Diabetic Retinopathy

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If you live with diabetes, the importance of a diabetic eye exam cannot be overstated. There are complications that can occur with your chronic illness, one of which is diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy affects around a third of people with diabetes and can lead to blindness. At Nova Vision Center in Falls Church, VA, we want to help protect your sight with a diabetic eye exam that identifies the early stages of trouble with your vision.

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that affects the retina, the part of the eye that helps transmit what you see to the brain. When you regularly have high blood sugar levels, the small blood vessels that connect to the retina can rupture. When they do, they can damage the retina.

After that happens, new blood vessels can grow, but that process can lead to your retina detaching or getting damaged. And, additional fluid in the region can negatively affect the macula (which allows you to see detail and color).

Repeated damage can lead to permanent vision loss.

What Are the Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is most likely if you have high blood sugar levels combined with risk factors such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure.

Symptoms don’t usually occur during early stages. As the illness progresses, you may begin to notice double vision, blurry vision, floaters, or vision loss.

Get Diabetic Eye Care at Nova Vision Center

Diabetes can be a challenging disease, but with the right care, you can help prevent the complications of high blood sugars. At Nova Vision Center in Falls Church, VA, our diabetic eye exam is designed to detect early signs of trouble with your eyes and help you avoid vision loss. Contact us today to set up an appointment and protect your vision.

Does Myopia Disappear in Later Years?

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If you have myopia and wear glasses or contact lenses in Falls Church, VA, you may wish that there was a way to correct your vision once and for all. While myopia may get a little bit better naturally over time, it will never disappear all by itself.

What Causes Myopia?

One of the primary causes of myopia is an elongated shape of the eye. This causes light rays entering the eye to miss their target. They bend or refract, which causes blurry eyesight; specifically nearsightedness.

Over time, the elongation of the eye becomes less pronounced. This affects vision and can make a person’s eyesight become “less” myopic. In other words, their nearsightedness might be less severe, and they may experience an improvement in vision. This mild improvement may continue as time goes on, or it may stop at some time. However, the fact that nearsightedness is lessening gives some people the idea that myopia disappears in later years. Unfortunately, this simply isn’t true.

Myopia Control is Possible

While the bad news is that myopia doesn’t go away altogether, it can be controlled so that it doesn’t worsen. For the millions of people who suffer from this condition, that’s good news. When vision stabilizes, it means you can enjoy better vision with your existing prescription, instead of having to change your contacts or eyeglasses prescription more frequently. It also means that your eye doctor in Falls Church, VA can get a baseline measurement of your vision, to use as a guide to see how your eyesight fares over time.

No one wants to live with myopia, but at the very least you can ensure that your eyesight doesn’t worsen when you have some control over the myopia. Contact us to learn more.

The Three Best Ways to Prevent Serious Vision Problems

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At Nova Vision Center in Falls Church, VA, our professional team is dedicated to the health and well-being of your eyes. We perform diagnostic testing, fit you for contact lenses, help you select new prescription eyewear, and monitor the health of your eyes from childhood through your senior years.

What Are the Best Ways to Ensure Continuing Eye Health?

We believe it is our duty to help our patients see the world clearly and well, no matter their age or visual concerns. Here’s how:

Have a Comprehensive Initial Eye Exam

Periodic visual screenings are the primary way to determine the health and condition of your eyes. Monitoring your vision and the health of your eyes is every bit as important as regular physical exams to maintain overall health and well-being. Your trained professional at Nova Vision Center will monitor changes and recommend action when, and if needed, to protect your vision.

Schedule Regular Vision Checks

Whether or not you need prescription lenses or wear contacts, regular checkups are vital. Changes in vision can not only affect your lifestyle but might be warning signs of other serious issues. Your professional will most likely perform a visual field check and screen for common issues such as Macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, dry eye syndrome, light sensitivity, and other age-related problems. If you’re diabetic, periodic evaluation for signs of diabetic retinopathy is imperative.

Take Prompt Action to Address Problems

If you notice abrupt changes in vision, or if you see floaters, experience pain, or suspect any kind of injury or disease, don’t postpone making an appointment to determine the cause. Further damage can be prevented through prompt action for conditions as serious as a detached retina. If left untreated, however, some conditions may lead to permanent sight loss.

 

Want to Know More?

Contact us at Nova Vision Center if you have any questions. We will work with you and your family to provide the proper level of care for young children and aging parents. Your sight is our first priority. Won’t you call to schedule an initial appointment today?

In Case of Emergency

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Let’s face it. Accidents happen, and vision-related emergencies are not unusual. Nova Vision Center has been serving families in Falls Church, VA, for more than 70 years, and we understand the angst a patient suffers when faced with a vision abnormality of any kind. We are prepared to deal with emergencies in a variety of ways.

The immediate action you take will depend primarily on the symptoms of distress or type of injury. The first step is to remain as calm as possible and seek help. In case of severe injury, seek emergency care as quickly as possible.

 

What Constitutes an Emergency?

There can be multiple reasons for sudden vision problems. Call or visit our office to schedule an emergency appointment if your vision changes suddenly, if you experience pain or flashing lights, or if your field of vision is suddenly altered or narrowed, or if your vision becomes blurred for no reason. Try not to rub your eyes or apply pressure. And don’t use drops or other OTC treatments to self-medicate.

If you sustain a sports injury or if a foreign particle is lodged in an eye, try to cover that eye and get to an emergency room or your eye doctor immediately. Don’t attempt to drive yourself in the event of a serious injury.

Remember: the faster you get professional aid, the better your chances are of protecting your sight and preventing further damage to your vision and/or your eyes.

 

In Case of Recurring Problems

Sometimes, vision problems may not seem serious at the time. But if you experience periodic pain, see light flashes, or are plagued by differing kinds of vision issues over time, it’s time to schedule an assessment with a trained and caring professional who can determine the cause of your problem.

Don’t delay making that appointment. We at Nova Vision Center stand ready to help.

What is the Purpose of a Diabetic Eye Exam?

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Youroptometrist in Falls Church, VA, serves many purposes beyond giving you a prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses. At Nova Vision Center, we’re proud to offer diagnoses and treatment for a wide range of optometric problems, including things like dry eye syndrome, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, to name a few. One of the ways that we diagnose certain problems is through a diabetic eye exam. If you’re unsure of the purpose of this important kind of optometric exam, read on.

What is a Diabetic Eye Exam?

A diabetic eye exam is a special eye exam designed to detect warning signs of eye endangerment due to diabetes and related disorders. The primary focus of a diabetic eye exam is to check for signs of diabetic retinopathy, the most common and one of the most serious eye conditions associated with diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. This damage can lead to blood and other fluids leaking into the retina, causing swelling and the formation of deposits known as exudates. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can progress to more severe forms, potentially leading to retinal detachment or severe vision loss. This is why it’s so crucial to have a diabetic eye exam regularly if you have diabetes or pre-diabetes.

How is a Diabetic Eye Exam Done?

A comprehensive diabetic eye exam typically includes a visual acuity test and pupil dilation to examine the retina and optic nerve thoroughly, as well as possibly the use of imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography. These tests provide detailed images of the eye structures and can reveal changes not visible through routine eye exams. Whether or not you’ve been officially diagnosed with diabetes, you should get a diabetic eye exam on occasion. Interestingly, sometimes a person is unaware they have diabetes until an optometrist conducts a diabetic eye exam and sees the warning signs.

Remember, even persons without diabetes should get adiabetic eye exam in Falls Church, VA. This kind of exam can only reveal warning signs that your eyesight might be in danger. Contact us today to book yours.

Pros and Cons of Scleral Lenses

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State-of-the-art scleral lenses that cover more of the eye’s surface than traditional contacts may be just what the doctor ordered if you have previously had trouble wearing contacts and want to put aside external eyeglasses.

But what are the associated benefits and disadvantages?

Here’s what you need to know: Because scleral lenses are larger than traditional contacts, and because they are hard rather than flexible, they can be worn by people with irregularly-shaped corneas and by those who have had lasik surgery. They are also said to be comfortable for people with chronic dry eye.

Scleral contacts, with proper training, may also be easier to insert and wear because of their size. They are crafted of gas-permeable material, so they allow oxygen to reach your cornea, and they can be worn for longer periods without discomfort or damage to the eye.

However, there are some cautionary guidelines:

For wearers who are new to scleral lenses, adapting to this type of contact may be challenging at first. Even though this type of contact lens was first developed in 1887, they are a relatively recent option for most contact lens wearers. Previous disadvantages, primarily that earlier versions were not gas-permeable and unsuitable for extended wear, have been addressed. Scleral contacts are now as versatile as other types of contacts, and they can provide much-improved vision correction if properly fitted.

The learning curve for user insertion of scleral lenses may be high, and new users will be given intense training and direction on how to properly insert and remove the lenses.

Close monitoring can prevent problems.

Your vision specialist will monitor your use of scleral lenses closely for at least a month with weekly checkups and then every three months thereafter. This type of contact is subject to lens fogging, clouding, and scratches. If monitored closely, though, potential problems can be addressed before they become critical.

If you’re interested in learning more about modern contact lens options, schedule an appointment withNova Vision Centerfor a consultation and vision check.

What Is InfantSEE®?

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InfantSEE® is an amazing program developed by the American Optometric Association. The beauty of it is that it offers a free one-time comprehensive eye exam for infants. This program is available free to everyone. It doesn’t matter what your income is or if you don’t have insurance. However, it’s only available to children between six and 12 months of age.

What Happens During an InfantSEE® Assessment?

The optometrist will perform several non-invasive tests during an InfantSEE® exam in Falls Church, VA.

  • Visual Acuity Testing
  • Eye Movement Testing
  • External Eye and Lid Health Check
  • Pupil Response

Your optometrist will then provide you with any guidance and recommendations based on your child’s needs.

When Should I Schedule My Child’s First Eye Exam?

You should schedule your child’s first eye exam between the ages of six to 12 months. Then, at 4-5 years of age, you should schedule a vision screening test. The caveat is that if you notice something unusual, schedule an eye exam for your child immediately.

Where Can I Schedule an InfantSEE® Exam?

Early pediatric eye exams are extremely important! Early intervention will help minimize or prevent many visual issues and developmental delays. So don’t wait! You can get an InfantSEE® exam at Nova Vision Center or any other participating optometrist.

Looking for an Eye Doctor in Falls Church, VA?

Don’t wait to have your child’s eyes examined especially if you’ve noticed something that doesn’t seem quite right. Please Contact Nova Vision Center today. Let us examine your child’s eyes. Then, you can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything is OK or getting the early intervention treatment needed if it’s not.

How Long Does Vision Therapy Take?

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Vision therapy refers to a program that can boost your entire visual system. However, because it can be applied to an array of visual issues, it’s by no means one-size-fits-all. If you’re wondering how long you can expect to be in therapy, we’ll look at the specific treatment plans and conditions that affect how much time you’ll spend working on the problem.

How It Works

Visual therapy in Fall Churchs, VA, refers to non-surgical tactics that have been shown to resolve vision problems. It goes beyond contact lenses and eyeglasses and begins with customized plans that match the patient’s needs. For example, a patient with a lazy eye would undergo treatment that strengthens the non-performing eye or a person with crossed eyes would retrain both eyes to work together.

How Long Does It Last?

As you might expect, the more minor the condition, the less time you’ll spend correcting it. The most common time frame is a few months, up to 50 weeks. However, it may last as little as 10 weeks if the eyes are largely functional on their own. In addition, the rate at which a person’s eyes recover will depend on not just the person’s in-office commitment, meaning they show up to every appointment and diligently adhere to the doctor’s instructions. There will also be home exercises that typically take less than 15 minutes per day.

See an Optometrist in Falls Church, VA

If you’re interested in visual therapy, the right eye doctor in Falls Church, VA, can make a big difference. At Nova Vision Center, our staff is trained in not just traditional tactics but also how technology can be integrated for even better results. To learn more, call us about this effective alternative to surgery.

3 Dangerous Myths About Diabetes and the Eyes

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Have you been diagnosed with diabetes? If so, working with an optometrist for diabetes vision care in Falls Church is important. Unfortunately, several myths can hinder you from seeking the care you need. Take a look at a few of the most common myths and facts to know about diabetes and your visual health.

Myth: Low blood sugar does not affect the eyes.

Just as high blood glucose levels can harm your eyes and vision, so can low blood sugar levels. Individuals who experience low blood glucose levels can have several issues with their vision, including dim or blurred vision and less color sensitivity than usual.

Myth: Diabetes is not a vision concern if you are on medication.

Even if you consistently take diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar levels stabilized, it is important to seek routine vision checkups. While your blood sugar may seem stable, the condition can still affect your eyes. The more proactive you are about monitoring for changes, the less likely it will be that diabetes leads to a condition like diabetic retinopathy.

Myth: Diabetics don’t need eye exams more frequently than usual.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, having an annual eye exam is important. Normally, adults only need an eye exam every few years unless certain concerns need to be monitored. Therefore, you do need more frequent appointments.

Discuss Diabetes and Your Eyes with a Falls Church Eye Doctor

If you have diabetes, it’s important to create a care plan with an eye doctor in Falls Church. Contact the team at Nova Vision Center to schedule an appointment.

What Should I Know Before Scheduling an Appointment with Nova Vision Center?

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At Nova Vision Center in Falls Church, VA, we pride ourselves on our full-service, family-oriented vision and eye-care practice. We like to create long-term relationships with our patients, and we have been serving clients in northern Virginia for more than 70 years.

Let’s Get Acquainted

If this is your first visit—whether you are four, 14, or 40—we will want to know your vision history and whether you have a specific eye or vision problem.

Also, be prepared to share your general health history, daily routine, and medications you regularly take. If you have specific vision problems or a family history of eye or vision conditions, we will add that information to your file.

We are always happy to discuss the concerns of parents with young children. Today, we can effectively test and identify vision problems even in toddlers and prescribe corrective lenses if necessary.

Our trained specialists will advise you about options that fit your lifestyle and budget, no matter the patient’s age.

Diagnostic Efficiency

We utilize state-of-the-art equipment and modern examination tools, along with our training and experience, to assess your eye health and vision needs and recommend the best solutions or corrective lenses.

Whatever you are experiencing — difficulty reading or driving, dry or itchy eyes, or blurred vision — we can test for underlying causes, including genetic or inherited medical problems.

In addition to assessing your ability to see properly, our doctors will discuss any symptoms you report, review your treatment history, and check your current prescriptions.

Age-related Concerns

We’ll work together to determine a solution to any specific complaint, whether for you or your children.

In addition to assessing your ability to see properly today, our team is happy to discuss any concerns you have about the future, including diagnosis and treatment of progressive conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or Macular degeneration.