St. Louis eye doctors

Vision over 40 – Reading Glasses Make Life Easier

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Most people have natural vision changes after they reach age 40.

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The main issue with vision over 40 is presbyopia, which means that you find yourself holding that restaurant menu at arm’s length to see it better. When you begin to see blurry text and have trouble with computer glare it is time to get a good pair of prescription reading glasses.

Presbyopia is normal but progressive. The lens of your eye becomes less flexible and cannot focus on close objects. This is why you are suddenly holding books at a distance. Other issues can be glare or color shade distinction. Presbyopia continues to decline through your 40s and 50s but slows down by age 60.

While it is tempting to buy reading glasses at the dollar store, you will use them daily and need a comfortably fitting frame with a prescription tailored to your eyesight. Also, after age 40 it is best to have a licensed optometrist examine your eyes every two years. They are trained to look for many different kinds of eye problems, not blurry vision. Diabetes, high blood pressure and medications for various other health issues are all linked to vision changes.

Some people who wear single vision glasses balk at the idea of switching to dowdy bifocals. Consider progressive lenses, which look better than bifocals and hide the need to use reading glasses. The lens is made with a seamless integration of distance, middle and near visions. Progressive lenses fit your natural gaze with no jump in vision as you look up and down.

We’d love to talk to you about how to adapt to vision changes after age 40. Contact us to set up an appointment and explore our wide range of eyecare services.

Find The Best In Style And Eye Protection With Etnia Sunglasses

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Most prescription sunglasses are the only way to get the much-needed protection the eyes need. With prescription lenses, you get polarized lenses to provide the best vision and performance, as well as protection from the sun. Prescription lenses provide UV protection to prevent damage to the eyes. In addition, polarized lenses reduce glare to provide crystal clear vision. You can opt for the pinnacle of style found only in Etnia Barcelona Sunglasses. Etnia Barcelona combines the best styles and colors to provide the most fashionable options available. The color schemes are chosen based on each season’s trends in the fashion and art world. The styles of the frames are inspired by many of the most fashionable people throughout the history of fashion trends. This allows anyone to find the perfect style to complement their personality and fashion sense.

Once the right lenses are chosen to suit any personal needs or lifestyle, you need to find the right frames. Etnia Barcelona Sunglasses are always a great option. Our eye care specialists can assist in providing the best lenses for your sunglasses possible based on your personal lifestyle. Depending on the type of activities you enjoy, our eye care specialists can find the right lenses to not only protect the eyes, but also provide the best lenses to allow for top performance and vision during their use. To find the best sunglasses for your personal fashion statement, as well as the best protection for your specific lifestyle, contact us today or schedule an appointment at any of our locations!

What Is The Leading Cause Of Blindness?

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Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a condition that is the leading cause of blindness among Americans. People diagnosed with diabetes should get regular eye exams. Early stages of DR need detection to prevent more serious eye problems. These conditions could lead to complete blindness.

DR affects the retina, which is tissue in the back of the eyeball. Through the retina, light turns into electrical currents which translates into the images we perceive. Hence, damage to the retina adversely affects vision.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there is a high prevalence of DR. One third of Americans over the age of 40 have a diagnosis of DR. One third of these cases occur among African-Americans and Mexican-Americans. Overall, 4.2 million Americans were recently diagnosed with DR and 655,000 of these cases led to severe eye-damage.

As a diabetic, regular testing of blood sugar is important to maintain good control. A diabetic ideally tests his or her blood sugar before and after every meal. It is necessary to have A1c tests every three months. This tests glucose levels over an extended period of time. For diabetics, an A1c level of 7 is preferable. Insulin injections and medication also help control diabetes.

Along with regular diabetic maintenance, It is vital that DR be detected early to prevent the onset of severe eye damage. If an ophthalmologist diagnoses somebody with DR, prompt medical treatment will prevent further damage. Though it is preventable, it is potentially treatable with proper self-care.

To learn more about common eye conditions, please contact us on our website.

Top Trends in Eyeglasses You Need to Try

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If you’re into fashion and need vision correction, you’re in luck. Glasses are definitely in style right now and are even being worn as a fashion accessory by people who don’t need them to see.

Now is the time to be fashion forward with a great pair of eyeglass frames. Here are some top trends that you need to have your eye on.

wood textured eye glasses

Wood Textures

Plastic frames with the look of wood have become popular for men and women. The look is studious but fun and takes your inner geek to a new level of style.

Metallic Hues

All types of metallic colors, silvers in particular, are currently making a splash in eye wear.

Round Lenses

Look for frames with lenses that are a perfect circle. These are typically surrounded by plastic and can come in any color, but soft pastels are fashionable for women.

For men, round lenses are popping up in aviator styles.

Translucent Frames

These plastic frames are colorful, but you can see right through them. This light and breezy look is casual and comfortable.

Ombre Patterns

This style is marked by color patterns that start out dark and then fade to light or the other way around. You’ll see this style in blue gray hues as well as pinks.

Animal Patterns

Animal patterns are a trend that has been coming and going for years, and right now, the animal pattern is seeing a surge in popularity. Look for zebra and cow patterns as well as the traditional leopard.

Rose Quartz

You’ve heard of seeing the world through rose colored glasses, and now is the time to make that happen. Rose quartz and other dusty pinks are currently the hottest color in eye wear for women.

Your glasses are more than just tools that help you see. They are also a reflection of your personal style. Check out these top trends, and you’ll be inspired to find just the right eye wear look for you.

For more information on choosing great frames, contact Performance Eyecare.

Should I Worry About Eye Floaters?

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What are Eye Floaters?

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Eye floaters are gray or black spots, squiggly lines, or cobweb-like shapes that drift across your field of vision as you move your eyes. While they may be annoying, they usually do not indicate a serious eye condition.

Causes of Eye Floaters:

Most floaters are the result of age-related changes in the eye. Our eyes are filled with a gel-like substance called vitreous. As we age, this gel can become partially liquefied. This causes collagen protein fibers in the vitreous to clump together and cast shadows on the retina. In rare cases, different eye diseases and disorders can cause floaters or flashbulb-like bursts of light, including

  • a detached or torn retina,
  • bleeding in the vitreous,
  • eye injuries,
  • diabetic retinopathy,
  • eye tumors, or
  • inflammation in the retina or vitreous.

When to See An Eye Doctor:

If you only have a few floaters that do not change over time or significantly interfere with your vision, you do not have to worry. In some instances, they may improve on their own with time. You can also try to move them out of your field of vision by moving your eyes up and down. You should see an eye care professional immediately if you notice

  • floaters associated with sudden flashes of light,
  • a sudden increase in the number of floaters,
  • floaters associated with eye pain,
  • floaters following eye surgery or trauma,
  • a loss of side vision, or
  • your symptoms worsen over time.

These symptoms can be indications of a detached retina or other serious conditions that can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated quickly.

Are Treatments Available For Eye Floaters?

In some instances, a laser can be used to break up large floaters so that they are less noticeable. If you have so many floaters that they significantly interfere with your vision, a surgical procedure is available in which the vitreous is removed and replaced with a saline solution.

Performance Eyecare is proud to offer preventative and emergency eye care services to patients in Creve Coeur, MO; Alton, IL; and Swansea, IL. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

3 Reasons You Might Need Contact Lenses

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As you consider whether to make the switch to contact lenses, you may be wondering if they’re right for you. There are many aspects to take into consideration, and the choice is not an easy one to make. These facts about lenses might just help you see the best option for your personal eye care.

Colored Contact Lense, Performance Eye Care

  • While glasses may be easier to put on, contact lenses allow for ease of use throughout the day; they don’t smudge, fall down, or break. Because of this, they are useful for anyone who plays sports, exercises, or performs moderate to high physical activity throughout the day. Furthermore, contacts aren’t usually affected by weather; no more foggy lenses!
  • Contact lenses, unlike traditional glasses, can temporarily change the appearance of your eye color. With the use of colored contacts, you can change the color or shape of your eye for parties, celebrations, or casual wear: cat eyes, zombie effects, and even solid color contacts are popular in costume during festive holidays, such as Halloween.
  • Contacts can also provide the wearer with a wider range of vision than traditional glasses can. Peripheral vision is not affected by contacts the way glasses are, and distortion is less likely to occur.

There are many advantages to contact lenses, and new advances are being made every day. In the future, there may be smart contact lenses that provide wearers with a virtual reality experience, aside from and more discreetly than the popular headset. It may well be time to trade in those old lenses for some new, improved, stylish contact lenses.

For more information or any questions or concerns you may have, feel free to contact us.

Now Available: Online Appointment Scheduling

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Time for an Eye Exam?

Man using laptop

Performance Eyecare now offers online appointment scheduling. Scheduling eye exams for yourself or your family has never been easier, or more convenient!

Your days are busy – we get that! Between work and family, it seems like you’re always on the go, and finding the time to call and schedule doctors’ appointments sometimes seems impossible. Or maybe you remember that you need to schedule an appointment, and it’s after hours. Now you can make an appointment with your eye doctor when it’s convenient for you, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To schedule your appointment online, visit our website. There you will find the heading “Schedule an Appointment” with links to each of our locations. Select your preferred location, and the link will take you to a page where you can select your preferred provider, the type of appointment you would like to make (routine eye exams or medical visits) and then the day and time that works best for you. You will need to enter your contact information, any symptoms or problems, and your insurance provider (if applicable). Click “Request Appointment” and you’re done! One of our receptionists will be in touch to confirm your appointment.

Performance Eyecare is a full-service eye care practice, serving the needs of adults and children requiring routine vision care, specialized medical eye care, and an optical boutique. Our friendly staff and caring doctors look forward to seeing you soon!

For more information please contact us. PS – Did you know you can order your contacts online now too?

Schedule an Eye Appointment at one of our multiple conveninent locations!

Keratoconus

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Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea of the eye gradually thins and begins to bulge outward and become cone-shaped. This leads to progressive vision impairment, including blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare and light. As keratoconus progresses, it can become difficult to read, drive, or perform other simple tasks. The condition affects an estimated 1 in 2,000 people. Most people with keratoconus are diagnosed in their teenage years or 20s. The condition often progresses for up to 20 years before finally stabilizing around middle age.

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Diagnosing Keratoconus:

One of the latest methods for diagnosing keratoconus involves corneal topography mapping. This test can be performed by our eye doctors. Corneal topography mapping measures the thickness of the cornea and creates a detailed map of the surface of the eye. This technology also makes it possible to categorize the severity of the disease.

Treatments for Keratoconus:

Early-stage keratoconus is typically treated with soft contacts or glasses. Frequent prescription altercations may be needed as the disease progresses. The contacts may also need to be switched from soft to rigid gas permeable to ensure adequate vision correction. Recent developments in contact lens technology have made the treatment of keratoconus a bit easier, specifically Scleral Contact Lenses. Scleral Contact Lenses cover the entire corneal service and rest on the sclera of the eye. Due to this larger form factor, they provide a more stable fit on the eye.

It is also important to note that advanced keratoconus may require surgical treatment. One surgical option involves inserting crescent-shaped rings into the cornea to correct its shape and improve vision. However, in cases where there is extensive corneal scarring and thinning, a corneal transplant (also known as a keratoplasty) may be required. This procedure replaces the damaged cornea with a cornea from a healthy donor.

At Performance Eyecare, we are committed to the early detection of different eye diseases. This is why we offer the latest in diagnostic technology including corneal topography and scleral contact lens fitting. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.

New Office Location: Alton, Illinois

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Performance Eyecare is proud to announce the opening of a new office in Alton, Illinois on July 01, 2016.

With the addition of this new office to our eye care practice, Performance Eyecare can provide expert eye care services in three primary locations with a wide variety of hours to afford patients with maximum scheduling flexibility.

  • Alton, Illinois Office | 2865 Homer Adams Parkway,, Alton IL, 62002 | 618-465-1654
  • St. Louis, Missouri Office | 12536-B Olive Blvd. Creve Coeur, MO, 63141 | 314-878-1377
  • Swansea, Illinois Office | 4111 North Illinois St., Swansea, IL, 62226 | 618-234-3053

We will offer the same quality products and services at our new Alton office which are also provided in our St. Louis, Alton and Swansea offices:

High Tech Exams

Our services include high-tech exams which use digital cameras to view interior eye tissue to detect potential disease and evaluate the condition of the eye. Our doctors also use advanced glaucoma testing by instilling eye drops to determine eye pressure rather than less effective air puff examinations.

Children’s Eye Care

Performance Eyecare offers children’s eye examinations and has a wide selection of frame to select from. In addition to eye glasses, we also offer contact lens fittings for children as early as seven or eight years of age.

Vision Retainer Shaping System

One of the premier services that we offer is the Vision Retainer Shaping System, or VRSS. The VRSS consists of a procedure where near-sighted patients are fitted with a retainer which is worn at night to gently and incrementally reshape the cornea to eliminate or reduce nearsightedness or astigmatism. With consistent, nightly use, proper fitting and care patients will not require the use of contact lenses nor eyeglasses during waking hours.

Eyeglasses, Designer Frames, and Contact Lenses

We offer high quality, designer frames such as: Kate Spade, Oakley, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Tom Davies, OGA, Tom Ford, Maui Jim and OGI. In addition to high quality frames, Performance Eyecare maintains a state-of-the-art laboratory to enable patients to enjoy same day service for many eyeglass frames, lenses and contact lenses.
We look forward to offering you our signature, quality products and eye care services consisting of: experience professionals at multiple locations, high-tech, eye examinations, designer frames, contact lenses, and same-day service for frames and lenses. Contact us today at a location nearest you to obtain optimum eye care services from Performance Eyecare.

Stay In The Game With Quality Eye Protection

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Performance Eyecare in St. Louis and Swansea, IL offers sports eyewear to protect you or your kids this sports season.

Are you or your child considering playing a sport? Here are some things to consider to keep your eyes safe before you commit to a sport.

Spring is the most popular time of year for people to play sports as winter’s cold has moved on and summer’s heat awaiting us. It’s no wonder why April is considered “Sports Eye Protection Month” since outdoor sports are starting up or are already in full force.

Before you play any sport, it’s important to understand the injury risk.

Most sport-related eye injuries occur in baseball, basketball and racquetball sports, according to GetEyeSmart.org.

It’s recommended that protective eyewear with polycarbonate lenses be worn for sports such as basketball and soccer, especially if you already have poor vision. Also, if there is a chance of flying debris or dirt you should wear appropriate eye protection.

Eyeglasses and sunglasses aren’t adequate protection for your eyes when there is debris or other objects that could make contact with your eye. The tinted lens of sunglasses are important to keep your eyes protected from the sun.

An interesting sport to note that has many eye injuries is fishing. According to the U.S. Eye Injury Registry, fishing is the number one cause of sports-related eye injuries.

It’s also important to bring a back-up set of eyeglasses or contacts, if you wear them, during outdoors activities such as biking.

If you or your child suffers an eye injury, seek immediate attention at an emergency room or contact Performance Eyecare to determine the severity of the injury. Avoiding treatment can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness.

Performance Eyecare also offers a wide range of sports eyewear for golf, baseball, football, tennis, hunting, fishing, motorcycle riding and scuba diving. Visit one of our two convenient locations in St. Louis and Swansea, Illinois to learn more.

More Information: http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/living/eye-injuries/sports.cfm