What’s New

We must remember that not all glasses will protect our children's eyes. Children should NOT play sports while wearing regular glasses.

Since studies show that learning is 80% visual, children with untreated vision problems can really suffer when it comes to school. Most people think that good “vision” means 20/20 acuity but in reality, vision is much more complex.  Your brain is actually what completes the processing of the visual world...

So many of us work on a computer screen for part of or maybe all of our professional day. Then, we come home and may continue looking at screens on our phones, iPads, or e-readers. No wonder so many of us experience computer vision syndrome and may not even realize...

We have all seen the futuristic thrillers that use high-tech eye scanning identification systems but nowadays the technology does exist to use them in real life. A greater number of high security establishments have begun to use iris recognition for identification and security systems.   How does it work? The...

There have been a lot of videos going viral lately of color blind people “seeing color” for the first time using specialized glasses. The emotional reactions of amazement, shock and joy even lead some to break down into tears. The glasses provide these individuals a way to view the world...

A South Jersey mother has lost part of her vision from her dentist thanks to an unfortunate accident that very easily could have been prevented. Her dentist did not take the proper precautions with a federal recommendation that some dentists just do not follow. “This was 100 percent preventable, what happened to me,” Jenn said. “If...

Dry eye syndrome, also known as Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a prevalent condition affecting millions of men and women (women more often than men). It is characterized by dry, sandy, burning, irritated, red eyes, among other symptoms. Although, the symptoms are due to lack of lubricating tears, sometimes it can lead...

Most people think that they're at risk only when they're outside on a sunny day, but UV light can go right through clouds, so it doesn't matter if the sky is overcast.

Whether it is the sea, the sand, the sun or the softball field, summer brings people outside and this creates exposure to a multitude of potential dangers to the eyes.  One risk that is possibly the least obvious is the swimming pool. Swimming pools are the culprit for multitudes of...

Eye Disease Definitions With Eye Health Statistics At A Glance Cataracts A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye leading to a decrease in vision. It can affect one or both eyes. Often it develops slowly. Symptoms may include faded colors, blurry vision, halos around lights, and...

After the age of 50 most people will eventually be diagnosed with cataracts. Cataracts are when the natural crystalline lens of the eyes become clouded, causing vision impairment that can not be corrected by glasses or contact lenses. While commonly an age-related condition, occasionally there are infants born with a...

Patients ask me every day if they can sleep in their contacts. I find this to be an interesting question. Nobody "sees" while they are asleep, so why would you need to wear your contacts while sleeping? There are only two reasons why patients want to sleep in their contacts....

Sixteen and a half years ago, my desire to return to North Carolina was fulfilled.  I began to practice Optometry in Lumberton, North Carolina in Robeson County.  My father grew up in Pembroke and my mother was born and raised in the Union Chapel community.  Although my father was in...

According to the Vision Council’s 2016 UV (Ultraviolet Radiation) Protection report, parents are more likely to wear sunglasses (56%) than their children (only 29%!). Yet children, who spend much more time outside, are typically exposed to three times the amount of sunlight and UV radiation that adults get. This early...

UV Awareness Month: This article might scare you, and we hope it does - just enough to motivate you to wear proper eye protection against the sun. Most people are aware of the dangers ultraviolet (UV)  light from the sun pose to your skin, while the long-term effects of sun...

During clinic, I often hear "I'm over 40 and currently wear bifocals or progressive lenses so I can see far away and up close, but I'm so tired of wearing glasses. They slide down my nose; I can't wear sunshades without prescription; Do I have any other options?"  Well fortunately,...

With the ever increasing use of computers in our daily lives at work as well as for pleasure, it is important to note the effects that extended computer use can have on our visual system.  Extended use of  computer screens has been linked to complaints of ocular strain and dry...

A stye (known by eye doctors as a hordeolum) is an infection of an oil gland which forms a pimple-like bump on the base of the eyelid or within the eyelid itself. Styes can be uncomfortable, causing swelling, pain, redness, discomfort and sometimes excessive tearing or blurred vision if it...

Along with congestion, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, headaches and difficulty breathing, individuals with allergies often suffer from eye allergies or allergic conjunctivitis resulting in red, watery, itchy and sometimes swollen eyes. Just as irritants cause an allergic response in your nasal and respiratory system, your eyes also react with an...

Can you see well to drive and watch television, but find yourself stretching out your arms to read that recipe, backing away from your computer screen to determine if that is an 8 or a 3, or turning every light in the house on to read the newspaper at night?...

If you are over 40 and have difficulty seeing close up, you probably have a common age-related condition called presbyopia which is when the eye’s natural lens loses the ability to focus on close objects. Presbyopia is a natural process that occurs as the eye ages and affects the majority of...

Foods for thought...and for the eyes!!! In a previous entry, we discussed a few nutrients and antioxidants to benefit your eye health such as Vitamin C, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin, but there are many, many more. Everyone has heard about omega-3 fatty acids, but what do they do for your eyes...

When people think of workplace dangers to the eyes, it is usually machinery, chemicals or construction materials that come to mind.  However, a growing danger to the eyes is one that may be less obvious - exposure to blue light from digital devices, television and computer screens and artificial lighting....

Whether you are looking for regular prescription glasses, sunwear or protective sports eyewear, it can be tough choosing the best eyewear for children and teens. On the one hand, they need to be comfortable and provide the optimal fit for improved vision and protection. At the same time, they also...

Dr Nicole Apple will be on maternity leave till mid March. She and her husband, Andrew, are expecting their first child in January, a little girl. Nicole is thrilled to be welcoming their daughter, but will miss seeing her patients while spending time at home changing diapers, preparing bottles, and enjoying...

February is AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month in the United States, and it’s White Cane Week in Canada. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in adults aged 50 and older. Awareness about the disease, the risk factors and prevention are critical, even for younger...

This year, make healthy eyes and vision your resolution. Find out if you or a loved one is at risk for glaucoma, and take steps for prevention. Glaucoma is a leading cause of preventable vision loss and blindness in adults in the United States and Canada and the second leading...

Now may be the time to try contact lenses if you have had trouble wearing them in the past.

What is the difference between myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia.

‘Tis the season for giving, and parents, grandparents, family and friends need to know how to choose toys and games that protect children’s health and eyesight.

Dr. Karen Brown of our Hendersonville office donated a day eye exams and collected 56 toys for the needy children in our community! Read more about this great event here!...

Have you ever thought about how vision works? It's an incredible system and process!

Prevention and treatment for eye complications associated with Diabetes

Beware this Halloween and think before you blink (in decorative contact lenses that is)! Sure, decorative contact lenses can enhance any Halloween costume, but if not taken seriously, they can also cost you your vision. Whether they are sold as cosmetic lenses, colored lenses or fashion lenses, they are anything...

Home Eye Injury Awareness and Prevention

Over the centuries there have been a lot of old-wives tales circulating about eyes and vision. You know, like the one that if someone hits you on the back while your eyes are crossed they will stay that way. Unlike this example, some of these myths do have roots in...

When I was a child I remember my family always scrapping for money.  My parents instilled in me the value of the dollar, and I watched as they worked hard every day to pay the bills and provide for me.  I remember as a child my mother going to rummage...

There are thousands of eye injuries a year related to sports. According to the National Eye Institute eye injuries are the leading cause of blindness in children in North America and most injuries occurring in school-aged children are sports-related. Further 99% of sports-related eye injuries can be prevented simply by...

The hormonal fluctuations experienced during pregnancy can cause many unexpected changes in your body, including your eyes and vision. Most of these changes are temporary and will return to normal once you give birth.  It’s important to know which vision changes are normal for an expecting mother and which could...

A baby’s visual system develops gradually over the first few months of life. They have to learn to focus and move their eyes, and use them together as a team.  The brain also needs to learn how to process the visual information from the eyes to understand and interact with...

There is a lot more that goes into finding the right pair of sunglasses than just fit and fashion.  While it’s important to look and feel great in your shades, sunglasses also have the very important job of properly protecting your eyes from the sun.  Here are a few facts...

Cataracts are a leading cause of vision loss in the United States and Canada. Here are 6 things you need to know. 1. Chances are you will develop a cataract!  Cataracts are considered part of the natural aging process so if you live long enough, you will likely eventually develop...

Independence Day may have passed but fireworks season is still in full swing and fireworks-related injury and death is a real and serious danger.  According to the 2014 Annual Fireworks Report, compiled by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission there were at least 11 deaths and 10,500 injuries due to...

Your eyes are constantly at work for you, playing a vital role as you navigate through each day. As May is healthy vision month, here are some things to keep in mind: Know your genes While your eyes may be the same color as your father’s eyes, you may have...

According to Women’sEyeHealth.org, ⅔ of blindness and visual impairment occurs in women. Additionally, an estimated 75% of visual impairment is preventable or correctable with proper education and care. With the increased risks for women it’s critical for women to know about the risks and prevention to effectively protect their eyes...

Spring is in the air. But along with the beauty of the blooming flowers and budding trees, comes allergy season. The high pollen count and allergens floating in the fresh spring air can certainly wreak havoc on the comfort level of those suffering from allergies, causing an otherwise nature-loving individual...

Last week, people in South America, Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia and the Middle East saw a solar eclipse. As you may have heard, looking directly at a solar eclipse is very dangerous for your eyes and vision. Nevertheless, this rare event is something that many people want...

March is Save Your Vision Month, a time to raise public awareness about how to protect your eyes and your vision. Most people aren’t aware that 75% of potential vision loss can be prevented or treated. This largely depends on patients being proactive and educated about their eye health. Here...

Digital devices have impacted our world in so many positive ways, allowing us to connect, work, play and get information at the speed of light. But all of this good brings with it a measure of concern: Digital Eye Strain or Computer Vision Syndrome. Focusing on your vision on digital...

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New options to help you look good and see better!

Fill in your patient history online, before your next appointment. Find out how...