Covid-19 Update: Colorado optometrists are open and seeing patients for all levels of care.
Keep Enjoying
the Views
Your Eyes Have 2 Million Parts!
Are you taking care of them?
We know you wouldn’t trade your priceless vision for anything. That’s why your annual comprehensive eye exam is essential for your current and future eye health. Getting your eyes checked isn’t only about seeing 20/20, it’s about life.
Eye fact
Prevent digital eye strain when using any screen with the 20-20-20 Rule! Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break, and look at something 20 feet away.
FIND A COLORADO EYE DOCTOR
47% of Americans skip their annual eye exam.
You wouldn’t trade your vision for anything, but skipping your annual eye exam for any reason could be jeopardizing your current and future eye health.
Two simple steps:
Vision saving stories
Eye Exam Uncovers Brain Tumor
A 16-year-old patient came in for a routine contact lens check. She had recently been seen by her primary care provider (PCP). When I examined her, I noticed a certain glazed look and proptosis (protruding eyes). When I inquired further, she indicated that she’s been having headaches for the past month and her PCP said it was a migraine.
Vision saving stories
High Stroke Risk Discovered At Eye Exam
During a comprehensive dilated eye exam, a patient told me that part of his vision was blacked out in his right eye. I discovered a branch retinal artery occlusion near his macula. I explained that the blood flow to that area of his retina was blocked and as a result that section of retina had essentially lost function forever. I then expressed to him the need to go to a stroke center at a hospital the next day to assess what kind of stroke risk was present.
Colorado Optometric Association's
Youth Art Competition
Grades 1 - 12 Deadline: Oct. 15, 2021
The Colorado Optometric Association invites students in grades 1-12 to submit artwork for the 2nd Annual Youth Art Competition. The 2021 competition encourages students to reflect on “My Future Vision”. The contest will be open for submissions from June 1, 2021 – October 15, 2021.
Vision is a very important part of navigating the world especially for artists. Participants are encouraged to reflect on what they’d like to see or create in their own future world.
A Message For the Artists: Do you have a goal that you’re striving for? Would you like to solve a problem that impacts your family, local community or global community? Tell us about it through your artwork. We also challenge you to think about the value of your “physical eyesight” in bringing this vision into your future world. Colorado optometrists agree that understanding the value of your eyesight is the first step in taking care of your priceless eyes.
June is Cataract Awareness Month!
June is Cataract Awareness Month! The Optometrists of Colorado want to make you aware of this common and natural part of aging. Did you know, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world? It’s true! In fact, in the U.S., nearly 70% of people over the age of 75 have cataracts or have undergone cataract surgery¹. You might be wondering “what is a cataract?” A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye that can affect one or both eyes resulting in reduced clarity. To keep your vision healthy and clear, it is important to get an annual comprehensive eye exam, especially if you are over the age of 55!
Risk Factors
Certain lifestyles and genetics can play a factor in your risk of cataract development.
- Family history of cataracts
- Excessive exposure to sunlight
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
Thankfully, you can combat some of the risk factors by wearing UV-blocking sunglasses to avoid excess sunlight exposure. Also, eating a balanced diet with foods high in Vitamin C while also partaking in a healthy and balanced lifestyle!
Diagnosis
To determine whether you have a cataract, your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms, and perform an eye examination. Your doctor may conduct several tests, including:
- Visual acuity test: A visual acuity test uses an eye chart to measure how well you can read a series of letters. Using a chart or a viewing device with progressively smaller letters, your eye doctor determines if you have 20/20 vision or if your vision shows signs of impairment.
- Slit-lamp examination: A slit lamp allows your eye doctor to see the structures at the front of your eye under magnification. The microscope is called a slit lamp because it uses an intense line of light, a slit, to illuminate your cornea, iris, lens, and the space between your iris and cornea. The slit allows your doctor to view these structures in small sections, which makes it easier to detect any tiny abnormalities.
- Retinal exam: To prepare for a retinal exam, your eye doctor puts drops in your eyes to dilate your pupils. This makes it easier to examine the back of your eyes, otherwise known as the retina. Using a slit lamp or a special device called an ophthalmoscope, your eye doctor can examine your lens for signs of a cataract².
- Glare testing: This test re-creates the effects of headlights to see if that kind of light reduces your best corrected vision.
If you notice clouding in your eye and blurring in your vision, make an appointment with an eye doctor.
Treatment
Cataract surgery is quick and nearly painless. The surgery can be done in around 30 minutes and is one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States. During the surgery, your doctor will remove your natural lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL), this will significantly improve your blurred vision! There is a very high success rate for this surgery, leaving patients with improved quality of life. The good news is that cataract surgery with basic lens replacement is often covered by Medicare and other insurance companies.
Ultimately, cataracts are natural and very common! It’s important to keep your eyes healthy and vision clear for the best possible quality of life, and eye doctors are able to help with this. Find a doctor near you, so you can ensure you’re seeing your best!
References:

June is Cataract Awareness Month!
June is Cataract Awareness Month! The Optometrists of Colorado want to make you aware of this common and natural part of aging. Did you know,

Keep Your Eye on the Ball No Matter What Age
We all know it is important to keep children’s eyes safe when playing sports and doing physical activity, but what about adults and seniors? Well,

Glaucoma: the eye disease that can steal sight without early symptoms
You may have heard the term “glaucoma” before, but what is it really, and how do you know if you have it? Glaucoma is an

Ask An Optometrist to Improve Your Eye-Q
If you have had a question about vision or eyesight but keep forgetting to ask while at your annual comprehensive eye exam, we may have

4 Steps to Improve Independence When Living With Visual Impairment
Visual impairment (low vision) may be defined as insufficient vision to do the things a person wants and needs to do. The loss of vision

Optometrists Speak Out About Dangerous Driving in Colorado
Colorado optometrists are seeing a problem rising on the roads that impacts more than just eye health. Fatal car accidents across Colorado have increased over
Eye fact
Eyes heal quickly. With proper care, it only takes about 48 hours for the eye to repair a corneal scratch.