Three things to remember next time you head out the door for vacation.

Eye drops

When traveling you may need to adapt to different climates. Even airplanes have drier air than your eyes might be used to. Keeping some artificial tears on hand can help you deal with environmental factors or even flush out irritants like smoke or pollen. If you do run into unexpected eye issues away from home, give us a call so we can help you find the best treatment options.

Sunglasses

If there’s one thing to not leave home without (besides your wallet, phone, and keys) it’s a trusty pair of sunglasses. No matter where you’re headed, sunglasses are the perfect accessory to keep your eyes comfortable on sunny and overcast days. Make sure that they provide 100% UV protection.

If you’re headed to the beach or mountains, you may want to consider polarized sunglasses as they can help reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water and snow. Wraparound styles are also great for windy conditions, as they provide more coverage to protect the eyes from flying particles and dryness.

Spare glasses/contacts

If you are an avid contact lens wearer, bring your cleaning solution and back up eyewear. You never know when one of those little guys might pop out. Even if you wear glasses, a back-up pair in the glovebox can be handy for some of life’s unexpected moments.

Before you book your next flight, make sure you have what you need to keep your eyes ready for any adventure. Give us a call to make an appointment today!

Every time you blink, your healthy eyes get a bath from a fluid that’s a combination of oil, water, and mucus. This fluid, or tears, helps protect and moisturize the eyes. When something irritates your eyes or interferes with the production of tears, it can result in irritated dry eyes that are vulnerable to corneal abrasions.

Dry eyes are actually very common. According to Prevent Blindness, nearly 16 million Americans suffer from this annoying and sometimes painful condition. If you think you have dry eyes, check out some of these common symptoms and possible causes. Once you understand the culprit, you can begin to make changes to relieve your dry eyes, once and for all.

Symptoms of Dry Eyes:

• Dry, itchy, or burning eyes
• A scratching sensation, or feeling like there’s grit in the eyes
• Sensitivity to light causing squinting and blinking
• Difficulty focusing because of dryness
• Both eyes are usually affected
• Watery eyes (a little-known fact!)

How to Treat Dry Eyes:

• Avoid drafts and use a humidifier to put moisture back into dry air.
• If allergies are causing your eyes to itch and dry out, try lubricating, preservative-free eye drops formulated for people with allergies.
• Check the side effects of your medications. If you’re taking one that causes dry eyes, your doctor may need to change your prescription, or she may recommend that you begin using eye drops to lubricate your eyes.
• Don’t wear your contacts for too long, keep them clean, and always wash your hands before handling them.
• Take frequent breaks from computer work or reading, and keep your eyes lubricated by remembering to blink often.
• Turn off ceiling fans when possible.
• Lay a warm, damp washcloth across your eyelids for a couple minutes.
• Ask your doctor about punctal plugs which block tears from draining from the eye.

With a few simple changes you could begin to notice a real improvement. If after one month your eyes are still bothering you, make sure to see your eye doctor—severe cases can lead to eye damage and vision loss. During your eye exam, your doctor can check for vision problems and signs of health conditions that could be causing your dry eyes. An accurate diagnosis is important because symptoms of dry eye can be caused by other things like allergies or uncorrected refractive error or astigmatism.

Our eyes are among our body’s most essential and sensitive organs. They can be exposed to different irritants, such as dust, smoke, and allergens, which can cause discomfort, redness, and even infections. As a result, many people turn to rinsing their eyes but the question is: how safe is it to rinse your eyes with tap water?

Is it Okay to Rinse Your Eyes with Tap Water?

The safety of rinsing your eyes with tap water mostly depends on whether or not you wear contact lenses. 

Water from your sink may be fine for those who do not wear contact lenses. If you get a foreign object or irritating chemical in your eye, washing your eyes with fresh water can help remove the substance and reduce discomfort. Remember to tilt your head so that the affected eye is down to avoid accidentally flushing the object into the other eye. 

On the other hand, rinsing the eyes with tap water is not recommended for contact lens wearers. Tap water often contains microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and amoebae, that are usually harmless but can cause severe eye infections like acanthamoeba keratitis under certain circumstances. Contact lenses can trap these microorganisms against the eye’s surface, increasing the risk of disease. If you’re wearing contacts, you must avoid exposing your eyes to regular water, including while showering or swimming. If you need to rinse your eyes for any reason, it’s recommended to use a sterile saline solution or contact lens solution specifically formulated for use on the eyes.

If your eyes are feeling dry, a lubricant like natural tears can help soothe dry eyes more effectively than water. Speak to your eye care professional for more information.

How to Properly Rinse Your Eyes

In case of an emergency, such as a foreign object, chemical, irritant or burn in the eye, here’s how to rinse your eyes:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to avoid introducing germs into your eyes.
• Use sterile saline or contact lens solution, specifically formulated to be safe for use on the eyes, and flush your eyes with it. 
• If you don’t have saline or contact lens solution, you can use clean, lukewarm water. Avoid using very cold or hot, as it can be uncomfortable or even harmful to your eyes.
• Tilt your head back, open your eyes, and pour the solution or water into the inner corner of your eye, letting it flow across your eye and out of the outer corner. If the irritant is only in one eye, tilt your head with the affected eye down, to avoid flushing the object into the other eye.
• Repeat the process until your eye feels better, but avoid rubbing or touching your eyes with your hands or a cloth.

When to See an Eye Doctor

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see an eye doctor as soon as possible:

• Severe pain or discomfort in your eyes
• Dry eyes
• Blurred or decreased vision
• Redness, swelling, or discharge from your eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• A foreign object stuck in your eye that you can’t remove

These symptoms may indicate an eye infection, condition, or injury that requires prompt treatment to prevent complications. If you experience any unusual symptoms or discomfort in your eyes, don’t hesitate to consult an eye doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Call us at AEG Brevard Vision Care - Babcock in at to schedule an appointment today.

Did you know that your eyes are often the first line of defense when it comes to detecting and treating many common systemic diseases and conditions? It’s true! Signs of conditions such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis can first begin to show up in the eyes. This makes a comprehensive eye exam at our eye care clinic an essential part of not only your eye health but of your overall whole-body health as well.

Let’s take a look at some of the diseases and conditions our optometrists are trained to detect.

Diabetes and Your Eyes

Diabetes is by far the most common systemic disease our optometric team diagnoses during our comprehensive eye exams. Using advanced scans and testing, eye doctors can check for changes in the blood vessels in and around your retina for signs of changes or damage that may indicate diabetes. If we find any worrying signs, we can refer you to a general practitioner who can do more thorough testing.

One of the main risks of diabetes is a condition called diabetic retinopathy, which is associated with consistently elevated blood sugar levels, and can result in damage to the blood vessels and leakage of fluid onto the retina and macula. This can lead to significant vision loss, including blindness: Timely detection and treatment, combined with a healthy lifestyle and diet, can help minimize the impact of both diabetes and diabetic retinopathy.

How Your Eyes May Show Signs Of Multiple Sclerosis

Studies also indicate strong links between certain eye changes and systemic diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

The optic nerve connects the eye directly to the brain and is to some extent an extension of the central nervous system. Swelling or inflammation of the optic nerve can therefore be viewed as an early sign of multiple sclerosis. Although this kind of swelling can also indicate a number of other ailments or even a viral infection or vitamin deficiency, about 20% of people with multiple sclerosis first experienced swelling of the optic nerve.

Want to learn more about what we can do to help you maintain your whole-body health for years to come? Come visit our eye doctors or give us a call at today!

Presbyopia is a natural process that is caused by a loss of flexibility in the lens of the eye, making it more difficult for the lens to change its shape to focus on nearby objects. It’s a common condition that typically starts to develop around the age of 40 and progressively worsens with age. You may experience blurry vision when reading, using a computer or performing other close-up tasks.

How Multifocal Lenses Can Help With Presbyopia

If you’re experiencing signs of presbyopia, multifocal contact lenses are a popular solution. These lenses have different zones that provide clear vision at different distances, allowing wearers to see both near and far objects without needing to switch between multiple pairs of glasses or contact lenses.

There are two main designs for multifocal contact lenses: concentric and aspheric. Concentric multifocal contact lenses have multiple circles of varying powers that are centered on the pupil. Each circle has a different power that is optimized for a specific distance, allowing the wearer to see clearly at different distances. Aspheric multifocal contact lenses have a gradual transition between the distance and near correction zones. This creates a more natural visual experience and reduces the chance of visual disturbances like halos or glare.

When fitting you for multifocal contact lenses, our eye doctors take into account your visual and lifestyle needs, so we can find exactly the right type to give you clear and comfortable vision. 

One of the advantages of multifocal contact lenses is their convenience; unlike glasses, they don’t fog up, get smudged or fall off. Multifocal contact lenses also provide a wider field of vision than traditional bifocal or trifocal glasses. This means that wearers can see objects in their peripheral vision without needing to turn their head or move their eyes. Multifocal contact lenses are also a great option for people who participate in sports or other physical activities as they do not interfere with movement or pose a risk of injury.

Multifocal contact lenses require proper care and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and minimize the risk of eye infections or other complications. Contact lens wearers should always follow their eye doctor’s instructions for cleaning, disinfecting and storing their lenses. Additionally, they should never wear their lenses for longer than the recommended wearing time and should dispose of their lenses as directed.

Want to learn more about how multifocal contact lenses can help you with your presbyopia? Visit our eye doctors today!

The sharp, dry winds and cold air of winter can cause or worsen dry eye symptoms. So can indoor heating, which sucks out moisture.  

While many of us can’t completely avoid wintry weather, there are things we can do to minimize dry eyes, as well as a variety of ways to treat it. 

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is caused by a lack of tears or poor quality tears, leading to irritation and discomfort in the eyes. Dry eye syndrome can be annoying and, left untreated, severe cases can damage the surface of the eye and even lead to vision loss. That’s why it’s so important to understand what causes DES and to treat it.  

What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome can be caused by aging, certain medications and medical conditions, and excessive screen time (we blink less when staring at a digital screen). Other causes include vision correction surgery, and smoking. 

Your environment can also be the culprit. Indoor heating dries out the eyes, and the same is true of cold air and dry winds. Is it any wonder that dry eye symptoms peak during the winter and any time it’s cold? 

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce dry eye symptoms. 

Dry Eye Prevention and Treatment

Following a dry eye consult, your eye doctor will recommend ways to treat the condition. Usually, artificial tears, over-the-counter eye drops or prescription drops are the first line of defense. They may be combined with in-office dry eye treatments. 

In addition, eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, using a humidifier, maintaining eyelid hygiene and applying warm compresses to your eyes as directed by your eye doctor can help alleviate symptoms. 

Get Dry Eye Relief at AEG Brevard Vision Care - Babcock

Visit AEG Brevard Vision Care - Babcock today and get relief from dry eye syndrome. You’ll see a world of difference. 

Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders that result in the body’s immune system attacking itself. There are over 80 types that impact different parts of the body and result in a variety of symptoms. A common condition associated with several autoimmune diseases is dry eyes.

Dry Eye Syndrome: What Is It?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears evaporate too quickly due to a lack of the oils needed for sufficient lubrication. This makes the eyes dry, red, itchy and irritated. 

DES is often caused by environmental factors, like being exposed to dry wind and air, not blinking enough while looking at a digital device or while reading, and comedogenic makeup — but it can also result from an underlying autoimmune disease.

Left untreated, dry eye syndrome can result in chronic eye inflammation and even corneal ulcers and permanent vision loss, in severe cases. 

Why Do Autoimmune Diseases Cause Dry Eyes?

Autoimmune diseases can disrupt the normal functioning of the tear glands by prompting the immune system to mistakenly attack them. Treating the autoimmune disease can often help alleviate dry eye symptoms. At the same time, some medications used to manage autoimmune disease symptoms, like anti-inflammatory medication, may actually exacerbate DES.

Types of Autoimmune Disease That Cause Dry Eye

Here are some common autoimmune diseases that raise the risk of developing DES: 

• Sjogren’s Syndrome: This multifaceted condition often coexists alongside other autoimmune diseases. While it can affect almost any part of the body, it’s best known for targeting the tear and salivary glands, leading to a chronically dry mouth and eyes.
• Lupus: This systemic autoimmune disease affects different parts of the body, including the eyes, causing dry eye and other eye problems.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: In addition to inflamed joints, rheumatoid arthritis can affect the eyes. In fact, the autoantibodies that target your joints can target the eye’s glands and other structures.
• Thyroid Eye Disease: The immune system can cause inflammation in the tissues around the eyes and trigger dry eye syndrome.
• Type 1 Diabetes: High blood sugar can affect the eye’s ability to produce tears and speed up tear evaporation. In addition, it can damage the eye’s nerves, making it difficult for the eyes to know that they’re dry and need to produce tears. 

These are just a few examples of autoimmune diseases that can cause dry eye. It’s important to see an eye doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms of dry eye syndrome, and mention any autoimmune disease in your medical history. 

Dry Eye Treatment in

Schedule a dry eye exam at AEG Brevard Vision Care - Babcock in . We can help.

During your most recent eye exam at AEG Brevard Vision Care - Babcock in , you may have heard your eye doctor mention the importance of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) as part of our eye exams. But what exactly is OCT and when and why is it important? Read more below to find out.

What Is an Oct Scan?

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses light waves to create detailed, cross-sectional images of the retina, the layer of tissue at the back of the eye that contains the photoreceptors responsible for detecting light. It works by illuminating the retina with light and measuring the reflections and scattering of the light as it bounces back through the tissue. The information collected is used to construct detailed images of the retina, which can be used to diagnose and monitor a wide range of eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.

Why Would My Eye Doctor Recommend an OCT Scan?

There are a number of reasons your eye doctor may decide that an OCT test may be important to add to your eye exam. These include:

• to monitor the progression of an existing eye condition such as age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy
• to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for an existing eye condition
• to screen for eye conditions such as glaucoma or retinal detachment
• to detect early signs of eye disease in patients who are at high risk for developing eye conditions such as individuals with a family history of eye disease, those with diabetes, or those who have had previous eye surgery.

If you have symptoms of eye conditions such as blurry vision, floaters, or difficulty seeing in low light, speak to our eye care team about whether an OCT test might be helpful in maintaining your vision and eye health.

Want to learn more about how our eye doctors can help you see clearly and comfortably every day? Come visit our eye clinic, or give us a call at today!

Most people don’t think a regular eye exam could save their life. But the truth is that in many cases, a comprehensive eye exam can detect much more than eye disease. 

That’s one reason that we at AEG Brevard Vision Care - Babcock in recommend annual eye exams to all of our patients, even in the absence of visual changes or symptoms. Read on to find out how a routine trip to the optometrist helped preserve Katie Dunn’s vision and life! 

How an Eye Exam Saved Katie’s Life

Katie Dunn, a 30-year old beautician, visited her local eye doctor for a routine eye exam. During the exam, the optometrist noticed certain abnormalities in the back of her eye. Based on these findings, he recommended that she go for an MRI scan. 

The MRI results displayed a large tumor that had been growing in her brain and pressing on her optic nerve. After two surgeries to remove the tumor and radiotherapy treatments, Katie is grateful to be doing well!

Katie’s doctors and surgeons explained that, had the tumor gone undetected, she could have lost her vision completely and suffered other potentially life-changing health problems. 

How Eye Exams Can Detect Other Health Problems

During a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist may use special dilating drops to widen your pupils, allowing for a better look at the back of your eyes. This can help detect a wide range of problems, including brain [tumors]. [Tumors] located in the brain can often cause changes in the blood vessels of the eyes, and these changes can be detected during a dilated eye exam.

Regular eye exams can also help detect other medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and, more rarely, certain types of cancer. Early detection of these conditions can lead to prompt treatment and better outcomes.

Eye Exams and Other Eye Care Services in

If it’s been more than a year since your last visit to the optometrist, we urge you to call AEG Brevard Vision Care - Babcock to schedule your routine appointment. 

Regular eye exams are a crucial part of keeping your eyes healthy and maintaining overall health, so don’t delay. Call AEG Brevard Vision Care - Babcock in today!

Have you ever noticed your toddler blinking excessively? While some reasons for rapid blinking are harmless, others may require the intervention of your child’s eye doctor. 

Whether excessive blinking is a natural reflex, a way of communicating, or a sign of an eye problem, it’s always important to pay attention to your child’s behavior and seek the advice of your AEG Brevard Vision Care - Babcock eye doctor if you’re concerned.

Why Do We Blink?

Blinking is a natural reflex that helps to keep our eyes moist and comfortable. When we blink, we spread a thin layer of tears over the surface of our eyes, which helps to lubricate and protect them from dust and other irritants. This is especially important for toddlers, who are still developing their visual system and may be more prone to dry, irritated eyes.

Non-Verbal Communication

Children often rely on nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language, to convey their thoughts and feelings. Blinking is no exception. 

So if your toddler is blinking a lot, especially during a conversation, it could be a sign that they’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or simply need a break. While eye tics caused by emotional stress may resolve on their own, it’s always best to consult your child’s eye doctor if the excessive blinking persists. 

When Do I Check In With An Optometrist?

Excessive blinking that lasts for more than a few minutes at a time can be a sign of an eye problem. Eye allergies, eye infections, and corneal discomfort/pain caused by something stuck in the eye, a corneal abrasion or an ingrown eyelash, can result in rapid blinking. In rare cases, rapid blinking may be caused by eye muscle spasms. 

Misaligned or crossed eyes (strabismus) can also cause a child to blink excessively. 

The toddler years are an important time for your child’s development, and that’s especially true when it comes to your child’s visual system. Whether your child is blinking excessively, or it’s simply time for their routine eye exam (generally recommended between their 2nd and 3rd birthday), AEG Brevard Vision Care - Babcock in is here for you.

FAQ

Why does my toddler blink a lot when watching TV?

Eye strain is the most common reason for a toddler’s excessive blinking while looking at a TV, tablet or computer. Making sure that there is adequate lighting in the room can help avoid glare and eye strain.

How will my child’s eye doctor diagnose the reason for my child’s excessive blinking? 

During a comprehensive eye exam your child’s eye doctor will evaluate your child’s visual system by checking their eye’s ability to see and move properly. The eye doctor will also look for signs that the eye’s structures are healthy, and that there are no scratches or other signs of irritation or infection.