If you wear glasses or contacts, you’re probably very familiar with the services your eye doctor provides — but did you know that there are some services that aren’t as common? They’re not necessarily new, but they’re important to investigate if you want to maintain healthy eyes and vision into old age. Here are 3 eye care services you didn’t know you needed.

Artificial Tears for Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a condition that causes your tears to evaporate too quickly or to not provide enough lubrication for your eyes. This can lead to symptoms like redness, itching, burning, and even blurred vision. While there are many over-the-counter artificial tears that can help relieve these symptoms, it’s important to see a family eye care professional if you’re experiencing dry eye on a regular basis. If you want to stay on top of your dry eye symptoms, try using preservative-free artificial tears regularly. Also be sure to monitor your blinking habits. People tend to blink less when watching TV or working at a computer for long periods of time.  Get in a habit of resting your eyes by looking away from screens every 20 minutes or so and blinking frequently during these breaks.

Prescription Sunglasses

Prescription sunglasses can protect your eyes from overexposure to UV rays that come from natural sunlight or even artificial sources like sun lamps. These rays have been linked to damage such as cataracts and macular degeneration. It is also important to wear prescription sunglasses when you are driving or spending time outdoors during the day in order to shield your eyes from any possible sun damage. They are especially useful for people who have lighter colored eyes, who spend time outside and want to minimize their risk for cataracts and macular degeneration. A family eye care professional will be able to tell you what type of prescription sunglasses are best for you based on the level of sun exposure that you typically have. The eye care professionals at your local optometry office will be able to recommend brands and styles of prescription sunglasses for use in different circumstances, whether you wear contacts or not.

Glaucoma Screening

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to irreparable vision loss if left untreated. That’s why it’s important to get regular glaucoma screenings, especially if you have a family history of the disease. At our family eye care center, we offer comprehensive glaucoma screenings that can help detect the disease in its early stages.

If you’re due for a screening, or if you think you may be at risk for glaucoma, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your local eye care professional. If you need any more information about these services, give us a call today!