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.

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.

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.

When very small children clearly can’t tell you what they can and can’t see, you may wonder if you should wait until they can have a standard eye exam. We’ll look at how visual acuity testing works alongside the recommended schedule for eye exams.

Early Signs of Vision Problems

A doctor can spot vision problems in children as early as birth. While they won’t be able to tell whether your child can see the bottom row, they will check the size, shape, movement, and pupil response of the child’s eyes. They may be able to identify anything from cloudy corneas to cataracts within newborns.

Visual Acuity Testing in Children

Children between 6 months and a year old should have their eyes checked by a doctor, who will largely monitor for the same issues listed above. However, once a child is around three or four, they can usually complete more interactive tests at a pediatric eye exam in Falls Church, VA. Whether they know their letters or not, this is a good time to clarify their visual acuity. From there, regular eye exams are recommended around once a year after the age of five.

Eye Exams in Falls Church

At Nora Vision Center, our optometrists in Falls Church, VA, use age-appropriate techniques to assess your child’s visual acuity, but this is only one part of the exam. Our team is there to check for signs of lazy eye, color vision, and even neurological conditions. It’s our job to work with parents to identify issues as early as possible and intervene whenever we can, particularly if your family has a history of eye disease. Even serious visual conditions can potentially be mitigated with the right treatment, so it’s crucial to schedule regular exams for your child.