October is Blindness Awareness Month. Across the world millions of people live with some form of vision loss. While total blindness affects a small percentage, many individuals experience low vision or visual impairment that significantly impacts their daily lives. Understanding the leading causes of blindness can help promote early detection and treatment, which is essential […]
Tag: Patient Education
Blue Light and Longer Nights: Eye Health Tips for Fall’s Shorter Days
As the days grow shorter and nights lengthen during the fall, many of us spend more time indoors, often in front of screens. Increased screen time exposes our eyes to more blue light, which can lead to digital eye strain and discomfort. Here’s how you can protect your eye health this fall, while separating fact […]
Back-to-School Vision Checklist: Ensuring Your Child’s Eyes Are Ready for the Classroom
As the back-to-school season approaches, parents are busy gathering supplies, organizing schedules, and preparing their children for a successful academic year. While shopping for notebooks and new clothes, it’s easy to overlook one critical aspect of your child’s readiness for school: their vision. Good vision is essential for learning and ensuring that your child’s eyes […]
Eyes on Nutrition: Key Foods that Support Your Vision
Did you know that what you eat can significantly impact your eye health? A diet rich in essential nutrients like vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids can lower the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and other eye conditions. While research is still ongoing about the role of […]
Celebrate Safely: Firework Safety Tips
As we approach the 4th of July, many of us are excited to celebrate with family, friends, and fireworks. While fireworks are a thrilling part of the festivities, they can pose serious risks to our eyes. At Washington University Ophthalmology, we want to ensure your celebrations are not only fun but safe. Here are some […]
Protecting Your Eyes During the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. Witnessing a solar […]
LASIK for Monovision: Say Goodbye to Reading Glasses
LASIK has evolved to address a variety of visual impairments. One advancement, especially beneficial for individuals over 40, is monovision LASIK. This approach offers a solution to the age-related condition of presbyopia, eliminating the need for reading glasses. In this article, we’ll explore how monovision LASIK works and its potential to free individuals from the […]
LASIK vs. PRK: Which Laser Eye Surgery Is Right for You?
Laser eye surgery has revolutionized the field of vision correction, offering alternatives to traditional glasses or contact lenses. Two popular procedures, LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), stand out as effective solutions for vision correction. Understanding the differences between these procedures is crucial in determining which might be the most suitable option. […]
LASIK vs. Contact Lenses: Pros and Cons
When it comes to achieving clear vision without the aid of glasses, two popular options often come to mind: LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) and contact lenses. Both offer distinct advantages and potential drawbacks, making the choice between them a personal one. Let’s compare LASIK and contact lenses, weighing their respective pros and cons to […]
Glaucoma Awareness: Detecting and Managing the Silent Thief of Sight
Eyesight is often considered one of our most valuable senses, allowing us to perceive the world around us in vivid detail. However, there’s a condition that silently threatens this precious sense—glaucoma. Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight” because it can cause irreparable damage without showing early symptoms. As we enter […]
Are You a Candidate for LASIK? Find Out Now!
Are you tired of constantly reaching for your glasses or fumbling with contact lenses? Do you dream of waking up with clear vision and bidding farewell to vision correction devices? LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, may be the answer you’re looking for. But how do you know if you’re a suitable candidate for this […]
Your Top Five Pediatric Eye Care Questions Answered
In the world of parenting, ensuring the well-being of your child often involves navigating a maze of uncertainties. When it comes to their vision, the stakes are high, and questions abound. As a parent, you may find yourself pondering the intricacies of pediatric eye care, wondering about the right time for your child’s first eye […]
LASIK for Patients with Diabetes: Is It Safe?
Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, commonly known as LASIK, is a popular and effective vision correction procedure that has transformed the lives of millions of people by providing freedom from glasses and contact lenses. However, for individuals with diabetes, the decision to undergo LASIK surgery requires careful consideration. Addressing Concerns for Diabetic Individuals LASIK is a […]
Digital Eye Strain: Tips for a Healthier Screen Time
Understanding and Managing Digital Eye Strain In today’s digital age, it’s become almost impossible to avoid screens. From smartphones and tablets to laptops and desktop computers, we rely on digital devices for work, communication, and entertainment. However, this increasing screen time has brought with it a concerning side effect – digital eye strain. This condition, […]
Unveiling the Silent Threat: Diabetic Retinopathy
November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, a dedicated time to focus on the importance of eye health in individuals living with diabetes. As a silent and potentially blinding complication, diabetic eye diseases, such as Diabetic Retinopathy, demand attention. Parth Shah, DO, Retina Fellow 2022-2024, sheds light on this progressive eye disease caused by diabetes. […]
LASIK for Military Personnel: Benefits and Considerations
Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, commonly known as LASIK, has revolutionized vision correction and provided numerous benefits to individuals in various walks of life. Among those who stand to gain significantly from LASIK are military personnel. Let’s explore the benefits and considerations of LASIK for our service members. Benefits of LASIK for Military Personnel 1. Enhanced […]
The Spooky Risks of Non-Prescription Colored Contacts for Halloween
Halloween is the time of year when people go all out to transform themselves into their favorite ghouls, superheroes, or creatures of the night. From elaborate costumes to face paint, it’s all about having fun and getting into the spirit of the holiday. Many people opt to complete their spooky looks with colored contact lenses, […]
Guide to Refractive Errors
Types of refractive errors Is it genetic? Many genetic syndromes put patients at higher risk for developing refractive errors. All types of refractive errors are hereditary and contain a significant genetic component. The traits underlying refractive error such as the length of the eye and the curvature of the cornea are also heritable. Refractive errors […]
6 Common Eye Care Myths
Taking care of your eyes is important for maintaining good vision and overall eye health. However, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding eye care that can lead to confusion and potentially harmful practices. Optometrist, Lindsey Thomas debunks six common eye care myths to help you better understand how to protect your eyes and maintain […]
Is Marijuana a Treatment for Glaucoma?
To properly answer this question, lets first define marijuana and glaucoma. Cannabis sativa is a plant that contains chemical substances called cannabinoids. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most commonly referenced cannabinoids and have effects on certain receptors within the brain and body, including the eye. Marijuana is a portion of the cannabis sativa […]