eye doctor charlotte nc

Are Eye Floaters a Sign of Low Vision?  

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Eye floaters are a relatively common occurrence for people, particularly if they get up too fast or skip a few hours of sleep. However, in rarer cases, eye floaters can indicate an underlying condition. Low vision, also known as weakened vision that can’t be corrected with surgery, glasses, or contacts, is not caused by eye floaters, but that doesn’t mean that there’s no connection. We’ll look at what you should know if you’re concerned about low vision in Asheville, NC.

What Are Eye Floaters?

Eye floaters refer to specks or shapes that cloud your vision. They occur when the liquid in your eye comes apart from the retina. When it separates, it forms a tiny bit of fiber that will cause the shadows to appear. You’re most likely to see them if you look at very bright backgrounds, like a clear, blue sky in the middle of the day.

Eye Floaters and Low Vision

Generally, eye floaters in Asheville, NC, aren’t a cause for concern. Simple changes in your eyes usually cause them as you age. However, in some cases, floaters are a sign of macular degeneration, glaucoma, or retinopathy, all of which can lead to low vision. It’s important to pay attention to eye floaters and any other symptoms you may be experiencing (e.g., pain, redness, etc.).

Low Vision Specialists in Asheville, NC

If you know the term low vision, it may be because your family has a history of the condition. (Or maybe it’s because the number of floaters you’re seeing has increased exponentially.) If you’re interested in an evaluation, the staff at Dr. Edward Paul, OD, PhD, can help you understand more about how your vision progresses over time.

Do Yellow Tinted Lens Help With Night Driving?

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Yellow-tinted lenses are popular due to their purported advantages in nighttime driving. They are especially interesting to those who suffer from low vision in Charlotte, NC, since night driving is even harder with this eyesight problem. Opinions about the efficacy of yellow-tinted lenses vary, but there is enough anecdotal evidence to warrant serious consideration.

Main Advantage of Yellow-tinted Lenses in Eyeglasses

The main purported advantage of yellow-tinted lenses is their ability to enhance contrast and reduce glare. When driving at night, bright headlights and streetlights can create intense glare, leading to discomfort and decreased visibility, especially for those with low vision. The yellow tint may help filter out the scattered light, improving contrast and reducing glare, thereby enhancing overall visibility.

LED Headlights and Glare

One of the biggest challenges faced by those who suffer from low vision in Charlotte, NC, is the glare from the LED headlights that newer vehicles are outfitted with. While LED headlights offer energy efficiency and brightness advantages, they can also contribute to increased glare and discomfort for drivers, particularly those with low vision.

How Yellow-tinted Lenses Help Against Headlights

The specific wavelength of blue light emitted by LED headlights is known to be a major contributor to glare-related issues. Yellow-tinted lenses can mitigate the effects of this blue light as they selectively filter out shorter wavelengths. This selective filtering helps reduce the intensity of glare from oncoming headlights, making it easier for individuals with low vision—and even those without low vision—to maintain better visibility on the road.

If you want to test yellow-tinted lenses, talk to your optometrist in Charlotte, NC. You can learn more about whether they might help your night vision by booking an appointment today!

Using Emerging Trends to Treat Low Vision

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When it comes tolow vision rehabilitation in Charlotte, NC, the convergence of smart glasses, augmented reality (AR) applications, and artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the possibilities, offering a glimmer of hope for individuals facing low vision challenges.

Three Emerging Trends for Treating Low Vision

1. Smart Glasses

Smart glasses equipped with state-of-the-art optics and augmented reality capabilities are emerging as tools for individuals with low vision. These sleek devices enhance experiences by magnifying images and overlaying essential information directly onto the user’s field of view.

2. Augmented Reality Applications

AR applications act as a bridge between the physical realms for people with low vision. An AR device will continually scan the environment to build up a 3D representation in which to place imagery. This 3D world gives the wearer directional heads-up cues for navigating obstacles.

3. Artificial Intelligence

The integration of AI algorithms introduces a layer to technologies designed for low-vision support. AI technology can analyze data in real time, enhancing its ability to recognize objects and convert text to speech. It also adapts to preferences, creating a responsive experience for low-vision rehabilitation.

Embracing Innovation

As these advancements redefine the field of low-vision rehabilitation, it becomes essential for individuals andeye doctors in Charlotte, NC, to embrace and advocate carefully for their integration into the mainstream.

Embracing Innovation Contributes to Promoting Accessibility

It’s important to raise awareness about the benefits of smart glasses, augmented reality (AR) applications, and AI for low vision rehabilitation in Charlotte, NC. Encourage discussions within communities, healthcare facilities, and support groups. By fostering a culture of acceptance and embracing these innovations wholeheartedly, we contribute towards creating a world where individuals with low vision can confidently navigate their surroundings with confidence and independence.

Are You Looking for an Optometrist in Charlotte, NC?

It’s time to take things into your own hands by contributing to a vision revolution where technology empowers you to navigate in exciting new ways.Contact The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina today. Together, let’s build a future where everyone, regardless of visual challenges, can see the world in a new light.

How Can Scleral Lenses Help Me See Better?

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Have you ever thought about getting lenses but can’t find anything that comfortably fits you and works simultaneously? You may benefit from customized lenses tailored to fit you better and complement your lifestyle.

The quality team at Dr. Edward Paul, OD, Ph.D. of Asheville, NC, is proud to serve the local community with exceptional eye care services, including custom lenses, which can increase your vision and lead to a happier and healthier life.

What are Scleral Lenses?

Your “sclera” is the outer white part of your eye. Most contact lenses sit on your cornea, the inner layer that helps you see and interpret the images in your vision. Scleral lenses create a buffer of moisturizing fluid, which fits much better and helps to alleviate pain from various eye conditions.

How Do Scleral Lenses Work?

Scleral lenses have a unique design and are usually made to order so that they fit well and last a long time. Here’s how they work:

Lubricates Dry Eyes

The saline solution in the scleral lenses creates a padding between your cornea and the lens. This not only lubricates your eyes continuously, but it also offers some relief from discomfort.

Fixes Any Irregularities 

Depending on the direction of your optometrist or eye care specialist, your low vision may be due to a misshapen cornea as a result of surgery, trauma, or keratoconus. Scleral lenses provide a great solution in addition to your eyeglasses.

Comfortable and Stable Fit

Scleral lenses have a larger surface area and sit comfortably on your eye. The stable fit makes it easier to wear your lenses in more situations than glasses or traditional lenses.

Your Local Professional Eye Care Specialists

Don’t let eye discomfort take away from your daily activities any longer. During your next appointment with the talented team at Dr. Edward Paul, OD, Ph.D. of Asheville, NC,, you can be sure you are receiving the best care and guidance that you deserve.

Shedding Light on Glaucoma: National Glaucoma Awareness Month

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January marks National Glaucoma Awareness Month, a crucial time to focus on a silent thief of vision that affects millions worldwide. Glaucoma, often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss and blindness. This blog aims to shed light on the impact of glaucoma on vision, its signs and symptoms, and its connection to low vision.

Understanding Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve, usually due to an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP). The optic nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. As the nerve fibers deteriorate, blind spots develop in the visual field, and if left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss.

The Impact on Vision: Glaucoma typically affects peripheral vision first, making it challenging for individuals to notice gradual changes. Over time, the disease can advance and affect central vision, leading to significant visual impairment. Since glaucoma progresses slowly and often without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, regular eye examinations are crucial for early detection and intervention.

Signs and Symptoms:

  1. Gradual Peripheral Vision Loss: One of the key indicators is the gradual loss of peripheral vision, often unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage.Blurred Vision: As the optic nerve damage advances, individuals may experience blurred or hazy vision.Halos and Glare: Glaucoma can cause increased sensitivity to light, leading to the perception of halos or glare around lights.Headaches and Eye Pain: In some cases, individuals may experience headaches and eye pain, particularly when the intraocular pressure is significantly elevated.

Relation to Low Vision: Low vision refers to significant visual impairment that cannot be corrected with traditional glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. Glaucoma is a leading cause of low vision and blindness worldwide. The irreversible damage to the optic nerve compromises the ability to see details and can greatly impact daily activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces.

Prevention and Management:

  1. Regular Eye Exams: Comprehensive eye examinations are crucial, especially for individuals over the age of 40 or those with a family history of glaucoma.Eye Pressure Monitoring: Regular monitoring of intraocular pressure can help identify individuals at risk.Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking, can contribute to overall eye health.Medication and Surgery: Depending on the type and severity of glaucoma, medications or surgical interventions may be recommended to manage intraocular pressure and slow down the progression of the disease.

Conclusion: National Glaucoma Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive eye care and early detection. By understanding the impact of glaucoma on vision, recognizing its signs and symptoms, and acknowledging its connection to low vision, individuals can take the necessary steps to preserve their sight. Regular eye examinations, healthy lifestyle choices, and prompt intervention can make a significant difference in managing glaucoma and maintaining optimal eye health.

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