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Why You Should Add an Eye Exam to Your Child's Back to School Checklist

Scheduling an eye exam for your child is one the most important things to add to your back to school checklist. Proper vision care is essential for your child’s wellbeing and safeguards their academic success.

The Importance Of Eye Exams   An eye exam will help identify if your child has any of the common vision problems such as nearsightedness(myopia), farsightedness or astigmatism. If left untreated, there is a risk of progression of myopia as your child gets older. There is a significant amount of vision development that occurs during a child’s early years. If preventative measures are taken then you can reduce vision problems from occurring or becoming worse.   When to Schedule an Exam The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends routine eye exams should begin in infancy, around 6 months of age. If no serious vision problems are detected during the initial comprehensive exam then a follow-up exam will be scheduled when your child is 3 years of age. If all appears to be normal, optometrists recommend an exam to be done before your child begins kindergarten since some states require vision tests before your child enters school. During your exam, your doctor will inquire about your family’s history and if your child had any eye troubles such as excessive blinking or frequently rubbing of the eyes. Let the doctor know if your child was premature, has delayed motor movement, doesn’t make eye contact or maintains a fixation while looking at objects. Inform your doctor if your child did not pass a pediatrician or preschool vision screening.   If vision correction is not needed during the early years, then an eye exam should be conducted every two years. Children who wear eyeglasses or contact lenses will need to have an exam done annually by their optometrist or ophthalmologist. Proper Vision Care = Academic Success The last thing you would want your child to do is struggle in school. Make your child’s vision a priority and inquire if they have trouble seeing the board or reading. The difficulty with handwriting skills is also the result of possible vision problems. Ignoring the need for an eye exam may set your child up to fail academically. Scheduling your child an eye exam is essential to their wellbeing. At Tri-County Eye Clinic, we are dedicated to providing the most comprehensive exams for the most important people in your life.   If you have recently noticed a decline in the quality of your eyesight, then visit Tri-County Eye Clinic. We offer a wide range of vision products and services in Biloxi, Mississippi and the surrounding area.

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME! Orange Grove 15122 Dedeaux Rd Gulfport, MS 39503 Call for Appointment (228) 832-1242 Optical Shop (228) 832-1359 Biloxi 431 Bertucci Blvd. Biloxi, MS 39531 Call for Appointment (228) 385-2020 Optical Shop (228) 388-9439 Connect with us on social media! Follow @TriCountyEyes on Twitter and like our Orange Grove and Biloxi Facebook Pages! Detailed information on our clinics and services can be found at http://www.tcecms.com/

© Southern View Media 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don't Get Left Behind.”

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Medications that can Damage Your Eyesight Over Time

When you are prescribed medication, you tend to think of curing the symptoms you are experiencing, not potential future issues the medication may cause – especially to your vision. Because your eyes are small with a rich supply of blood, it makes them vulnerable to negative side effects when taking medications. These side effects can vary from the lens, retina or cornea. If you are older or are using a high dose of medication for a long period of time, your risk of side effects is higher. Listed below are a few oral medications that are known to have unpleasant effects on eyes or vision.

1. Topiramate (Topamax): This medication is used to treat issues like migraines, seizures and mood disorders. Topamax has been known to cause acute glaucoma, which is an eye condition that damages the optic nerve. Acute glaucoma can cause eye pain, headache and blurred vision. If you are taking Topamax and begin to experience these symptoms, you should stop taking the medication immediately. 2. Alendronate (Fosamax): Fosamax is a common medication that is taken to help with osteoporosis. Fosamax has been known to cause blurred vision, pain in the eyes, conjunctivitis and double vision. 3. Amiodarone (Cordarone): Cordarone is taken to help control the rhythm of the heart in people who experience atrial fibrillation. Experiencing side effects in the eyes is common and often dependent on how high of a dose you are taking (the higher, the more problems). Common symptoms include seeing bright lights, halos around lights, glare, hazy vision and dry eyes. 4. Tamsulosin (Flomax): Flomax is a medication that is typically used to help treat urinary symptoms related to a large prostate. If you are due to have cataract surgery, you must let your surgeon know if you are taking this medication since it has been found to associate with intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS), which can occur during cataract surgery. Ceasing the medication prior to surgery does not prevent the severity of getting IFIS. 5. Tamoxifen: This medication is used during the treatment of breast and ovarian cancer. It can cause problems in the eye like corneal opacities or loss of visual acuity.

If you are taking any of the above-listed medications, it is best that you get an eye exam at least once per year. The above listed medications are just a few in a wide range of medications that can be attributed to eyesight damage over a period of time. If you have any further questions, contact Tri-County Eye Clinic today. Call us today to schedule your eye exam or connect with us on social media! Follow @TriCountyEyes on Twitter and like our Orange Grove and Biloxi Facebook Pages! Detailed information on our clinics and services can be found at: www.tcecms.com. We offer a wide range of vision products and services in Biloxi, Mississippi and the surrounding area.

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME!

Orange Grove 15122 Dedeaux Rd Gulfport, MS 39503 Call for Appointment (228) 832-1242 Optical Shop (228) 832-1359

Biloxi 431 Bertucci Blvd. Biloxi, MS 39531 Call for Appointment (228) 385-2020 Optical Shop (228) 388-9439

© Southern View Media 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don't Get Left Behind.”

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How Screen Time Effects Toddlers’ Eyes

Every part of a toddler’s system is still developing, including their eyes. Unlike adults, children may not know the symptoms of tired eyes or how to describe what they are feeling. For this reason, it is important for parents to understand the effects that screens have on their little ones so they can monitor and limit screen usage to protect children’s developing eyes.

Symptoms

Eye Fatigue

Constant focus on the same screen for long periods of time can cause concentration issues as well as headaches around the temples and eyes. These headaches may also be brought on when the lighting conditions are not ideal for the brightness of the screen, forcing the viewer to constantly squint.

Blurry Vision

Gazing at the same distance for a long period of time causes the eye’s focusing system to lock up. This is known as an accommodation spasm and results in blurred vision when looking away. Increased screen time is linked to rising rates of myopia (nearsightedness) in children, although this has not been proven.

Dry Eyes

Research shows that when we tend to blink less when staring at a screen. Blinking provides moisture to the eye and the eyelid provides suction across the eye from the tear duct which keeps the entire eye from drying out. Having a screen placed above a viewer’s eyes causes the upper eyelid to dry out more.

Actions

Monitor Screen Time

Screen time cuts into a toddler’s sleep and exercise time, which are important to combat childhood obesity. It is suggested that children 18 months and younger receive no screen time, children 18 months to two years should have very limited screen time with no solo use, and children ages two to five should be limited to one hour of screen time per day.

Take Frequent Breaks

Remind your child to look away from the screen at least every half hour. This will help to keep their eyes from locking up and it will encourage them to blink more.

Screen Positioning

Screens should be positioned slightly below eye level to keep the upper eyelid from drying out. A good rule of thumb is 1/2/10 - phones should be one foot away, computers should be kept two feet away, and televisions should be an average of 10 feet away (although this will vary depending on the size of the television). Adjust the font sizes on phones and computers to be easier for toddlers to see without having to squint and strain their eyes.

Vision Screenings

Get regular checkups for your toddlers. It is important to know the risks that your child is facing when it comes to screen time, and your optometrist will be able to help you assess the effects that screen time is having on your child.

If you have concerns about your toddler’s eyesight, then visit Tri-County Eye Clinic. We offer a wide range of vision products and services in Biloxi, Mississippi and the surrounding area.

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME!

Orange Grove 15122 Dedeaux Rd Gulfport, MS 39503 Call for Appointment (228) 832-1242 Optical Shop (228) 832-1359

Biloxi 431 Bertucci Blvd. Biloxi, MS 39531 Call for Appointment (228) 385-2020 Optical Shop (228) 388-9439 Connect with us on social media! Follow @TriCountyEyes on Twitter and like our Orange Grove and Biloxi Facebook Pages! Detailed information on our clinics and services can be found at: www.tcecms.com.

© Southern View Media 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don't Get Left Behind.”

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7 signs your child needs an eye exam. 

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Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam

Thousands of children visit the eye clinic every year. Still, many skip needed visits. Our children get eye exams as newborn babies. Then again at the annual pediatric well check. In some school systems, eye exams are routine. Aside from these vision typically goes unchecked.

Many parents assume their child will verbalize eye issues to them.

Unfortunately, eye problems often show up in other areas first. Knowing what to look for in your child’s behavior at home and at school will help you become aware of any eyesight problems they may be facing.

Here are 7 signs your child may need an eye exam.

Unable to see the classroom board Many sight problems are discovered in the school setting. If you child complains to you or the teacher of not being able to see the board in class this is a tell-tale sign of vision issues.

Sitting too close to the TV or to their devices The young generation is being raised in the digital age. If you notice your child sitting very close to the television in order to see the picture, an eye exam could be in order. Likewise, if they hold their handheld gaming device or cell phone very close to their face, there could be vision problems behind it.

Headaches Headaches are common in impaired vision. In fact, there is a form of migraine specifically related to vision called Migraine with Ocular Aura. If your child complains of headaches that are not alleviated with common OTC medications or other home remedies you may want to consider eye issues as the possible culprit.

Reading with their finger as a guide If you notice that your child is unable to read written text without using their finger as a guide they could have trouble clearly seeing that text.

Tilting their head Tilting of the head is a common symptom of impaired vision. Eyesight problems often result in what is termed “double vision.” Tilting one’s head usually alleviates the double vision and enables the person to see more clearly. Become very observant to see if your child using this tactic to help themselves view things around them more clearly.

Covering or closing one eye If you yourself have vision problems you understand there is normally one “good eye.” Children learn to compensate for vision problems naturally by covering or closing the inferior eye. This is a temporary fix enabling them to see better for a specific amount of time. For example, to watch a television show they’re interested in.

Eye rubbing It takes a lot of effort to make use of eyes that aren’t operating at full speed. This easily tires out children. If your child constantly rubs their eyes, schedule an eye exam. Eye issues cause fatigue and could be draining your child, hence the eye rubbing.

Adequate vision is an essential tool for learning at home and at school. If you notice your child exhibiting any of these 7 signs, call us today for an eye exam.

If you have recently noticed a decline in the quality of your eyesight, then visit Tri-County Eye Clinic. We offer a wide range of vision products and services in Biloxi, Mississippi and the surrounding area. NEW PATIENTS WELCOME! Orange Grove 15122 Dedeaux Rd Gulfport, MS 39503 Call for Appointment (228) 832-1242 Optical Shop (228) 832-1359 Biloxi 431 Bertucci Blvd. Biloxi, MS 39531 Call for Appointment (228) 385-2020 Optical Shop (228) 388-9439 Connect with us on social media! Follow @TriCountyEyes on Twitter and like our Orange Grove and Biloxi Facebook Pages! Detailed information on our clinics and services can be found at: www.tcecms.com.

© Southern View Media 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don't Get Left Behind.”

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Best Treatments for Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a common, chronic eye condition. In fact, about 200,000 cases occur each year. It is easily treatable and manageable with the right diagnosis and regimen, although it is not curable. Blepharitis is not contagious and it is very uncommon for any permanent damage to result to the eye.

What is blepharitis? If you have experienced any or all of the following, you may have this condition. Gritty, burning and itchy eyes Oily eyelids Swollen eyelids Loss of eyelashes Sensitivity to light

Although we don’t know exactly what the origins of blepharitis are, it is strongly associated with Malfunctioning eyelid oil glands Dandruff of the eyebrow and scalp Overgrowth of bacteria on the skin. Lice or eyelash mites Allergies to Eye medications Makeup Blepharitis is also associated with excessive tearing and recurring pink eye as well as stys.

If this describes you, read on for treatment options.

Non Prescription Treatments One of the simplest treatments you can do at home is a warm compress. Many sufferers get significant relief from holding a warm washcloth directly on the affected eyelid for about five minutes. There are also masks made especially for blepharitis relief that can be used in the same way.

Use products made for gentle cleaning of the eyelid to keep the area very clean but not dry it out. Two such products are Ocusoft and Sterilid. You may also use gentle baby shampoo and warm water. Many people with blepharitis have dry, scaly skin around the eyelid. Cleaning the area well will remove this debris.

Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can greatly help alleviate the associated dryness. Itchiness from dryness is also often remedied when the eyes are lubricated.

If dandruff or mites are the cause of your blepharitis you may use tea tree oil or an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo.

Discontinue eye makeup for a few days to alleviate discomfort. This can also help determine if a makeup allergy is the cause if you are a new sufferer.

It’s important to seek professional medical expertise regularly if you have blepharitis. Ophthalmologists can help you determine the best course of prescription treatment.

Prescription Treatments

If your ophthalmologist determines you need prescription medication he/she may opt for any of the following:

A commonly used ointment or drop for your eyes. These contain prescription-strength medication to help underlying issues or symptoms not alleviated with OTCs such as dryness and itching.

Infection-fighting medications such as antibiotics may be prescribed to be applied to the eyelid. They may also be administered in drops, creams or ointments. Oral antibiotics are also used when needed and when the disease does not respond to topical antibiotics.

Steroid eye drops and ointments help to control inflammation which is a large source of the pain and discomfort of this disease. Steroids can be combined with antibiotics.

Medications for the immune system are used to offer relief of signs and symptoms. One such medication is Restasis (topical cyclosporine)

Treating underlying conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea or other diseases impacting your blepharitis.

If you have recently noticed a decline in the quality of your eyesight, then visit Tri-County Eye Clinic. We offer a wide range of vision products and services in Biloxi, Mississippi and the surrounding area. NEW PATIENTS WELCOME! Orange Grove 15122 Dedeaux Rd Gulfport, MS 39503 Call for Appointment (228) 832-1242 Optical Shop (228) 832-1359 Biloxi 431 Bertucci Blvd. Biloxi, MS 39531 Call for Appointment (228) 385-2020 Optical Shop (228) 388-9439 Connect with us on social media! Follow @TriCountyEyes on Twitter and like our Orange Grove and Biloxi Facebook Pages! Detailed information on our clinics and services can be found at: www.tcecms.com.

© Southern View Media 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don't Get Left Behind.”

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