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What’s New

Keep up-to-date on the latest vision-related news and eye care events in our Practice.

Current Glaucoma Treatment Options

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma affects between 3 and 4 million Americans and is the number two cause of preventable blindness worldwide. About 50% of patients with glaucoma are currently undiagnosed. It is sobering to think about how many of you reading this article right now currently have...

What Do Your Eyes Reveal About You?

An individual's eyes can reveal a lot about them, including their mood, feelings, and even emotions. By simply looking at them, eyes can convey a warm, bright, and inviting vibe as well as a cold and repellent one – they are the window to a person’s soul. The Iris: What...

 Potential Alcohol Effects on Vision & Eye Health

While we all know that drinking alcohol can harm our bodies, what does it do specifically to our eyes? Short-term exposure to alcohol can alter vision, but what about repeated exposure to alcohol? Are there any permanent effects that you need to worry about? People who consider themselves to be "social drinkers"...

You’re Never Too Old to Try Contacts!

Are you one of those people who tried contacts in the past, but had no luck? Perhaps you found them dry and uncomfortable, or your allergies made them impossible to wear?  Maybe you were unable to see as clearly compared to your glasses, or you never needed glasses but now...

My Prescription After Cataract Surgery

Depending on your goals at the time of your cataract surgery, the implant may have corrected some, or all of vision prescription. Over time, you may still need glasses for driving, watching television, reading or for computer work. Here are your options to assist you with making sure you continue...

Premium Implants or IOL

Increasingly, patients are asking for the ability to see far away and up close after cataract surgery. Technology has improved substantially so that we can now offer two unique varieties of implant lenses to achieve this goal. AcrySof® IQ Vivity™ The new Vivity intraocular lens is the latest generation of...

Cosmetic Procedures & Blurry Vision

Cosmetic procedures have been prominent for both women and men for years. While the popularity of certain procedures tends to decrease and incline in waves, temporary facial “improvements” like Botox injections have become and remain one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. The popularity is thanks to its noninvasiveness, and...

Cataracts Implants

Once you decide to have cataract surgery, you will discuss your options with your doctor about which intraocular lens (IOL) will work best for you. This is a very important conversation because the implant will stay with you the rest of your life. Implants are typically made of plastic, silicone,...

Eye Allergies, Or…?

Hey, allergy season. Welcome back to the time of year when everyone blames almost every distress on allergies! Let us help set the record straight though, since certain symptoms are easily assumed as a seasonal allergic reaction when they can actually be a result of something worth looking into further....

Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is quick procedure with a small recovery time and few side effects.

Sensitive Eyes & Cosmetics Guide

Putting makeup on is fun! It can also be considered one of the most relaxing and satisfying parts of getting ready... If it is being done on time, and not in a rush, which we can admit is pretty rare. Of all the little mishaps that can take place during...

When the Whites of Your Eyes Just… Aren’t Quite White

White eyes have just about the same cosmetic priority as white teeth or unblemished skin. In fact, several surveys reveal that about 30% of people initially notice eyes when they first meet someone. While you can be a generally healthy human with stained teeth and imperfect skin, your eyes can...

Cataract Diagnosis

Everybody gets cataracts. They are the result of an advanced aging change in the eyes. Find out if you have cataracts or need cataract surgery.

Improve Presbyopia Without Glasses or Contacts

New eye drops can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contacts lenses for patients with presbyopia.

Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month

November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month. Approximately 34.2 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes, while around 88 million currently have prediabetes, the condition that occurs just before diabetes. Because this disease affects so many people, I thought I’d take a moment to discuss the ways that it can...

This or That: Maintaining Your Eyesight

365 days can manifest a great deal that you might not be able to set your sights on quite yet. Don’t wait until you can't see it to believe it. Quiz yourself in a quick "This or That!" and see where you stand when it comes to maintaining your eyesight...

Want Halloween Contact Lenses? Great! Let’s Protect Your Eyes

Protect your eyes this Halloween with colored contact lenses that are FDA approved! Come see us at Cool Springs Eye Care for properly fitted and safe lenses.

A Visit to the Emergency Room or Your Optometrist?

When a health crisis occurs, it is common to consider a visit to the nearest hospital emergency room for care. However, when the emergency is related to your eyes, consider a trip to your optometrist's office as the first stop.

Fall Allergies: Cause, Effect, and Solution

Seasons changing are often something to look forward to. Especially when the chill of winter is conquered by the warmth of spring, and the swelter of summer is subdued by the cool crisp of autumn. One of the downsides of changing seasons, however, is the allergens that come along with...

Can My Eye Really Fall Out?

It was big Olympic news.  A long distance swimmer was accidentally struck in the eye by a competitor’s arm or elbow during a swim competition.  He immediately “went blind” and thought “his eye had been knocked out.”  Bad news for this Olympian-he had sustained blunt trauma to the globe and...

A Tribute to Dr. Dave Brown

My former partner Dr. Dave Brown passed away yesterday due to complications caused by COVID.  Dave was a dedicated optometrist, good husband and father and all-around fine man.  He will be missed by many. Dave and I became acquainted when I moved to Nashville to run our eye disease center, VisionAmerica.  Dave was...

A Close Up of Presbyopia

Through each stage of life, from infancy through adulthood, your eyes and visual needs will change. One of those changes, and arguably the largest and most frustrating, will come in your early 40’s. Yes, we are referring to the need for reading glasses which is technically referred to as presbyopia. Presbyopia is the...

As I See It—Podcast!

Our doctors not only wrote the book on patient care, but now they’ve launched a growing podcast that is starting a patient revolution! As I See It is hosted by Dr. Jeff Kegarise and Cole Evans. They discuss, in depth, a variety of topics, such as frequently asked questions about eye care, at what...

Sunglasses: Protect Your Peepers

June brings with it, not only the first day of summer, but also National Sunglasses Day (6/27). In keeping with these two annual milestones, let’s chat about the importance of wearing sunglasses! Many people simply think of sunglasses as a summertime fashion accessory but don’t stop to consider the benefits...

May is Healthy Vision Month

What does that mean for you? It means that now is the time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. While these are one of the exams we may often let fall by the wayside, they are extremely important to maintain our eye health. Comprehensive eye exams serve several purposes. During these exams,...

Krispy Kreme or Dunkin’……What is Your Doughnut?

January his Glaucoma Awareness Month and we want to make sure that you know all about your doughnut! Now, why would I talk about doughnuts in relation to glaucoma awareness month?  First, it is not because I love doughnuts (which I do).  It is because the name of the game...

The K2 Way Book Announcement

A book!  A book from your eye doctor now available on Amazon? It is true!  Dr. Susan and I have authored a book called One Patient at a Time: The K2 Way Playbook for Healthcare and Business Success.  You should be very familiar with many of the writings in this book. ...

Trivia – Fun Facts and Explanations for Eye Nerds

So, its holiday season and a lot of people enjoy going to live trivia or playing trivia at home with family members. I wanted to make sure you are prepared for potential eye questions that may arise Fun Fact #1 The red pupil image that shows up on photographs is...

I’m Talking to You

In the 1970s classic movie Taxi Driver, Robert de Niro acts out in front of a mirror by saying, “Are you talking to me?”.  In this blog, yeah, I’m talking to you, as a patient that is.   You see, we think communication between patients and doctors is essential, yet it is...

How Are You Seeing In The Dark

Most of us see better while driving during the day than at night.  There are a number of eye issues that could affect our night vision. First and foremost, nearsighted people, especially if they are mildly under corrected in the prescription, will have “night myopia”.  This is a fancy way of saying;...

We Are With You In The Community

Recently I was made aware that many of our patients don’t realize the number of community services we offer outside of the office.  I thought I would address those and see if in 2020 (what a great year for eye doctors huh!?) you or your business may want to utilize...

Diabetes – Complications with Sugar!

This is National Diabetes and Diabetes Eye Disease awareness month.  Each November we reinvigorate our focus to help you focus better. Nine percent (9%) of Tennesseans are reported to have diabetes.  In some areas of the country that number exceeds 10% to 12%.  It is an epidemic that has only been rising overtime in...

Performance Vision Therapy

What is Vision Therapy? Vision Therapy (also known as behavioral or developmental optometry, functional vision training, orthoptics, vision or visual training, or VT) is recognized as a leading developmental vision and rehabilitation specialty practice in the United States. This division of optometric care is devoted to developing, improving and enhancing visual...

Trainer Bios

J. Paige Pantall Paige is a graduate of Roane State in Harriman, TN with a degree in Applied Health Sciences. Besides her extensive background in sports vision, she holds certifications as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, Optician and Contact Lens Specialist. She brings over 10 years of experience in sports vision with...

Sports Vision

The Competitive Edge – Sports Vision Training Sports vision is a growing niche in the eyecare industry. The Competitive Edge trains an athlete’s vision to perform at the highest level. We customize our training to the athlete’s individual sport, position and competition level. The areas of vision that are consistently tested when...

Sports Vision – Kids

Sports Vision For Kids Shortly after school begins, fall sports go into full swing. Unfortunately, sometimes, children and sports don’t go together as naturally as one might like. Here are some telltale signs that your child may have a vision problem that may interfere with sports performance: Your child: Seems...

School Age Vision – Kids

School-Age Vision A child needs many abilities to succeed in school. Good vision is key. It has been estimated that as much as 80% of the learning a child does occur through his or her eyes. Reading, writing, smartboard work, and using computers are among the visual tasks students perform...

Preschool Vision – Kids

Pre-school Vision Preschoolers use their vision to guide all their learning experiences. From ages 2 to 5, a child will be fine-tuning the visual abilities gained during infancy and developing new ones. Stacking building blocks, rolling a ball back and forth, coloring, drawing, using scissors, or assembling toys all improve...

Infant Vision – Kids

Infants are born with a complete visual system but must actually learn how to see. A child’s vision will develop throughout the first year of life. We have highlighted some of those milestones below. THE NEWBORN STAGE Newborns can differentiate between light and dark but can’t see all colors. They are...

25 Questions

Are there contact lenses for dry-eye patients? There are a number of options – not just contact lenses but a number of treatments that can improve a dry-eyed person’s ability to wear contact lenses. They need a more hydrated lens, which makes daily disposable lenses an excellent option. Any surface...

Introducing Roger Bacon

Roger Bacon is Now available at Cool Springs Eyecare! A Netherlands Based company, Roger Bacon Eyewear is the first eyewear collection available exclusively sold through independent eye care providers in the United States. The brand provides custom eyewear that uses precise biometric scans to create the perfectly sized pair of...

LASER Basics: 10 Steps to Visual Freedom

NOT INTERESTED   Maybe you’re not a candidate. Maybe you have no vision problems. At this point, LASIK is just not a thought that has entered your mind. JUST WONDERING   You’d be lying if you said the thought hadn’t crossed your mind. You’re not sure you’re a candidate, but...

LASER Basics: Am I A Good Candidate?

The first step would be to schedule a complimentary consultation. This session will provide you with all of the information you need to make the best decision. Here are a few factors that will assist in determining your overall candidacy: LASIK CANDIDATES ARE: Nearsighted (myopic) or farsighted (hyperopic) but have...

How to Remove a Contact Lens From Your Eye

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How to Put In Soft Contact Lenses

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GVSS

The Gentle Vision Shaping System, or GVSS, also called Ortho-K or CRT, corrects your vision while you sleep so you don’t have to wear glasses or contacts during the day. The contact lens gently reshapes your cornea overnight to correct nearsightedness and low amounts of astigmatism. It is non-invasive and...

Types of Solutions

There are many different types of contact lens solutions. Please talk with your doctor regarding which contact lens solution works best for the type of contact lenses you wear. Different contact lens materials are more compatible with certain solutions. Talk to your doctor before you make any changes to your...

Types of Contacts

MULTIFOCAL If you are over 40 you may have begun to notice that near activities are more difficult. This is due to an eye condition called presbyopia. Presbyopia causes blurred near vision. Before, when this became bothersome contact lens wearers would have to wear reading glasses to see clearly up...

Contact Lens FAQ

How many different types of contact lenses are there? There are many choices, as seen below, depending on your specific vision needs. Our team of doctors and clinical staff help patients achieve their goals with contact-lens wear.     Soft Disposable     Continuous Overnight Wear     Soft Astigmatism     Daily disposable...

UVEITIS

What is it? Swelling or inflammation of the inner layers of the eye. The swelling can be located in the front, middle, back or all segments of the eye. The symptoms each patient experiences may vary depending on the location affected. Who does it affect? There is a long list...

STRABISMUS

What is it? A misalignment of the eye muscles causing a lack of coordination between both eyes. It may cause one of the eyes to turn in, out, up or down. Who does it affect? Many people are born with an eye-muscle problem. Some causes of strabismus are related to...

PRESBYOPIA AND CORRECTION OPTIONS

What is it? A condition where the focusing muscle can no longer bend to allow clear vision for reading or near tasks. Generally associated with maturity. Who Does it Affect? Everyone at some point in their life experiences a weakening of the focusing muscle. In general, it will start to...

OPTIC NEURITIS

What is it? An inflamed, swollen or irritated optic nerve. It is sometimes referred to as “papillitis” when the visible portion of the nerve is inflamed. It is called “retrobulbar neuritis” when the swollen portion of the nerve lies behind the eyeball. Who does it affect? There are a number...

MEIBOMIANITIS

What is it? Blockage or plugging of one or more of the tear-secreting oil glands along the eyelid. Often leads to redness, burning, dilated blood vessels, dryness or grittiness and “sticky feelings” in or around the eye. Who Does it Affect? Many people, yet most commonly it is seen in...

MACULAR DEGENERATION(Eye Disease)

What is it? The macula is the part of the retina that allows us to see things straight ahead. As we mature, changes occur in this area, and the tissue becomes irregular, thus distorting our central vision. Who does it affect? Macular degeneration is typically a disease of older adults....

KERATOCONUS

What is it? Keratoconus is an ocular disease in which progressive thinning of the cornea results in a complex, irregular steepening of the corneal surface. Who does it affect? Keratoconus usually begins in adolescence and continues into middle age. Keratoconus is associated with allergic eye disease and may be related...

GLAUCOMA(Eye Disease)

What is it? An eye problem that develops when the optic nerve is damaged over a long enough period of time. People with glaucoma usually lose side vision, but also can lose straight-ahead vision if glaucoma is left untreated. Who does it affect? Usually, people are more at risk to...

GIANT PAPILLARY CONJUNCTIVITIS (GPC)

What is it? Inflammation associated with contact lens wear. Generally thought to be due to a combination of mechanical and immunologic factors. It causes bumps under the eyelid which become inflamed and lead to mucus, grittiness, less wearing time and poorer feeling and fitting contact lenses. Who does it affect?...

FUCH’S DYSTROPHY

What is it? A condition where cells are lost or damaged on the cornea. The cell damage can lead to blurred vision, particularly in the morning, swelling and in some cases, discomfort. Who Does it Affect? More often women than men, and likely later in life. There is a tendency...

FOREIGN BODY

What is it? Debris, metal or other material which has blown into the eye and remains lodged. Who does it affect? A foreign body can occur in anyone. Certain occupations, such as auto mechanics, welders, landscapers, and metal workers are more likely to encounter eye problems from flying debris and...

FLASHES AND FLOATERS

What is it? Flashing lights, floating spots, gnats, cobwebs, strings – all describe annoying objects that may suddenly appear in our vision. Though they appear in front of our sight, they usually come from the thick fluid inside the eye called the vitreous gel. Who does it affect? Most everyone...

DRY EYE (Eye Disease)

What is it? A chronic inflammatory condition caused by a decrease in the quality and amount of tears necessary to bathe the front of the eye. When the cornea is exposed, dry areas develop which causes eye irritation. Who does it affect? Nearly everyone experiences dry eye problems once in...

DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

What is it? Changes that occur in the retina due to elevated blood sugar. Who does it affect? Both insulin and non-insulin dependent diabetic patients are affected. There is a greater chance of retinal changes in patients who have had diabetes for a longer period of time, or who have...

CORNEAL ABRASION

What is it? A painful scratch or cut on the cornea, the clear window over the front of the eye. Who does it affect? Abrasions can be the result of accidental trauma, foreign objects in the eye, or surgery. They may also be caused by underlying conditions such as Basement...

CONJUNCTIVITIS

What is it? Swelling of the delicate tissue on the outer white part of the eye. Since this tissue has blood vessels, most people have redness, a watery or sticky discharge, burning or grittiness – and sometimes itching. How does it happen? A few of the common causes are: Viral –...

CHALAZION

What is it? Also called hordeolum or stye. One of the glands of the eyelids swells due to blockage and may become infected. Who does it affect? A chalazion can happen in anyone, but it is more likely in patients who have blepharitis, meibomianitis or other reasons for tear glands...

CENTRAL RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION

What is it? A blockage or obstruction of blood leaving the eye through the main retinal vein. It results in internal bleeding and fluid buildup that can cause blurring or sudden loss of vision. Who does it affect? Vein obstructions can be due to a variety of causes. High blood...

Cataracts (Eye Diseases)

What is it? A clouding or thickening of the normal lens in the eye. This clouding blocks light from entering the eye and causes vision to be blurry and colors to be faded. Many people with cataracts complain of problems with glare from lights. Who Does it Affect? Eventually, everyone...

BLEPHARITIS

What is it? Blepharitis is swelling and buildup of oil and debris on the eyelids and lashes. This may cause itching, burning, crusting, and stickiness of the lashes. Because of the closeness to the tear ducts, most people also experience dry eyes. Who Does it Affect? All age groups can...

BASEMENT MEMBRANE DYSTROPHY (EBMD)

What is it? It is an Irregularity of the front layer of corneal cells. This corneal dystrophy can lead to dryness and other symptoms or complications. In severe cases, losses of vision, infection or painful recurrent abrasions can occur. Who Does it Affect? Often an inherited condition in men and...

Allergies

Eye allergies affect millions of Americans every year. Allergens typically attack the conjunctiva, a clear layer of tissue overlying the white part of the eye. Allergens include… Pollen Grass Weeds Dust Dust mites Mold Pet dander Typical symptoms include… Itching Redness Burning Tearing (watery discharge) Mattering or mucus buildup in...

Macular Degeneration

The macula is a layer of tissue at the center of the retina that provides our central vision. As we age, changes occur in this area and the tissue becomes irregular, thus distorting central vision. Macular degeneration is typically a disease associated with older adults. It won’t cause total blindness,...

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of disorders whose common denominator is causing damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve transmits all of the visual information from the retina to the brain. In its initial stages, the damage usually causes blind spots in peripheral vision, the outer edges of what the...

Dry Eye

When doctors address what is commonly referred to as “dry eyes”, they are really talking about Ocular Surface Disease. Generally, it’s a result of our eyes not producing enough tears. When our tear glands are functioning properly they create a healthy tear film that protects and nourishes the eye. Think...

Diabetes And The Eye

If you have diabetes you, unfortunately, are much more susceptible to eye disorders such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinopathy. You need to have your eyes checked annually at a minimum if you have been diagnosed with diabetes. The changes that can cause a loss of vision with diabetes are mostly...

Cataracts

A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of the eye. Generally, it’s associated with the normal aging process. Cataracts usually develop very gradually as we get older, and they may run in families. They develop slowly and painlessly, and vision in the affected eye or eyes worsens over...

Fall Allergies: Cause, Effect, and Solution

Fall is a great time of year, but the accompanying allergens: not so much. Let’s talk causes, effects, & solutions of allergies, & how they can affect your eyes

A Close Up of Presbyopia

There are several ways to combat presbyopia, and the good news is, your optometrist can help!

Childhood Myopia Is in Crisis Mode on a Global Scale

More and more children are being diagnosed with myopia, a common refractive error associated with developing serious eye diseases later in life, such as macular degeneration and glaucoma. Find out what myopia is and how to prevent it from progressing

Sunglasses: Protect Your Peepers

June brings with it, not only the first day of summer, but also National Sunglasses Day.

Why Are Dilated Eye Exams So Important?

Dilated eye exams make it possible for eye doctors to better assess your eye health and are the only way to detect certain eye diseases.

May is Healthy Vision Month

What does that mean for you? It means that now is the time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Find out why.

Multifocal Contact Lenses For People Over 40

Multifocal contact lenses can help people with presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) see clearly, whether focusing on close or distant objects.

Why Does Bono Always Wear His Signature Shades?

Ever wonder why rock superstar Bono wears sunglasses, even when indoors? It's not due to his "look", but rather is related to managing his glaucoma.

What You Should Know About Eye Herpes

Eye herpes can cause several uncomfortable symptoms and recurring flare-ups. In extreme cases, it can lead to blindness. Discover how your eye doctor can help.

Are You Susceptible To Vision Loss?

Many factors contribute to vision loss, some of which may even be relevant to you. Read on to learn what puts a person at risk of developing sight-threatening eye diseases, and discover what an eye doctor can do to help.

How Sleep Apnea Affects The Eyes

Sleep apnea is associated with high blood pressure and heart failure; it also causes eye-related issues. Find out how your eye condition may be linked to sleep apnea.

3 Benefits of Anti-Glare Coating

Glare is that annoying bright light that causes you to squint. It also can cause eye strain when using your computer. Luckily, anti-glare coated glasses offer many benefits, such as reduced glare, allowing you to see and feel better.

What You Should Know About Night Blindness

Night blindness is not an eye disease. It’s a symptom of several conditions that can range from mild to severe. Learn more about night blindness and discover ways we can help.

Are Contact Lenses Safe For Young Children?

It may surprise you to learn that contact lenses can be safely worn by children aged 8 and over. Read on to learn more about contact lenses for the younger demographic.

6 Common Myths About Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases causing damage to the optic nerve that can lead to vision loss or blindness. While there is a lot of information out there on glaucoma, there are also many misconceptions. Read on to learn to discover the REAL facts.

The Importance of Eye Exams for Contact Lenses

Contact lenses that don’t fit properly can cause discomfort and even eye damage. During a contact lens exam, your eye doctor will perform various tests to ensure you get the right prescription and the proper fit.

8 Ways Your Eyes Change With Age

The older one gets, the more the eye changes and the higher the risk of developing sight-threatening conditions. Learn about why middle-aged people need reading glasses and when to visit the eye doctor.

Protect Your Eyes From Vision Loss: Diabetes Awareness Month

Diabetic retinopathy is a potentially sight-threatening condition caused by high blood sugar levels in diabetics. Fortunately, your eye doctor can advise on how to manage and reduce the risk of developing it.

New To Contact Lenses? Here Are Our Top 5 Tips!

If you or your child is new to wearing contact lenses, read our Top 5 Tips to make the adjustment easier.

5 Reasons To Wear Sunglasses In The Fall

Sunglasses aren’t just for summer. Why not, you ask? Read on to find out why sunglasses are just as much “fall wear” as jackets are.

The Best Foods for Your Eyes

Consuming certain vitamins and nutrients can support your eye health and potentially ward off serious eye diseases and conditions. Read on to find out more!

How Can My Child’s Myopia Be Corrected?

Myopia or nearsightedness is most commonly corrected with prescription glasses or contact lenses. As children grow, their prescription often gets stronger, what we call “progressive myopia”. Our eye doctors can help.

Are Floaters and Flashes Dangerous?

Eye floaters are usually normal. But what causes them and when do they indicate a serious eye problem that needs emergency eye care?

Tips to Relax Your Eyes

Driving long distances, prolonged screen time and even reading can cause eye strain symptoms like headaches and blurry vision. Here are some eye exercises that can help you relax your eyes and find relief.

How Long Does It Take to Get Used to New Glasses?

Adjusting to new eyeglasses can take time, but persistent visual or eyestrain symptoms that accompany your new eyewear could warrant a call to your optometrist.

How To Prevent “Mask Fog” on Your Glasses

If you wear glasses and a face mask, you’ve probably struggled with “mask fog.”  Your lenses get all misty, requiring you to wipe your eyewear throughout the day. Below are a few strategies to help you prevent your eyeglasses from fogging up when wearing a mask. But First, Why Do...

Why You Regularly Need to Replace Your Sunglasses

To get maximal eye protection from your sunglasses, consider replacing them every two years, according to a study conducted in Brazil. Over time, protective UV coatings become less effective.

6 Signs You May Need Glasses

Many people don't realize they have a vision problem. Perhaps they've gone years without glasses and haven't noticed the gradual change in their vision. Or they’ve noticed a change, but put off a visit to an eye doctor. Regardless of whether you’re experiencing problems, make an appointment with Dr. Amy...

Don’t Do These 11 Things If You Wear Daily Disposable Contacts!

Countless people around the world wear daily disposable contact lenses or dailies. These popular single-use lenses are removed and discarded at the end of each day, and a new, fresh pair is inserted the next morning. Used properly, dailies promote eye health, and they’re comfortable and convenient.   Despite the...

Why You Shouldn’t Visit the ER for Eye Emergencies During COVID-19

During the COVID-19 outbreak, we have been going above and beyond to ensure that people are receiving emergency eye care. If you're having an eye emergency call your Franklin optometrist first.

What Services Can I Get Using Tele-Optometry?

Tele-optometry is a branch of telemedicine that can cover a wide range of problems and treatments related to vision and ocular health. Tele-medicine delivers medical care through digital medical equipment and telecommunications technology, such as online videos accessible through smart phones and tablets. This allows patients to easily receive screenings,...

COVID-19: Protect Your Eyes From Too Much Screen Time

You and your children are likely spending more time on mobile devices and computer screens than ever before. Too much time spent staring at screens can cause computer vision syndrome, or digital eye strain, in certain people. While not serious, this condition can be very uncomfortable, potentially causing: Headaches Eyestrain...

How to Disinfect Glasses to Help Prevent COVID-19

Coronavirus and Your Eyeglasses Did you know that our glasses (this includes the lenses and the frame) can potentially transfer viruses, such as COVID-19, to our eyes, nose, and mouth? This is because viruses — as well as bacteria —  are easily transferred from our surroundings to our hands and...

Coronavirus and Your Eyes – What You Should Know

As coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads around the world, health professionals are demanding that people limit their personal risk of contracting the virus by thoroughly washing their hands, practicing social distancing, and not touching their nose, mouth, or eyes. In fact, it may surprise you to learn that the eyes play an...

Visiting Your Optometrist During COVID-19

Is your eye doctor's appointment coming up? Are you worried about going to the eye clinic during the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic? Rest assured, keeping our patients and staff are safe is our top priority.  We anticipate that this outbreak will continue for a while, and do not want our...

8 Ways to Protect Your Eyes at the Office

Everyone seems to be staring at a screen these days, whether their computer, their smartphone or another digital device. The stress it puts on your eyes can cause a condition called "digital eye strain" (DES) or "computer vision syndrome" (CVS). Symptoms include eye fatigue, dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, neck...

Does Obesity Impact Eye Health?

Nation-wide awareness about the vast dangers of obesity is at an all-time high, with TV shows like “The Biggest Loser” and health initiatives such as Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign shining a spotlight on the importance of fitness and good nutrition. However, despite the public’s knowledge of obesity’s effects on...

Sunburned Eyes? Beware of Snow Blindness!

Playing outside in a snowy winter wonderland can be magical. Under clear skies in the sunshine, the soft white landscape becomes just about irresistible, whether at home or travelling on a winter-weather get-away.  Before you let your children run outside to build the most adorable snowman or fling themselves onto...

3 Ways Diabetes Can Affect Your Vision and Eyes

Did you know that people with diabetes are 20 times more likely to get eye diseases than those without it? There are three major eye conditions that diabetics are at risk for developing: cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. To prevent these sight-threatening diseases, it's important to control your blood sugar...

Your Eyes Are the Windows to Your Health

Your eyes aren't just the windows to your soul — they can also reveal valuable information about your general health beyond whether you need glasses, including: diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. It is not unusual for people to come in for an eye exam just to check their eyesight...

How Smoking Impacts Vision

Smoking harms nearly every system in your body — including your eyes.  Though we are all aware of the health effects associated with smoking, such as lung cancer, heart disease, and bad teeth, few know about the negative impact it can have on our vision.  Smoking and Eye Disease  Smoking,...

Here’s Why Hydrogen Peroxide is an Excellent Contact Lens Solution

Once you and your doctor have decided on the type of contact lenses you'll need, it's time to choose the most suitable contact lens solution for your eyes and contacts.  There exist 2 different types of solution for contact lenses: Multipurpose and Hydrogen Peroxide-based. While both remove debris and build-up,...

Smart Hygiene Habits to Care for Your Contact Lenses

Swimming in a pool with your contacts on or topping off your solution may seem harmless, but they could compromise your contact lenses and your vision. Below are daily habits to adopt for optimal contact lens care: Wash Your Hands Regularly Whether you use daily or monthly contact lenses, make...

How to Keep Glasses from Getting Foggy

Whether you live in a cold climate or have visited one in the winter, you have probably seen someone who just walked in from the cold outdoors sporting glasses that are no longer transparent, or perhaps you’ve experienced it yourself. Why Do Glasses Fog Up? There are several factors that...

12 Tips for Optimal Eye Health

Good Eye Care Habits & Hygiene By practicing good eye care habits and hygiene, you can prevent many vision problems from occurring. Eye problems and the risks associated with vision loss only grow as you age. By neglecting eye care, you place yourself at a higher risk of suffering from...

Wearing Colored Contact Lenses This Halloween? Beware and Take Care!

Countless adults, teens and even children will be wearing colored contact lenses this Halloween, but few are aware of the risks involved. Ever wondered what those cat-eye contacts are doing to your eyes? If you got them without a prescription, beware of health complications. Enjoy a safe and happy Halloween...

Sports-Related Eye Injuries

September Is Sports Eye Safety Month! Ocular sports trauma is among the leading causes of permanent vision loss in North America. Tens of thousands of people get treated for sports-related eye injuries a year, with the most common injuries occurring during water sports and basketball. Infections, corneal abrasions, eye socket...

Summer Heat Wave and Your Eyes

This summer, heat waves with scorching temperatures have hit communities nationwide, making an already hot summer even hotter. With high temps and heat waves in certain areas, it’s now more important than ever to protect yourself. For best practices and tips for maintaining healthy vision in the summer heat, talk...

UV Safety Awareness Month

July is UV Safety Awareness Month, and no wonder! With the summer sun out in full force, it’s now more important than ever to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. During this month, people who have suffered from UV ray damage and their loved ones are encouraged to share...

Top 4 Eyecare Tips for Summer Vacation

This summer, whether you're headed across state lines on a family road trip, flying off to Europe, grabbing a quick weekend getaway, or taking a vacation in your own backyard, don't forget to protect your eyes! Summer Eye Care Near You Check out our top 4 tips for ensuring healthy...

Cataract Awareness Month

June is Cataract Awareness Month. During this important time, people living with cataracts (and their loved ones) are encouraged to talk about their personal experiences by giving each other helpful information and sharing their knowledge and advice. Use the hashtag #CataractAwarenessMonth on your social media channels to encourage and support...

Help! My Child Doesn’t Want to Wear Glasses!

Do your kids need glasses in order to see clearly? Maybe they have a strong case of nearsightedness, perhaps they have astigmatism, or another type of refractive error. Whatever the cause, getting your kids to wear eyeglasses can be a parenting challenge. Dr. Amy Waymire treats patients from all over Franklin, Tennessee...

Mental Health and Your Vision

May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the USA; in Canada, Mental Health week is May 6th to 12th. Since 1949, it has been observed throughout the United States as a way of drawing attention to the importance of proper mental health. This year’s theme is #4Mind4Body. The idea is...

Parkinson’s Awareness Month and Your Vision

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month in the USA and Canada, a time when those living with the disorder, their family members, friends, and community come together to raise awareness and share helpful information. People with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and their loved ones are encouraged to share their stories, struggles, and...

Top 5 Tips for Managing Eye Allergies This Spring

Spring is a season of new beginnings, when the cold harsh winter months are behind us, flowers bloom, and people begin spending more time outdoors. For people with allergies, spring means one more thing: suffering. Spring may be in the air, but for allergy sufferers, so is pollen, pet dander,...

Women’s Health and Your Vision

March 8th is International Women's Day, a day when women are honored and their accomplishments celebrated worldwide. From medicine to law, entrepreneurship to corporate leadership, education to the military, women are achieving great strides in areas of business like never before. In addition to professional achievements, International Women's Day is...

What’s in Your Household Cleaning Supplies?

Most of us have the basics: bleach, oven cleaner, air freshener, furniture polish, and window spray. Did you know that chemicals found in these kinds of cleaning products can be toxic and harmful to your health? In small amounts, they generally don’t cause much damage. But when used on a...

School and Vision: 2 Important Partners

It’s February and that means we’re smack in the middle of winter, which is also the middle of the school year. It’s the season when kids fervently hope for snow days and parents hope they don’t happen. As we head towards the second half of the school year, you’ve probably...

What You Need to Know About Glaucoma – The Sneak Thief of Sight

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma, a silent eye disease, is the most common form of irreversible blindness in the world. It is actually a group of diseases that causes progressive damage to the optic nerve.  Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that can lead to...

World Braille Day 2019

Each year during the month of January we recognize World Braille Day which gives us the opportunity to take a moment and appreciate the incredible gift that Braille has given to those who are blind or suffer from vision loss.  What is Braille? Braille is a tactile representation of letters...

Are Nerf Guns a Dangerous Holiday Present?

Nerf Guns: Popular, Projectile... Safe? With the newest Nerf guns and blasters reigning at the top of lists for the most popular toys this holiday season, many parents are excited to surprise their kids (or their spouses) with these coveted toy weapons. There is, in fact a whole culture behind these...

8 Tips to Relieve Winter Dry Eyes

Whether you live in a climate with cold winter weather or you are planning a ski trip up north, winter can be a challenge if you suffer from dry eyes. Dry, cool air, cold winds and even drier indoor heating can cause eye irritation, burning, itchiness and redness, and sometimes...

Diabetes and Your Eyes

Diabetes is becoming much more prevalent around the globe. According to the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 425 million adults were living with diabetes in the year 2017 and 352 million more people were at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. By 2045 the number of people diagnosed is expected to...

Have an Eye Safe Halloween

Brush Up Before You Dress Up Halloween is one of the most fun times of the year for children and adults alike. When else do you get to dress up as anyone (or anything) you want, socialize with friends and eat lots of treats? Nevertheless, lurking behind those costumes and...

Exercise and Your Eye Health

Regular exercise is an essential component of overall health and wellness. It is proven that exercise reduces sickness and disease; it increases strength, immunity, and mental health; and it also helps regulate bodily functions and maintain a healthy weight. Research shows that exercise can lower our risk of chronic conditions...

Is Too Much Screen Time Dangerous For Your Kids?

Screen Time Pros and Cons Whether it is homework, email, gaming, chatting with friends, searching the web or watching Youtube, kids these days seem to have an endless number of reasons to be glued to a screen. Many parents out there are wondering how bad this can be for their...

Healthy Aging for the Eyes

Getting old doesn’t have to be synonymous with vision loss. There is a lot you can do to keep your eyes and vision healthy and prevent age related eye disease and vision loss, especially if you start early. Keeping your eyes healthy and strong may require some lifestyle changes, but...

Progressive Myopia: When Your Child’s Vision Keeps Getting Worse

What Is Progressive Myopia? Nearsightedness or myopia is one of the most prevalent eye disorders worldwide and its incidence is increasing. In fact by 2050, myopia is projected to affect half of the world’s population! Many children diagnosed with nearsightedness (myopia) experience a consistent worsening of their vision as they...

The Dangers of An Online Eye Test

An online eye test may seem like a convenient way to check your vision or get an eyeglass prescription but beware, these tests aren’t all they are chocked up to be. In fact, they may even be dangerous.  What is an online eye test really testing?  An online eye test...

Signs That Your Child Has a Vision Problem

Healthy eyes and good vision are essential for your child’s growth and development. In fact, learning is 80% visual, which means a child’s success in school, athletics and many other aspects of life can be impacted by poor vision. Good vision goes beyond how far you can see, and also...

Eye Dangers in the Dorm – Eye Health for College Students

It’s almost back to school time for college students and whether this is your first time away from home or you are already a pro, you want to be prepared with as much knowledge as possible to live safely on your own. This knowledge includes eye and vision safety, as...

Why You Shouldn’t Rub Your Eyes

While it may seem like a harmless action, rubbing your eyes can actually cause a lot of damage. There are a number of different reasons that people rub their eyes and for the most part, it does more harm than good. While rubbing your eyes might feel really good in...

Ocular Migraines

Migraine Awareness Month: An ocular migraine is any migraine headache that involves a visual disturbance such as flashes of light, seeing stars or zigzags or the appearance of blind spots in the visual field. Ocular migraines can interfere with your ability to go about your daily tasks such as driving,...

How-to Guide for Buying Sunglasses

Sure, sunglasses might add the final touches to your chic ensemble, but the real reason to purchase your shades is to protect your eyes from the sun. Not only does glare from the sun make it difficult to see, but the UV rays it reflects can cause permanent damage to...

Sports Vision Deconstructed

Vision is a critical component to succeed as an athlete and this doesn’t just mean having 20/20 vision. There are a number of visual processes that are involved in optimal sports performance, whether you are playing a weekly little league game or competing in professional sports.   The eyes and the...

7 Eye Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

While we all know that regular eye exams can help detect warning signs of disease and prevent vision loss, many people fail to seek medical attention when there is an acute problem with the eye. In fact, only about half of Americans that are at risk for serious vision loss...

Women’s Eye Health – 7 Tips for Optimal Vision for Life

April is Women’s Eye Health Month in the USA and May is Healthy Vision month in Canada too, so let’s take the opportunity to look at some tips for maintaining eye and vision health, with a special focus on women.  Statistically, women are more at risk than men for eye...

Ultraviolet Light and your Eyes

If you want strong, healthy eyes and clear vision for life, a major step you can take is to protect your eyes from UV radiation.  Wearing proper eye protection from the sun reduces the risk of a number of eye diseases and other conditions that are caused or worsened by...

Should I Be Concerned When My Eyelid Twitches?

We all experience the occasional eyelid twitch, which is when the muscle of the eyelid spasms involuntarily. Usually, it comes and goes without intervention and while sure, it can be irritating, is a twitching eyelid ever something to be concerned about? An eyelid twitch, also known as a myokymia, can...

Signs of Eye and Vision Problems in Infants

Infant Eyesight Despite nine months of growth in utero, babies are not born with fully developed eyes and vision - just like they can't walk or talk yet. Over the first few months of life, their visual systems continue to progress, stimulated by their surroundings. Babies will develop the ability...

AMD Awareness Could Save Your Vision

It’s that time of the year again. Each February, the optometric community bands together to create awareness about age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a leading cause of vision loss for people 50 years and older; early detection plays a key role in the outcome of the disease. That’s why...

Trouble Seeing at Night? All About Night Blindness

At this time of year when the sun sets early, many people are affected by night blindness. Night blindness or nyctalopia refers to difficulty seeing at night or in poor or dim lighting situations. It can be caused by a number of underlying conditions, sometimes completely benign and sometimes as a...

The Sneak Thief of Sight

It’s that time of year again. January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time set aside each year to create awareness about this potentially devastating disease. The reason awareness about glaucoma is so important is because as its nickname, The Sneak Thief of Sight, describes, the disease often causes permanent...

Don’t Let Snow Blindness Ruin Your Winter Vacation

While most people have sunglasses high on their packing list for a tropical vacation, many people don’t consider it as much of a priority for colder climate getaways. But they should, and here’s why: Wintertime vacations often include activities that involve snow and ice and in general, conditions that can...

6 Crazy Holiday Eye Injuries to Avoid

As the season to deck the halls arrives, make sure that you aren’t one of the many people who find themselves celebrating in the urgent care clinic due to an eye injury. The holidays present many opportunities for potential eye injury so it’s important to be aware and proceed with...

10 Eye Healthy Foods to Eat This Year

The New Year is coming and many people include healthier eating and exercise in their resolutions for the year ahead. Well other than weight loss and overall health and disease-prevention, a healthy diet and regular exercise can protect your eyes and your vision. In particular, there are certain vitamins and...

Women and Diabetes – World Diabetes Day

November 14th is World Diabetes Day. This year, the theme of World Diabetes Day is women and diabetes - our right to a healthy future. The goal of this campaign is to promote awareness of the importance of equal and affordable access for all women, whether they are at risk...

What You Need to Know to Help World Blindness

October is World Blindness Awareness Month, an initiative started to help the public to understand the realities of visual impairment and how it affects the world population. Unfortunately, there are hundreds of millions of individuals around the world who are unnecessarily blind or visually impaired due to causes that are...

Halloween Eye Safety

October has arrived and that means many people are already starting to plan for upcoming costume parties and trick-or-treating for the Halloween season. This is why now is the time to remind the public about some very important precautions about eye safety since there are some common costume props and...

Trouble Seeing the Fine Print? Here are Your Options…

Every good pair of eyes eventually gets old and with age comes a condition called presbyopia. Presbyopia, which usually begins to set in some time around 40, occurs when the lens of the eye begins to stiffen, making near vision (such as reading books, menus, and computer screens) blurry. You...

Aging Eyes and Driving Safety 

Even if you don’t have any eye or vision problems, the natural process of aging affects your ability to see and react to visual stimuli. It’s important to know the impact the aging can have on your eyes and vision so you can take the necessary precautions to stay safe...

Is Your Teen Ready for Contacts?

Many teens who wear glasses are eager to try out contact lenses for convenience, fashion or to just provide another option for vision correction.

Inside a Life With Color Vision Deficiency

What’s it like to be color blind? Contrary to what the name implies, color blindness usually does not actually mean that you don’t see any color, but rather that you have difficulty perceiving or distinguishing between certain colors. This is why many prefer the term color vision deficiency or CVD...

How to Safely View the Great American Eclipse of 2017

On August 21st, for the first time since 1979, a solar eclipse will be visible across North America. What's even more historic is that it will also be the first time an eclipse will be visible across the continent, from coast to coast, since 1918. If you want to bear...

Are Your Eyes Sensitive to Light?

Light sensitivity, also known as photophobia, is a condition in which bright light - either natural sunlight or artificial light -  can cause significant discomfort, pain and intolerance. People that experience light sensitivity will find themselves needing to close their eyes or squint when exposed to light and often experience...

Got a Shiner!

What Exactly Is a Black Eye? A black eye, also known as a periorbital hematoma, is usually not an injury of the actual eye (which is why it is called “periorbital”- around the eye). It typically occurs when there is an injury to the face or the eye socket which...

Cataract Awareness and Prevention

According to the World Health Organization, cataracts are responsible for 51% of cases of blindness worldwide - although this blindness is preventable with treatment. In fact, research shows that in industrialized countries about 50% of individuals over the age of 70 have had a cataract in at least one eye....

Are You Ignoring Your Dry Eyes?

You Don’t Have to Live With Dry Eyes Have you noticed that your eyes feel chronically dry, itchy, scratchy or even sometimes watery? Many people that have these symptoms just go on with their lives until the symptoms become unbearable. What they don’t realize is that these are signs that...

Does Smoking Affect Vision?

Eye Doctors Weigh In: How Smoking Can Harm Your Vision & Eye Health We all know that smoking is bad for you, especially the risks that it poses to your heart and lungs. What many people do not know is that cigarette smoke negatively affects your eyes and vision too. Smoking...

Sjogren’s Awareness – Understanding The Invisible Disease 

In an effort to spread the word to increase awareness about Sjogren’s Disease, eye care providers are speaking out about this hard-to-diagnose condition. Sjogren’s is a systemic autoimmune disorder that can affect the whole body. One of the primary symptoms is excessive dryness particularly in the eyes and mouth. Other...

April is Women's Eye Health and Safety Month

Hey women! Did you know that women are more likely to suffer from vision problems and are at higher risk of permanent vision loss than men? Well 91% of the women surveyed recently didn’t know that, which means that many of them aren’t taking the necessary precautions to prevent eye...

Eye Health For Women

Hey women! Did you know that women are more likely to suffer from vision problems and are at higher risk of permanent vision loss than men? Well 91% of the women surveyed recently didn’t know that, which means that many of them aren’t taking the necessary precautions to prevent eye...

The Right (and the Wrong) Way to Clean Your Glasses

There is nothing worse than a dirty spot on your glasses - well except perhaps many dirty spots or smudges. When that happens, most of us are tempted to grab the corner of our shirt and wipe it off, but resist the temptation - this is actually not a good...

It’s Time to Talk About Blue Light

Blue light. Do you know what it is? Do you know where it comes from, or how it can be harmful to your eyes? If you don’t know the answers to these questions, you are not alone, yet it is important that you become aware to protect your eyes for...

Understanding Eye Color

Eye color is a hereditary trait that depends on the genes of both parents, as well as a little bit of mystery. The color of the eye is based on the pigments in the iris, which is a colored ring of muscle located at the center of the eye (around...

6 Ways to Prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration is a serious condition that can threaten your vision and general well-being. Characterized by the deterioration of the central area of the retina called the macula which is responsible for focused vision, the disease gradually reduces your central vision. This affects the ability to see fine details,...

Are You Missing Your Child’s Hidden Vision Problem?

Your toddler may show every sign of good eyesight including the ability to see objects in the distance, however that doesn't necessarily mean that he or she doesn’t have a vision problem.

“The Sneak Thief of Sight” Is On Our Minds This January

Make your resolution for healthy vision this year with increased awareness of the leading cause of blindness worldwide.