How an Annual Eye Exam Can Lead to Better Overall Health  

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Did you know that the possibility of common diseases — including hypertension and diabetes — can sometimes be detected by a comprehensive eye exam and vision check at Lappen Eye Care long before other symptoms appear?

It’s true.

Because the eyes are, in effect, small windows to the way blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues operate throughout the body, an eye exam can detect issues that may be particularly important in your effort to achieve lasting health and wellness.

Reasons to Schedule an Eye Exam

Changes in vision can be early warning signs of other diseases. Small changes in vision or tear formation can alert medical practitioners to the possibility of other diseases or conditions. Some potential early warning signs can point to certain cancers, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders. The modern diagnostic tools employed by Lappen Eye Care clinics in the Pittsburgh area allow us to look deep inside the structure of your eyes to determine abnormalities. If worrisome signs are present, your eye doctor will most likely recommend further screening by a specialist.

Some conditions an annual eye exam might detect, according to the American Institute of Ophthalmology, include:

  • Cancers of the skin, blood, or tissues
  • A brain tumor
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Elevated cholesterol levels
  • Lyme disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Vitamin A deficiency
  • Sexually transmitted disease

When to Heed Warning Signs

In all, there are more than 20 serious medical conditions that might be related to changes in eye structure or vision. That’s not to say that an eye exam should replace regular screenings by your medical team. But it’s also not a good reason to fear a visit to your vision specialist.

Eye or vision abnormalities you should pay attention to include eye pain, changes in pupil size, loss of side vision, blurred or double vision, extreme dryness or sensitivity to light, floaters, night blindness, redness or itchiness, or drooping eyelids. If you experience any of these symptoms, call for a screening.

The best idea, however, is to visit Lappen Eye Care regularly to take advantage of our expertise as well as our advanced diagnostic technology. Why not schedule your routine check-up now?

Debunking Common Myths About Eye Exams

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Eye exams are a vital part of maintaining good vision and overall health, yet many misconceptions prevent people from getting them as often as they should. At Lappen Eye Care, we want to clear up some common myths about eye exams so you can make informed decisions about your eye health.

Myth #1: “I Don’t Need an Eye Exam If My Vision Is Fine”

Even if you have 20/20 vision, regular eye exams are essential. Many serious eye conditions, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, develop without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Routine check-ups can catch these issues before they cause permanent damage.

Myth #2: “Eye Exams Are Only for People Who Wear Glasses or Contacts”

Eye exams aren’t just about determining if you need corrective lenses. They also check the overall health of your eyes and can detect early signs of systemic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or even certain cancers.

Myth #3: “Children Don’t Need Eye Exams Unless They Complain About Vision”

Children may not realize they have vision problems because they assume everyone sees the way they do. Regular exams ensure their eyes are developing properly and help identify issues like nearsightedness or lazy eye, which can affect learning and development.

Myth #4: “I Can Skip Eye Exams Because I Use Online Vision Tests”

While online tests might give you a basic idea of your vision, they can’t assess the overall health of your eyes. Conditions like glaucoma or retinal detachment require specialized equipment and expertise, which only an in-office exam can provide.

Myth #5: “Eye Exams Are Only Necessary When Something Feels Wrong”

Many eye diseases progress silently, meaning you may not experience symptoms until they’re advanced. By the time you notice something is wrong, it may be too late to reverse the damage. Regular exams help catch issues early.

Myth #6: “All Eye Exams Are the Same”

Not all eye exams are created equal. At Lappen Eye Care, we offer comprehensive exams that go beyond vision testing to evaluate the full health of your eyes, including checking for conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

Why Regular Eye Exams Matter

Eye exams are about more than just clear vision—they’re a window into your overall health. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or not, scheduling regular check-ups with an eye doctor is one of the best ways to protect your eyesight for the future.

Schedule Your Next Eye Exam at Lappen Eye Care

At Lappen Eye Care, we believe everyone deserves exceptional eye care. With locations in Pittsburgh, McMurray, and Greensburg, we make it easy to prioritize your eye health.

Don’t let myths keep you from protecting your vision—contact us today to schedule your appointment!

What Is Optic Neuritis?

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Optic neuritis is usually a temporary condition that’s caused by swelling of the optic nerve due to multiple sclerosis, lupus, or other types of infection. Because it’s responsible for carrying the signals that interpret images to your brain, a swollen optic nerve may affect your vision. To learn more about this sometimes painful eye condition, talk with your eye doctor in Pittsburgh, PA.

Is Optic Neuritis Always Temporary?

Optic neuritis will go away once it has been treated, and vision usually returns to normal. However, there are instances when the vision loss caused by swelling of the optic nerve becomes permanent. For this reason, it’s vital to see your eye doctor if you’re experiencing any unusual changes in vision.

What Are the Symptoms of Optic Neuritis?

Signs and symptoms of optic neuritis include:

  • Dull ache behind the eye that worsens with eye movement
  • Difficulty distinguishing between colors
  • Peripheral vision loss
  • Loss of vision in one eye
  • Sensation of flashing or flickering lights

One or more of these warning signs could indicate optic neuritis, or they could be early indicators of another serious disorder. Book an appointment with your eye doctor in Pittsburgh, PA, if you’re experiencing vision problems.

What Can Be Done to Treat Optic Neuritis?

Your eye doctor may be able to treat instances of optic neuritis with steroid medications. In more serious cases, plasma exchange therapy may help you recover lost vision, though this treatment is still in its early stages. The key to having a positive outcome is an early diagnosis. This may prevent serious or permanent vision loss in some patients.

Help for Optic Neuritis in Pittsburgh, PA

Lappen Eye Care provides diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions such as optic neuritis in Pittsburg, PA. Our friendly and experienced eye professionals are waiting to talk with you. Call today to schedule a consultation.

What’s a Contact Lens Exam?

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Do you want contact lenses? The first step is to see the eye doctor in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area for a contact lens exam. If you’ve got corrective lenses, you know what to expect from a standard eye exam. Contact lens exams are different. Contact lens exams are a prerequisite to getting contacts. Here’s what you can expect when you come to the eye doctor.

What’s a contact lens exam?

A contact lens exam is a type of exam that an eye doctor performs to determine whether a patient is a good candidate for contact lenses. During a contact lens exam, the eye doctor will check the curve and diameter of your eyes, and will determine if your eyes produce enough tears to wear standard contacts. People who have dry eyes need a special type of lens.

How are contact lens exams different from standard eye exams?

During a standard eye exam, the focus of the exam is on determining how healthy your eyes are, and whether you need corrective lenses. During a contact lens exam, it’s been determined that you need corrective lenses, and the eye doctor is now trying to decide which type of contact lenses would be best for your eyes.

After the contact lens exam, what happens next?

Once you’ve had a contact lens exam, your eye doctor will order the type of lenses that will fit your eyes. If you would like specialty lenses (like colored contacts), talk to your eye doctor before the order is placed. Once the lenses are ready, you’ll come back to the eye doctor for a contact lens fitting. Your eye doctor will show you how to use your contacts and talk about maintaining your contacts.

Are you interested in wearing contact lenses? Call today to schedule your contact lens exam in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area.

When Is It Time to See the Eye Doctor?

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Do you know when it’s time to see the eye doctor in Pittsburgh? Knowing the signs of a problem and how often eye doctors recommend coming in for check-ups can help you take care of your eyes. Visiting the eye doctor on a regular basis is important. Your eye doctor can help you avoid chronic eye conditions and help ensure that you’ve got the right prescription lenses for your needs.

See the Eye Doctor on a Regular Basis
Many eye doctors recommend that adults get their eyes examined on a regular basis – whether they need corrective lenses or not. The reason it’s important to see the eye doctor, even if you don’t need corrective lenses, is that some eye conditions have no symptoms in the early stages.

Seeing the eye doctor can help you identify those conditions before they lead to permanent damage. After age 60, eye doctors recommend that patients without corrective lenses see the eye doctor every year or two. If you wear corrective lenses, see the eye doctor annually, regardless of your age, to find out if your prescription has changed.

When You Notice Signs of a Problem
See the eye doctor when you notice signs of a problem. Signs of a problem include:

Blurry vision
Dry eyes
Sensitivity to light
Spots in your vision
Headaches
Eye pain
You Want New Glasses
Do you want new eye glasses in Pittsburgh? See the eye doctor! Your eye doctor will give you an eye exam. Once you have a new prescription, you can get new glasses.

Is It Time to See the Eye Doctor? Contact Lappen Eye Care
Make your next eye appointment with Lappen Eye Care. Call today!

How High-Definition Diagnostic Equipment Can Help Your Long-Term Vision

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Diagnostic equipment in optometry has come a long way since its inception, and it’s been a game-changer for doctors that want to catch problems as soon as possible. While certain analog tests, like the standard letter readings of yore, are useful to determine a patient’s sight patterns, the underlying conditions are often less obvious. We’ll look at how better equipment relates to a healthier set of peepers, and why it should matter if you’re looking for a better eye exam in Pittsburgh, PA.

Built with You In Mind

The diagnostic equipment of today has been designed and then redesigned based on the countless number of cases that came before. With each new iteration, the technology was improved to better display any abnormalities that might be lurking under the surface. A doctor can only work with the information that they’ve been given, and they rely on this diagnostic equipment to help them make smarter decisions.

For emergency eye care in Pittsburgh, PA, the equipment may be the determining factor as to the outcome. If a doctor can’t quickly identify the issue, particularly if the case falls outside of the standard symptoms, they won’t be able to properly intervene. If you want to work with a doctor that has taken the extra precautions, it’s important to find someone who invests in their clinic. Like all technology, there are certainly some devices that work better than others.

Optometrists in McMurray, PA

At Lappen Eye Care, with locations in Pittsburgh, Greensburg, and McMurray, the goal is always to provide better value to clients at every turn. If there’s a new device or technique on the market, rest assured that our staff is tracking its efficacy and evaluating it for patient use. If you have questions about any of our diagnostic practices or just want to schedule an appointment, contact us if you’re looking for optometrists in Pittsburgh, PA that can help.

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams for Your Vision and Health

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Eye exams are often overlooked in routine healthcare, but they are one of the most important steps you can take to protect your vision and overall health. Whether you have perfect eyesight or rely on glasses or contacts, regular visits to your optometrist ensure that your eyes remain healthy and that any potential issues are detected early. Here’s why scheduling your next eye exam is so important.

Why You Need Regular Eye Exams

  1. Monitor Vision Changes
    Vision can change over time, even if you don’t notice it immediately. An eye exam ensures your prescription is up-to-date and helps detect conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
  2. Detect Eye Diseases Early
    Many serious eye conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, don’t show symptoms in their early stages. Regular exams can catch these issues early, when treatment is most effective.
  3. Protect Against Digital Eye Strain
    With so much time spent on screens, digital eye strain has become a common issue. Your optometrist can recommend solutions like blue light-blocking lenses or adjustments to your work environment to reduce strain.
  4. Check for Systemic Health Issues
    Your eyes can reveal signs of broader health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. An eye exam can sometimes uncover these conditions before other symptoms appear.
  5. Ensure Children’s Eye Health
    For children, regular eye exams are essential for ensuring proper vision development and success in school. Undetected vision problems can affect learning and performance in the classroom.

What to Expect During an Eye Exam

A comprehensive eye exam typically includes:

  • Visual Acuity Testing: Measures how well you see at different distances.
  • Refraction Testing: Determines the exact prescription for glasses or contact lenses.
  • Eye Health Evaluation: Checks the health of your retina, optic nerve, and other internal structures of the eye.
  • Pressure Testing: Screens for glaucoma and other pressure-related conditions.

Your optometrist may also discuss your lifestyle and recommend ways to protect your vision based on your habits and needs.

Schedule Your Eye Exam at Lappen Eye Care

At Lappen Eye Care, we believe that clear, healthy vision is a cornerstone of a happy, productive life. With offices in Pittsburgh, McMurray, and Greensburg, we’re here to provide thorough, personalized eye care for every member of your family.

Don’t wait to prioritize your vision. Contact us today to schedule your next eye exam and take the first step toward lasting eye health!