chances of a successful outcome.
- Preventing Secondary Complications: Unaddressed vision problems can lead to secondary complications such as chronic headaches, balance issues, and decreased cognitive function. By treating vision concerns promptly, it is possible to minimize the risk of these secondary complications and improve overall recovery.
Post-Concussion Visual Rehabilitation at Family Vision Development Center
The team at Family Vision Development Center has advanced training in neuro-optometric rehabilitation to restore proper visual function following a concussion. This allows us to properly evaluate a patient who exhibits signs of post-concussion vision problems, and prepare an individualized treatment plan using the most current and effective equipment and methods. If you have experienced any kind of head trauma and are concerned about lasting symptoms, contact us at 630-862-2020 for a full evaluation as soon as possible.
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear. We are dedicated to keeping our patients comfortable and well-informed and we will explain every exam and procedure and answer all of your questions. We accept both scheduled and emergency appointments, and offer convenient financing and insurance options to ensure that high-quality vision care is available and affordable to all of our patients.
Summer break presents a valuable opportunity for parents to invest in their child’s development and set them up for success in the upcoming school year – by establishing an individualized vision therapy program. While most individuals associate summer with relaxation and leisure, it can also be a productive time to address specific needs, such as vision-related challenges. A vision therapy program, offered by a qualified professional, can significantly benefit children who struggle with visual issues. By utilizing the summer break to begin a vision therapy program, parents can provide their child with the tools necessary to thrive academically and beyond.
Understanding Vision Therapy
Vision therapy is a customized program designed to enhance and improve visual skills and abilities. It goes beyond traditional eye exams and glasses, targeting the brain-eye connection to treat a variety of vision-related issues. Vision therapy programs at Family Vision Development Center are personalized for each individual patient, and can include a range of specialized techniques, exercises, and tools to develop or improve eye coordination, focus, tracking, perception, and visual processing skills.
Benefits of a Vision Therapy Program for School Success
Many parents don’t realize the wide-reaching effects a vision problem can have on a child. However, when a student has a vision issue, it can affect their success in school in a number of sometimes surprising ways. That is why diagnosing and correcting vision concerns as early as possible is so important. A vision therapy program can lead to improvements in many areas, including:
- Academic Success: Clear and efficient vision is crucial for academic achievement. In fact, children with vision-related challenges often struggle with reading, writing, comprehension, and overall academic performance. A vision therapy program can address these issues by improving eye teaming and tracking, allowing children to read more comfortably, with better focus, accuracy, and comprehension. These enhanced visual skills can directly translate into improved academic performance.
- Increased Confidence: Children who struggle with visual issues may experience a decline in self-esteem and confidence. The challenges they face can make them feel inadequate compared to their peers. By undergoing vision therapy, children can overcome these obstacles, leading to increased confidence in their abilities. As they witness their progress and become more comfortable with their visual skills, their self-esteem will grow, positively impacting various aspects of their lives, including their academic performance and social interactions.
- Improved Sports Performance: Many sports rely heavily on visual abilities, such as hand-eye coordination, depth perception, and peripheral vision. Engaging in a vision therapy program during summer break can help children develop these skills, preparing them to excel in sports activities when the school year begins. The visual skills that are improved in vision therapy can give them a competitive edge, improve reaction times, and boost overall performance on the playing field.
- Reduced Eye Strain and Fatigue: Prolonged screen time, which has become increasingly common among children, can strain the eyes and lead to fatigue and discomfort. Vision therapy programs incorporate exercises to alleviate eye strain caused by digital devices. By completing these exercises during summer break, children can alleviate eye fatigue, making them better equipped to handle prolonged screen time when school resumes.
- Enhanced Concentration and Focus: Certain vision problems can cause a child to frequently lose their place when reading, confuse similar letters and words or maintain clear vision at close or far distances. These challenges can lead to an inability to concentrate and stay focused in the classroom or when trying to complete homework. A vision therapy program is an effective way to improve these visual deficiencies and help a child to improve their ability to absorb information, complete assignments and participate actively in the classroom.
Visit Family Vision Development Center for a Summer Vision Therapy Program
Utilizing summer break to have your child complete a vision therapy program is a proactive step towards ensuring their success in the upcoming school year. By addressing visual challenges, children can unlock their full potential academically, gain confidence, and excel in various areas of their lives. At Family Vision Development Center, we have advanced training in a number of vision therapy techniques in order to provide the most customized treatment options for each patient. Contact us at 630-862-2020 to discover all of the benefits of the right vision therapy program.
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear.
