Be Equipped with Sports Eyewear Protection

Whether you're trading elbows on the basketball court, returning a power serve, or taking a 95 mph fastball, sports eyewear is important. Your sport safety glasses can take your game to the next level no matter what sport you play.

Sports safety eyewear is designed specifically to protect your eyes while playing sports. There is now a wide variety of safety glasses that range in color, size and frame designs.

We recommend that all of our sports eyewear have polycarbonate lenses. The lens is lightweight and shatter resistant. You don't have to wear prescription glasses to wear sport safety glasses.

Glaucoma Basics

Glaucoma is an eye disease that is often called the silent thief of sight. It is estimated that over 4 million Americans have glaucoma, but only half of those know that they have it. Early stages of glaucoma may present no symptoms at all, and if left untreated can cause permanent blindness. There is no cure for glaucoma. However, proper usage of medications and/or surgery can slow down or prevent further vision loss.

Everyone is at risk for having glaucoma, but certain factors may put you at higher risk:

1. African American race
2. Over 60 years of age
3. A family history of glaucoma

Early detection is key to protecting your vision from damage caused by glaucoma. Our doctors along with the American Optometric Association, recommend an annual comprehensive eye exam to maintain proper eye health.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!

Many of us make New Year's resolutions, but have you thought about making one for your eyesight? Vision is our most treasured sense so we must do everything that we can to preserve and protect it. What better way to start the year off than having your annual eye exam?

The American Optometric Association recommends that everyone have a comprehensive eye exam annually to detect any vision changes and eye disease in its early stages.

Our comprehensive eye exam includes a complete evaluation of your vision and eye health. After your exam, our doctors can recommend the best solution for you. Whether it's the latest technology in contact lenses or a personalized pair of glasses, we have options for every member of your family.



Floaters Not Dangerous .... Usually

Floaters can come in all shapes and sizes and are usually harmless. However, if you begin to experience several floaters accompanied by flashes of light it could be a sign of something more serious.

Floaters have been described as looking like cobwebs, bugs, specks, or dark spots in your vision.

Floaters are caused by the breakdown of the jelly like substance that makes up the inside of the eye. This can occur in the aging process, eye injuries and certain eye diseases.

Flashes of light, a veil or curtain over your vision, or more floaters than usual could be a sign of a retinal detachment. If untreated, it can lead to blindness.

If you experience any of these symptoms, don't panic, just call our office at 770-834-0212. If you get a recording, leave an emergency message (Option 1) and the doctor on call should reply soon.

The Joy of Missions

I have had the opportunity to go on medical mission trips in the past. I must say that these trips are extremely rewarding for me. There are many people who have truly committed their lives to providing mission opportunities. It is an honor to work beside the organizers and medical professionals who make these trips part of their routines.

But more than that, seeing the people who need help, and are grateful for whatever you can give. The need is incredible in other parts of the world. Did you know that most of the world’s functional blindness could be “cured” with a pair of glasses, but there is no way to get them? I always enjoy these opportunities and hope to have another soon.

Do You Know How Well Your Child Sees?

You may have been told that your child has 20/20 vision after a vision screening at school or pediatrician's office, but did you know that they can still have a vision problem? Eighty percent of learning is achieved visually and 1 in 4 school age children has some form of vision problem that can hinder academic performance. In fact, most children that are living with an undiagnosed vision problem will not complain because they don't know what "normal" vision is supposed to look like.

When should my child have an eye exam? The American Optometric Association recommends that a child have his or her first eye exam between 6 months and one year of age and then again at the age of three. When school begins, eye exams should be conducted every year to maintain proper eye health and development.

Are Cataracts slowing you down?

Did you know that nearly 5.5 million people in the U.S. suffer from cataracts that interfere with their vision? A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye that tends to 'grow' gradually, so changes in vision may not be noticeable at first.

The term "age-related" is usually paired with cataracts, which is a little misleading. You don't have to be a senior citizen to get cataracts. A cataract can affect anyone no matter age, race, or gender. They may have several causes, which include:

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Eye Injuries
• Medication

Cataract surgery is the most common form of surgery in the United States. However, in the early stages of cataracts they can be managed by wearing sunglasses with UV protection. As the cataract advances it may affect the quality of your life. When this occurs it is time to consider surgery.

Your eye sight is precious. Early detection and treatment of any eye disease or impairment is important. We recommend yearly eye exams to insure preservation of your vision. To find out if you or someone in your family has cataracts schedule an exam today.

Dry Eye Syndrome

If eyes are not properly lubricated they may feel itchy, scratchy, and irritated. Dry eye syndrome affects approximately 10-14 million Americans, mostly over the age of 40.

In addition to a lack of tear production, dry eye can result from inadequate levels of moisture on the surface of the eye. This is caused by situations that dry out the tear film. These situations can include dry air from air conditioning, heat, or other environmental conditions such as smoking, high altitude or pollution.


There are three layers of your tear film:
The mucin layer is the thinnest and its purpose is to coat your eye and to spread the moisture of your tears evenly across the eye.
The water layer is made up of a saltwater solution. It is the largest and thickest layer, and its purpose is to ensure that your eye remains moist.
The outer lipid layer is made up of lipids (oils). Its purpose is to prevent the watery middle layer from evaporating.

Treatment of Dry Eye
There are many treatment options for Dry Eye. The best option depends on the severity of your Dry Eye, age, lifestyle, medications and overall health. Some options are:
Hot Compresses and Lid Scrubs used daily
A high quality fish oil capsule, such asFortifeye, which contains Omega 3 fatty acids keep the tear production system healthy.
Lubricating Drops, like Systane Ultra can help moisten the eyes.
RESTASIS® Ophthalmic Emulsion is the only prescription eye drop to help increase tear production
Temporary or permanent punctal plugs. An in office procedure for more severe cases.

Our exams always include an evaluation of the tear film and testing for Dry Eye.