Six Ways Park Ophthalmology Separates Eye Health Fact from Fiction

It is vital to separate fact from fiction in order to maintain good eye health. Will eating carrots really improve eyesight? Is reading in dim light damaging to vision? Park Ophthalmology is the Triangle area’s source for information on eye health and maintaining good vision throughout life. Dr. Beth R. Friedland is always willing to help her Raleigh-Durham area clients learn the difference between “old wives tales” and science. In some cases, the old tales do have a germ of truth, but often they are just plain wrong.

Dr. Friedland clarifies the truth about six common beliefs about eye health:

• Reading in dim light: Sufficient lighting makes reading, crafts, cooking and other tasks easier to complete, but reading or working in dim light will not harm vision. This habit, however, may cause eyestrain and headaches.
• Sitting too close to the TV: Even though parents worry about children sitting too close to the TV, this habit will not damage vision. In some cases, this could be a sign that a child’s vision needs to be checked.
• Corrective lenses weaken vision: Using corrective glasses or contacts will not weaken vision. Vision changes with age regardless of whether a person uses glasses or contacts.
• Carrots improve vision: There is some truth in this adage. Eyes need specific nutrients to function and the Vitamin A in carrots is good for the eyes. Dairy products and egg yolks also add Vitamin A to the diet.
• Artificial sweeteners: Odd as it may seem, artificial sweeteners can make eyes more sensitive to light. Other factors that increase light sensitivity include antibiotics, oral contraceptives, high blood pressure drugs, diuretics and diabetic medications.
• Night lights and children: It is not true that using a night light will make a child nearsighted. Instead, the night light may help a child learn to focus and improve eye coordination while in dusk like conditions.

In addition to surgery, eye exams and treatment, Beth R. Friedland M.D. and her staff make it a priority to educate patients about eye health. Call the office today with any questions or to schedule an exam.

**­

Park Ophthalmology welcomes patients from all areas of the Triangle and offers a wide variety of specialized services including surgery for diseases of the eye, vision examinations, eye safety information, sports medicine protective eyewear and counseling, contact lenses and evaluation, and all types of ocular diagnosis and treatment. Many types of surgery are available, including cataract and laser surgery. We are here for you and your eye and overall health. Give us a call today!

Photo: Imagerymajestics, freedigitalphotos.net

This article about the vision care is brought to you by the professional team at Park Ophthalmology located in the Triangle Region of North Carolina.

The information contained in this blog article is intended solely for informational purposes and is not intended to be offered as medical advice.

Locations:

Park Ophthalmology

5306 NC Highway 55, Suite 102 (adjacent to the RTP/ Research Triangle Park)

Durham, NC 27713

Office: 919 544 5375

Fax: 919 544 5829

**

Park Ophthalmology North

6512 Six Forks Road, Suite 105

Raleigh, NC 27615

919 846 6915

Office Manager Jenny Whitman, e-mail: jenny.brfeyecare@ncrrbiz.com.

Follow us https://twitter.com/ParkOphthNC

Like us: https://www.facebook.com/ParkOphthalmology

In the Triangle, Give Those Eyes a Vacation

Just as people get refreshed from taking time off, their eyes also benefit from taking a vacation. Park Ophthalmology serves Triangle area patients by passing along vacation advice for good eye health. Dr. Beth R. Friedland wants all of her clients to understand how eye problems can be prevented with professional care, proper rest, and good daily vision habits.

Park Ophthalmology Offers four simple habits that contribute to excellent eye health:

• Put down the book: That latest suspense novel might seem too exciting to put down, but whether it’s on an e-reader or in hardback, reading for hours without a rest is never a good idea. The eyes need to occasionally focus on something across the room or out a window for a few minutes. For those tempted to read non-stop, use a smart phone’s timer function as a reminder to look up from the words every 20 minutes or so.
• Prevent digital eyestrain: Those who use computers more than two hours daily are at a greater risk for what the American Optometric Association calls “computer vision syndrome.” This is partly because people blink less while staring at a computer; they often are looking at a screen with a glare and don’t have the screen positioned correctly to prevent eyestrain. As with reading, the key to good eye health is to take frequent breaks from computer use and focus on something far away to rest the eyes.
• Get enough rest: It may sound simplistic, but rest and sufficient sleep keep the eyes healthy and at their optimum. Stress and fatigue can contribute to eyestrain. Just as sleep refreshes the body, sleep also allows the eyes to be replenished with essential nutrients.
• Change locations: Dry eyes can result from air-conditioning, room fans and heating systems. Any dry moving air can irritate eyes. If possible, work in an area away from the fan or heating/AC outlet. If that isn’t possible, remember the above habit of taking a break every 20 minutes from the computer, digital device or book.

The friendly staff at Park Ophthalmology can provide even more suggestions to enhance eye health. Call the office today to schedule an annual exam.

**

Park Ophthalmology welcomes patients from all areas of the Triangle and offers a wide variety of specialized services including surgery for diseases of the eye, vision examinations, eye safety information, sports medicine protective eye wear and counseling, contact lenses and evaluation, and all types of ocular diagnosis and treatment. Many types of surgery are available, including cataract and laser surgery. We are here for you and your eye and overall health. Give us a call today!

This article about the vision care is brought to you by the professional team at Park Ophthalmology located in the Triangle Region of North Carolina.

The information contained in this blog article is intended solely for informational purposes and is not intended to be offered as medical advice.

Locations:

Park Ophthalmology

5306 NC Highway 55, Suite 102 (adjacent to the RTP/ Research Triangle Park)

Durham, NC 27713

Office: 919 544 5375

Fax: 919 544 5829

**

Photo: anankkml, freedigitalphotos.net

Park Ophthalmology North

6512 Six Forks Road, Suite 105

Raleigh, NC 27615

919 846 6915

Office Manager Jenny Whitman, e-mail: jenny.brfeyecare@ncrrbiz.com.

Follow us https://twitter.com/ParkOphthNC

Like us: https://www.facebook.com/ParkOphthalmology

 

Tags: Park Ophthalmology, Apex, Raleigh, Durham, Beth R. Friedland M.D., vision correction, eye glasses, Triangle, contact lenses, eyestrain, computers, reading, e-readers, digital eyestrain, dry air, dry eyes, sleep, eye health, rest

 

Park Ophthalmology Shares the History of Eyeglasses

For anyone who has trouble seeing and needs vision correction, it’s almost impossible to imagine life without eyeglasses or contact lenses. Across the Triangle, Raleigh, and Durham, Dr. Beth R. Friedland and Park Ophthalmology offer patients the latest innovations in eye health and vision correction. Of course, we all know that even in 2015, the classic way to see more clearly is through the use of prescription glasses. And it is interesting to note that eyeglasses have a long history, going back 800 years to the late 1200’s in Italy. Today in California, the Museum of Vision in San Francisco has compiled an extensive collection of information on the history of Ophthalmology. It “sees” thousands of visitors a year so let’s “look” at some interesting innovations.

Park Ophthalmology shares six museum facts about the history of eyeglasses:

• Invention: As earlier stated, the first known eyeglasses were crafted in Italy. Used mostly by scholars and monks, these spectacles were either balanced on the nose or held up to the eyes, as they were made without any temple pieces.
• Side pieces: In the 1700s, eyeglasses took great leaps forward, the first of which was the addition of side or temple pieces that fit over the ears. No longer did they have to be balanced or held in place.
• Bifocals: The second key invention in the 1700s was the development of bifocals by Benjamin Franklin. Today, patients are more likely to opt for progressive lenses, which remove the characteristic bifocal line. Progressive lenses were first developed in 1959 and have grown in popularity since then.
• Sunglasses: Although not always used for vision correction, sunglasses play an important part in protecting eyes from harsh glare and sun damage. They first became culturally popular in the 1930’s, but World War II gave sunglasses an additional boost in popularity as military pilots discovered the benefits of lenses that absorbed ultraviolet and infrared light.
• Fashion statement: During the latter half of the 20^th century and on into the 21^st, eyeglasses have become fashion statements. Prescription sunglasses allow people to carry their fashion look into any activity.

 

Whether you need an updated look, or new prescription for eyewear, Dr. Friedland and the staff at Park Ophthalmology can merge vision-correcting lenses with the latest fashion frames. It is important to add prescription sunglasses to protect the eyes from sun damage.

Call the offices of Beth R. Friedland M.D., the Triangle’s Eye Specialist, to set up an exam time. In the Triangle, clarity now offers many choices with the experts at Park Ophthalmology.

**

Park Ophthalmology welcomes patients from all areas of the Triangle and offers a wide variety of specialized services including surgery for diseases of the eye, vision examinations, eye safety information, sports medicine protective eyewear and counseling, contact lenses and evaluation, and all types of ocular diagnosis and treatment. Many types of surgery are available, including cataract and laser surgery. We are here for you and your eye and overall health. Give us a call today!

This article about the vision care is brought to you by the professional team at Park Ophthalmology located in the Triangle Region of North Carolina.

The information contained in this blog article is intended solely for informational purposes and is not intended to be offered as medical advice.

Locations:

Park Ophthalmology

5306 NC Highway 55, Suite 102 (adjacent to the RTP/ Research Triangle Park)

Durham, NC 27713

Office: 919 544 5375

Fax: 919 544 5829

**

Park Ophthalmology North

6512 Six Forks Road, Suite 105

Raleigh, NC 27615

919 846 6915

Office Manager Jenny Whitman, e-mail: jenny.brfeyecare@ncrrbiz.com.

Follow us https://twitter.com/ParkOphthNC

Like us: https://www.facebook.com/ParkOphthalmology

Photo: photostock, freedigitalphotos.net

 

The Human Eye Offers a Window into a Patients’ Health and Well Being

Of all the complex parts of the human eye, the pupil is the easiest to observe at work. The pupil grows or shrinks, depending on light conditions. A complete eye exam Park Ophthalmology usually includes pupil dilation, which allows Dr. Beth R. Friedland the best possible view of the inner parts of the eye.

Park Ophthalmology has gathered five fascinating facts the about pupils to share with our Raleigh-Durham area patients:

• Shape: Human pupils are circular; interestingly, a trait they share with dogs, wolves and Siberian tigers. House cats have vertically slit pupils, while goats, horses, and frogs have horizontally slit pupils. Scientists speculate that these differences are connected to when animals are most active and their need to see in different light conditions.
• Dilation and constriction: Muscles that run through the iris like the spokes of a wheel control the dilation (enlarging) and constriction (closing) of the pupil. Dilated pupils allow more light to reach the retina, aiding vision. In bright light, the iris makes the pupils smaller to cut down on glare and protect the eye.
• Pupils and attraction: When humans look at people they find attractive, their pupils become larger. In fact, a study focused on pupil size discovered that men found photos of women with larger pupils more attractive than those with smaller pupils.
• Changes with age: As a human ages ages, the muscles that control dilation and constriction lose strength and the pupils do not react as quickly to changes in light. It may be more difficult to go from a brightly lit environment to one with dim lighting, such as a movie theater.
• Dilation for examination: If an exam requires dilation, eye drops will be used to enlarge the pupils. Some conditions diagnosed during dilation can include diabetes, high blood pressure, macular degeneration, retinal detachment and glaucoma.

The pupil plays a key role in delivering clear vision. Dr. Friedland and the staff at Park Ophthalmology ensure that each patient feels comfortable with the exam and treatment. Check with the office if you have any concerns about dilation during an eye exam. Remember, anything involving the eyes, call the Triangle’s Eye Specialist, Beth R. Friedland M.D.

**

Park Ophthalmology welcomes patients from all areas of the Triangle and offers a wide variety of specialized services including surgery for diseases of the eye, vision examinations, eye safety information, sports medicine protective eyewear and counseling, contact lenses and evaluation, and all types of ocular diagnosis and treatment. Many types of surgery are available, including cataract and laser surgery. We are here for you and your eye and overall health. Give us a call today!

This article about the vision care is brought to you by the professional team at Park Ophthalmology located in the Triangle Region of North Carolina.

The information contained in this blog article is intended solely for informational purposes and is not intended to be offered as medical advice.

Locations:

Park Ophthalmology

5306 NC Highway 55, Suite 102 (adjacent to the RTP/ Research Triangle Park)

Durham, NC 27713

Office: 919 544 5375

Fax: 919 544 5829

**

Park Ophthalmology North

6512 Six Forks Road, Suite 105

Raleigh, NC 27615

919 846 6915

Office Manager Jenny Whitman, e-mail: jenny.brfeyecare@ncrrbiz.com.

Follow us https://twitter.com/ParkOphthNC

Like us: https://www.facebook.com/ParkOphthalmology

Photo: Serge Bertasius Photography, freedigitalphotos.net

 

 

Park Ophthalmology Clarifies the Differences in Contact Lenses

Selecting eyeglasses is simple. Pick out a frame that looks good and the doctor will make sure the lenses provide vision correction. But as ophthalmology and technology continue to make advances, patients of ophthalmologist Dr. Beth R. Friedland find they have more and more choices. Park Ophthalmology offers Triangle area patients the latest innovations and the helpful staff is always available to answer questions about new products.

Park Ophthalmology shares five aspects of vision correction from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about contact lenses:

• Prescriptions required: Contact lenses are classified as medical devices. As such, they cannot be dispensed without a valid prescription. Clients need to have their vision checked annually to make sure they have the correct prescription.
• Soft lenses: Soft contact lenses are flexible plastic and allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea. They may be easier to adjust to and more comfortable than rigid lenses.
• Rigid lenses: Sometimes called “hard” contact lenses, rigid gas permeable contact lenses may provide clearer vision than soft contacts and they last longer. Although they are easier to handle, some patients find them less comfortable to wear than soft lenses.
• Extended wear: Some soft lenses and a few rigid gas permeable lenses can be worn for up to 30 days, including overnight. Dr. Friedland will consult with clients to determine whether continuous wear lenses are an option and the length of extended wear that is appropriate.
• Disposable lenses: According to the FDA, most people who use soft lenses choose disposable contacts. While some people replace lenses daily, a common practice is to take them out before bed, place them in a disinfecting solution overnight and use them again the next day. Dr. Friedland will advise clients of the best cleaning solution to use for specific lenses.

Contact lenses continue to grow in popularity and ease of use. Unlike glasses, contacts provide a full field of vision, a benefit to those who enjoy playing sports. Making a choice doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Park Ophthalmology welcomes all questions about the latest developments in contact lenses.

**

Park Ophthalmology welcomes patients from all areas of the Triangle and offers a wide variety of specialized services including surgery for diseases of the eye, vision examinations, eye safety information, sports medicine protective eyewear and counseling, contact lenses and evaluation, and all types of ocular diagnosis and treatment. Many types of surgery are available, including cataract and laser surgery. We are here for you and your eye and overall health. Give us a call today!

This article about the vision care is brought to you by the professional team at Park Ophthalmology located in the Triangle Region of North Carolina.

The information contained in this blog article is intended solely for informational purposes and is not intended to be offered as medical advice.

Photo: Marin, freedigitalphotos.net

Locations:

Park Ophthalmology

5306 NC Highway 55, Suite 102 (adjacent to the RTP/ Research Triangle Park)

Durham, NC 27713

Office: 919 544 5375

Fax: 919 544 5829

**

Park Ophthalmology North

6512 Six Forks Road, Suite 105

Raleigh, NC 27615

919 846 6915

Office Manager Jenny Whitman, e-mail: jenny.brfeyecare@ncrrbiz.com.

Follow us https://twitter.com/ParkOphthNC

Like us: https://www.facebook.com/ParkOphthalmology

Five Ways to Help Prevent Eye Problems

Age-related eye trouble is one of the most common problems seen at Park Ophthalmology. Now, a new study described in a recent New York Times article shows that exercise can reduce the risk of one of the biggest culprits: age-related macular degeneration. The studies, so far just in mice, have shown many benefits.

The health of your eyes is just one more reason to get out and move around in the spring weather that has arrived in Raleigh and Durham. As one researcher in the article put it, “As potential treatments go, (exercise) it’s cheap, easy and safe.”

Triangle residents looking for easy and safe treatments or prevention for eye health issues can also try these approaches:

• Wear sunglasses: Sunshine is hard on the eyes and can even cause cataracts. Read more on choosing the right sunglasses. People should carry sunglasses with them at all times so that they’re at the ready for a quick walk to lunch or a day in the park.
• Eat healthy and take vitamins: Vitamins in the foods we eat and supplements we take can help keep eyes strong.
• Quit smoking: While lung cancer and other problems are at the top of the list of reasons to quit smoking, kicking butts also makes a big difference for the eyes. Smokers have an increased risk for eye disorders.
• Protect eyes from possible injury: Whether playing sports or working on a house project, throwing on a pair of goggles is always a good idea. And be sure to avoid dangerous behaviors, such as those many women do as part of their daily beauty regimen.
• Get regular eye exams: Even those with 20/20 vision should stop in once a year and see Dr. Beth Friedland. Exams are a great opportunity to check on the health of eyes, not just to change or correct a prescription.
  

A few simple steps are all that’s required to keep eyes healthy at all ages. Call Park Ophthalmology today to set up an appointment.

Photo: photostock, freedigitalphotos.net

**

Park Ophthalmology welcomes patients from all areas of the Triangle and offers a wide variety of specialized services including surgery for diseases of the eye, vision examinations, eye safety information, sports medicine protective eyewear and counseling, contact lenses and evaluation, and all types of ocular diagnosis and treatment. Many types of surgery are available, including cataract and laser surgery. We are here for you and your eye and overall health. Give us a call today!

This article about eye health is brought to you by the professional team atPark Ophthalmology located in the Triangle Region of North Carolina.

The information contained in this blog article is intended solely for informational purposes and is not intended to be offered as medical advice.

Locations:

Park Ophthalmology

5306 NC Highway 55, Suite 102 (adjacent to the RTP/ Research Triangle Park)

Durham, NC 27713

Office: 919 544 5375

Fax: 919 544 5829

**

Park Ophthalmology North

6512 Six Forks Road, Suite 105

Raleigh, NC 27615

919 846 6915

 

Track Astigmatism with Regular Park Ophthalmology Appointments

Blurry vision may be more than just nearsightedness or farsightedness. For some Park Ophthalmology patients, vision problems at any distance may be the result of astigmatism. Astigmatism is a natural condition, occurring in about one of every three people in the United States. The front surface of the eye, the cornea, is normally a sphere shape, like a basketball. This smooth surface refracts incoming light so we can see. People with astigmatism have a cornea shaped more like a football, protruding outward. This uneven shape distorts light rays as they enter the eye, causing blurry vision.

Astigmatism may occur in combination with near- and farsightedness, but it isn’t caused or made worse by sitting too close to the television or computer, squinting or reading in poor light. While astigmatism is not a harmful condition, people often notice blurriness while reading, driving, looking at a computer or doing other activities.

There are two ways Beth R. Friedland M.D. can correct astigmatism:

• Glasses or contact lenses: People with slight astigmatism may not require corrective lenses, but most people require some correction to see properly, especially those with another vision problem. Those with an astigmatism can wear special contact lenses called toric lenses, which are able to bend light in one direction or another. People can also opt for gas permeable contact lenses. Dr. Beth Friedland can determine which option will work best.
• Refractive surgery: Laser eye surgery can correct the shape of the cornea, making it more spherical. People with healthy eyes, free from disease, scars, or other retinal problems may have surgery. There are multiple types of surgeries to correct the corneal shape; Park Ophthalmology will decide which one is right based on the patient’s medical history and eye shape.

Astigmatism may increase slowly over time, making it more difficult to observe as years pass. That’s why annual eye exams are an important part of tracking eye health and vision changes. Those experiencing eye strain or blurry vision should contact Dr. Beth Friedland at Park Ophthalmology for an eye exam.

**

Park Ophthalmology welcomes patients from all areas of the Triangle and offers a wide variety of specialized services including surgery for diseases of the eye, vision examinations, eye safety information, sports medicine protective eyewear and counseling, contact lenses and evaluation, and all types of ocular diagnosis and treatment. Many types of surgery are available, including cataract and laser surgery. We are here for you and your eye and overall health. Give us a call today!

This article about astigmatism is brought to you by the professional team atPark Ophthalmology located in the Triangle Region of North Carolina.

The information contained in this blog article is intended solely for informational purposes and is not intended to be offered as medical advice.

Locations:

Park Ophthalmology

5306 NC Highway 55, Suite 102 (adjacent to the RTP/ Research Triangle Park)

Durham, NC 27713

Office: 919 544 5375

Fax: 919 544 5829

**

Park Ophthalmology North

6512 Six Forks Road, Suite 105

Raleigh, NC 27615

919 846 6915

Photo: Arztsamui, freedigitalphotos.net

5 Things Park Ophthalmologists Assess in an Annual Eye Exam

Vision is the most important of the five senses, yet not everyone in the Triangle heads to Park Opthalmology each year for an annual eye exam.

Eye exams aren’t just for keeping up eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions. Getting a complete eye exam each year is part of keeping patients healthy. March is National Save Your Vision Month, and it’s a great time to get an eye exam, whether it’s the first time or you are a regular at exams.

Eye exams cover more than just the big “E” at the top of the chart. Adults and children should have their eyes checked each year for changes in health. During an eye exam, our ophthalmologist will look at how the eyes work together, check for eye diseases, and evaluate the eyes as part of the patient’s overall health.

Here is what Beth R. Friedland M.D. is looking for when checking the eyes:

• Strabismus – More commonly known as crossed eyes, Dr. Friedland will make sure the eyes are aligned.
• Eye teaming problems – The eyes usually work together as a team, but sometimes they don’t, even if they appear aligned. We check to make sure the teamwork is on par.
• Refractive error – Most people refer to a refractive error as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. These can all be corrected by eyeglasses, contacts or surgery.
• Eye diseases – Glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases are quite common. Some have no symptoms except inside the eyes. Catching such problems early can reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.
• Other health problems – The blood vessels in the eyes often tell the story of a person’s overall health, and can often indicate other problems. If Dr. Beth Friedland sees something abnormal, she can alert a patient to visit a doctor.

It’s never too early to make an appointment for an annual eye exam. Make March the month to have it done. The last thing anyone wants is to be too late. Find out more about getting an eye exam at Park Ophthalmology.

**

Photo: ponsulak, freedigitalphotos.net

Park Ophthalmology welcomes patients from all areas of the Triangle and offers a wide variety of specialized services including surgery for diseases of the eye, vision examinations, eye safety information, sports medicine protective eyewear and counseling, contact lenses and evaluation, and all types of ocular diagnosis and treatment. Many types of surgery are available, including cataract and laser surgery. We are here for you and your eye and overall health. Give us a call today!

This article about eye exams is brought to you by the professional team atPark Ophthalmology located in the Triangle Region of North Carolina.

The information contained in this blog article is intended solely for informational purposes and is not intended to be offered as medical advice.

Locations:

Park Ophthalmology

5306 NC Highway 55, Suite 102 (adjacent to the RTP/ Research Triangle Park)

Durham, NC 27713

Office: 919 544 5375

Fax: 919 544 5829

**

Park Ophthalmology North

6512 Six Forks Road, Suite 105

Raleigh, NC 27615

919 846 6915

 

 

3 Reasons to Invest in Eye Health

Eye health is not always at the top of anyone’s mind here in the Triangle. Yet it is important for Raleigh and Durham residents to make it a top priority. Eyes are often considered the most important of the five senses. The human eye is in constant use, from the minute we awaken in the morning to the time we go to bed.

Yet a 2010 survey quoted in the New York Times observed that “only a small minority of those most at risk get the yearly eye exams (needed) that could detect a vision problem and prevent, delay or even reverse its progression.”

Park Ophthalmology offers three reasons to invest in annual eye exams:

• Seeing clearly — Annual eye exams with Beth R. Friedland M.D. offer the opportunity to make sure everything is in focus for vision health. Eye correction prescriptions often change from year to year, based on many factors. Sometimes these changes occur too gradually to notice differences until patients put on the new pair of glasses or contacts.
• Prevention is the best cure. Opthalmologist Dr. Beth Friedland checks eyes carefully each year for several health issues in an effort to prevent problems and catch changes as soon as possible. When caught early, eye health problems such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and eye cancer are much easier to manage and treat; meaning Raleigh and Durham residents have a greater chance of keeping their eyesight — and their overall health. Eye health can also be an major indicator for other related conditions, such as heart disease.
• Disease Management. “Fully 86 % of those who already have eye disease do not get routine exams,” the New York Times survey said. It is important to remember that regular eye checkups are key indicators for managing other chronic conditions such as diabetes.

Triangle residents who have not had an eye exam in more than one year, or those who notice changes in behaviors, should call Park Ophthalmology today for an appointment.

Seeing is believing!

Photo: marin, freedigitalphotos.net

Keywords: Park Ophthalmology, eye health, Raleigh, Durham, vision correction, eye exams, ophthalmologist, eye doctor, Triangle eye care specialists, diabetes, eye cancer, AMD, glaucoma, heart disease

**

Park Ophthalmology welcomes patients from all areas of the Triangle and offers a wide variety of specialized services including surgery for diseases of the eye, vision examinations, eye safety information, sports medicine protective eye wear and counseling, contact lenses and evaluation, and all types of ocular diagnosis and treatment. Many types of surgery are available, including cataract and laser surgery. We are here for you and your eye and overall health. Give us a call today!

This article about eye health is brought to you by the professional team atPark Ophthalmology located in the Triangle Region of North Carolina.

The information contained in this blog article is intended solely for informational purposes and is not intended to be offered as medical advice.

Locations:

Park Ophthalmology

5306 NC Highway 55, Suite 102 (adjacent to the RTP/ Research Triangle Park)

Durham, NC 27713

Office: 919 544 5375

Fax: 919 544 5829

**

Park Ophthalmology North

6512 Six Forks Road, Suite 105

Raleigh, NC 27615

919 846 6915

6 Driving Behaviors that Signal an Eye Exam is Due

Human vision can change drastically during the course of a year. One area where that becomes obvious is with driving. Here in North Carolina, drivers ages 18 to 65 can keep their license for eight years without renewal. For those over age 65, renewal exams are due every five years. Long periods of time can indeed cause changes.

There are a lot of road signs and pedestrians to watch out for between license renewals without checking up on the most important of the five senses.

Those who do have not required vision correction in the past may not even notice early changes in eye performance. It may be little easier to detect while driving, because of the range of sight required.

Here are six driving signs that signal it’s time to visit the eye doctors at Park Ophthalmology:

• Not driving at night as much or struggling with headlight glare.
• Squinting at road signs and street signs or having trouble seeing them in the dark. 
• Seeing spots, flashes of light, or floaters.
• Feeling eye strain during or after driving or getting a headache or blurred vision. These symptoms may also occur after staring at a computer screen for a long period of time.
• Motion sickness or dizziness after driving or riding in a car or other vehicle.
• Seeing objects better if they are surrounded by either green or red or seeing one of those colors better than the other.
  

If none of these signs is present while driving, here are three other indicators that it’s time for an eye exam:

• Sudden blurry vision or problems focusing
• Eye infection
• No eye exam in the past two years

Remember, eye exams benefit more than just vision. Doctor Beth Friedland can also detect eye health issues such as glaucoma or other diseases. Those with a chronic health condition like diabetes should also visit Park Ophthalmology on a regular basis.

As Raleigh and Durham residents make plans for 2014, one item on the year-end calendar should be an eye exam — whether it has been one year or eight.

**

Park Ophthalmology welcomes patients from all areas of the Triangle and offers a wide variety of specialized services including surgery for diseases of the eye, vision examinations, eye safety information, sports medicine protective eyewear and counseling, contact lenses and evaluation, and all types of ocular diagnosis and treatment. Many types of surgery are available, including cataract and laser surgery. We are here for you and your eye and overall health. Give us a call today!

 

This article about eye exams and driving is brought to you by the professional team atPark Ophthalmology located in the Triangle Region of North Carolina.

 

The information contained in this blog article is intended solely for informational purposes and is not intended to be offered as medical advice.

 

Locations:

Park Ophthalmology

5306 NC Highway 55, Suite 102 (adjacent to the RTP/ Research Triangle Park)

Durham, NC 27713

Office: 919 544 5375

Fax: 919 544 5829

**

Park Ophthalmology North

6512 Six Forks Road, Suite 105

Raleigh, NC 27615

919 846 6915

Photo: Digidreamgrafix, freedigitalphotos.net