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Six Signs Your Grade Schooler Needs to See the Eye Doctor

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Kids need to see the eye doctor periodically to ensure that they have good vision. Children in school need good vision to see the whiteboard, participate in class lessons and read their books. If your child needs vision correction and doesn’t get help from an eye doctor, this could lead to poor school performance and a negative attitude toward learning. Below are the signs that your child needs to see the eye doctor in Champaign, IL.

Symptoms of Eye Trouble in Children

There are many signs that your child needs to see the eye doctor. Here’s what to watch for:

  1. Squinting. Squinting limits how much light enters the eye and focuses light in the center of the retina. Some children squint because it can have the same effect as wearing glasses.
  2. Sitting close to TV or white board. Your child may be choosing a seat near the front of the classroom so they can see clearly.
  3. Struggles with reading. If your child struggles to track words across the page, or if your child has low stamina for reading, this could be a sign that your child needs glasses.
  4. Frequent headaches. Straining to see can cause headaches, so if your child gets headaches frequently, this could be a sign of vision trouble.
  5. Rubs eyes often. Your child may be rubbing their eyes to rub the poor vision away – this is a common method children use to resolve their problem.
  6. Closes one eye to see things up close or far away. If your child has a vision problem, one eye may be stronger than the other. If this is the case, they may be closing their eyes to use their stronger eye.

Noticing Signs of a Vision Problem? Bring Your Child to the Eye Doctor

If you believe your child needs to see the doctor for an eye exam in Champiagn, IL, contact Champaign Eye Professionals to make an appointment.

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7 Signs Your Child Needs Glasses

choosing-eyeglasses

What to Consider When Choosing Glasses

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Many people wear their eyeglasses every day, so choosing the right pair is important! Knowing what to consider as you select your eyeglasses can help you pick a pair that you’ll be happy to wear day in and day out until you replace them. It helps to choose an eye doctor in Champaign, IL with a wide selection of frames. Below are the questions to ask yourself as you select the glasses for you.

Plastic or Wire Rimmed?

Plastic and wire rimmed glasses are very different from one another. Plastic glasses tend to be heavier, with thicker frames. This takes some getting used to, as some people with plastic frames may have a period of one or two days when their glasses cause an ache behind the ears.

Plastic frames typically have bolder, more vibrant colors than wire rimmed glasses, so if self-expression is a priority for you, then plastic frames may be the perfect choice. Wire-rimmed frames tend to be subtler and more professional. If you’re seeking glasses that blend in, wire-rimmed may be the right choice.

Do They Fit Properly?

Typically, glasses come in different sizes. Finding the right size for your face can be difficult. One way to tell is if the bridge of the glasses fit easily without pinching your nose, or sliding down. If you’re not sure whether a frame fits your face properly, ask for help from a clerk at the eye doctor.

Are they Versatile?

Do you think you could wear these glasses with any outfit? Would you be happy wearing these glasses every day? Ask yourself these questions as you try on the glasses you’re considering.

Do you need eyeglasses in Champaign, IL? Contact Champaign Eye Professionals to make an appointment for an eye exam. Once you have a prescription, you can choose eyeglasses from our large selection.

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Are Colored Contacts Safe?

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Colored contacts change the color of your eyes, giving your face an all-new look. Changing your eye color can be exciting, but it’s important to do it safely. Are colored contacts safe? This is a common question that patients ask. Here’s what you need to know before you purchase colored contact lenses.

Prescription-Grade Contacts Are Safe

Prescription grade contact lenses, including colored contacts, are safe to wear. In order to obtain a prescription for colored contacts, you must see an eye doctor. During the visit, your eye doctor will give you a contact lens exam.

In the exam, the eye doctor will determine whether your eyes make enough tears. Your eye doctor will also measure the shape and size of the eye. After the exam, your eye doctor will be able to order a custom-fitted set of contact lenses for your eyes.

Contacts Sold Without a Prescription Are Not Safe

Some online companies sell costume-grade colored contacts, but these products are available to anyone without a prescription. They are not fitted for the wearer. Because these contacts were made available without a prescription, they can cause damage including eye injury and blindness.

I Bought a Pair of Colored Contacts Without a Prescription. What Should I Do?

Wearing colored contacts can be harmful for your eyes. Don’t wear contacts that you obtained through a costume business. Instead, contact an eye doctor to obtain the contacts that are made for your eyes.

Want Colored Contacts? Get a Prescription From An Eye Doctor

If you would like colored contacts for your eyes, see an eye doctor. The eye professionals at Champaign Eye Professionals help patients like you get prescription grade contacts all the time. As your eye doctor, we’re happy to help you get colored contacts in Champaign, IL. Call today to make an appointment for a vision exam and contact lens examination.

 

Can Cataracts Be Prevented? Tips for Reducing Your Risk

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Most people know at least one older person who either has cataracts or who has had cataract surgery. What’s less known is that sometimes cataracts can be prevented. Not everyone gets cataracts when they get older. How can you reduce your risk of developing cataracts in Champaign, IL?

Reducing Cataract Risk

The risk of developing age-related and secondary cataracts may be less likely to occur if a person makes certain lifestyle adjustments. However, if a person is in a high-risk category, lifestyle changes may not be enough to prevent cataracts. Nevertheless, it’s worth reducing the risk of cataracts, even by a little. Consider:

  • Quitting smoking
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Reducing or eliminating alcohol intake
  • Reducing sugar intake
  • Managing diabetes
  • Exercising regularly
  • Minimizing exposure to UV rays
  • Minimizing exposure to blue light

What Causes Cataracts?

Researchers don’t actually know the exact reason why cataracts develop. It’s known that cataracts develop as a result of protein buildup on the lens of the eye. Since eyesight relies on light entering the eyes through the lens, this protein buildup results in partial or total vision loss. The cloudy or blurry vision that cataract victims experience is due to the cataract blocking the entry of light.

Four Types of Cataracts

There are actually four different categories of cataracts.

  1. Congenital cataracts are either present at birth, or develop very early in childhood, and are typically present in both eyes.
  2. Trauma-related cataracts develop after an eye injury or, in some cases, after eye surgery.
  3. Secondary cataracts occur as a symptom of a medical condition, like diabetes or sometimes as a result of steroid use.
  4. Age-related cataracts occur for unknown reasons, but have been linked to certain risk factors as explained below.

Note that although these are different categories of cataracts, they would all be treated in the same way, which is lens replacement.

Early symptoms of cataracts are difficult to detect without the help of an eye doctor in Champaign, IL. Contact us to book a comprehensive cataract evaluation today.