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strabismus crossed eyes

What is Strabismus?

Strabismus, also called wall eye, squint, or crossed eyes, is a condition in which the two eyes are not properly aligned and fail to work as a team when looking at an object. According to the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, approximately 4% of the US population has strabismus.

Types of Strabismus

There are many different types of strabismus, but they can be broadly divided as follows:

  • Exotropia

    • This type of strabismus is also called as wall-eyed. In Exotropia, one eye views at the object directly, and the other eye turns outward away from the nose.

  • Esotropia

    • This type of strabismus is also referred to as crossed eyes or cross-eyed. In Esotropia, one eye looks at the object directly, and the other turns inward toward the nose.

  • Hypotropia

    • Hypotropia is a type of strabismus, where one eye looks directly at the object while the other turns vertically downward.

  • Hypertropia

    • Hypertropia is a type of strabismus, where one eye looks directly at the object while the other turns vertically upward.

Causes of Crossed Eyes (Strabismus)

What causes strabismus?
Each eye is made up of six external muscles (known as the extraocular muscles). These muscles control the eye position and its movement. In a normal binocular vision, these muscles of both the eyes must be coordinated perfectly.

Certain anatomical or neurological problems can interfere with the proper functioning of the extraocular muscles, thus causing strabismus. These problems can originate in the nerves or in the muscles itself. They can also occur in the vision centers in the brain that control the binocular vision.

Strabismus can also occur due to eye injuries or general health conditions.

Risk Factors of Strabismus

Family history: People whose parents or siblings have strabismus are at risk of developing it.
Medical conditions: People suffering from conditions such as cerebral palsy and Down syndrome or have had a head injury or a stroke are more likely to develop strabismus.

Refractive error: People who have uncorrected farsightedness or hyperopia may develop strabismus.

Signs and Symptoms of Strabismus

If you have strabismus, your eyes point outward or inward or focus in different directions. Other symptoms may include:

  • Impaired vision
  • Eyes that do not move together
  • Decreased depth perception
  • Unsymmetrical points of reflection in each eye
  • Double vision
  • Squinting with only one eye
  • Eyestrain or headache
  • Tilting the head to one side

Diagnosis of Strabismus:

A doctor of optometry conducts a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose strabismus. The diagnosis may involve the following steps:

  • Patient History:

    • The eye doctor will ask you about the symptoms. The doctor will also take a note of your general health problems, medications, family history, and other environmental factors that could contribute to the symptoms.

  • Eye Health Examination:

    • The ophthalmologist may use various testing procedures to observe the internal and external structures of your eyes to rule out any eye disease that could contribute to strabismus. The testing will help determine how the eyes respond under normal conditions.

  • Visual Acuity:

    • The eye doctor will measure visual acuity to determine how much vision is affected. The doctor may ask you to read letters (placed near and far) on the reading charts. Visual acuity is written as a fraction. A person with a normal vision has a visual acuity as 20/20.

  • Refraction:

    • The ophthalmologist may conduct refraction to find out the lens power needed to correct any refractive error (farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism). The doctor uses an instrument called a phoropter and places a series of lenses in front of your eyes. How your eyes focus to the light is measured using a handheld lighted instrument called a retinoscope.

  • Alignment and Focusing Test:

    • Your doctor of optometry may assess how well your eyes work together as a team to view an object. This test will help determine the problem that prevents your eyes from focusing effectively.

    Your eye doctor will diagnose whether you have strabismus after evaluating the information obtained from the tests mentioned above. If you have strabismus, the ophthalmologist will discuss the treatment options with you.

    Strabismus Treatment Options

    There are several treatment options for crossed eyes. They include:

  • Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses:

    • For some people, contact lenses and eyeglasses may be the only treatment needed.

  • Prism Lenses:

    • In prism lenses, one is thicker than the other. The prisms reduce the turning of the eye to view an object by altering the light entering it. Prisms can sometimes eliminate eye turning completely.

  • Vision Therapy:

    • Your eye doctor may prescribe a series of visual activities that can improve your eye coordination and eye focusing. These eye exercises reduce the problems with eye focusing, eye movement, and improve the eye-brain connection for effective eye teaming. These eye exercises can also be done at home.

  • Eye Muscle Surgery:

    • The length or position of the eye muscles can be made to appear straight through eye muscle surgery. Usually, vision therapy is prescribed for patients after the surgery to prevent the eyes from becoming misaligned again and to improve eye coordination.

    The doctors at Insight Vision Center are the most experienced ophthalmologists in California that provide the best services and treatment options for strabismus and other eye problems. Get the eye examination done as soon as possible at our eye clinic in Fresno, CA.

    choosing lasik surgeon

    It’s great that you have decided to get LASIK surgery done, and you’d probably want to choose the best LASIK surgean in Fresno for your procedure.

    What you need, is a LASIK surgeon who is qualified, experienced, affordable, and helps you feel at ease. You want to make sure that you are in good hands and your eye surgeon has complete knowledge and understanding of the LASIK procedure.

    To find the right LASIK surgeon in Fresno, you need to take the time to do proper research because there are a lot of options out there. Here’s how to choose the best eye doctor in Fresno for LASIK eye surgery.

    1. Experience

      Consider a qualified surgeon who is experienced and up-to-date with the latest technology and trends. When you contact the eye clinics in Fresno, make sure you ask these questions:

      • Does the surgeon have experience with new LASIK technologies?
      • For how long has the surgeon been performing LASIK?

    2. License
      Check whether the eye surgeon is licensed to practice. You can validate the surgeon’s credentials on state licensing boards or National Practitioner Data Bank.

    3. Certification
      If you want to know if the LASIK surgeon in Freson you’re considereingis certified beyond having a basic license to practice medicine, then check if the surgeon is certified by entities like the American Board of Medical Specialties and American Board of Ophthalmology. Such entities require the board-certified eye surgeons to go through specific training and continued education related to their specialty.

    4. Technology
      Technology is ever-evolving. Choose a surgeon who feels that it is important to invest in these technologies to perform LASIK surgery accurately and efficiently.

    5. Location
      Consider a clinic that is close to your place of residence. A clinic closer to home saves time and avoids the hassle of extra travel during treatment.

    6. Price
      While cost could be a major factor in deciding the right LASIK surgeon, don’t skimp on the quality to save money. The cost of the surgery usually depends on the surgeon, the clinic, the location, and the technology. If you want the best of everything, your LASIK eye surgery cost might be high. So balance out your expectations and consider a surgeon who meets your expectations at a price you can afford.

    7. Financing Options
      Ask your insurance company about possible LASIK treatment coverage. If possible, use your insurance to cover the LASIK eye surgery cost. If this is not possible, then talk to the clinic to find out if they have any in-house finance options or if they can work out a plan for you.

    8. Staff
      When narrowing down your LASIK surgeon options, keep the staff in mind. You do not want an inattentive group of people with no interest in their patients to help you out with the LASIK procedure. So, find out whether they are accommodating, courteous, welcoming, and accessible.

    9. Friend or Family Recommendation/Referrals
      Your friends, neighbors, and family members are invaluable resources that can help you find the right eye clinic. Ask them questions like these:

      • Was their experience good?
      • Would they recommend the eye doctor to others?

      You can also ask for a referral from your regular optometrist or ophthalmologist in Fresno.

    10. Online Reviews
      Going through online LASIK eye surgery reviews is another way to get to know about the eye surgeon from people who have already undergone treatment. However, take these reviews with a pinch of salt and use them to help gauge your options and not make them a determining factor.

    If you want the best LASIK surgeon to correct your vision, then invest your time to look for the best surgeon for your LASIK in Fresno. This step is crucial in increasing your chances of achieving a satisfying visual outcome.

    If you’re you looking for a LASIK surgeon in Fresno for your procedure, contact Insight Vision Center for more information and we can help you with all your LASIK needs in our state-of-the-art eye and vision center.

    Coronavirus and eyes

    By now, the whole world knows what COVID-19 is capable of doing – fever, cough, and shortness of breath that can take 2 to 14 days to show up after a person is exposed to the virus. In some people, the infection can get so severe that it can develop into pneumonia, leading to complications or even death.

    According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a couple of reports suggest that coronavirus can also cause pink eye (conjunctivitis) in the infected person.

    How Coronavirus Can Affect Your Eyes

    Health officials believe that conjunctivitis develops in about 1% to 3% of people with coronavirus.

    Conjunctivitis is an infection of the membrane, known as conjunctiva that lines the eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball. The symptoms of pink eye include itchiness, redness, tearing, discharge that forms a crust, and a gritty feeling in the affected eye.

    How Coronavirus Is Transmitted

    When a person infected with coronavirus sneezes, coughs, sneezes, or talks, the virus can spray from their nose or mouth into your face. It’s likely that you inhale these droplets through your nose or mouth, and it’s also likely for the virus to enter your eyes too.

    If you touch an object that has been contaminated with the virus – like the door knob – and then touch your eyes, the virus can enter your eyes.

    The doctors at Insight Vision Center, Fresno, CA, have been closely following the coronavirus updates and would like to offer tips on how to stay healthy and protect your eyes while hunkering down at home.

    Below are some eye protection guidelines you can follow:

    1. Avoid rubbing your eyes.
      If you have the urge to rub your eyes or adjust your eyeglasses, don’t use your fingers, instead use a tissue. And if you must touch your eyes, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after touching your eyes.

    2. Switch to eyeglasses for a while instead of wearing contact lenses.
      If you tend to touch your eyes a lot for no apparent reason, consider wearing glasses more often. Wearing eyeglasses instead of contact lenses decreases the irritation in your eyes due to contact lenses, and you are more likely to pause before you touch your eyes. If you want to continue wearing contact lenses, ensure that you follow the contact lens hygiene to reduce your chances of an infection.

    3. Wear glasses for an added layer of protection.
      Although sunglasses or corrective eyeglasses can protect your eyes from virus-infected droplets, they do not provide 100% protection. The virus can enter into your eyes through the exposed areas such as the side, top, and bottom of the glasses. If you are taking care of a sick patient or if you are potentially exposed to the virus, wear safety goggles for a stronger defense.

    4. Stock up on critical eye medicines.
      Don’t wait until the last minute to contact your pharmacy and request a refill of your medications. During the lockdown, there may be a shortage of supplies, so it is advisable to stock up on critical medications, enough to get you by in emergency situations during the quarantine. If you have trouble getting approval from your insurance company, ask your pharmacist or your ophthalmologist for help.

    5. Practice safe hygiene and social distancing.
      Follow these general guidelines issued by The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to slow the spread of disease:

      • Wash your hands as often as possible for at least 20 seconds using soap and water. Make it a habit to wash your hands after you use the restroom, cough, sneeze or blow your nose, and before eating.
      • If you do not have access to soap and water, use a hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).
      • Avoid touching your face — eyes, nose, and mouth.
      • If you cough or sneeze, use a tissue and throw it away immediately. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow and then wash your hands.
      • Maintain social distancing. Avoid close contact with people. Stay at least 6 feet away from a person with a respiratory infection.
      • Stay home when you are sick.
      • Disinfect commonly touched objects and surfaces, such as countertops and doorknobs in your house.

    Lazy eye

    Also known as amblyopia, lazy eye is a vision development disorder that causes abnormal visual development in early childhood. It is developed when the eye and the brain are not stimulated properly, and the brain favors one eye over the other. It can also be said that when nerve cells responsible for vision do not develop as they should, it results in a ‘lazy eye’.

    Usually, amblyopia occurs in one eye, but in some cases, it can occur in both the eyes.

    What causes lazy eye?

    Here are the leading causes of a lazy eye:

    Strabismus – A condition where the muscles responsible for the positioning of eyes are imbalanced is known as strabismus. This imbalance makes it difficult to track an object with both eyes together. As a result, the eyes turn out or cross.

    Now to avoid double vision, the brain ignores the visuals received by the misaligned eye. This eventually leads to a lazy eye.

    Stimulus Deprivation – When light doesn’t enter an eye due to some obstruction, it tends to become weaker. It could be due to eye surgery, glaucoma, a scar, cataract, etc.

    Refractive Amblyopia – When eyes have unequal refractive errors despite correct alignment, it can lead to amblyopia. For example, there may be near or farsightedness in just one eye. Or, there may be significant astigmatism in one eye and not the other.

    What are the symptoms of a lazy eye?

    Here are the symptoms you must look for:

    • Blurred Vision – When both the eyes together cannot focus on a single object clearly, the resulting image tends to be blurred.
    • Double Vision – This is caused due to the misalignment of eyes.
    • Miscoordination – Because of a lack of coordination between the eyes, they can’t focus on an object.
    • Eye Turn – It is a common symptom when both the eyes turn in different directions.

    How is the lazy eye diagnosed?

    Your eye doctor will examine both your eyes, checking for a wandering eye, eye health, difference in vision between two eyes, or poor vision. Before conducting the exam, they will use an eye drop to dilate your eyes which may result in a blurred vision for up to several hours.

    In infants, a magnifying device is used for an eye examination. The eye doctor may also assess their ability to follow moving objects and fix their gaze at a stationary object.

    In children above the age of 3, the test is done using pictures and letters.

    Amblyopia Treatment

     

    • Glasses, Contact Lenses or Lasik Surgery

     

     

      1. Your doctor may prescribe corrective glasses or

    contact lenses

      1. to help you focus on things clearly. This, sometimes, also helps with double vision.

    In certain cases, your doctor may suggest undergoing Lasik eye surgery which not only eliminates the problem entirely but also stops it from forming again in the future.

     

     

    • Surgery and Eye Care
      Lazy eye surgery is done to improve the turn and alignment of the eye. After the surgery, you will have to wear an eye patch over the dominant eye. This strengthens the weaker eye. The patch develops the part of the brain that controls the vision.

     

     

     

    • Atropine Drops
      Atropine drops are put in the unaffected eye to blur its vision. They dilate the vision in the good eye so that the weaker eye can work more and better.

     

    Early treatment of amblyopia is extremely critical because if overlooked, the condition can lead to permanent vision problems. So, for proper visual development in kids, consult your doctor as soon as you notice any symptoms.

    Blurry vision

    Majority of people who have difficulty in seeing make a very common mistake when describing their poor vision. They interchangeably use the terms blurry vision and cloudy vision. However, there is a thin line of difference between both these terms. Both of them can be caused due to very different reasons. So, let’s find out what exactly these conditions are and understand their causes.

    What is Blurry Vision?

    Blurry vision is when the object you are looking at appears to be out of focus. In such condition, you may feel that squinting will make the object clearer. One of the best examples of blurry vision is the way an image appears on camera before you adjust the lens or give it a moment to focus on the subject. Symptoms include poor peripheral or left or right field of vision.

    What are the Causes of Blurry Vision?

    There are multiple factors which can cause blurry vision. Some of the most common ones are as follows:

    • Near-sightedness, far-sightedness or astigmatism
    • Cataracts
    • Corneal scarring or opacification
    • Abrasions to cornea
    • Age-related macular degeneration
    • Optic Neuritis
    • Retinopathy
    • Injury or trauma to the eyes
    • Infectious retinitis

    Some conditions in particular can cause headache as well as a blurry vision. These include migraine, low blood sugar, stroke etc.

    What is Cloudy Vision?

    Cloudy vision is when it feels like you are looking at everything through a haze or fog. You might feel like there is a blurry film on your eyes and you can almost wipe or blink it away. For instance, looking through smudged glasses or through a window on a foggy morning is what having a cloudy or foggy vision feels like. It can be caused due to different reasons. Hence, the combination of its symptoms depends on the underlying cause. Its commonly occurring symptoms are as follows:

    • Double vision
    • Appearance of halos around lights
    • Light sensitivity
    • Watery or dry eyes
    • Poor night time vision
    • Bloodshot or red eyes

    What are the Causes of Cloudy Vision?

    One of the most common eye condition which causes cloudy vision is cataracts. As a part of the aging process, the lens of the eye loses its transparency in cataracts. Hence, it is generally seen in older people. Dirty or damaged contact lenses are also a very common factor resulting in cloudy vision. Besides, if the contacts are worn for too long, eyes become overly dry and can result in cloudy or blurred vision.

    Other causes include changes in or damage to the cornea due to infections or inflammations. Also, conditions such as macular degeneration, optic nerve disease and diabetes may cause your vision to turn cloudy.

    Since blurry vision and cloudy vision both can indicate presence of certain serious health issues, it’s important to get your eyes regularly checked. An ophthalmologist can identify early signs of eye health issues and even detect related signs of other underlying diseases.

    If you too are experiencing any symptoms of either blurry or cloudy vision, or have any queries related to eye health, get in touch with us. Our experienced team at InSight Vision Center can help you with any queries or issues related with vision and eye health.

    eyewear for sports

    If you are a sportsperson who also wears glasses, then you know that the most frustrating thing is not being able to perform well in sports because your vision is blurry.

    Though you should not wear glasses for contact sports such as rugby, soccer and hockey; you must speak to your ophthalmologist to get the right pair of sports eyeglasses when you play other sports.
    Sports eyeglasses is essential gear for an active sportsperson.

    If you have seen an athlete with an eye injury, they will tell you how it can be prevented by simply wearing strong, durable sports eyeglasses.

    And if you have prescription glasses, don’t even think of wearing your regular eyewear when you are playing sports. Glass lenses may shatter under impact and cause an eye injury. Eyeglass frames also don’t qualify for use as safety eyewear because they too might break under impact and may inadvertently hurt you.

    You have a bunch of options to protect your eyes when you are playing sports. This includes goggles, eye shields and face masks.

    Goggles are useful when swimming, face masks, made of metal or hard fibre cages protect all of your face. Since these are hardly used outside sporting events, most of the time ophthalmologists recommend sports people to wear polycarbonate glasses. Polycarbonate is a specific type of tough and durable plastic.

    Sports eyeglasses
    Sports eyeglasses should be made of polycarbonate lens because:

    Virtually Unbreakable

    Polycarbonate lens are resistant to impact, in comparison to glass or other types of plastic lens.
    Polycarbonate lens are made up of a thermoplastic material which begin as solid, small pellets. These small solid pellets form into the shape of a lens which is then compressed under high pressure and cooled to create a proper lens.

    Weightless

    Since polycarbonate lens are thinner than other lenses, it makes them an ideal choice for people with strong prescriptions. Lightweight and thin sports eyeglasses that will stay put on your face and not move around will be more comfortable while you are playing sports.

    UV Protection

    Polycarbonate glasses help to protect exposure from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This will also help prevent any eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration.
    You generally need protection from the UV rays when you are out playing in an open ground, and polycarbonate glasses help block out harmful UV rays.

    Anti-Scratch

    Adding a scratch-resistant layer to your already scratch-proof polycarbonate lens will make sure that your sports eyeglasses can withstand any point of impact.

    It is really important to get the best possible eyewear to maximize your sports performance. For this you need to select the right frame proper fit of sports eyeglasses is very important for both safety and comfort.

    Any sportsperson who wants to achieve their best in the sport they play, then having an excellent vision is an essential factor in achieving the desired success. Sports eyeglasses should be at the top of your list when you shop for gear and accessories to enhance your game.

    If you are looking to buy the right eyeglasses that are ideal for your sports activities and daily needs, our expert team at InSight Vision Center will help you find them in Fresno, CA.

    untreated cataracts

    A massive 25 million Americans have cataract. It is a common eye condition in which the lens of the eye gradually becomes weak and your vision is impaired completely. A research done by the study “The Future of Vision” estimates the number of cataract patients will rise to 38.5 million by 2032 and 45.6 million by 2050. (Source: https://www.preventblindness.org/millions-americans-have-cataract) Cataract massively reduces the sharpness of vision. The most common sign is a yellowish-brown tint that clouds your vision.

    June is Cataract Month

    June has been declared as Cataract Awareness Month by Prevent Blindness to educate the masses on the symptoms, risk factors, and available treatment options. As you age, your eyesight takes a backseat and you rely a lot more on your reading glasses for every activity that you undertake. Cataract often ambushes the eyesight of adults over 40. But untreated cataracts do not come with a lot of noticeable symptoms.

    It starts with a difficulty to see things around you. Most people assume it’s a prescription upgrade they require and the first thing they do is rush to an optometrist. Some people might not be able to work or read under the same light, often not realizing you’re damaging your vision a little more. Untreated cataracts get worse with time and before you know it; your vision will get blurry to the point where no type of prescription lenses will work. Many people may also suffer from a dry eye that can leave you feeling tired all the time.

    But there’s no need for you to suffer for too long. These signs often indicate that it’s time for you to get cataract surgery.

    Here are Some Signs for Untreated Cataracts:

      • Double Vision

    Double vision is an early sign of cataract. The cloudy layer on the eye lens can scatter the light entering your eyes which leads to the formation of two images. Looking for correction measures earlier is necessary to avoid adverse problems.

      • Difficulty Discerning Colors

    Cataract may affect your color vision. You may see some colors faded, and slowly, your vision may take on a yellowish or brownish tinge. Discoloration due to cataract often goes ignored. But if it worsens, for example, difficulty distinguishing purples and blues, you must get your eyes examined.

      • Compromised Night Vision

    With age, the lens of your eye, which sits behind your pupil, becomes cloudy. You may experience bothersome vision problems such as halos and glare at night. Cataract surgery is recommended if you need better visual acuity at night, especially when you are driving.

      • Total Blindness

    Untreated cataracts lead to the road of complete blindness or legal blindness. People often feel worried when they hear the word “blindness”. But blindness caused by cataracts is reversible to restore your vision with the help of cataract surgery and a pair of special contact lenses is designed for both adults and children.

    Cataract Surgery Complications at a Later Age

    Though cataract is a safe procedure, it can, like other surgeries, often pose the risk of complications and serious medical illnesses. And the level of risk at an older age is higher. Let’s have a look.

      • Slow and inconvenient recovery

    With age, the risk of developing serious diseases such as thyroid, hypertension, cancer, etc. increases. And people with these pre-existing conditions have higher chances of showing signs of complications such as slow recovery. Diabetes, which is a common health issue in seniors, can alter the healing process dramatically.

      • Side-effects of Medication

    Some people at an older age may not respond to medications very well. And this can lead to complications. For example, using steroids for long-term can make them likely to develop an infection. Or, the medication used for thinning the blood to prevent blood clots can make bleeding likely.

    You won’t be able to do much about your age or a family history of cataracts. But you definitely make alterations to your diet. Eating foods rich in vitamin C and vitamin E can help prevent cataracts.
    Try to add plenty of vegetables to your meals or add them as sides. Some effective ways to delay the progression of cataracts include reduced exposure to UV rays, eating vitamin-rich foods, avoiding smoking, and wearing the right eye protection gear to prevent eye injuries.

    If you already facing vision problems, visit your eye doctor to check for signs of untreated cataracts. Cataract surgery will restore your vision so that you don’t struggle with poor vision as you age.

    Book an appointment with an experienced eye doctor in Fresno, CA to correct your vision so that you enjoy the simple pleasures of life just as everyone else does!

    Swimming with contact lenses

    There’s no other activity that gives you that total-body workout as much as an hour of swimming does. From toddlers to seniors, it’s an activity enjoyed by all. The summers have already begun and everyone wants to cool off with a dip in the pool.

    But have you wondered what the water is doing to your eyes? Swimming with contact lenses can potentially damage your eyesight. Your eyes may not only suffer bacterial contamination but in addition, you may experience irritation in the eye once you step out of the pool. Infections and sight-threatening conditions like a corneal ulcer may be a potential vision battle.

    Eye Issues Due to Swimming:

    Your eyes are safe as long as bacteria and irritants don’t get through the tear film that keeps the cornea lubricated. The moment chlorine and the tear film interact; your tear is exposed to the chemical in chlorine which carries a ton of pollutants.

    Here’s a look at the two common eye conditions caused by chlorine exposure:

    1. Conjunctivitis
      Conjunctivitis is often known as Pink Eye and is a water-borne bacterial eye infection.
    2. Eye Irritation
      Eye irritation caused by chlorine results in redness and blurry vision, along with the damage of the tear film.

    Swimming With Contact Lenses:

    When you are swimming with contact lenses, the cornea in your eye suffers a setback in the form of an infection. Chlorine water should never touch your contact lenses. This is especially dangerous to your vision because your lenses may shrink and deprive it of the oxygen it needs. For certain contact lenses like the gas permeable (GP) ones, your ophthalmologist will strongly discourage you from wearing them while swimming. In case you forget to take them off while swimming, make sure you dispose them off immediately.

    At InSight Vision Center, we recommend that you use daily disposable lenses if you are a regular swimmer.

    We recommend you to take the following precautions if you are swimming with contact lenses:

    1. Wear Well-Fitted Goggles
      If you are swimming with contact lenses, your eyes will need that extra layer of protection. Well-fitted goggles are essential part of your swimming gear since pools contain a ton of chlorine. Your vision will not be compromised underwater. And vision problems like eye irritation and infection will not surface.
    2. Use Eye Drops
      If you experience even the slightest irritation after a swim, it suggests that your eyes need some lubrication. Put a few drops in each eye to restore the tear film on your eyes.
    3. Take off Your of Contact Lenses
      Taking your contact lenses off is your best bet. Chlorine can let bacteria enter your eye lens which can result in a more serious problem. If you absolutely insist on wearing them, get them cleaned with a solution immediately after a swim.
    4. Visit Your Eye Doctor
      In case the pain or irritation persists more than a day, it’s time for you to visit your eye doctor. Address the issues to your doctor and how long you have been suffering the irritation.

    Swimming is a fun way to exercise and stay fit. But the activity comes with some responsibility. Take all the necessary precautions before diving into the pool. Make sure you take your contact lenses off if you often experience eye irritation. Don’t ignore any signs that may bring discomfort to your eyes.

    Book an appointment with an experienced eye doctor in Fresno, CA if you have persisting eye irritation or if you need a fresh pair of contact lenses recommended to you.

    Astigmatism lights while driving at night

    It’s not every day that you see people talking about interesting facts about eyesight. But how much do you know about your eye health? There are some who are blessed with perfect 20/20 vision, while others are completely blind. But what about people with certain eye conditions? How can you tell if you have poor vision at all?

    Imagine driving down a dimly lit road at night and seeing lights that seem to stretch out in unusual ways. For people with astigmatism, this is a common occurrence that can not only be frustrating but also potentially dangerous. Astigmatism lights appear streaky, blurry, or haloed, and this can severely impair your ability to drive safely at night. So what exactly is astigmatism, and how can you take measures to ensure that your night driving experience is as safe as possible?

    In this article, we’ll explore the answers to these questions and provide you with some practical tips to help you drive safely with astigmatism.

    Astigmatism vs Normal – How people with Astigmatism see?

    People with astigmatism see differently than those with normal vision. They may experience blurry or distorted vision at all distances, which can make it difficult to read, drive, or perform other activities that require clear vision. In particular, people with astigmatism often have difficulty with night driving due to the glare of oncoming headlights.

    Astigmatism can cause images to appear stretched, skewed, or tilted, which can make it hard to identify shapes or read letters on a page. People with astigmatism may also experience eye strain, headaches, or eye fatigue as their eyes work harder to compensate for the vision problem. The severity of astigmatism varies from person to person. In some cases, it may be so mild that it doesn’t require treatment, while in others, it may cause significant vision problems.

    What Does Astigmatism Look Like?

    What astigmatism lights at night look like

    Astigmatism lights – Halos, fuzzy vision & streaky lights cause issues with driving at night with astigmatism

    Due to Astigmatism the misshapen cornea or lens doesn’t allow proper light intake in your eyes. This common refractive error results in lights getting scattered instead of focusing on your retina, potentially causing blurred vision. Therefore if you have astigmatism, you need to squint your eyes more. You may also find yourself reducing the glares of the things in front of you whenever possible.

    And the interesting part is that people born with astigmatism may never know this difference until someone points that out to them. But if you are amongst those who developed astigmatism over time, you will gradually, if not instantly, know that something is wrong with your vision. It’s easy to spot the difference between astigmatism vision vs. normal vision.

    Astigmatism lights notoriously appear

    • hazy with holes
    • with excessive glare
    • streaky
    • blurry or fuzzy

    That Viral Tweet from 2019 illustrating how people with astigmatism see – How accurate is it?

    This Twitter post from 2019 spread like wildfire and fuelled responses from around the world. It made people question their eyesight. It depicted what vision with astigmatism looks like vs vision without astigmatism.


    Image Source: Unusual Facts

    In the first image, the light from the brake lights and traffic signs appear distorted, stretching into a wide, starburst shape. This indicated what astigmatism vision looks like. In the second image, the lights coming off of the traffic light appear softer and have a halo shape, which represents clear vision.

    This tweet gathered over 80,000 reactions and led many to suspect they had undiagnosed astigmatism. Most of the people who reacted thought the image on the left was a representation of perfect vision, and the results shocked them. Some people with glasses thought the distorted vision was actually a normal condition.

    However, journalists from BuzzFeed clarified with the eye doctors, that there is no single image that can accurately represent astigmatism or diagnose its presence. Only a qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist can diagnose astigmatism. The image in the tweet could be attributed to common causes like glare or dry eyes. The main message here is to avoid self-diagnosing based on online information or images and instead, seek professional advice from an eye doctor to receive the appropriate treatment for your eyes.

    Driving at Night With Astigmatism

    By now, you may understand what astigmatism vision looks like at night if the processing of lights is so distorted normally. Yes, astigmatism gets pretty much worse at night. Specifically, it’s scary to drive at night with astigmatism.

    Unlike daytime, there is more darkness all around at night. So naturally, your pupils dilate to allow more light inside the eye. But with astigmatism, more light means more glare. The traffic lights, street lights, and headlights of other vehicles help people with normal vision navigate the roads at night. However, astigmatism vision can make it harder to distinguish between different types of light sources mentioned above. This can make driving at night particularly challenging for people with astigmatism.

    Now you know the different effects of astigmatism at night vs. normal daytime. It’s much worse and more confusing during the night. In the next section, let’s deep dive into the solution for people driving with astigmatism at night. Keep reading if you are one of them!

    Solutions for Safely Driving at Night With Astigmatism

    Your eye doctor will agree that the following solutions help combat astigmatism lights at night while driving.

    • Get Your Vision Corrected

    Getting your vision corrected is essential since most critical decisions made by drivers are based on sight. Many drivers aren’t aware of the relationship between good vision and good driving, especially if you drive at night.

    There are two vision correction options to make life easy for you. The first one is glasses. It’s a proven solution for astigmatism at night. Otherwise, you can get toric lenses. However, you may need some time to get used to them. Schedule an eye exam with your eye doctor and figure out what works best for you.

    • Wear Anti-Reflector Glasses

    If you choose good old glasses to address astigmatism at night, get the anti-reflector glasses. They are much less likely to intensify glare than other corrective lenses. They can also help cut down on poor vision in low light, helping manage refractive errors and making it easier for you to drive at night.

    If you are already comfortable with wearing glasses, try the anti-reflector ones and know the difference.

    • Use Contact Moisturizing Drops

    Having to deal with painful, irritated eyes while driving can be not only annoying but also dangerous. Toric lenses for astigmatism often result in dry eyes. Driving at night can also result in a glare that reflects off the dry, irregular surface of the cornea.

    If you wear contact lenses to correct astigmatism, use contact moisturizing drops to prevent drying your toric lenses.

    • Get a LASIK Eye Surgery

    LASIK eye surgery refers to laser eye surgery and vision correction. It’s considered the permanent solution to the everyday annoyances of dealing with corrective lenses when you have astigmatism.

    With a quick recovery rate, LASIK eye surgery can save you money on the annual costs of glasses and contact lenses. And more importantly, it will help you with a better vision to allow you to drive safely.

    Related Post: How to Fix Astigmatism Naturally With Food & a Healthy Lifestyle

    Additional Tips That May Help With Your Astigmatism Night Driving

    1. Adjust your headlights: Make sure your headlights are properly aligned and aimed, as misaligned headlights can make it harder to see while driving at night.
    2. Clean your windshield and headlights: Dirt and grime on your windshield and headlights can cause glare and reduce visibility. Regularly clean both to ensure optimal visibility.
    3. Reduce interior lights: Bright interior lights can reflect on your windshield and make it difficult to see. Dim your dashboard lights and avoid using your phone or other bright devices while driving.
    4. Slow down: Driving at a slower speed can give you more time to react to unexpected situations and reduce the risk of accidents.
    5. Take breaks: If you feel tired or have blurry vision, take a break and rest your eyes. This can help reduce eye strain and improve your ability to see while driving.

    Parting Words

    Driving at night with astigmatism is a severe life hazard. Therefore, you must not only do your own vision analysis. You also must show these pictures to your family members and loved ones to check which image they identify with.

    The issue of astigmatism lights can easily be resolved with solutions like glasses, toric lenses, and LASIK eye surgery. Also, an eye exam is important not just to correct astigmatism vision but it is to safeguard your overall health and wellness.

    Don’t put it off any longer. A doctor of optometry can diagnose astigmatism. Call us at 559-449-5050 or schedule an appointment at InSight Vision Center in Fresno, CA with an experienced optometrist to correct your vision.

    FAQs About Astigmatism Lights

    If you have untreated astigmatism, lights may appear streaky, hazy, haloed, or ringed by a starburst pattern. This can have a significant negative impact on your night driving abilities and make it challenging to see well in low light.
    Astigmatism patients may be sensitive to light, especially in a bright environment. This is because astigmatism can make it uncomfortable and sensitive for the eyes to focus on light. However, not everyone who has astigmatism suffers from light sensitivity, as it might differ based on the person's particular condition.
    Wearing astigmatism-correcting eyewear, such as glasses or contact lenses, can greatly enhance visual clarity and lessen light distortion.
    Starbursts around lights can be a common symptom of astigmatism or other vision issues, caused by the irregular shape of the cornea or lens in the eye. For an accurate diagnosis and treatment, it's crucial to visit an eye doctor.
    Astigmatism can be corrected by Lasik. However, it is crucial to consult with an ophthalmologist to find out if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.

    Bad eyesight

    Bad vision can be caused by astigmatism, nearsightedness & farsightedness. These can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or some surgeries. These conditions are genetic to a certain extent, but may also be influenced by your environment. Globally, about 80% of vision impairment cases are avoidable (Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment). But here’s what science has to say.

    Environment over Genetics

    If two people are nearsighted, it’s more likely their children will be nearsighted. However, if a child spends a lot of time reading or working up close, and not much time outside, they may actually need reading glasses. But if kids are brought up in the right environment, they can maintain good eyesight without experiencing headaches and perform well at school and other activities.

    How Can You Treat Bad Eyesight?

    1. Inculcate Good Habits

    There are plenty of good habits you can inculcate in your child to prevent them from struggling with poor eyesight. Most kids these days carry digital devices with them wherever they travel.

    We’ve seen kids with phones and iPads on the trains, outside a movie theatre, and of course at home. You need to limit the amount of time your kids spend on these devices. These gadgets also shouldn’t be easily accessible. And instead, it should act as a reward.

    Kids should also be encouraged to spend more time outdoors rather than simply gaming or sitting in front of a television. Motivate them to play with the neighbor’s kids or find time to play a ball game with them. Make sure they’re active for a major part of the day.

    2. Provide Vitamins for Eyesight

    Providing vitamins for eyesight is another way for you to make sure that you encourage healthy eating habits and an overall improved lifestyle. This includes eating the right foods that give your kids’ eyesight a big boost. But healthy foods don’t necessarily have to be boring.

    Your kids are simply not going to eat an entire bowl of salad. But if you try to include green vegetables in an omlette, sandwich, or pasta, they will consume all the right vitamins. Encourage your kids to also eat citrus fruits, fish, eggs, and nuts. These foods contain plenty of nutrients and help your child maintain a well-balanced diet.

    3. Get an Early Eye Exam

    While good habits and a healthy diet are important to maintain eyesight, it’s also crucial for you to take your kids for an early eye exam. Many kids may suffer from poor eyesight without even realizing it.

    A healthy set of eyes is essential in the growing years. It helps kids understand the world around, familiarizes them with their immediate environment and people. Good eyesight also helps your child concentrate in the classroom without experiencing mild headaches and blurred vision.

    Taking your kids to an eye doctor will help detect any early eye conditions that can be easily corrected with glasses. In the growing years, kids should get a yearly eye exam done to help them succeed in the classroom, in sports, and in other activities.

    Poor vision may be hereditary to an extent but doesn’t affect your kids’ eyesight if a healthy routine is put into place. If you’re looking for an experienced eye doctor in Fresno, CA, book an appointment with Insight Vision Centre today for a comprehensive eye assessment of your kids’ vision. Book an eye exam today.

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