Contact Lens Eye Exams in Concord, Ontario

Though tempting, wearing contact lenses while swimming can leave your eyes vulnerable to contamination by harmful bacteria and chemicals present in the water. This can result in eye irritation, infections and sight-threatening conditions such as corneal ulcers. Moreover, swimming in contact lenses may alter their shape, causing blurred vision and discomfort.

If you absolutely must wear contact lenses to swim, opt for daily disposables and combine them with waterproof swimming goggles. Alternately, you can wear prescription goggles to see clearly underwater.

Why Should I Avoid Wearing Contact Lenses While Swimming?

Swimming pools, rivers, oceans, and other bodies of water (including tap water) are laden with bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms—many of which can harm your eyes. The soft contact lenses’ porous material easily absorbs chemicals and bacteria, increasing the risk of eye irritation and infection.

One of the more harmful organisms often found in water sites is Acanthamoeba, which, when in contact with your contact lenses can potentially lead to eye infections. This condition, called Acanthamoeba Keratitis, may cause permanent vision loss and even require a corneal transplant to recover lost vision if not treated early enough.

Moreover, contact lenses absorb water, causing their shape to change. This results in contact lens discomfort as well as blurred and distorted vision.

What if I must wear contact lenses to swim?

If, for whatever reason, you must wear contact lenses to swim, consider wearing daily disposables together with waterproof swimming goggles. Aside from protecting your vision, goggles reduce the risk of your contacts dislodging from your eyes.

Because water hosts many potentially harmful microorganisms, daily contact lenses allow you to swim in lenses without needing to sterilize them afterward. Just insert them prior to heading into the water and dispose of them immediately after.

If at any point during your swim, you feel eye discomfort, immediately remove the lenses.

For more advice on swimming with contact lenses, speak with Dr. Lowy at Lowy & Sewell Eye Care in Concord, Ontario today.

What are the Alternatives to Wearing Contact Lenses For Swimming?

Custom-made prescription swimming goggles are a worthwhile investment for regular swimmers.

Just like glasses, they correct refractive errors, such as myopia (shortsightedness or nearsightedness), hyperopia (longsightedness or farsightedness) and presbyopia. Moreover, prescription goggles are sealed so that water doesn’t come into contact with your eyes. This allows you to see clearly underwater without any risk of contamination.

Certain brands conveniently offer ready-made prescription swimming goggles. But prior to making the purchase, we advise that you check the goggles against your prescription to make sure they match.

Dr. Lowy at Lowy & Sewell Eye Care will be happy to advise you on your best eyewear options for swimming and other activities you enjoy.

What if Water Comes Into Contact With My Contact Lenses?

In the event that water comes into contact with your lenses, make sure to immediately remove, clean and disinfect your contact lenses. This will reduce your risk of eye irritation and other complications.

Contact Dr. Lowy immediately if you experience prolonged eye irritation or sensitivity to light after wearing your contact lenses in water.

Lowy & Sewell Eye Care serves patients from Concord, throughout Ontario.

We offer the best eye care services for you & your family. Most vision and medical insurances accepted.

Q: Are disposable contact lenses good for my eyes?

• A: They’re perfectly fine, but it all depends on your eyes. Each person has a different tolerance level to contact lenses. Speak with your eye doctor to determine whether contacts are a good option for you.

Q: What are the advantages of daily disposable contact lenses?

• A: Daily disposable contact lenses are great for many reasons. The possibility of infection diminishes since a new sterile lens is inserted every day. In other words, there’s no need to clean the lens or case. Dailies are also a great option for patients that have allergies, contact lens solution sensitivities and dry eye, as it eliminates the build-up of contaminants on the lenses that can exacerbate those problems. Dailies make for a low-maintenance and comfortable option for any patient!

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Lowy & Sewell Eye Care for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.

Eye Care and Glasses in Concord, Ontario

So many of life’s moments are worth capturing. Whether it’s seeing a magnificent mountain during a hike, your favorite band in concert or the smiling faces of family and friends, a perfect pair of lenses can help you see your world with clarity, comfort, and enjoyment.

Do you love to run outdoors during the day? Do you spend most of your working hours in front of the computer? No matter your lifestyle, Lowy & Sewell Eye Care offers plenty of lens options to choose from to suit your every need.

Without further ado, let’s explore the different lens types below:

Single Vision

Single vision lenses are ideal for those with myopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism. Nowadays, lenses are digitally surfaced— meaning that the eye doctor, Dr. Lowy, will take specific measurements to optimize your lenses for your unique visual needs. Compare this to having your suit customized and tailored according to your measurements versus buying a suit off the rack. The obvious choice is clear!

Progressive

Goodbye bifocals and hello progressives! Progressive lenses are an amazing piece of engineering, as they allow multiple vision fields to be incorporated into a single lens. That is, you see clearly both near and far and seamlessly transition at distances in between. Unlike bifocals, these lenses don’t have a line separating near and distance prescriptions — progressive lenses blend the prescriptions. This increases comfort and is an obvious choice for those who switch from activity to activity— such as driving to reading something close up. Furthermore, these lenses provide a sleek, sharp and youthful appearance.

Computer Vision

We live in a digital world and extended screen time is rapidly becoming the norm. When working at your computer for any length of time, it’s not uncommon to experience blurred vision, eye strain, red eyes, and other symptoms. Many try to compensate for their blurred vision by leaning forward, or by tipping their head to look through the bottom portion of their glasses.

If you regularly work at your desktop or laptop, consider getting computer vision lenses. Computer glasses typically have 60% of the magnifying power of reading glasses. But the optimal magnification will depend on how far you’d like to sit from your computer screen and digital devices. These lenses reduce eye strain, blurred vision and unnatural posture that can result in neck and back pain.

Lens Enhancements

You can further customize your lenses with lens enhancements. These protect your lenses from scratches, reduce reflection and smudges, protect your eyes against UV rays, and diminish exposure to blue light.

Anti-reflective (AR) coating

Anti-reflective coating, also known as AR, or non-glare, is a coating that, when applied to the surface of the lens, reduces the amount of glare that reflects off your lenses.

It also allows more light to pass through your lenses to your eye, resulting in clearer and sharper vision.

Because of reduced glare, people will be able to actually see your eyes and not just your lenses, whether in person or in photos. Furthermore, because your vision will be sharper and clearer, you’ll be placing less strain on your eyes in order to see.

Light-reactive lenses

Many people find it a hassle to switch between prescription sunglasses and regular specs. Carrying a pair of each also means that you also have a higher chance of losing one of the pairs. Some may forget to bring their sunglasses along altogether!

The solution? Light-refractive lenses! Also known as photochromic lenses, these prescription lenses cleverly adapt to lighting conditions: when indoors, the lenses are clear, but as soon as you step outside into bright, natural light, they darken, providing you with 100% UV protection.

Photochromics are versatile and are perfect for practically any occasion. Whether for golf or tennis players, where good vision is as crucial as comfort and protection, or when switching between outdoor sports activities and the classroom.

Blue Light Reduction

Many of us have been staring at screens for a large part of our lives, especially in the last 10-15 years, as smartphones, computers, and laptops have become ever more prevalent. The average office worker spends almost 1,700 hours per year in front of a computer screen. And that’s just when we’re at the office— let’s add to that the amount of time we spend staring at our phones before, during, and after work hours.

All of this screen time can result in digital eye strain, a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged use of digital devices or computers. This can result in blurred vision, dry eyes, headaches, neck and shoulder pain.

Blue light lens enhancements help alleviate any eye strain that results from exposure to the dangerous blue light emitted by sunlight or the display screens of computers, smartphones, and other digital devices. Blue light coating provides relief from sore, irritated, tired eyes so that you can keep working, cramming for exams, reading online, or binge-watching your favorite show in comfort.

If you are seeking a new pair of glasses or are deciding on new lenses, the staff at Lowy & Sewell Eye Care will work with you to find the perfect frames and lenses to match your personal style and lifestyle. Our team is dedicated to providing the vision care needs of our patients in the Concord, Ontario area, and fitting you for the right eyewear is an important part of our comprehensive eye care services.

Q: Can I borrow and use someone else’s glasses?

• A: Most glasses are spefically customized for a particular patient. If you are wearing someone’s glasses, it could improve your vision some, but it will not give you the crisp clear vision that a personalized pair of glasses does.

Q: Are glasses better for my eyes than contact lenses?

• A: Glasses are better because you do not have a foreign material resting on your eyes, however with advancements in technology contact lens material have become very healthy.

Quality Frames For Prescription Glasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Lowy & Sewell Eye Care for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.

Contact Lens Exam at Lowy & Sewell Eye Care

Some parents may deny their teens’ requests for purchasing contact lenses, thinking they’re too young. So it may come as a surprise to hear that the FDA deems it safe for children as young as 8 to wear certain types of contact lenses. Caring for and inserting contacts requires some maturity, and each parent must decide if their child is prepared for that level of responsibility. If your child is interested in wearing contact lenses, Dr. Lowy can guide both you and your child down the path to achieving clear and comfortable ‘glasses-free’ vision.

What Makes a Teen Ready For Contact Lenses?

Before deciding whether your teen is ready to wear contacts, consider the following:

Hygiene

Maintaining proper hygiene is crucial for contact lens wearers of all ages. They must thoroughly wash their hands before they insert, remove or clean their lenses. Furthermore, contact lenses are in constant contact with protein molecules in the tears, which leads to protein buildup on the lens surface. This can cause the eyes to feel irritated and itchy, and even cause an infection. Examine your teen’s personal hygiene habits, and discuss the importance of caring for lenses properly and safely.

Adherence to Recommended Wear Time

One of the biggest causes of eye infection in those who wear contact lenses is overuse. Your teen must be able to understand and follow the recommended wearing schedule. If wearing a bi-weekly or monthly disposable lens, they would need to keep track of when to discard the current pair of lenses and open a new pair. Additionally, wearing contacts longer than recommended (such as overnight) can deprive the eyes of oxygen, which can lead to corneal damage.

Daily disposable contact lenses are a great choice for first-time contact lens wearers since users discard them daily, after each use, and don’t need to clean the lenses.

Pre-Existing Eye Conditions

If your child has allergies, dry eye, frequent bouts of pink eye or eye infections, speak with Dr. Lowy to determine whether contact lenses might increase their risk of these conditions.

Why Some Teens Prefer Contact Lenses

Contact lenses offer various benefits that your teen doesn’t experience with glasses. Someone who wears glasses may think twice before participating in some physical activities or sports for fear of losing or damaging their glasses. If your teen enjoys sports or outdoor activities, wearing contact lenses can relieve this fear.

Additionally, contact lenses provide clear peripheral vision, while glasses do not. In some cases of a teen or child with a very high prescription, contact lenses can offer clearer and more natural vision than standard glasses. Soft contact lenses are suitable for a wide range of prescriptions and astigmatisms and could be a great choice for your teen.

Moreover, eyewear — or lack thereof — is an essential part of a teen’s image and personal style. Most teens like the idea of having the option to wear either glasses or contacts.

If you think your teen is ready for contact lenses, we’d be happy to help them find the perfect pair for their individual lifestyle and visual needs. At Lowy & Sewell Eye Care, we offer a wide variety of frames and contact lenses, so that every teen who comes to us leaves with eyewear that makes them feel confident while offering them the clearest and most comfortable vision possible.

Q: What are the latest trends in contact lenses?

• A: Many contact lens manufacturers are now producing “daily” disposable contact lenses. These are lenses that are inserted in the morning and thrown away at night. This style of contact lens wear is both convenient and healthy. With these lenses, patients buy less solutions and don’t have to keep up with how old their lenses are and when to change them. Daily disposables are also beneficial in causing less allergy and dryness while reducing the risks of infection. Daily lenses are now offered in all types of prescriptions from distance vision to astigmatism and multifocal/bifocal prescriptions.

Q: Can I wear contacts while I sleep?

• A: Generally, we do not recommend sleeping in contact lenses on a regular or prolonged basis. The eye is a dark, warm place while you are sleeping. Bacteria thrive in dark, warm places. There are contact lenses FDA approved to sleep in, but they should always be removed and thoroughly disinfected every week.

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Lowy & Sewell Eye Care for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.

Designer Sunglasses & Optical Frames at Lowy & Sewell Eye Care

Prescription sports sunglasses aren’t just for professional athletes. Anyone who enjoys playing sports outdoors should invest in a quality pair of prescription sports sunglasses. These specialized glasses are meant for anyone who wears glasses or contact lenses and engages in outdoor sports activities.

Below are our top 5 reasons prescription sports sunglasses protect your eyes and give you a competitive edge.

1. UV Protection

Exposing your eyes to the sun’s harmful UV light can have damaging effects, potentially leading to cataracts, eye cancers, macular degeneration, photokeratitis (eye sunburn) and growths on the skin around the eyes.

Beyond the regular prescription sports sunglasses, you can find wraparounds that block out UV light from all directions, preventing the rays from entering your eye from the sides.

2. Polarized and Other Custom Features

When ordering a pair of prescription sports sunglasses, you can choose from a variety of frames and lenses. Many athletes and outdoor enthusiasts benefit from polarized lenses or anti-reflective coatings to reduce surface glare and increase clarity and contrast.

You can also select a color to tint the lenses based on the sport you play. For example, yellow or orange tinted lenses can help golfers see the ball against the green grass or blue sky.

Whether you’re fishing, running, cycling, rock-climbing or skiing, you can customize your prescription lenses to suit your specific sport or outdoor activity.

3. Eye Safety

Millions of children and adults sustain sports-related eye injuries each year. A whopping 90% of those accidents could have been prevented with the proper protective eyewear.

Prescription sports sunglasses are made with ultra-durable materials based on shatter-resistant technology to protect your eyes from injury. Playing sports that include balls, racquets, bats, sticks or pucks all pose potential danger to your eyes.

Speak to your optometrist about the risks involved in your individual sport, and how prescription sports sunglasses can help keep your eyes safe.

4. Heightened Comfort

Prescription sports sunglasses fit securely on your face and may be accompanied with a band, so you don’t have to worry about having them fall off or moving around. Furthermore, they shield your eyes from wind, dust and debris, so you can keep your eyes on the game—and not on your eyes.

5. Improved Performance

By wearing protective sports sunglasses, you can become a better athlete! And it’s not just a matter of opinion—research shows that athletes with the clearest, most comfortable vision often perform at a higher level. Moreover, feeling safe and confident further boosts an athlete’s performance.

Prescription sports sunglasses can help you see finer details, improve contrast and increase precision.

If you or your child participate in outdoor sports, we can help advise on the most suitable sports glasses, whether or not a prescription is needed. To schedule an appointment or learn more about what we offer, call Lowy & Sewell Eye Care in Concord today!

Q: How do I choose the best prescription sports sunglasses?

• A: When it comes to prescription sports eyewear, you may want to avoid the risks involved with online shopping. Instead, head over to your local optical practice and have the optometrist guide you through your options. Each sport has varying visual requirements, and Dr. Lowy will ensure your prescription is up to date.

Q: Do all children need protective sports sunglasses?

• A: Yes! If your child plays outdoor sports, they should be wearing protective eyewear. Even children whose eyesight is perfect benefit from sports sunglasses that protect their eyes from sunlight exposure and injury. Speak to us about ways to keep your child’s eyes safe and healthy while playing sports.

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Lowy & Sewell Eye Care for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.

Eye Care & Designer Frames in Concord

Eye doctors are trained to detect a wide range of ocular problems during a comprehensive eye exam. But did you know that they can often diagnose general health conditions just by examining your eyes?

That’s yet another reason to go for regular eye exams, even if your eyesight is perfect.

Here are 5 health problems that your eye doctor may find while performing a thorough eye exam.

Diabetes

During an eye exam, your eye doctor may notice damaged blood vessels at the back of your eye. This is common among diabetic patients, in a condition called diabetic retinopathy.

In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy doesn’t usually cause noticeable symptoms, so you may not know you have it.

The earlier it’s diagnosed and managed, the better your chances of preserving your eyesight.

High Blood Pressure

Elevated blood pressure can cause the blood vessels at the back of your eye to change shape or leak. These changes tell your eye doctor that you may be suffering from high blood pressure. Once your blood pressure is under control, the risks of other eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy are reduced.

High Cholesterol

Patients with high cholesterol sometimes develop a yellow or bluish ring around their cornea. High cholesterol levels may also be detected if deposits are found in the blood vessels in the retina.

In certain cases, an eye doctor may be able to tell whether a person is at high risk of having a stroke or other vascular incident caused by high cholesterol, simply by looking at their eyes.

Cancer

Some forms of cancer either originate in the eye or manifest in or near the eye.

• Common skin cancers may be present on the outer surfaces of the eye or the eyelids.
• Leukemia or lymphoma can cause changes to the interior of the eye.
• Breast cancer and other bodily cancers can metastasize and spread to the eye.

Thyroid Disease

If your eyeballs are bulging or protruding from eyelids that seem to be retracting, your eye doctor will suspect an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), which is often caused by Grave’s Disease. This autoimmune condition affects the muscles and tissues around the eye, and symptoms may also include dry eyes, blurry vision or vision loss.

Several medical conditions, including those mentioned above, may begin with no discernible symptoms. Left undiagnosed or untreated, they can quickly become serious or even life-threatening. The earlier a condition is discovered, the better the outcome.

Make sure to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Lowy & Sewell Eye Care in Concord, even if you’re not experiencing any obvious vision problems. Eye exams are a simple yet important way to protect your eye and general health.

Q: How often should I have an eye exam?

• A: It’s important to have regular eye exams every one or two years, or as recommended by your eye doctor. Children should also have regular eye exams so that any vision-related problems are detected early on.

Q: What does my eye doctor look for during an exam?

• A: During an eye exam, your eye doctor can detect a refractive error like nearsightedness or farsightedness, and may also be able to identify possible signs of diabetes, high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, stroke, leukemia, and several other conditions.

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Lowy & Sewell Eye Care for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.

Does A Baby Need Sunglasses?

Did you ever stop to think, “should my baby wear sunglasses?”

The answer is yes. While adults know the benefits of sunglasses, many parents aren’t aware that a baby’s eyes are especially vulnerable to the sun’s harmful UV rays.

At Lowy & Sewell Eye Care we care about you and your family’s eyes. We help patients of all ages find sunglasses that protect their eyes while making them look and feel great.

Why Should My Baby Wear Sunglasses?

Sunglasses protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. Ultraviolet light is linked to the development of macular degeneration, cataracts, benign growths on the sclera (the white of the eye), corneal sunburn, and even eyelid cancers.

But did you know that babies and children are even more vulnerable to UV light than adults? Because children’s eye lenses are clearer than in adults’, 70% more UV light penetrates the eye. Without protection, the damage done by UV rays accumulates over time, leading to an increased risk of permanent eye damage or disease in adulthood.

It’s no wonder that an estimated 80% of UV eye damage in our lifetime occurs by the age of 18!

What to Look for When Purchasing Sunglasses for Your Baby

When buying sunglasses, keep these tips in mind:

UVA and UVB protection – Look for sunglasses that filter at least 95% of UVA and UVB rays. 100% blockage is even better.

Polarization – Polarization leads objects to appear sharper and reduces glare. Keep in mind that that polarization isn’t the same as UV protection.

Wraparound – Sunglasses that wrap around a child’s head prevent light from entering the eye from the sides.

Color – Lenses should be gray-tinted so they don’t interfere with your child’s ability to recognize colors.

Safety and Security – Because babies and toddlers can be rough with sunglasses, make sure you choose ones that don’t break easily. For optimal safety, get polycarbonate lenses as they’re impact-resistant. You’ll also want the sunglasses to stay on your baby’s face, so make sure you select those that include a Velcro strap or a band that holds the two ends together.

Whenever you feel that you should be wearing sunglasses, your baby should be wearing them, too. Whether they’re in a stroller or baby carrier, their eyes need to be protected from potential UV damage.

We at Lowy & Sewell Eye Care care about your child’s eyes. Stop by Lowy & Sewell Eye Care in Concord for help and advice on choosing the perfect pair of sunglasses for your baby.

Q: When should my baby wear sunglasses?

• A: Sunglasses aren’t just for the summer. Protect your baby’s eyes with sunglasses year-round.

Q: How do I get my baby to keep their sunglasses on?

• A: The earlier your child is introduced to sunglasses, the more natural they’ll feel. Also, make sure the sunglasses fit well and don’t pinch. No one likes to wear a pair of sunglasses that aren’t comfortable, so why would your baby?

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Lowy & Sewell Eye Care for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.

Eye Care and Optical Store in Concord, Ontario

How can I get rid of reflections on my glasses?

If you’re experiencing annoying reflections on your lenses, have your optician replace the lenses with ones that include an anti-reflective coating (AR coating). Though this will come at an extra cost, the AR coating will help you see more clearly, let others see your eyes better and eliminate annoying glare spots on your lenses.

I’d like to know more about the glasses that transform into sunglasses.

Glasses that transform into sunglasses when in direct sunlight are known as photochromic lenses. The lenses darken once exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation (UV) rays and progressively return to their clear state when no longer exposed to these rays.

Photochromic lenses are an excellent choice for those who wear glasses all day and regularly spend time outdoors, yet don’t want to invest in a pair of prescription sunglasses.

However, it’s important to note that most photochromic lenses don’t darken as well when inside a vehicle. The windshield glass blocks much of the UV required to initiate the lens darkening process. Thus, it’s best to get a separate pair of prescription sunglasses for driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I choose glasses that my child will actually want to wear?

If you want your child to wear glasses, get him or her to pick them out. Whenever children choose glasses frames that they like and feel good wearing, they are much more likely to enjoy wearing them.

How can I prolong the life of my eyeglasses?

Below are a few tips to keep your glasses in great condition:

• If you’re buying a single pair of glasses, avoid trendy frames that could soon go out of vogue.
• If your child’s prescription changes regularly, ask for the new lenses to be placed in the old frames, rather than purchasing new frames every time.
• Buy frames with spring hinges. These allow the temples to slightly flex outward without breaking the glasses.
• Apply scratch-resistant coating to the lenses.

Why do certain glasses leave indents on the sides of my nose?

When nose pads are maladjusted or too tight, they leave indents. Fortunately, this problem can be easily solved with a few adjustments by an optician who will ensure that the pair of glasses evenly distributes pressure on the nose, head width, and ears.

Why do my glasses cause pain behind my ears?

If the arms of the frame are bent too tightly around the ears, you will experience aches behind the ears. Ask your optician to loosen the arms and adjust them as needed for maximum comfort.

My glasses keep sliding off my nose. What should I do?

If your glasses aren’t sitting comfortably on your face, then there’s clearly an adjustment problem. Visit Lowy & Sewell Eye Care in Concord to adjust the frame width and bridge size.

How do I keep my glasses clean?

The most efficient method for cleaning glasses is to run them under water; place a tiny drop of dishwashing soap on the lenses and lather them using the tip of your finger. Rinse with warm water and dry using a microfibre cloth. Keep your lenses away from chemicals and high temperatures, as they can destroy the protective coating on your lenses.

Q: Why should I see an eye doctor when I can easily pick up an inexpensive pair of eyeglasses at the store?

• A: You should visit your eye doctor for several reasons.Routine eye exams are the only way to detect underlying diseases (i.e. glaucoma) in their early stages. When caught early, they can be more effectively treated before permanent vision loss occurs. Furthermore, the one-size-fits-all reading glasses that you find at a regular store doesn’t correct for astigmatism or those with differing eye prescriptions. This is something only an eye doctor, such as Dr. Lowy, can provide.

Q: When buying reading glasses at a pharmacy or corner store, how do I know which prescription to get?

• A: Off-the-shelf glasses should only be used for emergency situations, as they can’t perfectly correct your prescription. That said, it is recommended to get a slightly weaker correction than your usual prescription.

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Lowy & Sewell Eye Care for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.

Lowy & Sewell Eye Care Offers You The Very Best In Eye Care

If you’re like most people, your eyeglasses are your window to the world and an expression of your personal style. You chose them with care, and now you want to ensure that your investment lasts.

Here are our top tips for keeping your glasses in tip-top shape.

Handle Them Carefully

When removing your glasses, firmly hold them by the corner of the temples to avoid accidentally bending the temples and earpieces.

Be sure to never set them down directly on the lenses. Instead, lay them with the lenses facing upward.

Clean Them Properly and Often

Don’t wipe your glasses with the bottom of your shirt or a tissue. Using anything but a microfiber cloth to wipe them can transfer dirt to your lenses.

Furthermore, cleaning your lenses while they’re dry can scratch them. Instead, wash away debris and dirt with clean tap water and a drop of dish soap or eyeglass cleaner provided by your eye doctor. Never use hot water, as it can damage or strip the lenses of certain coatings.

Let your glasses air dry or dry them with a clean microfiber cloth. Paper towels and tissues may be too abrasive.

Cleaning your specs daily will help keep them in optimal condition.

Store Them Safely

Keep your glasses in a hardshell case whenever they aren’t on your face. Hard cases protect your specs from being bent, crushed, scratched, or soiled.

If you prefer a less bulky case, consider storing your glasses in a microfiber pouch and placing them in a safe place where they won’t be disturbed.

Store your glasses in the same place every time to reduce your chance of losing them. Never leave your glasses in a hot car — the heat can damage or warp the lenses.

Glasses that are well-maintained provide the best in visual clarity and comfort. Scratched lenses or misaligned earpieces can cause eyestrain when worn for extended periods of time.

If your glasses (or eyes) need a little TLC, we can help. To schedule an eye exam or ask any questions about proper eyeglass upkeep, call Lowy & Sewell Eye Care in Concord today!

Q: Can I use a standard glass cleaner to clean my eyewear?

• A: Absolutely not. Cleaning solutions like window cleaner, ammonia, and bleach can ruin any specialized coatings on your lenses. Also, don’t use saliva. Spitting on your lenses can introduce substances like oil and bacteria — not things you want on your lenses.

Q: How often should I replace my glasses?

• A: When worn and cared for properly, a good pair of glasses should last between 1-3 years, assuming your lens prescription doesn’t change. Of course, feel free to get some new frames whenever you want to spruce up your look.

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Lowy & Sewell Eye Care for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.

Eye Care & Optical | Lowy & Sewell Eye Care

Babies heavily rely on their vision to explore and learn about the world around them. But what many don’t realize is that vision is a learned skill, just like walking and talking. Without a healthy vision, babies who grow into toddlers may not be able to reach some developmental milestones on time or may find ordinary activities very challenging.

That’s why it’s so critical to check that your child’s eyes and vision are developing as they should. Below are some warning signs that parents and caregivers should keep an eye out for, as it may signal the need to visit an optometrist.

To schedule an eye exam for your baby, toddler or anyone else in your family, Lowy & Sewell Eye Care in Concord is here for you.

Signs That May Indicate a Vision Problem In Infants

If your baby displays any of the following signs and symptoms, consult with your pediatrician or your eye doctor.

• Eye turn, when one eye turns inward, outward, up or down
• Excessive tearing or watery eyes
• White or grayish coloring in the pupil
• Crustiness or pus around either eye
• Persistent eye redness
• Extreme light-sensitivity
• Very droopy eyelids
• Eyes that rapidly move from side to side or up and down
• Eye pain or discomfort that doesn’t resolve
• Squinting or head tilting
• Difficulty maintaining eye contact

Visual Milestones to Keep in Mind

Below are a few examples of visual milestones that are important to achieve as your baby develops into a toddler within the first 2 years of life.

0-4 Months

When babies are born, they are usually able to focus on objects that are about 9 inches away (the distance between their eyes and their parent’s face while being held or during breastfeeding).

Within a few months, vision rapidly improves, allowing them to track moving objects with their eyes and develop the beginnings of hand-eye coordination.

If you notice that your newborn’s eyes appear to be crossed or if one eye turns outward at times, this is usually no cause for concern and will likely resolve as their visual system strengthens. However, just to be sure, consider scheduling an exam with your pediatrician or eye doctor.

After 3 to 4 months, babies should be able to track moving objects and reach for things.

5-8 Months

Babies begin to see the world in 3 dimensions at around 5 months. Depth and color perception are new visual skills that evolve during these months.

This is also the stage when most babies learn to crawl. Crawling supports a baby’s hand-foot-body coordination and may help strengthen their visual system. As babies crawl, they look up into the distance and then back at their hands, and up again. Constantly shifting their points of focus in coordination with their own movement helps develop their binocular vision and hand-eye coordination.

9-12 Months

By this stage, a baby should be able to pick up small objects with their thumb and forefinger.

Most babies will also try to pull themselves up to a standing position and may try to walk. Encourage your baby to crawl as much as possible, as this bolsters their hand-eye coordination and binocular vision.

A baby this age should be able to judge distances pretty well.

12-24 Months

Hand-eye coordination is well developed by the age of 2. Toddlers this age are able to recognize faces and point out objects in a picture book.

What Can Parents Do For Their Baby’s Visual Health?

Babies need visual stimulation in order to develop a healthy visual system. Parents and caregivers should engage in age-appropriate activities that will boost their visual development.

For example, provide the baby with plenty of free time to play with toys on the floor. Talk to your baby as you walk around the room to help develop their visual tracking skills. Read books and point to objects. Give your child building blocks and balls that support visual-spatial skills and fine motor skills.

Of course, all babies develop at their own speed — and that’s fine. Some healthy babies may not reach every milestone right on the mark. The best way to learn whether your child’s visual system is developing normally is to have them assessed by an optometrist.

If you suspect that your baby may have a visual problem, bring them in for an evaluation with Dr. Lowy. Generally, the earlier visual problems are diagnosed, the better the outcome. Whether you suspect a visual problem or not, all babies should have their eyes examined when they reach 6 months.

To schedule your baby’s eye exam, contact Lowy & Sewell Eye Care in Concord today!

Q: How often should babies and children have their eyes checked?

• A: All babies should have their first eye exam at 6 months of age, even if no visual problems are suspected. During the eye exam, the eye doctor will check for things like farsightedness, nearsightedness, astigmatism, eye alignment, and eye movement ability. If no problem is detected, and your child’s eyes continue to be healthy, your optometrist will let you know when is the best time for their next eye exam.

Q: What are the most common vision problems in babies and toddlers?

• A: The most common vision problems in babies and toddlers are refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism), strabismus (eye turn), amblyopia (lazy eye), congenital abnormalities, genetic eye diseases, pediatric ptosis, and nystagmus.

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Eye Exams and Vision Care at Lowy & Sewell Eye Care

Eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, are caused by environmental allergens and irritants. While their symptoms range in severity from uncomfortable to incapacitating, it’s often possible to attain relief.

What Causes Eye Allergies?

Allergies occur when the immune system becomes hypersensitive to certain allergens, such as dust mites or pollen. Histamines are released into the bloodstream when allergens are introduced to the body, causing swelling and inflammation.

Some airborne allergens that can cause eye allergies to include:

• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Mold
• Trees
• Pollen
• Weeds

Non-airborne allergens include:

• Cleaning chemicals
• Preservatives in multi-use eye drops
• Contact lens solutions
• Perfume
• Makeup
• Skin-care products

What Are Common Symptoms of Eye Allergies?

When your eyes come in contact with an allergen you may start to have symptoms almost immediately, or hours or days later. Eye allergy symptoms include:

• Burning or painful eyes
• Watery eyes
• Red eyes
• Irritated or itchy eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Sensitivity to light
• Sneezing
• Swollen eyelids

How To Treat Eye Allergies

Once your eye doctor has thoroughly examined your eyes and ruled out other causes of your symptoms, they can advise you on how best to treat your symptoms.

Decongestants or Antihistamines

Decongestants can help you breathe easier by shrinking swollen nasal pathways that might become inflamed due to allergies. Decongestants can also shrink the blood vessels in the whites of the eyes, relieving red eyes.

Antihistamines work by blocking the attachment of the histamine to the body’s cells that produce an allergic reaction, reducing or eliminating symptoms.

Limit Allergen Exposure

A good way to reduce allergy flare-ups is to avoid allergens or at least reduce exposure to them. If pollen causes your eyes to become itchy and red, try limiting your time outdoors and driving with the windows closed. In addition, wearing wrap-around glasses can protect your eyes from allergens and irritants.

Temporarily Remove Your Contact Lenses

Allergens can accumulate on the surface of contact lenses, which makes it difficult to get rid of symptoms while wearing them. If you suffer from eye allergies, try temporarily switching to glasses and see if your symptoms continue. For many people, the best contact lenses for those with eye allergies are daily disposables, which are discarded at the end of each day.

Try Eye Drops

Over-the-counter antihistamine and lubricating eye drops can help soothe itchy, irritated, and red eyes. There are many brands and types of drops that will offer the best relief. Your eye doctor may even prescribe a more powerful eye drop than the ones available at your local drugstore.

Aside from soothing irritated eyes, artificial tears and lubricating eye drops can help remove any foreign substances and flush the eye of allergens.

Scheduling an eye exam at Lowy & Sewell Eye Care in Concord is the best way to rule out other possible eye conditions and determine the cause of your symptoms. If you suffer from any of the symptoms mentioned above, contact us today.

Q: Are eye allergies dangerous?

• A: Most eye allergies are more irritating than dangerous. They can, however, cause scarring of the cornea due to all the eye rubbing.

Q: How can I tell whether it’s an eye allergy or eye infection?

• A: If you experience eye pain and ocular discharge (excluding tears), there’s a strong chance you might have an infection. Viral eye infections usually clear up on their own, but bacterial eye infections can only be treated with medication. If you suspect you have an eye infection, make sure to visit your eye doctor as soon as possible.

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Lowy & Sewell Eye Care for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.