The Popularity of IntraLase

IntraLASIK or All Laser LASIK is a 100% blade-free approach to creating your LASIK flap – the thin flap of tissue that the doctors at Vista Eye Specialists, VA fold back in order to perform your LASIK procedure for corrective eye surgery.

IntraLase is the name of the first manufacturer to achieve Food and Drug Administration approval of a femtosecond laser for use in the United States and the surgical procedure 'LASIK' in 2001. IntraLase Inc. later introduced several new models of this laser with advanced features.

IntraLase is regarded by many in the field of ophthalmology as an improvement over traditional LASIK because of a greater accuracy in flap size, shape, and thickness. This is the reason over 5 million procedures have been performed using the IntraLase Method and its popularity continues to grow.

IntraLase at Vista Eye Specialists:

At Vista Eye Specialists the computer-guided infrared femtosecond laser is focused just below the surface of the cornea. Each laser pulse creates a tiny bubble there. A pattern of many overlapping bubbles allows the lifting of a flap off the cornea. The process continues as in case of traditional LASIK, with an excimer laser. Energy from this type of laser is applied to the newly exposed eye surface, where tissue is removed in a precise pattern to alter the cornea's shape.

The long-term clinical outcome of LASIK with a mechanical microkeratome and IntraLASIK with a femtosecond laser is deemed similar, yet IntraLase offers an increased accuracy of the flap with the femtosecond laser, adding to the margin of safety.

Once an eye is reshaped by IntraLASIK or IntraLase by the reputed team at Vista Eye Specialists at Culpeper and Fredericksburg, it should have an improved ability to focus light rays onto the retina for significantly sharper vision.

Call us now to take an appointment for all your eye concerns because Vista Eye Specialists focuses on your total eye health.

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Recovery from Cataract Surgery

After you have had cataract surgery performed at Vista Eye Specialists, VA you’re on your way to better vision!

Before a patient is discharged, the team of eye doctors at Vista Eye Specialists will always share what a patient should expect after cataract surgery and the care he must take. Before you leave our clinics at Culpeper and Fredericksburg, our team will instruct you to keep all outpatient follow up appointments, take medications properly and contact them in case of any problems or queries.

After the surgery:
The eye surgeons at Vista Eye Specialists, VA will cover your eye with a bandage or shield or simply provide a pair of sunglasses and ask you to rest for a short time after the cataract procedure. You will probably rest in the post-operative room for about an hour.

Vista Eye Specialists will call you for an eye examination the day after your surgery. Further appointments are usually dated for at 1 week and 1 month after your operation.

On the day following surgery, the lids may be slightly crusted due to the dried residue from watering. Our team will instruct you to gently wipe away the residue with cotton wool dampened with sterile saline. No undue pressure should be put on the eye.

After the cataract surgery, you may see that your eye is initially red and light sensitive or even a bruise may appear due to sub conjunctival haemorrhage. These are normal recovery symptoms.

After the surgery, the regime of administering the post-operative eye drops should begin. One or two drops should be placed just inside the lower lid. The patient should look slightly upwards and the lower lid should be pulled slightly downwards. Close your eyes for a few minutes and dab lightly with a tissue to absorb any excess drops. Use the eye shield as instructed.

Recovery Period:
The recovery period from your cataract surgery may vary from patient to patient. If cataract was the only problem with the eye many patients may be able to see better within a few days. The intention is to restore clear and focused distance vision to the eye. When successful, you will see after the operation without your old distance spectacles, though new near vision spectacles will be required. The precise requirement for spectacles following cataract surgery varies from case to case and you will be guided by our ophthalmologists.

Resuming your routine:
Eager to get back to your routine? You may certainly do so, but avoid strenuous activities. You can go about washing your face, bathing and showering. Just avoid getting soap and shampoo in your eyes, avoid face down positions and do not put pressure on the eye. Do not swim; do not use a hot tub, visit a sauna or spa; try not to bend over or carry heavy loads.

Wait for a go-ahead from our surgical team to resume your job and driving your vehicle. Give your eye time to heal.

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PRK Surgery-The Right Option to Correct your Vision

 Vista Eye Specialists will always suggest the most accurate, safe and long term solution methods to correct vision problems.

Photo refractive keratectomy or PRK, is a type of laser eye surgery used to correct mild to moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism. This procedure has helped give 20/20 vision to approximately 80% to 90% of patients one year after surgery.

PRK For Whom?:
This is recommended for patients who have unusually thin corneas as PRK eye surgery doesn't require an incision in the cornea. PRK is also apt for you if the thickness and/or shape of your cornea may be unusual. In such a scenario a surface treatment like PRK surgery is the correct option which doesn't require a corneal flap as in the LASIK procedure.

PRK at Vista Eye:
If the ophthalmologists at Vista Eye Specialists, Culpeper and Fredericksburg, believe that Photo refractive keratectomy is the best option to correct your vision, you will first meet with an eye surgeon or a coordinator who will discuss with you what you should expect during and after the surgery.

After attaining your medical history, you will undergo eye tests to measure corneal thickness,refraction, corneal mapping, air pressure, and pupil dilation.

Our team will advise you not to wear rigid gas permeable contact lenses starting three weeks before your evaluation. Other types of contact lenses shouldn't be worn for at least three days before the evaluation.

On the day of your PRK surgery you will be advised to take a light meal and take all the medicines our doctors have prescribed.

The team of eye surgeons led by Dr. Jani at Vista Eye Specialists, VA will remove the thin outer membrane of the cornea, called the epithelium, exposing the surface of the thick central part of the cornea called the stromal bed. A laser is used to reshape the cornea’s stromal surface according to the patient’s vision error. This laser delivers a cool pulsing beam of ultraviolet light on the surface of the cornea, not underneath the cornea, as in LASIK.

Recovery from PRK:
As compared to the LASIK procedure PRK takes a longer time to correct vision. This is because PRK involves the removal and absence of the epithelium which takes longer to heal.

One might experience sensitivity to light, mild discomfort, eye irritation and watering, for one to three days following the procedure and our team will prescribe you pain relief medication and other pain prevention support.

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Eyelid Rejuvenation—Look better, See Better

Are you annoyed with the sagging, droopy, tired look of your eyelids? Excessive hooding of ones lower eyebrows and excessive upper eyelid skin can not only make you look older and unattractive but can limit your visual fields, blocking your vision in the upward and outward direction.

At Vista Eye Specialists, VA, Dr. Jani and his team of eye surgeons carry out eyelid rejuvenation surgery by administering a local anesthetic to the surgical area to reduce discomfort. A mild sedative will help relieve anxiety.

Vista Eye Specialists eye surgeons work along the natural folds of your eyes to remove excess skin, muscle, and fatty tissue. The experienced eye surgeons will strategically place incisions to hide the visible traces of your eyelid rejuvenation. This is done to attempt to enhance your natural features.

Not only will this give you a more youthful and attractive appearance but functionally improve your vision. It gives one the ability to see in all directions and the issue of heaviness of eyelids is resolved. Some slight pain or discomfort following the procedure can generally be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications prescribed by our team of ophthalmologists.

Recovery from eyelid rejuvenation surgery takes about two days. Vista Eye Specialists recommend rest and applying a cold compresses to your eyes. Normal activities can be resumed but strenuous activities should be avoided for at least two weeks.

Call us for an appointment now for all your vision concerns.

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Save upto $ 500 on LASIK at Vista Eye Specialists this April

LASIK or Laser in-situ keratomileusis costs around $2000 per eye in private eye clinics. But Dr. Jani spearheads Vista Eye Specialists to be an eye care center with a heart. This is the reason why this April of 2014 brings with it a compassionate saving of upto $500 on this Laser Vision Correction Surgery.

LASIK is the most common laser eye procedure to rectify vision problems because it has the pros of having your vision corrected almost immediately or by the day after LASIK laser eye surgery; there is hardly any sensation of pain; no bandages are required after the procedure and there is always room for adjustment even years after to further correct vision.

When you take an appointment at Vista Eye Specialists, Culpeper and Fredericksburg, our medical team will first take your medical history and have your eyes tested for measuring corneal thickness, refraction, and pupil dilation. You will also be briefed about what to expect during and after the surgery.

Dr Jani and his team of experienced ophthalmologists perform this surgery by cutting across the cornea of the eye, raising a flap of tissue and carrying out reshaping to correct vision.

In most cases, after a successful LASIK laser eye surgery, most patients no longer need corrective eyewear. Imagine the freedom an unimpaired vision and that too at an unbelievably low cost.

Vista Eye Specialists, VA are dedicated to making your surgical experience as comfortable as possible. Apart from our periodic saving offers, we make a lot of choices available in the way you pay for eye care and surgery services.

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When your Eyes are Exposed to Chemicals in the Home

As we go about our daily chores at home, we may experience irritation or burning in the eyes. This happens when eyes are exposed to household cleaning solutions, fumes or paint. Most household cleaning products and pesticides come with instructions for proper usage and if used as directed, they are safe to be used.

In instances like when your home is being painted with latex paint, the formaldehyde the paint emits when drying can give you a headache and irritate your eyes, nose and throat. Toilet bowl cleaners, metal cleaners, descalers, or battery fluid may contain acid and eye contact with acids or alkalis can cause severe damage to the eye.

One may also suffer from chemical eye burns when the eye comes into contact with a solid, liquid, or vaporous chemical.

If your eyes are exposed to such hazardous chemical substances, you may experience redness, irritation, pain, swelling of the eye; blurred vision and you might be unable to open your eyes.

The first thing to do is to wash the exposed eye thoroughly with water to make sure that the chemical is removed. The severity of the exposure depends on the chemical, as well as the amount that comes into contact with the eye.

The professional team of eye doctors at Vista Eye Specialists recommend that in such cases it is important to flush the eyes out with water for at least 15 minutes. As you rinse, use your fingers to hold your eye open as wide as possible and roll your eye. You can do so by slowly pouring lukewarm water into the eye from a pitcher or glass or by placing your head under a gently running faucet or shower. If the redness persists, using one or two drops of some long-acting vasoconstrictor eye drops (e.g. Visine) is recommended. In case you wear contact lenses, switch to glasses temporarily to prevent damage to the cornea. The pain and discomfort usually remains for an hour after irrigation with water.

Any discomfort to the eyes must be followed up by taking the patient to the nearest emergency room or eye clinic. Make Vista Eye Specialists your first choice if you are in the Culpeper or Fredericksburg, VA area.

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Save upto $200 on Lipiflow Treament to Treat Dry Eyes

Have you had enough of that scratchy and dry sensation in your eyes? Is it tiresome to keep coping with blurred vision or sensitivity to sunlight? Have you been diagnosed with Dry Eyes because the water in the tears evaporates faster than normal, due to an insufficient lipid or oil layer on the tear film?

You have the opportunity to solve these problems by opting for the revolutionary Lipiflow treatment to treat dry eyes. If you have been putting off treating your dry eyes then this is the right time to avail it at Vista Eye Specialists, VA by saving upto $200 at the experienced hands of Dr. Jani, a Board Certified ophthalmologist and a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. 

LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation technology applies heat to the inner eyelids and gentle pressure, releasing lipids from the Meibomian glands without damaging the glands or the delicate structures of the eye. LipiFlow treats the upper and lower eyelids simultaneously. The procedure is fast, virtually painless, and takes place right in a Vista Eye Specialists clinic in Culpeper and Fredericksburg.

The team of ophthalmologists at Vista Eye will first determine the cause of your dry eye, evaluate your symptoms, tear film and gland function to determine the underlying cause of your Dry Eye symptoms. Treating this condition with Lipiflow early on is highly recommended to avoid permanent loss of gland function, additional cell damage, or visual deterioration.

According to a clinical study, 79% of patients reported improved overall dry eye symptoms between 10% to 100% improvement within four weeks of a single LipiFlow treatment. Avail this life-altering dry eyes treatment at a staggering $200 discount by taking an appointment with Vista Eye Specialists, Culpeper and Fredericksburg, now.

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Do you Suspect your Child is Color Blind?

What is Color Blindness?:

Color blindness or Color Vision Deficiency is the inability of fully ‘seeing’ red, green or blue light. This condition affects approximately 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women in the world.

People usually have three types of cone cells in the macula of the eye. Each type senses either red, green, or blue light. You see color when your cone cells sense different amounts of these three basic colors.

The most common color blindness is  red/green color blindness where the patient mixes up colors which have some red or green as part of the whole color like confusing a blue and a purple object.

Causes of Color Blindness:

Color blindness is often inherited and occurs when you lack these types of cone cells or they don't work properly. You might not see one of these three basic colors, or you may see a different shade of that color or a different color. The gene which is responsible for the condition is carried on the X chromosome and this is the reason why many more men are affected than women.

However, Color Blindness may also be a result of aging, eye problems, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, or diabetic retinopathy, injury to the eye and side effects of certain medicines.

Symptoms of Color Blindness:

If you suspect that your child is able to see some colors but not others or has the inability of telling the difference between red and green but can see blue and yellow; if he/she sees shades of a particular color or in rare instances sees only black, white, and gray, come visit the ophthalmologist at Vista Eye Specialists, VA.

Tests for determining Color Blindness:

Simple tests eye doctors follow is letting your young one look at 38 plates of circles created by irregular colored dots in two or more colors. The patterns the child sees help the eye doctor at Vista Eye Specialists know which colors he/she has trouble with.

Another test requires the child to arrange colored chips in order according to how similar the colors are.

Living with Color Blindness:

It may seem like a small deficiency but color blindness makes it difficult to learn and read, and when your child is older he/she may not be able to have certain careers. Simple activities like choosing and preparing food, gardening, sport, driving a car and selecting clothing can be a task.

Early Detection:

Detecting this problem early on can help your young one learn to cope but with your patient compassion. Vista Eye Specialists recommend eye exams for children between ages 3 and 5. Vision screening is recommended for all children at least once before entering school, preferably between the ages of 3 and 4.

Even though there might be no treatment as such for color blindness, but our ophthalmologists at Vista Eye Specialists may prescribe color filters or contact lenses can be used in some situations to enhance the brightness between some colors.

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Affordable Eye Care at Vista Eye Specialists

The world, despite its advancement in medical science, has seen an increasing trend in blindness. It has been seen that an eye disease, if not treated properly and professionally by qualified ophthalmologists, can transform quickly into failing vision, making the patient unable to perform daily functions and makes him completely dependent on other family members.

Vista Eye Specialists believes in playing its role is reversing this trend by making eye careservices affordable and available easily. This is the vision of Binoy R. Jani, the founder of Vista Eye Specialists, VA, a Board Certified ophthalmologist, a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the Medical College of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA.

One of the efforts Vista Eye Specialists continues to make is reducing the cost of its range of eye care services. This spring of 2014, to make quality eye care truly an accessible right for all, Vista Eye Specialists offers $200 off for Lipiflow dry eyetreatment and  $500 off on LASIK (laser vision correction).

Contact Vista Eye Specialists, Culpeper and Fredericksburg, to make an appointment now to avail these astounding vision-improving discounts.

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Eye Drops: Your Partner in Eye Care

Eye drops are a solution containing saline and several eye problems are treated using them. Eye drops might not  contain medication and may just serve to lubricate or may have steroids, antihistamines, sympathomimetics, beta receptor blockers, prostaglandins, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or topical anesthetics.

When are eye drops used?:

At Vista Eye Specialists, VA eye drops are prescribed by our team of ophthalmologists to administer medicine directly to your eyes and keep your eyes moist to ease redness, itching, and watering. Ailments like dry eyes, pinkeye, allergies, infections, and after surgery care is eased by eye drops.

Before and after cataract surgery, eye drops help prevent infection. Conjunctivitis-an infection of the conjunctiva is treated with antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops.

Eye drops are useful to lubricate the eyes when contact lenses cause dryness.  If corneal infection develops due to poor lens hygiene fortified antibiotic eye drops are used as treatment.

The burning, pain, redness, eye discharge and excessive tearing resulting in dry eyes is also eased with eye drops.

Using eye drops properly:

It is important to wash your hands properly before using eye drops. Stand in front of a mirror, take off the top of the bottle. Lean back and gently pull your lower eyelid down. Holding the dropper above one eye, squeeze one drop at a time. Make sure you administer the number of drops as prescribed by the eye doctors at Vista Eye Specialists. Ensure that dropper tip does not come in contact with a foreign substance or your eye.

Close your eyes for a few minutes after applying eye drops with your head tilted down towards the floor. Gently wipe away any liquid that falls out of the eye. Repeat the procedure with the other eye if prescribed.

Vista Eyes Specialists, VA advises not to use anyone else's drops yourself and dispose the bottle after the recommended time which is usually four weeks after first opening the bottle. Experiencing a taste of eye drops in your mouth or throat is normal but press on the tear duct for a minute or so after applying the drop.

If you feel any discomfort in your eyes don’t hesitate to take an appointment from our eye doctors at Vista Eye Specialists, Culpeper and Fredericksburg, who will prescribe the eye drops best suited to cure your eye conditions.

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Visual field Test at Vista Eye

To find out if there is a sign of glaucoma damage to the optic nerve; for detection of central or peripheral retinal disease, macular degeneration, eyelid conditions such as ptosis or drooping, optic nerve disease, and diseases affecting the visual pathways within the brain, a special kind of testing is required called the Visual Field Test.

Not only does the Visual Field Test require state-of-the-art technology but the veteran experience of a professional team of ophthalmologists like the ones at Vista Eye Specialists, VA. Our friendly and qualified team is equipped to conduct this subjective eye sight examination, clearly instruct the patient so that he/she may cooperate completely and complete the procedure satisfactorily.  

Visual Acuity Testing is conducted before Visual Field Testing. At Vista Eye Specialists, Culpeper and Fredericksburg, Visual Field Testing measures an individual's entire scope of vision--their central and peripheral (side) vision—mapping each eye individually.

The advanced and computerized visual field testing devices at Vista Eye Specialists constantly monitors fixation which is the ability of the patient to maintain a consistent straight ahead gaze. Vista Eye Specialists conduct all categories of Visual Field Testing including Confrontational, Amsler grid, Static Perimetry, Kinetic Perimetry and Frequency Doubling Analysis.

The eye doctors at Vista Eye Specialists advise Visual Field Testing at least once a year for patients who are vulnerable to developing glaucoma. Those who have been diagnosed with glaucoma are subjected to two visual field tests annually.

The computer generated results of the Visual Field Test at Vista Eye Specialists serve to be a vital document to help diagnose and treat eye conditions in future. This compassionate and thorough eye care at Vista Eye Specialists is the reason why it is the choice of thousands of satisfied patients.

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Preventing Asthenopia-Eye Strain

Eye strain is a common complaint because of the kind of lifestyle we have in this day and age. Spending uninterrupted hours in front of the computer screen at work is what most jobs require today. Many people commute for hours regularly, their eyes, alert on the road before them. Children gaze at TV screens or computer games for hours at end. Reading into the wee hours of the night is a habit which puts many to sleep. But this routine of concentrated and extended use of the eyes day in and day out leads to symptoms of eye strain or asthenopia.

Even though asthenopia does not result in damage to the eyes, yet it is uncomfortable. It can lead to headaches, blurring of the vision, feelings of dryness, irritability, lack of motivation, burning sensation, watery eyes, photophobia and pain which can make going about your life and getting work done very difficult.

When strain is put on the eyes it incorporates tensing of the muscles of their eyelids, face, temples, and jaws.  Getting out of this strenuous routine may be impossible but the expert ophthalmologists at Vista Eye Specialists suggest ways to lessen your eye strain.

If your nature of work incorporates extended hours concentrating before the computer screen, the eye doctors at Vista Eye, VA suggest taking fleeting breaks for 5 minutes every hour and walking around or shutting your eyes which can really serve to lessen the strain on your eyes at work. Consulting the experts at Vista Eye Specialists may even lead to prescription glasses for your workplace.

Another simple exercise is blinking which naturally refreshes and replenishes your eyes. Decreased blinking causes dryness of the ocular surface and symptoms of dry eyes need to be treated with the use of artificial tears without preservatives. If a dry environ is causing strain, try using a humidifier.

Make an appointment with the eye doctors at Vista Eye Specialists, Culpeper and Fredericksburg, for an eye exam, at least annually, to make sure your eye strain it is not a precursor to any underlying vision problems like refractive error.

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Thorough LASIK Evaluation at Vista Eye

Laser Vision Correction--LASIK (Laser-Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis) is the latest and preferred procedure to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism and reduce the dependency on contact lenses and eye glasses.

However, making sure that this procedure is done at the meticulous hands of expert ophthalmologists is something that is vital to the wellbeing of your eye. At Vista Eye Specialists, the latest technology is wielded by dedicated, professional and fellowship trained laser vision correction and cornea specialist, Dr. Jani and his remarkable team.

Vista Eye’s strength lies in its thorough procedure. When we recommend that a patient undergo LASIK we delve into the patient’s family, medical and ocular history. Patients with diseases like diabetes and autoimmune diseases may have problems in wound healing. Individuals with ocular herpes or peripheral keratitis or having a history of strabismus surgery may face recurrence after LASIK surgery.

Vista Eye Specialists believe in empowering patients through the correct knowledge and risks involved that potentially can affect the outcome of LASIK surgery. We probe into areas like use of alcohol and cigarettes as well as hobbies, sports and nature of work to give a better understanding to the patient considering LASIK of how the procedure will affect his lifestyle.

Before the LASIK procedure, uncorrected and corrected visual acuities are taken and a thorough manifest refraction is completed initially, and checked against a cycloplegic refraction at Vista Eye Specialists. A Complete Eye Examination, including tonometry and a posterior dilated exam, Lid examination, conjunctiva, cornea and lens investigation, anterior chamber and iris examination, investigating for signs of dry eyes and punctate keratitis is also carried out.

In highly myopic patients, a peripheral examination to look for tears and holes, is conducted by a retinal specialist before performing LASIK surgery. The LASIK Evaluation procedure at Vista Eye, VA includes Dry Eye Testing, Contrast Sensitivity Testing, Pupil Testing, Pachymetry, Keratometry, Corneal topography and Wavefront testing.

Our dedication, professionalism and thoroughness is the reason why you should opt for a consultation at Vista Eye Specialists, Culpeper and Fredericksburg, if you are considering LASIK or want an expert opinion to find out if you are eligible for this procedure.

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Caring for Your Contact Lenses with Vista Eye Specialists

Contact lenses are preferred by a majority of people around the world as they are an aesthetically pleasing option and even more convenient than perching spectacles upon your nose.

However, the eye experts at Vista Eye Specialists VA, solemnly recommend that one must know the risk which comes with wearing contact lenses if they are not cared for. Infections can develop if one uses extended-wear lenses or does not pay heed to the hygiene of the lenses; experiences reduced tear exchange under the lens or is exposed to environmental factors.

Vista Eye Specialists believes in educating people who wish to opt for contact lenses. It is important to know the different type of lenses available and the care specific to each. Disposable extended-wear soft lenses need the least care, and conventional soft lenses need proper care.

 Before you begin to wear lenses, take an opinion from the ophthalmologists at Vista Eye Specialists, Culpeper and Fredericksburg, to avoid vision-threatening complications and learn how to take care of your lenses. Our eye care experts will also recommend using disinfecting solution, eye drops, and enzymatic cleaners.

Hygiene:

Before handling contact lenses, wash and rinse hands. Use a mild non-cosmetic soap. Any perfume, oil, or lotion in soaps may transfer to your lenses and cause eye irritation or blurred vision. Dry your hands properly with a clean, lint-free towel. If you are a smoker there are more chances you will experience problems than nonsmokers.

Foreign elements and your lenses:
Try to keep your fingernails short and smooth to avoid scratching the lens or your eye. Make sure that if you use hair spray, do so before you put in your contacts. Carefully put on quality eye makeup after your contacts are in your eyes. Also remove contact lenses first and then remove makeup.

Cleaning your lenses:
Do not rinse lenses directly with tap water as they can be attacked by microorganisms resulting in infection or sight damage. Clean each contact by rubbing it gently with your index finger in the palm of your other hand with the solution.

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When the Eye becomes Pink

All is not rosy if you are suffering from ‘pink eye’ which indicates that your eye is inflamed. The cause of your eyes appearing pink may be a virus (often quite contagious), allergies, or bacteria. Also referred to as conjunctivitis, pink eye occurs in case the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that lines the eyelid and eye surface, swells and becomes red and swollen. The inflammation makes blood vessels more visible and gives the eye a pink or reddish color.

This common and treatable eye condition in children and adults may also be caused due to dry eyes from lack of tears or exposure to wind, sun chemicals, fumes, or smoke (chemical conjunctivitis).

If you see the pink hue appear in your usually clear lining of the eye, consult our team of ophthalmologists at Vista Eye Specialists, VA who will determine the cause of your pink or red eye and prescribe appropriate medicine and treatment for a speedy recovery.

The most common cause of pink eye is a viral infection or allergies. Viral and bacterial pinkeye are contagious and spread very easily especially due to lack of washing ones hands thoroughly or sharing a washcloth or towel with an infected person.

Viral pinkeye is often caused by an adenovirus--a common respiratory virus or the herpes virus. The symptoms of viral pinkeye include redness in the white of the eye, swelling of the eyelids, itching or burning feeling of the eyelids, swelling in front of the ears, excessive tearing or clear to thick, whitish drainage. One might suffer from viral pinkeye for 5 to 7 days upto 3 weeks. Visit Vista Eye Specialists where our team of specialists will help ease your discomfort and tackle the disease to prevent the spread of the infection. The eye doctors at Vista Eye recommend that patients with pink eye should not wear contact lenses.

If pink eye is observed in newborn babies, visit the pediatric ophthalmologists at Vista Eye Specialists, Culpeper and Fredericksburg who will determine whether the condition is caused by an infection, irritation, or a blocked tear duct in the infant.

Make an appointment at Vista Eye Specialists for any eye sight related queries.

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Do you have a Family History of Eye Diseases?

The genes which you possess not only determine your physical traits and skills but also cause inheritance of diseases or disorders.The most common vision problems among children and adults are genetically determined like strabismus (cross-eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye) and refraction errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism.

More than 60 percent of cases of blindness among infants are caused by inherited eye diseases such as congenital cataracts, congenital glaucoma, retinal degeneration, optic atrophy and eye malformations.

This is the reason why the team of professional ophthalmologists at Vista Eye Specialists always asks patients their medical and family history when they come for their regular eye checkups. The doctors at Vista Eye Specialists, VA also help patients draw your family tree and identify family members who may be affected with similar eye problems.

At Vista Eye, a comprehensive assessment of vision and eye movement, a slit-lamp examination for microscopic study of the eye, and an eye-pressure check is carried out. By using eye drops to dilate the pupils, the ophthalmologist can thoroughly examine the lens, optic nerve and retina for abnormalities.

Using information from the eye examination and the general medical history and examination, the ophthalmologists at Vista Eye Specialists, Culpeper and Frederiksberg determine an early diagnosis and treatment plan.

For an appointment call us at (888) 393-5264 or contact us through an online form.

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How to tell if your Child needs Glasses

It is up to the parent, care-giver or teacher to spot signs of a child having trouble in his vision. This includes noticing minor tell-tale signs like if your child sits too close to the TV screen or if he squints while reading.

The pediatric ophthalmologists at Vista Eye Specialists, VA recommend regular check-ups for your child. These doctors at Vista Eye are trained specialists who deal compassionately and patiently with young children without intimidating them. They use state-of-the-art technology to assess the fixation response of the child, assess the way the pupils are working and the alignment of the eyes. A retinoscope is used by the specialists to tell if the child is nearsighted, farsighted or has astigmatism.

The earlier the vision problem is identified there less chances are that your child’s development and education will be affected. As a parent or primary care-giver, be alert to your child squinting. Squeezing ones eyes reduces the size of the blurred image on the back of the retina and temporarily improves vision. If your catch your child doing so, this might be a warning sign that he is compensating for poor vision.

If your child tilts his head, loses his place while reading, or skips sentences in a book, it may be a sign that he suffers from eye muscle imbalance or strabismus. Sitting very close to the television or holding a book to close to ones eyes is often a sign of nearsightedness.

A child who covers one eye to read may be suffering from a vision problem in one eye which can result in amblyopia. Covering one eye can also be a sign of double vision caused by strabismus or even a cataract.

If you notice your young ones eyes tearing too often he may have lag ophthalmus. When the eyes do not completely shut while sleeping, they dry out. This may result in excessive tearing during the day and create problems in vision. Also, if a child rubs his eyes excessively, it may be because of eye fatigue or allergic conjunctivitis.

Call Vista Eye Specialists to make an appointment with our team of professional and friendly pediatric ophthalmologists and ensure the protection and wellbeing of your child’s vision.

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Is Reading in Dim Light Bad for your Eyes?

Reading into the wee hours of the night in the soft glow of your bedside lamp is something most people enjoy after a long day but after a while one feels a strain on the eyes. Many children too, read under the covers in the beam of a torch when sleep evades them, but parents keep rebuking them to go to sleep and warn them that their eye sight will be harmed.

Even though one might experience a difficulty in focusing, decrease in the rate of blinking, redness, dryness and stress after reading in sub-optimal lighting but these effects are not permanent.

In 2007, a study, published in the British Medical Journal, revealed that reading in low light does not damage eyes, but rather just causes eye strain. Following this, ‘reading in dim light ruins eyesight’ was named a medical myth.

Even though, the experts at Vista Eye Specialists, VA strongly recommend using proper lighting while reading but validate that reading continuously in dim light may result in short-term eye fatigue, but there is no scientific evidence that reading in the dark does any long-term harm to your eyes.

The temporary drying of eyes caused due to less blinking while reading in faint light causes discomfort but wont damage the structure or function of the eyes. Our team of ophthalmologists at Vista Eye Specialists,Culpeper and Fredericksburg will prescribe over-the-counter lubricating drops to ease the discomfort.

Feel free to contact Vista Eye Specialists’ friendly and professional team on 888-393-5264 for an appointment for any eye-sight related health concerns. 

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Eating your way to better Eyesight

Your diet and lifestyle can help ward off the onset of many diseases—every wise person knows that. But those who eat healthy do so particularly keeping in mind the health of the heart, brain and bones.

Vista Eye Specialists urge not to take the well being of your eye for granted and thus promotes eating healthy food which protects your vision.

It’s a well known fact that Beta-carotene found in carrots and other orange-colored fruits and vegetables like squash, apricots and pumpkin helps the retina and other parts of the eye to function smoothly. Beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A, which also aids the eyes to adjust to low levels of light at night.

Apart from the eye-friendly Beta-carotene, several vitamins and minerals are essential for healthy eyes. You’ll be surprised to know that these foods are not expensive or exclusive and making a conscious to incorporate them as part of your meals will help you safeguard your vision and your family’s.

Greens like spinach, kale, and collards and egg yolks contain the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin which prevent the development of macular degeneration and cataracts. Lutein and zeaxanthin are pigments in the back part of the eye and keeping that part well nourished helps maintain normal physiology at the back of the eye.

Sea food like salmon, tuna, and other oily fish have DHA and EPA, the two omega-3 fatty acids which helps lower the odds of developing the advanced form of age related macular degeneration (AMD).

Wheat and nuts contain zinc protecting against macular degeneration and night blindness. Enjoying vitamin-C laden citrus, berries, peppers, tropical fruits, potatoes and a handful of Vitamin-E packed almonds as snacks instead of junk food also combats the risk of age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.

Vista Eye Specialists believes that being proactive as far as your eye health goes, is always the smart thing to do. At Vista Eye we educate our patients that a well-balanced diet lowers the chance to fall victim to obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes which is the prime cause of blindness in adults.

A healthy diet, accompanied by regular eye checkups by the professional team of ophthalmologists at Vista Eye Specialists, Culpeper and Fredericksburg, can help prevent and identify eye problems in early stages before they get complex.

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Watch out for Dry Eyes in Winter

It’s common enough to feel your eyes water when you are outdoors for a long time in the cold winters. This is because the harsh winter wind has dried them out and our eyes begin to overproduce tears due to excessive dryness.

Those who suffer from dry eyes throughout the year, feel this discomfort intensely this time of the year due to lower humidity. Dry eye are a result of exposure to harsh wind and sunlight, dirt and grit. Less tear production with age, abnormalities in the eyelids and dry environments lead to this phenomenon. People with severe dry eyes suffer from pain, redness, decreased vision and foreign body sensation.

The experts at Vista Eye Specialists, VA suggest that because central heating in winters robs the atmosphere of moisture, thus using a humidifier in the rooms you occupy is a smart option as it helps restore the humidity to a healthy level.

If you experience dry eyes don’t hesitate to make a vision examination appointment with the ophthalmologists at Vista Eye Specialists, Culpeper and Fredericksburg. Our state-of-the-art facilities help carry out a series of tests to determine quality and quantity of tear production in your eyes.

The team of professional ophthalmologists at Vista Eye Specialists, VA will also prescribe eye drops to help address redness in the eyes, artificial tears or a lubricating ointment at bedtime to keep your eyes adequately moisturized. We also suggest that patients wear sunglasses as protection against cold, dry wind and the winter sun and avoid prolonged activities that cause strain in the eyes.

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The Importance of Wearing Sunglasses in Winter!

Summer might be synonymous with the searing heat, the blazing sun and donning fabulous designer sunglasses while lazing on the beach, however, wearing sunglasses outdoors is important all the year around. The sun might not seem as intense or as hot in the winter and people make the mistake of not paying heed to wearing protective sunglasses. But the experts at Vista Eye Specialists, VA exhort that sunglasses be worn—come summer or winter.

Whether you go outdoors for a short period and even more so when you are out for a longer time span like for sporting events, exposure to the winter sun can damage various layers of the eye.

Infact, during the snowy season, the winter sun is lower in the sky and at a different angle, exposing your eyes to more of the sun’s harmful UV rays which can cause diseases related to aging, cataract and macular degeneration. The chilly winter wind whips at your face and stings your eyes which may lead to dry eyes.

The layer of pristine white snow in winter reflects 85 % the sun’s UV rays which could potentially burn your eyes and cause snow blindness. UV-related vision problems are common in the winter season as the sunlight glares off of the top of cement creating a bright, blinding reflection.

Vista Eye Specialists remind you that sunglasses are not just accessories to help you look cool and modish. Picking out the right kind of sunglasses for winter is the most efficient way to protect your eyes from the harsh winter sun. Protective eyewear with anti-reflective, polarized lenses that block out 100% of UV radiation is advised by Dr. Binoy Jani’s team of ophthalmologists at Vista Eye Specialists, VA.

When you visit Vista Eye Specialists, VA, for your eye exam, our ophthalmologists or optometrists measure UV protection using an instrument called a spectrometer. For any queries related to your vision this winter and all the year round, make an appointment with Vista Eye Specialists, Culpeper and Fredericksburg by calling 888-393-5264.

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