Eye Doctor in Arlington Heights

Healthy vision can often be taken for granted. But eyesight problems, like uncorrected refractive errors and vision loss, can affect your overall health in ways that may seem unexpected.

Here are 5 ways that vision problems can impact your life, above and beyond how well you see.

1. Increased Risk of Depression

Vision loss can be isolating and has been linked to depression. A survey of more than 10,000 adults with vision loss published in JAMA Ophthalmology found a significant association between functional vision loss and depression.

2. Increased Risk of Anxiety

When you don’t see well, your brain has much less sensory intake, which may make you feel less sure about your surroundings and capabilities. Researchers put this theory to the test and examined the anxiety levels of older adults with low vision.

The results, which were published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, found a significant correlation between vision loss and anxiety.

3. More Likely To Fall

Falls are a leading cause of injury and death in older adults. Vision loss not only increases your risk of falling, but can also heighten your fear of falling, research suggests.

4. Greater Incidence of Car Accidents

People with glaucoma often have limited peripheral vision, which makes it difficult to safely navigate busy roads. In fact, a study conducted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that senior citizens with glaucoma were 65% more likely to be involved in a car collision than those without the eye disease.

5. Vision Loss Is Associated With Increased Mortality

A recent study published in The Lancet found that vision loss is associated with a higher overall risk of death, compared to people with normal vision. Results indicated that the higher the level of vision impairment or loss, the higher the risks of mortality.

How to Preserve Vision And Overall Eye Health

Here’s the good news: approximately 4 out of 5 cases of vision impairment can be prevented or corrected.

Annual eye exams and ongoing consultations with your optometrist will significantly increase your chances of avoiding vision loss and eye disease, and living the healthy life you desire.

Speak with your eye doctor about your medical history, genetic and lifestyle risk factors, and our optometric team will provide guidance to help preserve your vision for an optimal quality of life.

To schedule your eye exam, call Palermo Eye Care in Arlington Heights today!

Q: How often should I have an eye exam?

• A: The American Optometric Association recommends that healthy, low-risk adults between the ages of 18-64 should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once every 2 years, or as directed by their eye doctor. High-risk individuals and adults aged 65 years and older should visit their optometrist annually for a comprehensive eye exam.

Q: What are the leading causes of blindness and vision impairment?

• A: Globally, the leading causes of vision loss include: age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, uncorrected refractive errors, eye infections and traumatic eye injuries.

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Optometrists in Arlington Heights

Cataracts are a natural part of the aging process. They obstruct vision by clouding the lens of the eye, making it opaque and difficult to see clearly. Cataracts are a leading cause of vision loss and blindness worldwide. While there is no non-surgical cure for cataracts, research has shown that some foods and dietary supplements appear to delay the progression of this sight-threatening eye condition in certain people.

According to a study published by Nutrients (2019), oxidative stress causes damage to proteins and enzymes in the lens, which leads to cataract formation. An imbalance between free radicals (atoms that destroy cells in your body) and antioxidants (which diminish them) causes oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when you don’t have enough antioxidants to neutralize the free radicals in your body.

Unhealthy foods are one major source of free radicals. According to some optometrists, eating a high-antioxidant diet can help slow the progression of cataracts and even lower your risk of developing cataracts in the first place.

What Foods to Avoid For Good Vision

Leading a healthy lifestyle is one of the surest ways to maintain good vision. This includes exercising, eating enough fruits and vegetables and making informed health decisions. Soft drinks, processed foods, fried foods and sugary snacks should all be avoided, as they’ve been shown to increase the risk of developing cataracts earlier in life.

It’s also a good idea to cut down on your sodium intake, as a study published by the American Journal of Epidemiology (2000) found that a high salt intake makes people more likely to develop cataracts.

Because cataracts are a natural part of aging, most older people will develop them at some point in their lives. To postpone the advent of cataracts, try consuming these foods and supplements.

Which Foods to Include in Your Diet to Prevent Cataracts

Ideally, you should eat 2 servings of fish each week, 3 servings of whole grains daily, and 5 to 9 servings of vegetables and fruits per day to reduce your risk of cataracts. The following are some of the most beneficial food sources for lowering your risk of this common eye disease.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

When it comes to keeping your eyes healthy, omega-3 fatty acids are nothing short of a superfood. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce your risk of developing cataracts and keep your eyes hydrated by supplying essential oils for your tear layer.

Flax seeds are regarded as one of the greatest sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Other sources include grass-fed beef, tofu, and fatty fish such as cod, salmon, sardines and halibut.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C has long been known to help prevent colds, but it can also help lower your risk of cataracts. Guava and oranges are a good source of this vitamin. Vitamin C is also abundant in red and green chili peppers, bell peppers, dark leafy greens, kiwi, papaya and broccoli.

Nuts and Seeds

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to protect the membranes of your eyes. Walnuts, for instance, are high in vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.

Almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts and peanuts are among the nuts and seeds that are excellent for your eyes.

Whole Grains

Not only do whole grains boost your eye health but they can reduce your risk of developing cataracts early on. Try adding quinoa, oatmeal, rye, wheat, brown rice, wheat and sorghum to your diet.

Fruits and Vegetables

Carotenoids are the pigments that give yellow, red, and orange fruits and vegetables their color. These items can be eaten raw, but for the best results, you should boil them first. Cantaloupes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and pumpkins contain carotenoids such as beta carotene and vitamin A, which help to prevent cataracts.

According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2019), adding 10 mg of carotenoids to your diet lowers your risk of developing cataracts by roughly 26%. The maximum antioxidant content is found in vegetables and fruits. When shopping, look for fruits and vegetables with a variety of hues. Eat the skins whenever possible because they’re high in lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamins A, C and E.

No one antioxidant can stop free radicals from causing oxidative stress, so it’s crucial to consume a wide range of antioxidant-rich foods.

Although this list isn’t complete, consuming these foods can help strengthen your eyes and may stave off cataracts for a time.

Routine Eye Exams

Even if you have perfect vision right now, seeing your eye doctor on a regular basis is one of the best ways to preserve it. Your eye care provider can check for signs of cataracts and other eye conditions during annual visits.

Early detection can help save your sight. Contact Palermo Eye Care in Arlington Heights, to schedule an eye exam to ensure you have healthy vision for years to come.

Q: What else can I do to prevent cataracts?

• A: Besides ensuring you lead a healthy diet, make sure to protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV rays emitted by the sun are known to increase a person’s risk of cataracts. You can easily do this by wearing UV-blocking sunglasses along with a wide-brimmed hat.In addition, if you smoke, quit smoking, as it releases free radicals in the body, increasing your risk of cataracts.

Q: Can cataracts cause blindness?

• A: Left untreated, cataracts cause gradual vision loss, eventually leading to legal blindness or even total blindness. Fortunately, there are various measures you can take to prevent this from occurring, such as undergoing cataract surgery.

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Eye Doctors in Arlington Heights

“Eat your carrots—they’re healthy for your eyes”, or at least that’s what you’ve been told. While carrots contain important nutrients that are beneficial for vision and eye health, dark leafy green veggies contain higher levels of nutrients that may help delay the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

These are not the only foods that may help protect your vision. If you want to keep your eyes healthy, there are others we recommend you consume (or avoid!)

What Diet is Good for Macular Degeneration?

To prevent or delay AMD, you should consume a diet containing adequate levels of certain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. A Mediterranean-style diet, which includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, seafood, and nuts and seeds, is a good place to start.

The National Eye Institute advises a nutrient formula to help lower the chance of AMD progression, regardless of how healthy your diet is. That formula is known as the AREDS2 formula eye vitamins. Nonetheless, getting key nutrients from foods and supplements is always a good idea.

Best Foods for Macular Degeneration

Your diet should include the following nutrients:

Antioxidants

Vitamins A, C, and E are all antioxidants that help prevent cellular damage. For Vitamin A, make sure you eat a lot of carotenoids, such as kale, spinach and yams, all of which include the ‘eye vitamins’ lutein and zeaxanthin. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits or broccoli, and Vitamin E is abundant in nuts, seeds, and oils.

Omega-3 fatty acids

There are three significant Omega-3s: EPA, DHA (both of which are found in fatty fish), and ALA, found in nuts and seeds. Omega-3 fatty acids help the body fight inflammation, which researchers believe plays a role in AMD. These fatty acids may also help reduce bad cholesterol, which has been associated with AMD.

Zinc and copper

These trace minerals both directly and indirectly contribute to eye health. Zinc, for example, aids in the absorption of the antioxidant vitamin A and regulates cellular function. Zinc is abundant in meats, shellfish, and legumes (i.e. chickpeas). For copper, eat a lot of dark leafy greens as well as seeds, nuts, and eggs.

What Foods Should I Avoid to Prevent Macular Degeneration

It should come as no surprise that the same things that clog your heart’s blood vessels also clog the tiny blood vessels in your eyes. Avoid fast foods and limit your intake of the following, especially if you have high cholesterol:

• Tropical oils, like palm oil
• Fatty pork, beef and lamb
• Processed foods that contain trans fats
• Vegetable shortening, lard and margarine
• High-fat dairy foods

Sweets and sugary drinks should also be avoided since they induce inflammation, which leads to the production of eye-damaging free radicals. Moreover, sugary and fatty foods are abundant in calories and are a leading cause of obesity, which has been associated with AMD.

At Palermo Eye Care in Arlington Heights we care about you and your vision. Schedule an appointment with our optometric team to find out what else you can do to protect your vision.

Q: What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

• A: Age-Related Macular Degeneration refers to the deterioration of the central part of the retina, the inside back layer of the eye that records the images we see and sends them back to the brain. When the macula is functioning properly, it collects highly detailed images at the center of our vision and sends neural signals through the optic nerve to the brain, which interprets them as sight. When the macula deteriorates, the brain does not receive these clear, bright images, and instead receives blurry or distorted images. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in people over 60. This number is expected to double to nearly 22 million by 2050.

Q: What are the symptoms of AMD?

• A: The first symptoms that you may experience of macular degeneration can include:The first symptoms that you may experience of macular degeneration can include:
  • Lines appearing wavy
  • Decreased or blurry vision
  • Blind or dark spots in the center of your vision
  • In rare cases, different color perceptio

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Computer Glasses & Designer Frames in Arlington Heights

Every day, people around the world are exposed to blue light from the sun, indoor lighting and digital screens.

Blue light causes eye strain and interrupts the circadian rhythm, influencing our sleep patterns. Researchers are now looking into whether excessive exposure to blue light poses any other risks to eye health.

What Exactly Is Blue Light?

Blue light are light rays of a specific wavelength that, although they enter the eye, are not perceived as the color blue.

Blue light has a short wavelength and produces a high amount of energy (from 400 to 500 nanometers). Thus, it’s also known as high-energy visible light (HEV). In fact, blue light is emitted by any source of visible light, whether it’s an artificial source like a light bulb or digital screen, or a natural one like the sun.

How Does Blue Light Affect The Eye?

Each color of visible light has its own energy level and wavelength. Blue light can reach the retina at the back of the eye because of its short wavelength and strong intensity.

A study published by the International Journal of Ophthalmology (2018) found that the retina’s light-sensitive nerve cells can be damaged when exposed to excessively high levels of blue light.

In addition, researchers are concerned about whether the blue light emitted by digital devices like cell phones, tablets and computers is enough to qualify as excessive exposure that could result in eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration.

Since blue light has more energy, it contributes to digital eye strain. When compared to other light rays, this exacerbates light scattering when it enters the eye. As the scattered blue light rays enter the eye, they cause ‘visual noise,’ making it difficult for the eye to focus the light accurately.

Symptoms of digital eye strain include:

• Dry eyes
• Blurred vision
• Eyestrain and headaches
• Neck, back and shoulder pain
• Frequent rubbing or blinking of the eyes
• Difficulty with accommodation (focusing between far and near)

What Are Blue Light Glasses and Do They Make a Difference?

Blue light glasses, also known as computer glasses, have lenses with a yellow tint, which have been shown to improve comfort levels when viewing digital devices for prolonged periods of time. With blue light blocking glasses, you can enjoy your screen time and reduce or prevent digital eye strain.

Getting Blue Light Glasses

If you decide to purchase blue light glasses, they’re available with or without a prescription. You can also buy single-lens computer glasses to match your prescription if you’re farsighted and wear progressive lenses or bifocals.

You might want to consider buying photochromic lenses, which provide both UV and blue light protection whether you’re indoors or out in the sun. When exposed to UV rays, the lenses automatically darken, and become clear again once indoors.

At Palermo Eye Care in Arlington Heights we offer a variety of blue light glasses and lenses. Contact us today to discuss your ideal pair of lenses with features to match your look and lifestyle.

Q: Where can blue light be found?

• A: The largest source of blue light is sunlight. LED and fluorescent lights, smartphones, computer screens and tablets also emit blue light, but at levels much lower than the sun.

Q: Besides blue light glasses, how can I protect my eyes against blue light?

• A: Try to reduce the amount of time you spend in front of a digital screen and take frequent breaks to give your eyes a rest.

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Best Blue Light Glasses in Arlington Heights

In today’s digital world, optometrists everywhere are hearing this question more and more: ‘Are blue light glasses worth it?’

Although some controversy surrounds blue light’s impact on eye health, there’s enough scientific evidence to offer a reliable answer.

What is Blue Light?

Blue light is a high-energy, short-wavelength light on the visible spectrum. Blue light is mostly emitted from the sun (hence, the reason our skies appear blue) but is also released by indoor light sources and digital screens.

Our eyes and brain interpret blue light rays as a wake-up signal because they stimulate alertness.

It’s worrying, as more and more people stare at digital screens throughout the day and often into the night.

Is Blue Light Harmful To Our Eyes?

Because blue light has a higher frequency and energy than other colors of light, it can easily penetrate the structures of our eyes and reach the retina, the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye.

Studies, such as the one published in Integrative Biology (2017), found that blue light does have negative effects on human retinal cells and increases oxidative damage—even at frequencies similar to ones emitted by digital screens.

Other research has linked blue light exposure to reduced sleep quality, especially when using a digital device at night.

Prolonged blue light exposure can also lead to digital eye strain, eye fatigue and dry eye syndrome.

For this reason, blue light lens filters and glasses were created to offset the negative effects of blue light overexposure.

How Blue Light Glasses Can Help

Better circadian rhythm

A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health (2015) found that teenagers who wore blue-blocking glasses in the evening hours had better circadian rhythms than peers who didn’t use blue light glasses. Circadian rhythms regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

Reduces eye fatigue

Another study published in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology (2015) suggested that blue-blocking glasses or lenses may be effective in reducing eye fatigue.

Reduced symptoms of computer vision syndrome

A survey published in the Journal of Medical Imaging (2019) found that radiology residents who wore blue light filtering glasses experienced significantly reduced symptoms of computer vision syndrome (or digital eye strain).

What’s The Bottom Line?

Blue light-blocking glasses can be effective in improving sleep quality and lessening symptoms of computer vision syndrome and eye fatigue when staring at a screen.

If you spend a lot of time in front of a digital screen, speak with your eye doctor to determine if you could benefit from blue-blocking glasses or lenses.

To schedule an eye exam or learn more about what we offer, call Palermo Eye Care in Arlington Heights today!

Q: In addition to wearing blue-blocking glasses, what are some other tips for relieving digital eye strain?

• A: Take frequent breaks from screen use and try to stick to the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, shift your gaze to something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Consider putting a blue light filter on your computer or phone screens. Also, try to avoid screen time at least 2 hours before bed in order to feel less awake. Lastly, speak with your optometrist. If you or a family member has any symptoms of digital eye strain, we can help.

Q: Can children and teens benefit from wearing blue light glasses?

• A: Yes! Children and teens who use digital screens for schoolwork and recreational activities on a daily basis may experience symptoms of eye fatigue or eye strain without even knowing it. Blue-blocking glasses may be the key to relieving their headaches, blurred vision or improving their circadian rhythms. Speak with us about blue-blocking glasses or lens filters for your child today.

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Pediatric Eye Exam in Arlington Heights

Most kids don’t suspect that something is wrong with their eyesight and are thus unlikely to seek help with their vision. If you witness your child tilting his or her head too often, frequently squinting, or holding books or other objects unusually close or far away from his or her eyes, it may be time for an eye exam.

Book an appointment with our optometric team at Palermo Eye Care today. We will provide a comprehensive eye exam that will detect whether your child has any vision aberrations.

It’s up to parents to recognize the signs of compromised eyesight and to take the necessary precautions against it. Read on to learn the basics of keeping your children’s vision sharp and healthy.

Why Are Vision Screenings Not Enough?

School or pediatric vision screenings often offer superficial eye exams that cannot detect underlying vision issues that get in the way of your child’s success in school and life. In fact, it is estimated that up to 10 million kids suffer from vision issues, despite having passed a school vision screening. Therefore, it is critical to have your child’s eyes examined by an eye doctor in order to assess their overall eye health. The earlier they do it, the better.

Does Your Child Really Hate to Read?

If your child dislikes or avoids reading, it might indicate a vision problem.

Does your child…

• Use a finger or pencil to guide the eyes while reading?
• Incessantly rub his or her eyes?
• Cover one eye while reading?
• Frequently tilt his or her head?

Reading with undiagnosed vision problems can result in headaches, fatigue and eye strain, which could explain why your child shies away from engaging in this activity.

Should your child need glasses for vision correction, Palermo Eye Care has a wide variety of age-appropriate options, made of comfortable, durable, and kid-friendly materials.

Should Eye Exams be on the Back-to-School To-Do List?

By the age of 6, every child should have undergone three eye exams. Make sure to prioritize eye exams by adding it to the back-to-school to-do list. No matter how wonderful the pencils and markers are, if the vision isn’t there, your child will struggle through school, sports, and in life.

Is it Clumsiness or a Vision Problem?

If your child frequently bumps into desks, knocks things over, and trips, it may not be just clumsiness. Contact Palermo Eye Care for an eye exam today.

Spending Too Much Time on Computer/Digital Screens?

Too Much Screen Time is Linked To Myopia

The use of digital devices is on the rise, and so is myopia (nearsightedness).

Research has shown that prolonged use of computers and digital devices among children can result in myopia. Focusing on images or words on the screen for extended periods of time can result in eye strain, and over time, can even change the shape of a child’s eye. As a parent, we recommend you limit your child’s computer or phone screen time and incorporate the 20/20/20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds).

Blue Light Blocking Glasses or Lenses for Digital Screens

Another problem with using digital devices has to do with the blue light these devices emit. Smartphones expose us to the most blue light, since we hold them very close to our eyes. Long hours of blue light exposure can harm the eyes and disrupt sleep quality.

However, the harm caused by blue light can be reduced by wearing special Blue Light lenses.

At Palermo Eye Care, we offer blue light filters for lenses, which block blue light from reaching one’s eyes and protect your vision when using digital devices. Ask us about adding blue-light filters to your or your child’s glasses, or about getting a full pair of blue light eyeglasses.

Why Opt for Polycarbonate Lenses?

When it comes to kids, the lenses you pick a matter. Palermo Eye Care recommends opting for polycarbonate lenses when buying glasses. They are more lightweight, impact-resistant and scratch-resistant than traditional plastic lenses. Furthermore, the UV protection can protect your child’s eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.

If you want your kids to ace their classes this year, remember to prioritize a visit to the eye doctor as part of your back-to-school checklist.

Prepare for Back to School with Blue Light Glasses | Palermo Eye Care

Comprehensive Pediatric Eye Exams

At Palermo Eye Care, we offer comprehensive pediatric eye exams, as well as a wide array of glasses and lenses for our young patients. Palermo Eye Care serves patients from in and around Arlington Heights in the state of Illinois.

Q: My child saw 20/20 at their school physical. That’s perfect vision for back to school, right?

• A: Maybe! 20/20 only tells us what size letter can be seen 20 feet away. People with significant farsightedness or eye muscle imbalances may see 20/20, but experience enough visual strain to make reading difficult. Vision controls eighty percent of learning so include a thorough eye exam in your child’s Back-to-School list.

Q: My child passed the screening test at school, isn’t that enough?

• A: Distance and reading are two different things. Someone with perfect distance vision can still have focusing problems up close. Doctors need to check for both, many children have undiagnosed accommodative (focusing) problems because no one ever looked for it before. We always check the distance and near vision on all ages because it is so important. Other areas that need to be checked is eye muscle alignment, color vision, depth perception, and overall health of the eyes.

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Eye Doctor in Arlington Heights

It’s that time of year again, when parents are compiling back-to-school checklists of school supplies, books, and uniforms.

But here’s one more important item to add to your list: back-to-school eye exams!

Why Are Eye Exams Crucial Before the New School Year?

Academic success goes hand in hand with great vision. After all, about 80% of classroom learning is visual. Whether your child is doing homework, reading from the whiteboard, or playing sports — clear vision is essential.

Some parents rely on school vision screenings to detect their child’s vision problems, but these are merely screenings and are generally insufficient to adequately assess a child’s visual capabilities. Only a comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist can evaluate various visual skills like eye tracking, teaming, eye focusing and other crucial visual skills.

It’s also important to note that many children aren’t capable of verbally communicating the visual difficulties they may be experiencing. They may not even realize there is a problem.

Especially during the school years, children’s eyes grow and develop rapidly, and changes in vision can occur suddenly.

An eye exam before school starts will help ensure that your child is ready to succeed in the classroom.

Frames To Suit Each Child

The new school year is also a great time for children to get a confidence boost with a new pair of stylish glasses.

If a refractive error (nearsightedness or farsightedness) is detected, your child can choose a pair of glasses from the wide range of frames we offer. Beautiful frames will show off their style and make them feel good about themselves.

At Palermo Eye Care, we carry the latest in children’s eyewear, some inspired by adult trends, and some with fun, imaginative bold colors and shapes. All of our children’s frames are durable, comfortable, and made with kid-friendly materials.

Our optometric team will ensure that your child’s glasses fit securely and comfortably, reducing the risk of dropping or breaking their new eyewear.

Our Optometrist Can Help

We know that some kids can be a little apprehensive about going to the eye doctor, which is why we use the most gentle approach during eye exams. Our goal is for each child to feel comfortable from the moment they walk in until the moment they leave.

Our friendly and warm staff has experience with children of different ages and visual needs, so you know your child is in good hands.

Get your child off to a smart start this year by calling Palermo Eye Care in Arlington Heights to schedule their eye exam today!

Q: Can my child choose contact lenses if they don’t want glasses?

• A: Usually! Children as young as 8 can start wearing contact lenses, depending on several factors. If the parent and child both agree that the child is mature enough to wear and care for contact lenses, contacts can be a great option for vision correction. Speak with us to determine if contact lenses are right for your child.

Q: What happens during a pediatric eye exam?

• A: During your child’s eye exam, the optometrist will run a range of tests to assess basic visual acuity like near vision, far vision and astigmatism. Tests of visual skills may also be performed, which assess focusing, convergence, lazy eye and visual processing. The optometrist will also examine the physical health of the eye and ask about any relevant medical history or issues that could affect your child’s vision.

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Palermo Eye Care for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.

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Optical Store & Eye Care Center in Arlington Heights

There is some controversy around the topic of blue light, especially when it comes to children’s eye health and screen time.

Some claim that it’s harmful to a child’s growing eyes and may contribute to retinal damage and other eye conditions. Others believe that blue light isn’t anything to worry about.

Below, we’ll explore what science has to say about blue light, and whether you should invest in a pair of blue light glasses for your child or teen.

What is Blue Light?

Blue light is a high-energy light on the spectrum of visible electromagnetic energy. Some intense forms of blue light have a similar frequency to ultraviolet light, which can penetrate through the eye and reach the retina.

The main source of blue light is the sun, but it’s also emitted by artificial indoor lighting, smartphones, and other digital devices.

Is Blue Light Harmful?

Studies are mixed regarding the safety of blue light on retinal health. The main studies that prove blue light’s harmful effects have been conducted on rats, not humans, and involved very high amounts of blue light. Scientists are trying to determine whether digital screens and indoor lighting, which emit far less blue light, can cause eye damage, especially in the long term.

A study published in Integrative Biology used petri dishes to host retinal cells that were exposed to high-intensity blue light. In this experiment, the retinal cells underwent drastic changes and even cellular death upon intense exposure. However, this may not accurately represent how blue light interacts with retinal cells within the eye.

One thing is certain about blue light: it affects the quality of our sleep and causes eye strain.

Blue light triggers certain cells in the retina that communicate with the pineal gland in the brain. The pineal gland produces a sleep hormone called melatonin — a vital component of the circadian rhythm. When blue light inhibits melatonin production, it may lead to poor sleep quality or insomnia.

Since blue light makes the body more alert, the recommendation is to stop using digital devices at least 2 hours before bedtime.

Can Kids and Teens Benefit From Blue Light Glasses?

Blue light glasses are a good idea for kids and teens who spend a lot of time in front of screens, especially in the evenings.

A study by the University of Houston found that participants (ages 17-42) who wore blue light glasses experienced a 58% increase in their nighttime melatonin levels. This finding is relevant to kids and teens who spend night hours being productive in front of a screen.

A small-scale study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health showed that blue light glasses were effective in minimizing alertness and inducing melatonin production in healthy teenage boys, improving their circadian rhythm.

Some studies have found a link between a child’s disrupted biological clock and an increased risk of several health problems, including metabolic syndrome, depression, and cancer.

Blue light glasses don’t claim to minimize these risks, but simply increase a child’s ability to produce more melatonin and potentially have better quality sleep.

Blue light glasses also reduce eye fatigue and digital eye strain by reducing glare. Blue light can decrease contrast, causing the eyes to work harder and strain for a clearer image.

Symptoms of digital eye strain in children and adolescents include:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Poor posture
• Changes in vision
• Dry eyes

We Provide Blue Light Glasses and Other Services

Here’s the bottom line:

If your child spends much of their time studying or completing homework on a computer, or playing games on a phone or tablet, you may want to consider getting them blue light glasses to improve the quality of their sleep and reduce digital eye strain.

At Palermo Eye Care, we take the time to sit with each patient and ask the necessary questions to get a full picture of your lifestyle and visual needs. Our optometric team will guide you and your child through all of their options, whether it’s blue light glasses, regular glasses, or contact lenses.

To schedule your child’s eye exam or to learn more about what we offer, contact Palermo Eye Care in Arlington Heights today!

Q: Do blue light glasses filter out all of the blue light?

• A: No. Blue light glasses usually filter out around 80% of incoming blue light. Because there isn’t a way to filter out 100% of blue light, we recommend limiting screen time whenever possible and wearing 100% UV-blocking sunglasses when outdoors during the day.

Q: Are blue light glasses the same as computer glasses?

• A: The lenses of computer glasses have a slight magnification to relieve the eye muscles from constantly focusing on the near screen. Blue light glasses usually have a yellowish tint to filter out blue light.

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Palermo Eye Care for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.

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Contact Lens Eye Exams in Arlington Heights

Have astigmatism and want to wear contact lenses? No problem!

Astigmatism is a common refractive error caused by an abnormal or uneven curvature of the cornea that impedes your eye’s ability to focus light properly on the retina. This results in blurry or distorted vision that makes it difficult to distinguish forms and details at any distance. It can also cause headaches, fatigue and eye strain.

Fortunately, there are several types of contact lenses that correct astigmatism, as well as nearsightedness and farsightedness.

Can I Wear Contacts with Astigmatism?

If you have mild to moderate astigmatism, contacts are an affordable and convenient way to correct your vision. In fact, contacts can reduce distortion, offer a wide visual field, and improve visual clarity.

Toric contact lenses are one type of contact lens— in fact, they’re specifically designed to correct astigmatism. They’re slightly thicker and larger, and more stable on the eye than non-toric contacts.

Toric lenses have various design features to ensure they sit correctly on your eye. One of them is the weight at the bottom made to keep them in place and prevent rotation. These lenses are also designed to move with your eye, allowing tears to flow under the lens so you can maintain comfortable and clear vision.

There are two types of astigmatism:

• Regular or corneal astigmatism. This is the most common form of astigmatism. It occurs when the cornea curves in more than one direction, and instead of a sphere, it’s oval-shaped. This type of astigmatism can be corrected by wearing contact lenses, glasses, or through surgery.
• Irregular astigmatism. This occurs when the cornea unevenly curves in several directions and in varying degrees. In such cases, rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contacts are the best option.

Types of Contact Lenses for Astigmatism

There are four types of toric contact lenses, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Soft contact lenses

Soft contact lenses are a popular choice for those with mild to moderate astigmatism. Their softness and flexibility provide comfort, they’re simple to insert and remove, and stay put on the moving eye. However, achieving the best final prescription can be challenging, especially for moderate to high levels of astigmatism, as the visual clarity might not be as stable as an RGP lens. Your optometrist might need to make several adjustments to achieve desired results.

RGP contact lenses

While RGP lenses are smaller and harder than soft lenses, they are more oxygen-permeable and allow more tears to surround the lens. At first, these lenses may feel less comfortable than soft contacts since they are less flexible. Overtime, as you get used to wearing them, these lenses will become more comfortable.

Because they maintain their shape, RGP lenses are more effective than soft lenses at correcting astigmatism and improving visual clarity. They also keep their shape when you blink, allowing for a more stable and clearer vision. That said, they can dislodge during strenuous physical activities. Another disadvantage of RGP lenses is that debris, such as dirt and dust, may get trapped under the lens and cause irritation.

Hybrid contact lenses

Hybrid contacts combine a rigid gas-permeable center with softer edges composed of soft hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. These lenses provide comfort while maintaining the clarity that RGP lenses provide. Because of their large size and thin edges, they’re less likely to fall out during physical activities.

Scleral contact lenses

Scleral lenses are rigid and maintain their shape regardless of the corneal shape. In addition, they sit on the sclera rather than the cornea, allowing the eye to properly focus light and therefore ensuring sharp vision and comfort. The liquid reservoir trapped behind the scleral lens compensates for corneal astigmatism and ensures a secure fit.

How We Can Help

During your comprehensive eye exam, we’ll determine the severity of your astigmatism, as well as your degree of farsightedness or nearsightedness. We will also recommend which contact lenses are best for you, based on your needs. In some cases, your astigmatism will require custom-made toric contact lenses.

Schedule an appointment with Palermo Eye Care in Arlington Heights to receive your contact lens eye exam and initial lens fitting, the first step toward sharper, more comfortable vision.

Q: Is a contact lens exam the same as a regular eye exam?

• A: If you wear or want to wear contacts, you need a contact lens exam in addition to a regular eye exam. Your eye doctor will perform special tests during a contact lens exam to evaluate your vision with contacts.An eyeglass prescription is not the same as a contact lens prescription. A contact lens prescription measures lenses that sit directly on the surface of the eye, whereas an eyeglass prescription measures lenses that are positioned around 12 millimeters from your eyes. After your eye doctor has determined your prescription they will conduct a contact lens fitting.

Q: What is a contact lens fitting?

• A: Since contact lenses are not one-size-fits-all, your eye doctor will need to take measurements of your corneal curvature, pupil or iris size and will evaluate your tear film, to properly fit your contact lenses. Contact lenses that do not fit properly can cause blurry vision, discomfort and even damage your eyes.

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Palermo Eye Care for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.

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