Vision care and eyeglasses in Jamaica

[courtsopticaljamaica]

What is Astigmatism and How is it Corrected

Learn more about Astigmatism

Astigmatism is one of the refractive errors of the eye that causes blurry or distorted vision. This is due to the irregularly shaped cornea or the lens, a characteristic of Astigmatism, as a result of which, light entering the eye which should focus as one single point to project a sharp, clear vision, splits and focuses at multiple points, creating blurry or distorted vision.

Apart from blurred or distorted vision, other symptoms of Astigmatism include, double vision, halos around lights, squinting to see clearly, inability to see fine details clearly, headaches, fatigue and eye strain.

How can Astigmatism be Corrected?

Eyeglasses: Eyeglasses fitted with a special cylindrical shape lens prescribed by your eye care specialist that fixes the uneven curvature of the eye.

Contact Lenses: There are special contact lenses for Astigmatism such as Toric lenses and Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses that help correct the irregular shape of the eye.

Refractive Surgery: A LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) or PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) procedures use lasers to reshape the surface of the cornea, offering a more permanent solution to Astigmatism.

The Four Main Types of Astigmatism

Regular Astigmatism: Common type of astigmatism which causes blurred or distorted vision

Irregular Astigmatism: Typically caused by an eye injury or corneal scarring

Hyperopic Astigmatism: Related to farsightedness and causes blurred vision at all distances

Myopic Astigmatism: Related to nearsightedness and causes blurry, distorted or stretched distant vision

With a professional eye examination and vision screening, you can determine the type of astigmatism the eyes have and get the correct prescription and treatment to enjoy a clear and crisp vision, free of distortions at all distances.

[courtsopticaljamaica]

What is Myopia and How Can it be Corrected?

EYE CARE - Impact of Uncorrected Myopia: Understanding the Risks

Commonly known as nearsightedness, Myopia is an eye defect where a person is able to see close objects and images clearly but finds it difficult to get a clear view of far away objects. It is one of the most common refractive errors of the eye and its cases continue to rise. As per statistics, myopia cases increased globally from 22.9% in 2000 to 34% in 2020, and is projected to reach as high as 50% by the year 2050.

What causes Myopia?

When the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, the light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it, leading to blurry distant vision. Genetics, prolonged near work such as reading, knitting or using digital devices for long hours and spending less time outdoors, all can contribute to myopia development.

Symptoms of Myopia

Distant objects appearing blurry

Difficulty to see in low-light conditions

Frequent headaches

Squinting

Eye strain

Myopia diagnosis and correction

A vision screening test can easily diagnose myopia and help you get the prescription needed to correct it. The common correction technique for myopia is prescription glasses fitted with corrective lenses that fix the refractive error and help you see clearly. These are eyeglasses with concave (minus-powered) lenses that diverge light rays to make them focus correctly on the retina. Another popular technique for correcting myopia is contact lenses which are often preferred for convenience and cosmetic reasons.

Procedure such as LASIK eye surgery reshapes the cornea using a laser, allowing light to focus correctly on the retina. Unlike prescription glasses and contact lenses, LASIK usually offers long-term myopia correction.

Managing myopia progression

Myopia may worsen with time if corrective measures and eye care is ignored. If you are having trouble seeing things clearly, visit your eye care specialist for a complete eye examination and vision screening. If you are diagnosed with myopia get your prescription glasses made with the right prescription.

If you use contact lenses, make sure to give your eyes a break from wearing them continuously for long hours and remove them before going to bed. Follow good eye hygiene and limit screen time. Wear UV protection sunglasses when outdoors during the day and eat healthy nourishing food that supports eye health. Stay hydrated and active throughout the day and go for eye checkup yearly or as directed by your eye doctor.

Myopia is a common eye condition which affects the quality of our vision but it can be easily corrected and managed. With early detection and corrective measures, it is possible to enjoy good vision and prevent future myopia related eye complications.

[courtsopticaljamaica]

Five Factors That Can Contribute to Myopia

Understanding Myopia: The Global Epidemic

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common refractive error of the eye where the close vision is clear but distant vision is blurry. There are many factors that can lead to the development and progression of myopia, especially in children and young adults. Let's take a look at top five factors that can contribute to myopia development and progression.

Genetics:

Genetic factors influence the shape and growth of the eye which can lead to a longer eyeball or a steeper cornea affecting the way light focuses in the eye, leading to myopia. Therefore, family history plays a significant role in myopia. If one or both parents have myopia, the risk of their children developing myopia is considerably higher.

Excessive Near Work:

Spending long hours on tasks that involve focusing up close such as reading, writing, knitting or using digital screens puts a lot of strain on the eyes. This excessive near work weakens eye muscles increasing the risk of myopia, especially in children who spend a lot of time indoors studying, reading or in front of their digital devices.

Limited Outdoor Activity:

Studies have shown that children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to develop myopia. Exposure to natural light and the opportunity to focus on distant objects are believed to help regulate healthy eye growth and better vision. Encourage your kids to go outdoors and participate in sports and games.

Poor Lighting:

Reading or working in dim light can put excess strain on your eyes which over time makes your eye vision poor. While performing any activity such as reading books, watching TV or even scrolling through your smartphone, make sure you are in a well-lit space. Practice good eye hygiene like keeping your eyes clean and taking frequent breaks from digital devices or work that requires you to focus on things up close. Straining your eyes for extended periods without breaks contributes to eye strain and possibly the progression of myopia.

Educational Pressure:

Students who go through intense academic competition often suffer from myopia. The combination of long study hours, indoor confinement and near-focused tasks all affect eye health and increase your chances of myopia development.

Understanding these factors is the first step toward protecting your eyes from myopia development and progression.

[courtsopticaljamaica]

Learning More About Astigmatism and It's Treatment

Understanding Astigmatism and Treating It Effectively

Astigmatism is a common vision condition where the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular shape, preventing light from focusing properly on the retina. Instead of being perfectly round like a basketball, the cornea in someone with astigmatism may be shaped more like a rugby ball. This irregular curvature causes blurred or distorted vision at all distances, and it can occur alongside other vision problems such as nearsightedness or farsightedness.

Symptoms and Causes:

People with astigmatism may experience symptoms like eye strain, headaches, squinting, or difficulty seeing clearly, especially at night. While mild astigmatism may go unnoticed, more advanced cases usually require vision correction. The exact cause of astigmatism is not always known, but it is often inherited and can be present from birth. It can also develop after an eye injury, surgery, or due to conditions like keratoconus, a progressive thinning of the cornea.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis is typically made during a routine eye exam using instruments such as a phoropter or autorefractor, which measure how the eye focuses light. A keratometer may also be used to measure the curvature of the cornea. Once diagnosed, astigmatism can be treated with several methods depending on its severity and the patient's needs.

Treatment:

The most common treatment options are prescription glasses or contact lenses. These lenses help to refocus light correctly onto the retina. Toric contact lenses are specially designed to correct astigmatism. For people looking for a more permanent solution, refractive surgery like LASIK or PRK may be an option. These procedures reshape the cornea to correct the irregular curvature and improve vision.

Astigmatism is a manageable condition and with the right diagnosis and correction, individuals can enjoy a clear and comfortable vision. Regular eye checkups are important to monitor any changes in vision and to ensure that corrective lenses and eyeglasses remain effective. Early detection and treatment can make a significant difference in maintaining good eye health and quality of life.

[courtsopticaljamaica]

Role of Eyewear Promotional Deals in Vision Health Care

Promotions and deals on eyeglasses and sunglasses

Promotional deals in the eyewear industry play a significant role in improving access to vision health care, enhancing both affordability and awareness. With the rise in digital screen usage, the need to focus on eye health care is increasing globally. In such a scenario, eyewear promotions provide an essential avenue for individuals to maintain or improve their vision health while managing costs.

Making quality eyewear affordable:

One of the primary benefits of eyewear promotional deals is the financial relief they offer. Prescription glasses and contact lenses can be expensive, especially for those with complex prescriptions or when there are frequent updates in the prescription. Promotional offers such as discounts and seasonal sales reduce eyewear cost, making high-quality lenses and frames accessible. This financial relief encourages more people to seek regular eye exams and replace outdated or damaged eyewear, contributing to improved vision health.

Access to UV protection sunglasses:

While many think of sunglasses as a fashion accessory, they can end up causing more harm than good if they are not offering adequate UV protection. By using promotional deals and discounted prices on branded sunglasses, people are able to afford quality UV protection for their eyes.

Look stylish without stressing your finances:

Those who love to stay on top of their style game know the importance of owning multiple pairs of stylish, designer sunglasses. Good quality sunglasses are expensive accessories and often people opt for cheap imitations that look great but do not offer any eye and vision health benefits like UV and glare protection. By utilizing the benefits of promotional offers on branded sunglasses, people can combine style with vision health and say goodbye to cheap knockoffs.

Eyewear promotions can also drive the adoption of newer technologies in eyewear such as lenses with blue light protection, anti-reflective coatings, or advanced prescription designs. By offering discounts, eyewear stores and brands can persuade consumers to upgrade their eyewear to more technologically advanced options, supporting long-term health benefits, especially for those who spend significant time on digital devices.

Eyewear promotional deals help the general public by offering quality eyewear in a cost-effective manner, thereby encouraging better eye care, access to advanced technologies and improved vision health.

[courtsopticaljamaica]

Role of Sunglasses in Vision Protection

UV safety month

Sunglasses play a crucial role in protecting vision and maintaining eye health. One of their primary functions is to shield the eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to various eye conditions, such as cataracts, macular degeneration and photokeratitis.

Sunglasses and UV protection - By blocking up to 100% of UVA and UVB rays, high-quality sunglasses significantly reduce the risk of vision threatening conditions and is an important investment toward long term vision health.

Sunglasses and glare protection - In addition to UV rays, sunglasses also help reduce glare. Glare is the sharp and bright reflected light that can cause temporary vision impairment and lead to mishaps, especially while driving or engaging in outdoor sports. Sunglasses with polarized lenses are designed to minimize glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, road, metal sheets and pavement, and ensure visual clarity and comfort.

Additional benefits of wearing quality sunglasses from trusted brands:

Sunglasses also protect our eyes from harsh environmental factors like strong wind, dust, debris and small bugs and insects. These tiny objects can irritate and can potentially damage the eyes. By wearing sunglasses, you create a barrier against environmental hazards present in our surroundings when we are outdoors. So, during activities like cycling, hiking or skiing make sure you have protected your eyes with UV protection polarized sunglasses.

Sunglasses also aid in reducing eye strain caused by bright sunlight that makes us squint to see clearly, causing fatigue and a constant sense of discomfort. Wearing sunglasses allows for a more relaxed vision experience, making outdoors more fun.

Sunglasses are essential not just for comfort and style but also for safeguarding vision against the harmful effects of UV radiation, glare and environmental factors. They protect our eyes and ensure long-term vision health.

[courtsopticaljamaica]

A Friendly Guide to Buying Your First Pair of Glasses

Guide to Buying Your First Pair of Glasses

Eyeglasses are one of the most used solutions for refractive errors of the eyes such as myopia and hyperopia. However, today, glasses for eyes are more than just a tool for vision correction. They are also a fashion accessory that is used to express our unique personality and style. If you are all set to buy your new pair of glasses, here are a few useful tips to help you find the right one.

Right eyeglass frame for your face shape: Different eyeglass frames complement different face shapes like a magical makeover! For round faces, angular frames might be apt and for oval faces almost anything works! Try out different frame types to figure out which one works for you the best.

Eyeglass frame materials: Eyeglass frames come in all sorts of materials like metal, plastic and acetate. Metal is light and durable, plastic is colourful and fun, and acetate is a hypoallergenic material.

Eyeglasses that go well with your lifestyle: Considering your lifestyle needs is important when it comes to picking up eyeglasses. If you’re an active soul, get the ones with flexible frames. If you go to the office and work in a professional environment, pick up a pair that looks chic and sophisticated.

Lens options for glasses: Like eyeglass frames, the lenses too come in a variety of materials. Some common ones include CR-39 that are lightweight, affordable and good for low prescriptions. Polycarbonate is high impact-resistant and ideal for sports or safety glasses. Trivex is similar to polycarbonate but with better optical quality.

Budget: Eyeglasses come in all price ranges, therefore, you must set a budget before you head to your eyewear store in Jamaica. Consider factors mentioned above like frame and lens materials to help you decide how much you would like to spend on a new pair of glasses. Balancing quality with affordability is key. You can also explore discounts and promotional deals on eyeglasses in Jamaica.

Your eyeglass frames become a part of personal style, while the lenses offer clear vision. Sleek or bold, classic or trendy, the options are many. So, take your time and get a pair that reflects your unique identity and helps you navigate through your days with style and confidence.

[courtsopticaljamaica]

Eyeglass Frame Maintenance Tips

Eyeglass Frames Related FAQs at Courts Optical Jamaica

Proper frame maintenance is essential for ensuring longevity and optimal performance of eyeglasses. Regular care not only enhances the lifespan of your eyewear but also contributes to clear vision and comfort. To maintain your eyeglass frames effectively, start by cleaning them regularly with a mild soap and water solution or a lens-cleaning solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the frame and lens material.

Always handle your eye glasses with clean hands to prevent the transfer of oily substances and dirt. Use both hands when putting on or removing your glasses to maintain proper alignment and prevent putting pressure on the frame to maintain its shape and fitting. Store your eyeglasses in a protective case when not in use to shield them from scratches, dust and potential accidents.

Inspect your eyeglass frames regularly for loose screws, misalignments or any other issues. Tighten screws gently with a small screwdriver and if you encounter significant problems, seek professional assistance from an optician. Avoid leaving your glasses in extreme temperatures, such as inside a hot car, as this can damage the frame material and the lens coating.

By incorporating these simple eyeglass frame maintenance tips into your routine, you can enjoy clearer vision and extend the life of your eyeglasses making them worth the investment.

[courtsopticaljamaica]

Why to Invest in Eye Health Care?

Eye and Vision Health Care

Investing in eye health care is not just a matter of maintaining good vision; it is a crucial investment in one's overall well-being and quality of life. Here are few compelling reasons why we need to prioritize and invest in eye health:

Preservation of Vision

Maintaining good vision is essential for carrying out daily tasks such as reading, writing, cooking, driving, and so on. Many eye conditions, like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, are progressive eye diseases and can lead to irreversible vision impairment if left untreated. Regular eye examinations can identify these conditions in their early stages, allowing for timely treatment and management.

Investing in regular eye check-ups will ensure that any early signs of eye issues can be detected and treated on time. This is essential for preserving eye health and preventing vision loss.

Overall Health

Eye health is often linked to systemic health issues such as diabetes and hypertension. A comprehensive eye exam can detect signs of these conditions, enabling early diagnosis and treatment. By managing potentially serious health issues early on, you can save money in the long run by avoiding expensive treatments. Even eye conditions when treated in their early stages are often less expensive than addressing advanced or irreversible damage. Taking care of your eyes can be a critical component of managing your overall health.

Enhanced Productivity and Improved Quality of Life

Good vision is vital for living a good quality life with high productivity. Clear vision allows you to complete your tasks without straining your eyes or making too many errors. Correcting vision problems with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery can significantly improve work efficiency and reduce eye strain. Clear vision enables us to enjoy hobbies, participate in sports, and appreciate the beauty of the world around us. By investing in eye health we can continue to enjoy these activities well into old age. Investing in eye health can boost productivity and job performance and can significantly contribute to one's quality of life

Vision problems can lead to frustration, anxiety, and even depression. Investing in eye health care can not only help preserve your eyesight, but will also help maintain emotional well-being by ensuring that you can see and engage with the world around you. Regular eye check-ups should be an integral part of everyone's healthcare routine, ensuring bright and clear days.

[courtsopticaljamaica]

How to Get Started with Eye Health Care?

6 ways to take care of your eyes

Eye health care is an essential aspect of maintaining overall well-being and quality of life. Our eyes are precious organs that allow us to experience the world around us, making it crucial to take proactive steps to preserve their health. Proper eye care involves a combination of regular check-ups, healthy lifestyle choices, and protective measures.

Regular eye check-ups: Regular eye examinations are vital for detecting any potential issues early on, even if you have no apparent vision problems. Comprehensive eye exams conducted by qualified optometrists or ophthalmologists can identify conditions like myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye diseases that may not show any noticeable symptoms in their early stages.

Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle plays a significant role in eye health care. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeaxanthin, can promote optimal eye function and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Protective eyewear: It is also important to protect our eyes from potential hazards. Whenever you are engaging in activities that could cause eye injury, such as sports, DIY projects, or handling hazardous substances, make sure to wear protective eyewear to prevent accidents that could lead to vision impairment.

Reduce screen time:

In today's digital age, prolonged exposure to digital screens can strain our eyes, leading to digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. Employing the 20-20-20 rule, which involves looking away from the screen every 20 minutes at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds, can help alleviate eye strain. Also, try to make a conscious effort to reduce your screen time and replace it with other activities.

Regular eye exams, a healthy diet, active lifestyle, protective eyewear, and good screen habits are all crucial elements in maintaining optimal eye health. By adopting these practices, we can enjoy clear vision and a better quality of life for years to come. Learn more about eye health care!

[courtsopticaljamaica]

Contact lenses are used to correct refractive errors of the eye as well as to temporarily change the eye colour. For those who have weak eyesight, it is a great alternative to eyeglasses. For someone who has never tried lenses before, switching to contact lenses from eyeglasses can be a slightly intimidating experience. Don't worry, your contact lens dispensing optician will show you how to wear and remove your lenses safely and how to properly care for them. Apart from that, new lens users will also have many questions regarding contact lenses. Here are few of them:

Q1. Can contact lenses cause eye injection? Ans: As long as the wearer follows proper lens hygiene and care, contact lenses are perfectly safe to wear everyday.

Q2. Can lenses be washed with water? Ans. Never use water to clean your lenses or the lens case. Always use a good lens solution to clean and store your lenses.

Q3. Can we sleep with our lenses on? Ans. Always make sure to remove your lenses before you go to sleep.

If you feel a burning sensation or irritation in your eyes, wash your hands and remove your lenses immediately. Never wear your lenses past its expiration date. With practice and patience, you will become a pro at wearing your contact lenses in no time. Here are a few more contact lens FAQs to make your eyeglasses to contact lens transition smoother.

[courtsopticaljamaica]

Our eyes can tell a lot about our overall health. For example, a blurry vision could be an indication of uncontrolled diabetes, and a ring around your cornea could be a sign of dangerously high cholesterol. This is why it is so important to get your eyes examined regularly. A comprehensive eye examination consists of vision screening, internal and external eye check-up, eye pressure test and additional tests if required.

This simple examination will last 20 to 30 minutes and has the ability to detect not only eye related issues, but can also pick early signs of serious health concerns, which could otherwise go unnoticed. These include autoimmune disorders, sickle cell disease, diabetes, liver disease, multiple sclerosis, thyroid disease, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological or brain disorders.

With early diagnosis of underlying conditions, treatment can begin on time which is not only necessary for its effectiveness, but also important to avoid further worsening of the condition. If it has been a while since you had your eyes checked, visit your eye care specialist for a complete eye examination. Read about 8 things your eyes reveal about your health.

[courtsopticaljamaica]

How often do you get your eyes checked? We usually tend to ignore our eye health and do not give it the importance it deserves. Because of this, many eye conditions advance to a more severe state without us even noticing them. If you have been thinking of giving your eye care specialist a visit, but have questions and doubts, then the following FAQs might help:

Q. How often should I have my eyes tested? A. At least every 2 years, or more frequently if recommended by your Optometrist/Ophthalmologist.

Q. I'm buying new eyeglasses. Do I need another eye exam? A. If you have a prescription that is less than six months old, and is stamped by your Optometrist or Ophthalmologist then you don’t need another eye screening to make a purchase. If your prescription is older than six months then you must get your eyes examined again before purchasing new glasses.

Q. How long does an eye exam take? A. About 15 minutes to 30 minutes depending on the individual, but typically you should expect it to last around 20 – 30 minutes.

Regular eye check-ups help in early detection of eye conditions so proper treatment can start on time to avoid your eye health from worsening. An added advantage of regular eye examination is that it can also help detect other underlying health conditions that you aren’t aware of, such as Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, and even some brain tumours. Hope this was helpful!

[courtsopticaljamaica]

Myopia or near-sightedness and hyperopia farsightedness are two of the most common refractive errors of the eye that leads to poor vision. Thankfully, these eye disorders can be easily corrected with prescription eyeglasses. As the name suggests, prescription eyeglasses have corrective lenses prescribed by an eye care specialist. The prescription on each lens is specific to the eye its meant to correct the vision for. The corrective lenses are created to fix the refractive error in the eye’s natural lens and provide clear vision.

You could be requiring a pair of prescription glasses if:

You have eye strain or fatigue

Frequent headaches

Poor night vision

Blurry vision

If you see halos around objects

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, visit your eye care professional for vision screening and eye examination.

[courtsopticaljamaica]

If you are someone who needs to work in front of your laptop or computer screen for long hours then you are overexposing your eyes to blue light. Blue light is present everywhere with sun being its natural source and all our digital devices like television, smartphones, laptops and tablets being its artificial source. Blue light has its own set of benefits such us keeping us alert, elevating our mood and helping with memory and cognitive functions. However, an overexposure can be bad news for our eyes.

To protect your eyes from blue light overexposure while using digital devices, make sure to:

Take frequent breaks

Wear blue light protection eyewear

Don't forget to blink

Stay hydrated

Eat healthy and stay active

Excessive amount of blue light entering our eyes can cause serious eye problems later on in life. Taking such easy-to-follow steps can make a big difference in your eye and vision health. Learn more about blue light protection and anti-reflective lenses.

[courtsopticaljamaica]

Eye conditions are of different types. Some of them are simple to fix and others are more complicated. For example, myopia or nearsightedness and hyperopia or farsightedness can be easily corrected through the use of prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. One can even opt for LASIK surgery to resolve such refraction errors of the eye. On the other hand, eye conditions like glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration cannot be cured. Such eye conditions need immediate medical attention as early treatment plays an important role in slowing down their progression so vision damage can be limited.

Then there are other eye conditions that are a result of different health issues. For example, if one has diabetes, then it can lead to a condition called Diabetic Retinopathy, where the retina of the eye is damaged by complications of diabetes mellitus. This is a serious eye problem and can eventually lead to blindness. The best way to protect our eyes from various types of eye conditions is to follow a healthy active lifestyle and go for regular eye examinations as recommended by your healthcare professional. Learn more about eye health conditions here!

[courtsopticaljamaica]

Our eyes are continuously producing and draining a fluid known as aqueous humor. When the drainage of this fluid does not take place correctly, it leads to fluid build-up in the eye causing elevated levels of eye pressure. An increase in eye pressure, also known as intraocular pressure leads to optic nerve damage causing the vision damaging eye condition known as glaucoma.

If you have a family history of glaucoma or have diabetes and high blood pressure, you are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma. It is important to detect the onset of glaucoma at the early stages to stop vision damage from getting worse. For this reason, a regular eye check-up that includes eye pressure test is necessary. If you think you are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma, get in touch with your eye care professional to discuss your concerns. Learn more on glaucoma here!