Do Eye Exercises Really Work?

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You exercise your body, but did you know you should also exercise your eyes? Your optometrist in Greensburg, PA, will tell you that, yes, in fact, eye exercises will help improve your eyesight. So here they are. These are the exercises you should do if you want to improve your eyesight.

 

Highly Effective Eye Exercises That Will Help Improve Your Eyesight

Aside from scheduling your annual routine eye exam in Greensburg, PA, eye exercises are the next best thing you can do for your eye health.

 

Figure Eight

This eye exercise increases eye flexibility and strengthens your eye muscles.

Focus your eyes on a point about 10 feet from you. Then, use the movement of your eyes to trace an imaginary figure eight on the wall.

 

Palming

This eye exercise will help reduce eye fatigue while relaxing your eye muscles.

Warm your palms by rubbing them together. Then, close your eyes and put your warmed palms over them until all images still present disappear.

 

Blinking

This eye exercise helps keep your eyes lubricated.

Take small breaks throughout the day to concentrate on blinking multiple times. To do this, close your eyes and pause there for a few seconds before you open them again. Do this several times in a row.

 

The 20-20-20 Rule

This eye exercise will help reduce eye strain if you spend lots of time in front of a digital screen.

Take a break from looking at your digital screen every 20 minutes. Look at an object you see off in the distance. An object that is at least 20 feet away from you. Look at it for 20 seconds. Repeat this throughout the day.

There are plenty more eye exercises. These are just a few to help get you started.

 

Looking for An Optometrist in Greensburg, PA?

Nothing is more important than your eyesight. So don’t put off your regular eye exams. Please Contact Lappen Eye Care today to schedule your next routine exam. We have a full suite of eye products and services to help you maintain your optical health. 

 

At Risk for Glaucoma? Signs to Watch For

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Glaucoma is a condition that can do lasting damage to your eyes. In fact, glaucoma that is caught too late can cause permanent vision loss. Everyone is at risk for glaucoma, but some people have a higher level of risk than others. Seeing an eye doctor in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area on a regular basis can help protect you from this condition.

Who Is At Risk?

Many people are at risk for glaucoma. Below are some of the characteristics that can put you at particular risk for this condition:

  • Members of your family have had glaucoma
  • You have diabetes
  • You’ve been taking steroids for a long time
  • You’re over age 40
  • You have an old eye injury
  • You have low blood pressure or high blood pressure
  • You’re of Latino, African, Asian, and Hispanic descent

 

Signs of Glaucoma

The signs of glaucoma can be subtle, and depending on the type of glaucoma, there may be no signs at all until some vision loss has already occurred. If you have glaucoma, here’s what to watch for:

  • Eye pain
  • Patchy blind spots
  • Nausea
  • Halos around lights
  • Severe headache or eye pain

 

Why It’s Important to See the Eye Doctor

It’s very important to catch glaucoma in its early stages. Catching it late could mean vision loss, and these effects cannot be reversed. The Glaucoma Foundation recommends that everyone over 40 years old see their eye doctor for a comprehensive vision exam every three to four years.

Do you need an eye exam in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area? The professionals at Lappen Eye Care can help. We provide comprehensive vision exams to patients. Call today to make an appointment.

Do Carrots Really Help Your Vision?

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You’ve probably heard your entire life that carrots help your vision. But do they really? Or is this just a bunch of hooey? Of course, you can always ask your optometrist in Pittsburgh, PA. But why wait? Keep reading to learn the truth about carrots and your vision.

The answer is yes and no. Carrots can’t improve your vision. So you can’t eat lots of carrots and expect to get 20/20 vision. But eating carrots can actually help the vision you already have. Keep reading to learn more.

 

How Carrots Help Your Vision

Carrots contain vitamins that will help promote eye health. They contain beta-carotene, which your body uses to convert vitamin A, an essential vitamin for your eyes. In fact, if you lack a significant amount of vitamin A, it could lead to blindness.

Vitamin A can also help prevent the formation of cataracts and macular degeneration. So we would say carrots are a pretty important vegetable for your eye health, wouldn’t you?

 

Will Carrots Restore Vision to the Blind?

Unfortunately, if your vision issues aren’t caused by a lack of vitamin A, eating loads of carrots will not help.

 

The Best Foods for Eye Health

If you want to help maintain your eye health, concentrate on eating plenty of these foods.

  • Fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids
  • Red peppers (raw)
  • Dark leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, etc.)
  • Carrots, of course!
  • Lean meats and poultry
  • Seeds (chia, flax, hemp, etc.)
  • Eggs
  • Beans and legumes
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts

And to top it all off, make sure you drink plenty of water.

 

Looking for an Optometrist in Pittsburgh, PA?

Keeping your eyes healthy will mean a lifetime of enjoying all the beauty that surrounds us. And the best way to keep your eyes healthy is to see an optometrist regularly. Please Contact Lappen Eye Care today to schedule your next eye exam. We want to help you to keep your eyes as bright as possible now and going forward!

Do Ultra-Processed Foods Cause Glaucoma?

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There was a recent study performed that showed a potential link between ultra-processed foods and glaucoma, which may lead people to ask if a diet rich in these foods could cause the condition. We’ll look at the facts of the case, and why it’s important to watch what you eat if you want to protect your eyes. 

Blood Glucose Levels 

The study saw that the association between glaucoma and ultra-processed foods was notable in both men and older adults. The hypothesis from researchers was that ultra-processed foods increase blood glucose levels, which could lead to this notorious nerve disorder. The study pointed out sweet foods as a particular culprit. 

Lifestyle and Glaucoma 

Glaucoma in Pittsburgh, PA, is a particularly tricky disease. It’s hard to know who will develop it and how badly it will manifest in the individual. There are also no guarantees when it comes to prevention. Unfortunately, some people can lead perfectly healthy lives and still end up with fluid issues and subsequent nerve damage. 

Regardless of these uncertainties, there have been enough studies done to draw a link between unhealthy lifestyle choices and glaucoma. Cutting back on processed foods, getting more sleep, and getting more exercise can all have a huge impact on your overall well-being and may reduce your odds of developing glaucoma. 

Glaucoma in Pittsburgh, PA 

If you’re looking for an optometrist in Pittsburgh, PA, with enough experience to treat your ever-changing eyes, it’s important to look for a staff with the best reputation. At Lappen Eye Care, with locations in Pittsburgh, McMurray, and Greensburg, our practice is built to help your vision thrive. Whether you could stand to make a few changes to your diet or not, we’re here to help you keep your eyes as healthy as possible.

What Is Rhodopsin, and How Does It Help Night Vision?

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If you’re looking to improve yournight vision in Greensburg, PA, you’re certainly not alone. The harder it is to see in the dark, the more you have to change your routine to fit your new reality. While you can’t stop the progression of time, you may be able to make a few lifestyle changes to slow the process. We’ll look at what rhodopsin is and the role it plays in how well you can make out objects when the lights go down.

What Is Rhodopsin?

Rhodopsin is a type of protein that lives in your retina. It absorbs light by breaking up the particles before sending the signals to the brain. Your body can make rhodopsin at any time, but it happens most when you’re in a dark room or in a place without a lot of light pollution. It takes about 45 minutes for your eyes to generate the protein, which is why it takes a while for your eyes to adjust from light to dark.

How to Have More Rhodopsin 

Sleep and darkness are both great for regenerating rhodopsin. You can also focus on getting more vitamin A in your diet, which is an essential building block for rhodopsin. Add more carrots, leafy greens, and sweet potatoes to breakfasts, lunches, and dinners to get the beta-carotene you need to make enough vitamin A.

See an Eye Doctor in Greensburg, PA

Your night vision is as important as your daytime vision. If you’re starting to find it more difficult to drive or make out objects in a room when the sun goes down, contact Lappen Eye Care to make an appointment with aneye doctor in Greensburg, PA. Our staff can give you the information you need to keep you safe.

How Blue Light Affects Your Vision and What You Can Do About It

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In today’s digital age, screens are an unavoidable part of our daily lives. Whether it’s your phone, computer, or TV, these devices emit blue light that can have an impact on your vision and overall eye health. While blue light isn’t inherently bad—it’s naturally present in sunlight—excessive exposure from artificial sources can pose risks. Here’s what you should know about blue light and how to protect your eyes.

What Is Blue Light?

Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum and has a shorter wavelength, meaning it produces more energy than other colors of light. This high-energy light penetrates deep into the eyes, which can lead to both immediate and long-term effects on your vision.

How Blue Light Affects Your Eyes

  1. Digital Eye Strain
    Staring at screens for extended periods can cause symptoms like dryness, headaches, and blurred vision. This is often referred to as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome.
  2. Sleep Disruption
    Blue light exposure, particularly in the evening, can interfere with your natural sleep cycle by suppressing melatonin production. This makes it harder to fall and stay asleep.
  3. Potential Long-Term Damage
    Although more research is needed, some studies suggest prolonged exposure to blue light may increase the risk of retinal damage and contribute to conditions like macular degeneration over time.

Tips to Protect Your Eyes

  1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
    Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a break from screen focus and reduces strain.
  2. Wear Blue Light Blocking Glasses
    These specially designed lenses filter out a significant portion of blue light, making them a great option for frequent screen users.
  3. Use Screen Filters
    Blue light filters for your phone, tablet, or computer can reduce glare and minimize exposure. Many devices also have a “night mode” setting that adjusts the display to warmer tones.
  4. Regular Eye Exams
    Annual check-ups with an optometrist can help monitor your eye health and address any issues caused by blue light exposure. Your eye doctor can also recommend lenses or treatments to protect your vision.

Protect Your Vision with Lappen Eye Care

At Lappen Eye Care, we’re here to help you navigate the challenges of modern eye care, including the effects of blue light. Whether you need specialized lenses, treatment for digital eye strain, or just advice on maintaining healthy vision, our team is ready to assist you.

With convenient locations in Pittsburgh, McMurray, and Greensburg, we make it easy to prioritize your eye health. Contact us today to schedule your next exam!

Can You Get an Astigmatism from Pressing Your Fingers Against Your Eyes?

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Can You Get an Astigmatism from Pressing Your Fingers Against Your Eyes?

Astigmatism is caused by the wrong type of curve in the cornea. Known as a refractive error, up to one in three people in America have this condition, which can affect people of every age. If you’re wondering how you get the condition, we’ll look at how it works and the most common reasons for it.

Can You Cause an Astigmatism By Rubbing Your Eyes?

Yes. Because the pressure can change the shape of the eye, you may be able to cause astigmatism in Pittsburgh, PA, from frequent rubbing or wiping of the eyes.

What to Know About Astigmatisms 

Here are a few facts of note about astigmatisms:

  • Your cornea is supposed to be shaped more like a softball than a football. When it starts to look like a pigskin, it causes the light rays to change on the retina. This results in blurry vision.
  • An astigmatism can also occur to the eye’s lens if it has an irregular shape. Called lenticular astigmatism, the condition has the same results as standard astigmatism. It should be noted that an affected lens is far less common than an affected cornea.
  • You’re more likely to be diagnosed with astigmatism if you have far- or nearsightedness. (Also, sitting too close to the TV has nothing to do with astigmatism!)

Schedule an Evaluation with an Optometrist 

In some cases, particularly with infants, astigmatism will clear up independently. However, for most people, it’s a more permanent problem. If you’re experiencing changes in your vision, schedule an appointment with aneye doctor in Pittsburgh, PA, today. At Lappen Eye Care, with locations in Pittsburgh, Greensburg, and McMurray, we can tell you if you have an astigmatism and what likely caused it.

3 Signs Your Eyeglasses Don’t Fit

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If youreyeglasses in Pittsburgh, PA, are constantly slipping off of your face, you don’t have to wonder whether they don’t fit. However, there are subtler signs that your eyeglasses either need to be adjusted or simply aren’t a good match for your face. We’ll look at a few reasons you might need to stop by your optometrist’s office or optics provider.

Eyestrain
If your glasses don’t fit, it can misplace the optical center of the lenses. If you cannot see through the right part of your lenses, you may find yourself straining to make out everything from letters to shapes in the distance. You may also experience headaches due to all the squinting.

Crooked Frames
Crooked frames are a sign that the fit is off, likely because the frames were bent or otherwise warped in some way. Frames should sit even and level on your face. You can always check your reflection if your friends or family haven’t mentioned that your eyeglasses are crooked.

Nose Pad Marks
You might be surprised at just how many people have tight glasses without realizing it. This is because you can become used to practically any sensation during the day, particularly if it’s not urgent pressure. Of course, your face won’t lie, so if you have bright red marks from the nose pads, your glasses are too tight. You may also get headaches if the pressure around your temples builds up.

See an Optometrist in Pittsburgh, PA
A reputableoptometrist in Pittsburgh, PA, will look at more than just the fit of the frames. When the goal is to see better, they’ll recommend a pair of eyewear that will sit level and stay level so you always know what you’re looking at. At Lappen Eye Care, we’ll help you find the right pair for you.

Does My Child Need Another Pair of Glasses?

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When you’re on a budget, you don’t want to overspend if you don’t have to. It’s why many parents purchase only one pair of glasses for their child for the year. However, there are a few reasons why you may want to be more proactive regarding their vision.

How Prescriptions Change Over Time
Adults and children alike experience changes to their vision as they age. However, children may experience bigger changes in shorter time periods. If your child is constantly squinting or complaining that they can’t see, this is an obvious reason to take them to anoptometrist in Greensburg, PA.

If the prescription has changed more subtly, it may not be as noticeable to either of you. When some children may need glasses in just six months, it’s important to pay attention to the signs. If they seem to struggle to make out shapes or read smaller words, they may need a new pair of glasses. Of course, you can keep the frames and change the lenses in this case (even if your child wants an entirely new pair).

The Nature of Children
Beyond the need for a new prescription, there are also general considerations to factor in. Children’s eyeglasses are designed to be strong enough to handle a little rough-and-tumble. Of course, even if they’re titanium-strong, they’re not indestructible. Plus, children have a tendency to grow, which can causeeyeglasses in Greensburg, PA, to become null-and-void.

See an Eye Doctor in Greensburg
Some parents might see their eye doctor more than once yearly because their child is changing. Others may just do it to have an extra set on hand. No matter why you’re looking for a new pair, Lappen Eye Care is here to help.

Make 2024 the Year to Support Your Visual Health!

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With a new year just over the horizon, there is no better time to decide if it is time to schedule your annualeye exam in Pittsburgh, PA. However, there is also no better time to start considering what you can do differently in the coming year to support your visual health. Take a look at these changes you can resolve to make during New Year’s to be kinder to your vision and protect your eyes for the long term.

1. Prioritize Learning About Eye Health Risks
Consider taking a few minutes occasionally to educate yourself about the various eye health conditions that may be more of a threat to you. For example, if you have a family history of glaucoma, it can be helpful to learn about the risk factors of glaucoma and how you can lower the risks for yourself.

2. Embrace Healthy Vision Habits
As part of your New Year’s resolutions, consider adopting healthy vision habits. These include practicing the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eye strain during prolonged screen time, ensuring proper lighting in your workspace, and wearing protective eyewear in situations that pose a risk to your eyes.

3. Reevaluate Digital Device Usage
As we enter the new year, consider reassessing your digital device habits. Extended screen time can contribute to digital eye strain, whether for work or leisure. Adjusting screen brightness, using blue light filters, and taking breaks can help alleviate strain and reduce potential long-term effects on your vision.

Start the New Year Off by Being Good to Your Eyes with a Visit to a Pittsburgh Eye Doctor
APittsburgh optometrist can guide you on the path to optimal eye health, ensuring that you start the new year with a clear vision and a proactive approach to caring for your eyes. Take the first step towards a vision-friendly year by scheduling your annual eye exam at Lappen Eye Care.