Blog Post

Dr. Debbie Simon, Dr. Emily Davis, and Dr. Romaya Ahmed offer pediatric eye care here at Eye Q Optique. If you’re starting to see signs of a problem, such as increased squinting in your child or headache complaints, we encourage you to schedule an exam. Many eye problems can be addressed quickly with corrective lenses or glasses at our Kids’ Optique.

Here are seven eye problems you can pass to your children:

1. Nearsightedness

Nearsightedness (myopia) causes distant objects to appear blurry, while close-up vision remains clear, and it’s one of the most common types of refractive errors. 

Myopia often develops in childhood and tends to worsen as the eyes grow. Currently, 5% of preschoolers and 9% of elementary-aged kids have myopia, but researchers estimate that 50% of the population will have myopia by 2050.

If you or your partner is nearsighted, your child has a higher risk of developing the condition. The good news is that regular eye exams during childhood can help catch myopia early. This means your child can get glasses to improve their vision, eliminate headaches from squinting, and reduce school stress from vision troubles.

2. Farsightedness

The opposite of nearsightedness is farsightedness (hyperopia), which occurs when distant objects are seen clearly, but close-up tasks are difficult. 

If you or your partner has farsightedness, there’s a higher chance that your child can develop the condition. This too can be easily diagnosed during an eye exam.

3. Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a refractive error that causes blurry vision at all distances (not just near or far) due to an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. It’s often hereditary and can accompany either myopia or hyperopia. 

If you have astigmatism, there’s a good chance your children might inherit it.

4. Strabismus 

Strabismus makes one eye drift in a different direction from the other. It can drift either inward or outward. Because of this, strabismus is often called “crossed eyes.” This can be inherited and often presents in early childhood. 

Note: Some newborns appear to have crossed eyes, but this usually resolves within three months.

If left untreated, strabismus can lead to amblyopia, where your child’s brain begins to favor one eye over the other.

5. Color vision deficiency 

Color vision deficiency, sometimes referred to as blindness, affects your child’s ability to distinguish certain colors, especially red and green. It’s more common in males because the gene responsible for color vision is located on the X chromosome. Specifically, mutations on OPN1LW (for red) and OPN1MW (for green) contribute to color vision deficiency. 

If you have a family history of color blindness, it’s possible that your children could inherit it. While there’s no cure for color blindness, early diagnosis can help your child adapt to the condition with educational tools, visual aids, and safety information.

6. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss. It’s more common in older adults, but certain types of glaucoma can be passed down to your child.

Primary congenital glaucoma can develop in newborns (where the increased intraocular pressure develops in utero), as an infant up to age 36 months, or between the ages of 3 and 18.

If you have a personal or family history of glaucoma, regular eye exams are important for both you and your child. Glaucoma can be diagnosed by checking eye pressure during an exam.

7. Cataracts

While cataracts are most commonly associated with aging, some forms of cataracts can be inherited and develop in childhood or early adulthood. Congenital cataracts, for example, are present at birth and can cause cloudy vision.

Just like cataracts in adults, congenital cataracts can be corrected surgically. 

How to protect your child’s vision

If you or your partner has any of these hereditary conditions, it’s important to have your children’s eyes checked regularly. That being said, understand that your children aren’t destined to develop these conditions just because you have one of them. 

Many factors affect pediatric vision, and thankfully, there’s a lot you can do to protect it. You might consider:

• Keeping regular eye exam appointments
• Spending time outdoors (which helps prevent and slow down issues like myopia)
• Serving your kids foods rich in vitamins E, C, and A 
• Encouraging your child to wear sunglasses, sports glasses, and/or protective eyewear when appropriate 

If you have concerns about your child’s eye health or would like to schedule a pediatric eye exam, call our Chicago or Buffalo Grove, Illinois, location, or click here to book online.

About 36.5 million Americans currently have a major eye disease, while another 150 million have a refractive error. While you can’t avoid all eye issues — some risk factors are out of your control — there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of serious eye disease. 

Here are six things to do now if you want healthy eyes later, courtesy of Dr. Debbie Simon, Dr. Emily Davis, and Dr. Romaya Ahmed here at Eye Q Optique.

1. Schedule regular eye exams

Scheduling regular eye exams is one of the most important things you can do for your eye health. Even if you don’t currently wear glasses or contact lenses, an eye exam can detect early signs of conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration — often before you notice any symptoms. 

Because these conditions can steal your vision, routine eye exams can help spot the earliest signs of these conditions. The earlier you start treatment for conditions like these, the better chance you have of preserving your vision.

2. Wear protective glasses 

Eye protection includes:

Sunglasses

You protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen so why not protect your eyes, too? Excessive UV exposure can increase your risk of several eye conditions, including ocular melanoma, cataracts, and pterygium. 

Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays whenever you’re outside, even on cloudy days. Baseball caps and wide-brimmed hats can add additional sun protection.

Ski goggles

The need for sun protection isn’t limited to the summer months either. Wear your sunglasses all year long, and that includes if you spend any time skiing this winter! Not only do sunglasses prevent the dangers of UV rays, but wearing them on the slopes can help prevent snow blindness.

Safety glasses

Get in the habit of wearing safety glasses anytime you’re engaged in a high-risk activity. This includes construction work, racquetball, or yard work (especially when weed whacking). 

Here at Eye Q Optique, we feel strongly about eye protection. That’s why we offer a variety of high-quality, progression safety glasses with several available options, including anti-glare coatings, padded safety frames, and progressive lenses.

3. Eat nutrient-dense foods

What you eat fuels your body, and that also includes your eyes. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E support good vision and help reduce your risk of age-related eye issues. 

Consider adding cold water fish (e.g., salmon or mackerel), dark leafy greens, chia seeds, walnuts, carrots, and raw red bell peppers to your diet. 

4. Practice the 20-20-20 rule

Do you find that working for hours on the computer leaves your eyes dry, achy, and red? This is known as computer eye syndrome, eye fatigue, or digital eye syndrome. Whatever you want to call it, the result is the same — eyes that just don’t feel quite 100%. 

You can use the 20-20-20 to help combat this. The rule is straightforward and can be easily added to even the busiest of days: Every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a break and helps prevent fatigue.

In addition to practicing this rule, you might also consider wearing blue-light-blocking glasses while you work on the computer. 

You can also prevent eye strain by adjusting your computer so there’s no glare, using an ergonomic set-up, lighting your room well to prevent squinting, and keeping your monitor at eye level.

5. Quit smoking

If you smoke, you’re three times as likely to develop cataracts and twice as likely to develop macular degeneration when compared to nonsmokers — not to mention all of the other ways that smoking compromises your health!

Quitting smoking — or never starting — is one of the best things you can do for your health, including your eyes.

If you’re considering smoking cessation, the Illinois Tobacco Quitline provides resources for quitting. 

6. Practice good hygiene 

Touching your eyes can quickly transfer bacteria or viruses to your eyes. Not only does this increase your risk of developing a bacterial or viral illness, it also increases your risk of developing an eye infection.

Good eye hygiene includes:

• Washing your hands before inserting or removing contacts
• Cleaning your contact case regularly 
• Refraining from sleeping in contacts and wearing them only as directed 
• Clean your makeup brushes regularly (and never share makeup products)
• Remove makeup nightly

Don’t wait — start taking care of your eyes now for a lifetime of good vision. If you need to schedule an eye exam or if you have questions about a current condition, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call either office — Chicago or Buffalo Grove, Illinois —  or click here to get started.

Eye infections — specifically conjunctivitis or pink eye — are extremely common in children, and unfortunately, they spread easily from child to child.

But just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park. Eye infections can cause discomfort, gritty sensations in the eyes, itchiness, excessive tearing, and eye discharge.

If  your child keeps getting eye infections and you’re wondering why, then read on. Dr. Debbie Simon, Dr. Emily Davis, and Dr. Romaya Ahmed highlight why kids are prone to eye infections and how the team here at Eye Q Optique can help.

Types of eye infections in kids

While pink eye may be the most discussed eye infection, it’s not the only one. Other types of eye infections include: 

• Conjunctivitis (pink eye), which makes their eyes red, itchy, and discharge fluid
• Styes, which cause painful, swollen lumps on their eyelids due to bacterial infections
• Blepharitis, which inflames and crusts the base of their eyelashes
• Fungal infections, such as keratitis and endophthalmitis

Your child’s Eye Q Optique provider can determine which type of infection your child has, whether it’s caused by bacteria, a virus, or fungi. They can also recommend the right treatment and provide specific prevention tips.

Why kids are prone to eye infections

Anyone can develop an eye infection, but kids are prone to them because of: 

Poor hygiene

Children often touch their faces and eyes with unwashed hands, which can transfer bacteria and viruses to your child’s eyes. 

If your child is old enough, teach them the importance of washing their hands regularly and avoiding touching their eyes, nose, and mouth. 

For smaller children and toddlers, it’s harder to limit face touching. Regularly clean their toys to help reduce their exposure to germs. Wash their hands for them, especially after playing, visiting the park, or coming home from daycare.

Eye allergies

Allergies themselves don’t cause infections, but they can make your child's eyes itchy, which then leads to frequent rubbing. This irritation plus rubbing with potentially unwashed hands can introduce bacteria into the eyes.

Monitor your child for signs of eye allergies — red eyes, watery eyes, itchy eyes — and reach out to our team for allergy treatment. In the meantime, try a warm wet washcloth to help soothe itchy eyes. 

Exposure to bacteria in pools and lakes

Chlorinated pools can irritate your kids’ eyes. Lakes and rivers can be breeding grounds for bacteria, but public pools can also harbor bacteria if not properly maintained. Encourage your child to wear goggles while swimming and avoid swimming in poorly maintained pools.

Reminder: If your child wears contact lenses, they should refrain from swimming in them.

Close contact with infected individuals 

Eye infections, like conjunctivitis, are highly contagious. Keep your child away from others with eye infections and teach them not to share personal items like towels, makeup brushes (either with friends or at beauty counters), or eye drops.

What to do if your child has frequent eye infections

If your child has frequent eye infections, try to pinpoint the source. Consider the following:

• Your child’s hygiene habits
• If your child uses shared eye makeup (at beauty counters or friends’ houses)
• If your child rubs their eyes (to combat allergy itchiness)
• If anyone in your child’s daycare or school has been infected recently
• If your child swims often or showers in contacts 
• If your child has fully finished the treatment for the previous infection (never stop antibiotics early)

Depending on the root cause of the infection, you may want to revisit hand washing tips with your child, the importance of not sharing personal items with friends, and how to properly care for contact lenses.

Our team can help determine the source of your child’s infections and get them started with the right treatment. Treatments may include anti-fungal products, eye drops, antibiotics, or lifestyle changes depending on which type of infection you’re dealing with.

If you suspect your child has an eye infection brewing, call either the office or click here to request a pediatric eye exam.

If your drooping eyelids are affecting your eyesight, you’re not alone. Both children and adults can develop drooping eyelids. This condition, known as ptosis, can be both a cosmetic concern and a functional issue. 

If your eyelids droop and limit your vision, don’t hesitate to schedule an exam here at Eye Q Optique in Chicago and Buffalo Grove, Illinois.

Are you ready to address this problem and improve your vision and appearance with the help of Dr. Debbie Simon, Dr. Emily Davis, and Dr. Romaya Ahmed? Here’s what you should know:

Do you have ptosis?

Ptosis occurs when the muscles that raise your eyelid are weak or the nerves controlling these muscles are damaged. It can affect one or both eyes and may be present at birth or develop later in life. 

Many conditions can contribute to drooping eyelids. This includes age-related changes, injuries, side effects of glaucoma medication (e.g., itching due to antiglaucoma drug-associated allergy), stroke, third nerve palsy, and more.

Ptosis is easily diagnosed. Your Eye Q Optique provider starts with a comprehensive eye examination to determine the cause and severity of your drooping eyelids. This exam may include checking your vision (including your peripheral vision), measuring the height of your eyelids, and evaluating the strength of your eyelid muscles.

Treatment for ptosis

Help for ptosis falls into two categories: nonsurgical and surgical. Your Eye Q Optique provider reviews your options during your appointment and can help recommend the right approach based on your specific needs and the underlying cause of your ptosis.

Nonsurgical treatment for drooping eyelids

In mild cases, you might find relief with nonsurgical options. These can include prescription eye drops (that contain oxymetazoline) to temporarily lift the eyelids. These medicated drops work by tightening the muscles in your eyelids.

You might also benefit from specialized glasses with a crutch to hold the eyelid up. Glasses are ideal if you aren’t a candidate for surgery or if your ptosis is caused by temporary conditions.

In addition to eye drops and special eyeglasses, you might benefit from exercises to strengthen your eyelids.

Surgery for drooping eyelids

For severe drooping that blocks your vision, surgery might be the best solution for you. Ptosis surgery involves tightening and repositioning the levator muscles to lift your eyelid into a more natural position. 

Surgery has two goals: to significantly improve your vision and to improve the appearance of your eyelids. 

After surgery, you may experience some swelling and bruising, but these typically subside within a few weeks. Most patients notice an immediate improvement in their vision and eyelid appearance. 

Concerned about your vision? We can help!

If drooping eyelids are affecting your eyesight, don’t hesitate to visit our team here in Chicago or Buffalo Grove, Illinois. We can examine your eyelids, check your visual acuity, and create a treatment plan to help restore your vision. 

Call either office or click here to request a ptosis consultation.

That’s where diabetic eye care comes into the picture. Diabetic eye care refers to routine eye exams and treatments to help you manage diabetes-related eye issues.

Take a moment as Dr. Debbie Simon, Dr. Emily Davis, and Dr. Romaya Ahmed explain why diabetics should take extra care of their eyes and how the Eye Q Optique team in Chicago and Buffalo Grove, Illinois, can help.

How diabetes affects your eye health

Diabetes affects your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels, and high blood sugar can damage various parts of your body, including your eyes. 

Here are some key ways diabetes can impact your eye health:

Increased risk of diabetic retinopathy

This is the most common diabetic eye disease. Elevated blood sugar levels can harm the blood vessels in your retina. Without treatment, diabetic retinopathy may lead to blindness.

Unfortunately, diabetic retinopathy doesn’t always cause symptoms at first, but it can be detected with a dilated eye exam. 

If you have diabetes, the National Eye Institute recommends a yearly dilated eye exam to help catch any potential issues, like retinopathy, as early as possible. Treatments include injections, surgery, or laser treatments. 

Increased risk of cataracts

Cataracts — a clouding of the lens in your eye — can happen to diabetics and non-diabetics alike, but diabetics are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age. That’s because chronically high blood sugar levels can lead to structural changes in your eye that speed up cataract development.

Increased risk of glaucoma

Diabetics are twice as likely to develop glaucoma as compared to non-diabetics. This condition results from increased pressure in your eye, which can damage your optic nerve. 

Increased pressure isn’t something to take lightly. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness and is referred to by researchers as the “black hole of irreversible blindness.”

Routine eye exams can help spot high pressure in your eyes, so you can get started with treatment before too much damage is done.

Why you need to be vigilant

Taking care of your eyes is crucial because diabetes-related eye conditions often develop without obvious symptoms so you might not notice symptoms until they become serious. 

Regular eye checkups can:

• Allow our team to detect problems as early as possible (before they snowball into bigger issues)
• Provide treatment quickly
• Give you peace of mind 
• Provide an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about your eye health

In addition to scheduling your dilated eye exam, you should be aware of warning signs that warrant a trip to our office — even if you’re not yet due for your routine exam. Potential red flags include eye floaters, vision loss, changes in your vision, difficulty driving at night, or any eye discomfort. 

Other ways to care for your eyes

In addition to routine diabetic eye exams, you can continue to care for your eyes by eating a nutrient-dense diet (especially one rich in zinc and beta-carotene), exercising regularly, managing your blood sugar, and taking all medications as directed whether you need them for diabetes or any eye conditions.

To book your next diabetic eye exam,  call the location of your choice, or simply click here to get started.

If you fall into that category, don't worry! Here at Eye Q Optique, Dr. Debbie Simon, Dr. Emily Davis, and Dr. Romaya Ahmed offer specialty lenses to help you see clearly. 

Here’s what you need to know about the two most common specialty lenses available in our Buffalo Grove and Chicago, Illinois, locations.

What are the two most common specialty lenses?

Specialty contact lenses are designed to address specific vision problems that go beyond the capabilities of standard soft or rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. Specialty lenses can be customized to accommodate a variety of eye conditions, restore clear vision, and even accommodate irregular eye shapes.

Here at Eye Q Optique, our team offers several types of specialty lenses, but the two most common ones are scleral lenses and hybrid lenses.

Scleral lenses explained

Traditional contact lenses are nearly the same size as your cornea. Scleral lenses are larger than this and rest on your sclera instead. Your sclera is the white part of your eye.

These lenses “vault” over your cornea and hold a small amount of artificial tears to keep your eyes moist. Scleral lenses are hard so they hold their shape, and because they’re gas-permeable, oxygen can still reach your eyes. This is why these specialty lenses are ideal for those who tend to have dry eyes and don’t like traditional soft contact lenses. 

You might benefit from scleral lenses if you have:

• A cone-shaped cornea (called keratoconus)
• Dry eyes
• Irregular astigmatism
• Corneal transplants
• Post-LASIK ectasia
• Corneal scarring

They can also help with vision issues, including myopia and hyperopia.

Hybrid lenses explained

As the name suggests, hybrid lenses combine the benefits of two different types of lenses. They combine the comfort of soft lenses with the visual clarity of rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses.

The center of a hybrid lens is made from RGP material for clear vision, and it’s surrounded by a soft lens skirt for comfort.

You might consider this option if you have a hard time adapting to a traditional RGP contact lens. You might also consider a hybrid lens if you have astigmatism. 

Other types of specialty lenses

While sclera lenses and hybrid lenses are the most common, they aren’t the only types of specialty lenses. 

Other types include:

• Transition lenses
• Digitally surfaced spectacle lenses
• Lenses for digital eye strain
• Ortho-K lenses for nighttime use
• Lenses for children with myopia

In addition to these specialty lenses, our team also offers a robust line of regular contacts, including daily use and extended-wear contacts.

How to know which type of contact lenses you need

Before you can get started with any type of contact lens, your first step is to schedule a comprehensive contact lens fitting and eye exam. 

During a contact lens fitting, we first assess your eye health and measure the curvature of your cornea. We also evaluate your tear film to determine the best type of lens material for your eyes. 

After fitting you with trial lenses, we check the lenses on your eyes for proper alignment and comfort. You'll receive instructions on how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses, and you'll likely schedule a follow-up appointment to make sure you’re adjusting well to your new contact lenses.

To determine if you need regular or specialty lenses, Dr. Simon, Dr. Davis, and Dr. Ahmed also consider your specific vision needs, eye conditions (such as astigmatism or keratoconus), and lifestyle requirements.

If you’re interested in contact lenses — but haven’t had luck with regular contacts — call the location of your choice to find out if specialty lenses are right for you. You can also click here to request your contact lens fitting and exam.

If your child is feeling nervous about their upcoming eye exam, they’re not alone. Many kids are fearful about doctor visits — eye exams included! 

Here at Eye Q Optique, Dr. Debbie Simon, Dr. Emily Davis and Dr. Romaya Ahmed are experts when it comes to pediatric eye care. Our team treats eye infections, removes foreign bodies from eyes, assesses vision, and conducts routine eye exams.

If your child is feeling nervous about their upcoming eye exam, here are several steps you can take to help ease their anxiety.

Explain the process

Knowledge helps eliminate “the fear of the unknown,” so be sure to explain what will happen during their eye exam. Ideally, choose a quiet place during an unrushed moment of the day.

During an exam, your child can expect to:

• Sit in a comfortable chair while their Eye Q Optique optometrist discusses their eye health history and medical history
• Talk about any problems with their eyes, such as reaching the whiteboard at school, headaches, squinting, or anything else that bothers them
• Read numbers and letters on an eye chart 
• Look through special lenses to see which options provide the clearest vision

Remind your child that it’s not a test that they “fail.” Rather, it’s all about what helps them see the best.

If your child already wears glasses, be sure to bring them to the appointment. Explain that their upcoming exam is designed to make sure that they have the most up-to-date prescription so they can see clearly.

Address their concerns

Take the time to listen to your child's concerns; ask what specific elements make them nervous, and answer any questions they may have. For many children who’ve never had an eye exam, the top worry is, “Will it hurt?” Reassure them that there's nothing to be afraid of and that the eye exam is quick and painless.

If your child is nervous about needing glasses, talk about all of the positive ways glasses can improve their life. Glasses can help alleviate headaches, make it easier to read the board, and even make watching TV more enjoyable.

Read books about eye exams

There are plenty of children's books and videos available that explain what happens during an eye exam in a fun and friendly way. Consider reading a book or watching a video together to help alleviate your child's anxiety.

Prevent Blindness, an initiative of the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health, has curated a list of 25 children’s books that explain vision as well as wearing glasses.

Tip: Look for your child’s favorite characters. Many popular characters have special episodes about doctor visits.

Lead by example

If you wear glasses or contacts, talk to your child about your own experiences with eye exams. Let them know that it's a normal part of taking care of your health and that there's nothing to worry about.

Focus on something positive after the exam

Consider planning something fun — such as a trip to get ice cream or a time to play a board game together —  after the eye exam so your child has something fun to look forward to. This can help motivate them, make the experience more positive, and help distract from any jitters. 

Schedule their appointment earlier in the day

If your child is particularly nervous, consider scheduling their eye exam earlier in the day. This way, they can cross it off their list and won’t fret about it all day long.

Need to schedule a pediatric eye exam? Let us know!

Whether you suspect your child needs eyeglasses, or you’re just scheduling a routine eye exam, our friendly team is here to help. We know that eye exams can be a little nerve-wracking for first-time patients, especially children. That's why we strive to create a comfortable and welcoming environment at our office locations in Buffalo Grove and Chicago, Illinois.

Call the location of your choice or simply click here to get started.

You may also wonder if the appearance of your eyes could be a sign of a problem, which may sometimes be the case. The providers at Eye Q Optique explain more about this issue — and how to make the puffiness go away.

What do we mean by “puffy eyes?”

Puffy eyes can mean several things.  It may mean that your eyes look swollen. Or you may have bags under your eyes that never seem to disappear, even when you’re well-rested. However, puffy eyes are different from swollen eyelids, which is a different issue. 

Causes puffy eyes

Puffy eyes can be caused by multiple factors, including:

• Aging
• Genetics
• Stress
• Eye fatigue
• Individual skin characteristics

Some of these factors can’t be changed, like aging or genetics. However, stress and eye fatigue are definitely changeable.

Other issues to consider

Allergies can be another culprit. If you have seasonal allergies, for example, you may notice that your eyes look worse. The same may be true if you work around chemicals or dust that irritate your eyes.

Even though puffy eyes and swollen eyelids are technically different from each other, they can look the same. Swollen eyelids that occur suddenly are more likely to indicate a problem that requires medical attention.

Some of the causes of swollen eyelids include:

• Thyroid eye disease
• Pink eye (also known as conjunctivitis)
• Inflammation associated with dry eye 
• Kidney disease
• Blepharochalasis, which causes swelling every few months

To find out the cause of your eye issues, make an appointment with us. 

How to treat puffy eyes

Fortunately, you can control eye puffiness with several at-home treatments, such as:

• Eat less salt 
• Eat potassium-rich foods like bananas to reduce swelling
• Use cool compresses on your eyes
• Use antihistamine eye drops if you have allergies
• Avoid wearing contacts as often as possible
• Drink plenty of water (dehydration makes your eyes look worse)
• Splash cold water on your face
• Get plenty of sleep

These remedies can make a big difference in the appearance of your eyes.

When to see a doctor

If you’ve tried all of the self-care techniques listed above and your eyes are still constantly puffy, there’s more that we can do to help you. 

When you come in to discuss your puffy eyes, we’ll ask more questions to determine if you have a more serious underlying medical condition. Some of these conditions are very treatable.

If you’re bothered enough by the puffy eyes to want surgery to fix them, we can refer you to a surgeon for a procedure called a blepharoplasty. This procedure surgically removes excess skin from around your eyes.

You don’t have to suffer with puffy eyes, especially when we have treatments that can help. Contact us at Eye Q Optique today or request an appointment online.

But the good news is that you can do a lot to protect yourself, which includes seeking diabetic eye care. Here, our providers at Eye Q Optique offer four of the top ways to take care of your eyes. Let’s first look at how diabetes can affect your eye health.

How diabetes changes your eyes

When you have diabetes, it means your blood sugar is too high. One of the results of having high blood sugar, especially for long periods of time, is that it can increase the pressure in your eyes.

This can lead to diseases of the eye, including:

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Diabetic macular edema

These diseases are more common as you get older, but their frequency may be greater and they may develop sooner if you have diabetes.

One of the biggest risks that comes with diabetes is the possibility of losing your vision entirely. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults from ages 20-74.

Four ways to protect your eyes

If you’re diabetic, you can do a great deal to protect your eyes. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Get a diabetic eye exam

A diabetic eye exam is more than just a regular eye exam. You get additional tests, such as a visual acuity check. This check is needed, especially if your prescription has recently changed or if you’re not seeing as clearly as you once did. 

If you haven’t recently had a comprehensive eye exam, we may also dilate your eyes and thoroughly examine them for retinal damage.

2. Wear sunglasses

You should wear sunglasses, even on cloudy days. The sun’s UV rays still poke through and affect your vision for the worse. This is especially damaging to your eyes when you’re diabetic because your vision is already more sensitive than normal.

3. Take breaks

It’s a good idea to change what your eyes are focusing on — about every 20 minutes or so. This is especially true if you work on computers. 

Get up and take a walk around. It’s a great way to include a bit of physical activity. At least make sure to focus on something that’s about 20 feet away.

4. Make appointments as soon as your vision changes

If you have any changes to your vision, it’s essential to see one of our doctors. Some of the changes you should be on alert for include:

• Blurry vision
• Not seeing as sharply as before
• Headaches
• Eye pain
• Halos around objects
• Watery eyes

Some of these symptoms are caused by other factors unrelated to your diabetes, but you should always have your eyes examined by one of our eye care professionals.

If you’re diabetic and you haven’t had a comprehensive eye exam yet — or if you’re having any symptoms of concern — give us a call at the office nearest you in Chicago or Buffalo Grove, Illinois, or request an appointment online today.

If you have a foreign object stuck in your eye, such as a piece of debris, it can really hurt. You may feel worried or even scared, but we can help. Our providers at Eye Q Optique explain more about what you should do when this happens.

What can get stuck in your eye

Just the thought of getting something stuck in your eye might make anyone flinch. If you’re not wearing safety glasses when needed, for example, you could get something in your eye extremely easily. 

Sometimes, random accidents happen that aren’t preventable, such as getting an eyelash or fiber stuck in your eye. Even though these items are tiny, they can still hurt a lot.

If you feel like you have something in your eye, sometimes you need help getting it out. This isn’t a do-it-yourself kind of situation!

First steps

Wash your hands with soap and water before touching your eye. This is essential because not doing so could introduce bacteria into your eye that could cause an infection.

Even though your eye hurts and it seems like the most natural thing to do, don’t rub it. If you wear contact lenses, remove them as quickly as possible.

You should also avoid the use of cotton swabs or tweezers if you find something in your eye. Please, let us handle it.

What next?

Sometimes, debris can fall into your eye that seems like you can get out. If so, the first thing you want to do is flush your eyes with water. Don’t use just ordinary tap water if you have some saline solution on hand. Saline is the more appropriate choice because it’s sterile.

If chemicals get into your eye — even ordinary household chemicals, such as bleach or cleaners, saline can help reduce the irritation until you can come in and see us.

Danger signs

In some cases, you need immediate medical attention. Don’t stay home trying to fix it yourself — go to the emergency room, if possible.

Such danger signs include the following:

• Your eye is bleeding
• Something has poked a hole in your eye
• You get chemicals in your eye
• You can’t close your eyes
• Your vision changes
• You remove a foreign object but your eye still hurts

Any of these symptoms is a clue that you should seek professional help as soon as possible.

What we can do

When you come into our office, we may first put drops in your affected eye to numb it or to help us get a better view of what’s going on. Next, we may use technologies, such as ultrasound or X-ray, to give us a closer look at the problem. We may also help flush out the foreign object from your eye with saline or special tools to help get it out.

Antibiotic ointments might be prescribed to help your eye further heal, and we might advise you not to wear contacts (if applicable) for a few days until your eye heals.

In most cases, getting something stuck in your eye is a short-term emergency. We’ll help you take care of it, and then your eye will need a few days to heal from the injury. Keep any follow-up appointments, even if you’re doing better.

Though getting something stuck in your eye can feel scary, stay calm and contact our team at Eye Q Optique in Buffalo Grove or Chicago, Illinois. However, if you have an emergency situation, you should go straight to the emergency room at your nearest hospital.

If your eye feels itchy and or feels like it has something in it, you might try to see if you can find anything, such as a loose eyelash or a piece of dust. What you might not know is that this is a classic symptom of having a scratched cornea, which is also called a corneal abrasion.

A corneal abrasion is actually a scratch on the outermost part of your eye. It’s not generally serious, but it can lead to an infection if you don’t seek attention. Our providers at Eye Q Optique explain more about how this happens and what to do about it.

The signs of a corneal abrasion

Quite simply, a corneal abrasion is a scratch on the outer surface of your eye. The cornea is the clear layer over the iris (the colored part of the eye) and the pupil. 

Here are three telltale signs that you have a scratched cornea:

Your eyes are sensitive to light

If you have a scratched cornea, your eyes may be especially sensitive to light. This symptom is also called photophobia.  

Your eyes hurt

It’s normal for your eyes to hurt if you’ve scratched your cornea. That’s because the cornea has a lot of tiny nerve endings, which produce a great deal of pain. 

Your vision may be blurry 

If your vision is blurred or otherwise less clear than usual, it can be a sign that you have a corneal abrasion. 

The risk factors for corneal abrasion

Although anyone can get a scratch on their cornea, some people are more likely than others to get them. These risk factors include the following:

• Working around dangerous equipment, such as sawmills or grinding machines
• Playing sports without wearing proper eye protection
• Wearing contact lenses
• Landscaping or working around plants without eye protection
• Having dry eyes

Any of these factors increase your risk of scratching your cornea. However, the one thing you shouldn’t do is rub your eye, especially if you feel like or know that you have a foreign object in it.

What to do about a scratched cornea

Most scratched corneas will gradually heal within days in most cases. However, that doesn’t mean you should ignore it and wait for it to go away. You simply don’t know exactly how deep the scratch is, which requires a visit to our practice for an examination.

A professional on our team will place drops in your eye to make the scratch more visible. These drops don’t hurt and in fact, we can numb your eye to make the pain stop. 

If you do indeed have a scratch on your cornea, you may need antibiotic drops to put in your eyes, in addition to steroids to decrease inflammation and reduce pain and sensitivity. 

Time is of the essence with eye injuries, including scratched corneas. Call us as soon as possible if you think you have one. You could face much more serious risks, such as corneal ulcers, if you wait to get treatment. Corneal ulcers can lead to loss of vision, so this needs to be addressed immediately.

If you’ve scratched your eye, the first thing to do is to flush your eyes with saline (not tap water). Then, contact us at the nearest Eye Q Optique location for an exam or request an appointment online.

When it comes to choosing sunglasses, you need to consider more than just fashion. Selecting the right sunglasses can protect your eyes against the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun.  The providers at Eye Q Optique explain more about how to protect your eyes and the potential damages you want to avoid.

Why vision protection is important

Sunglasses aren’t just a way to make yourself look cool — they’re also an essential accessory that can protect your vision.

The sun’s rays beam UV radiation directly at you, which can potentially cause health issues, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. 

The sun produces three types of ultraviolet rays: 

UVA

These have the longest UV wavelengths, reaching from 315-400 nanometers.  These rays can penetrate the ozone layer and are very powerful.

UVB

Thes rays have the second-longest wavelength form of UV rays, reaching from 280-315 nm. Most of these rays are absorbed by the ozone layer, but some still get through.

UVC 

These rays have wavelengths of 100-280 nm. They get completely absorbed by the ozone layer and don’t reach your body at all.

Good-quality sunglasses should block the UVA and UVB rays as much as possible. Some sunglasses are only for fashion and don’t offer much protection against UV rays, so you should avoid these.

If you need glasses, you may also want to get prescription sunglasses. You’ll probably wonder how you lived without them for so long once you get them. 

Are darker sunglass lenses always better?

No, UV protection has little to do with how dark the lenses are. Sometimes, even lighter lenses can still offer good UV protection.

In fact, darker lenses can actually cause damage to your eyes if they don’t block UV rays at all. These lenses cause your pupils to widen, which allows more of the UV rays to reach your eyes. This can potentially cause greater damage to your eyes than not wearing sunglasses at all.

The best sunglasses

The best type of sunglasses you can choose is called UV400. These lenses block out UV rays up to 400 nm in wavelength. Even clear lenses can have UV400 protection, so it doesn’t matter how dark the lenses are.

An additional option is to select polarized lenses. While these don’t offer specific protection against UV rays, they can help filter out the glare you may get from the sun reflecting off of snow or in other weather conditions.

If you’re choosing a new pair of sunglasses, you want to select a pair that’s flattering on your face. However, you should also keep in mind the issue of UV protection. 

The sun’s rays can cause real damage to your eyes, so you want to protect your eyesight as much as possible. Contact the providers at Eye Q Optique at a location near you or request an appointment online today.

Protect your eyesight with regular eye exams. The providers at Eye Q Optique explain more about the changes to your eyes that you should be aware of. 

Problems with your eyes as you age

Unfortunately, our bodies begin to decline at some point, although when this happens is highly individual. Still, we know that although younger people can also develop vision problems, they’re much more likely to occur in seniors. Here are some of the most common changes to watch out for.

Dry eyes

In general, our eyes start to become drier after age 40. By the time you’re 65 or older, most adults have some degree of dry eye. It may feel like you have something gritty in your eyes, such as a grain of sand. Your tear ducts don’t produce as many tears, which lubricates your eyes and keeps them feeling healthy.

You can use eye drops available over the counter or get a prescription for eye drops. If you work on computers, this problem is especially likely to occur. 

Macular degeneration

Macular degeneration affects more than 10 million Americans, most of whom are seniors. This condition occurs when the macula (the center of your retina) becomes damaged, resulting in blurry or wavy vision. There’s no known cure for it, but you can slow down the rate of progression by exercising, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition that affects many people as they get older. This disease affects the optic nerve inside your eyes. Pressure builds up in the eye, which can lead to eventually losing your sight altogether if it’s not caught early. Because glaucoma is often painless in the early stages, the only way you may know that you have it is to get regular eye exams.

Diabetic retinopathy

If you have diabetes, you may already know that it increases your risk of experiencing other health problems, too. One is called diabetic retinopathy. Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you still face this risk. The condition is caused by excess sugar damaging your retinas. 

It’s crucial to strive to control your blood sugar as well as you can. You also need to have a relationship with an eye doctor who can track changes to your eyes as they occur.

Cataracts

Cataracts are a condition in which your vision gets extremely cloudy. In a healthy eye, the lens of your eye is like a camera lens, reflecting everything you see. In the case of your eyes, images are reflected off the retina. With cataracts, the lens of your eye becomes damaged. 

Symptoms of cataracts include the following:

• Blurry vision
• Difficulty driving at night and in other low-light situations
• Colors appear dull
• Increased sensitivity to glare

We need to regularly test your eyes to determine whether or not you’re developing cataracts. Sometimes, the cataracts only block part of your vision. However, other times they block your vision so significantly that we have to do surgery to replace the lens of your eye.

If you’re a senior, you want to be able to see so you can enjoy what may be some of the best years of your life. Contact the providers at Eye Q Optique to make an appointment at the location nearest you or request an appointment online.

Here at Eye Q Optique, we explain the intricacies of your eyes and how they work.

How you see

Vision is a simple yet complex process. When light enters your eyes, it’s refracted off of your corneas. This dome-shaped part of your eye bends the light to allow your eyes to focus.

Some of this light also enters the pupil of your eye (the center part of your eye) and some of it also enters the iris (the colored part of your eyes.)

Light passes through the lens of your eye, which is a clear inner part of your eyes. The lens works with the cornea to focus light correctly on the retina.

When light hits the retina — a light-sensitive layer of tissues at the back of the eye — it’s turned by cells called photoreceptors, which turn light into electrical signals.

Finally, the optic nerve sends these electrical signals to your brain for interpretation and processing.

What can go wrong

Although most people have perfect vision, a report by the National Institute of Health shows that 11% of people have vision problems that can be corrected. This means that getting an eye exam can reveal issues with seeing things far away (a condition called myopia), seeing things close up (a condition called hyperopia), or astigmatism.

These conditions are correctable by wearing glasses or contacts to help you properly see. Some people may choose to get a more permanent correction by undergoing surgeries, such as LASIK.

Eye injuries can also damage your vision.

Keeping your eyes healthy

Sometimes, you can’t tell whether your eyes need corrective lenses to assist your vision. These conditions are often hereditary, and if one or both of your parents need to wear glasses or contact lenses, you may need to do the same.

Other times, vision problems result from lifestyle habits and diseases, such as diabetes. Either way, making an appointment for an eye exam at our practice is essential to keep track of your vision and watch for changes over time. 

If you currently wear glasses or contacts (or are about to), make an eye appointment with us at least once a year to see if your prescription has changed. It’s common for corrective lenses to require stronger correction over time.

If you haven’t recently had an eye exam, there’s no better time to do so than right now. Contact us at Eye Q Optique or request an appointment online.

You can always benefit from having your eyes be as healthy as possible. The providers at Eye Q Optique explain more about the foods you should eat to have the healthiest vision possible.

The vitamins you need

Different foods have naturally high concentrations of vitamins that boost your vision. Although you can take vitamin supplements, getting the nutrients directly from food is the healthiest choice. (It definitely doesn’t hurt that all of them are low in calories, either.)

The vitamins you need include:

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is also known as beta-carotene. This is the nutrient that makes carrots so good for you. Other foods high in beta-carotene include raw red bell peppers, apricots, cantaloupe, spinach, mangoes, and sweet potatoes.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is another vitamin that’s great for your eye health. Good food sources of vitamin C include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kiwi, oranges, grapefruit, red peppers, and strawberries.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another one of the classes of vitamins called antioxidants, which remove oxidative stress from your body. Good food sources of vitamin E include wheat germ, almonds, peanut butter, spinach, and sunflower seeds.

Zinc

You also need zinc in your diet. Good food sources of zinc include chickpeas (garbanzo beans), beans in general, red meat, oysters, pork chops, and yogurt.

Lutein and zeaxanthin

These two nutrients pack a powerful punch when it comes to improving your vision. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, eggs, corn, kale, nectarines, papaya, romaine lettuce, spinach, and squash can help you get a healthy dose of lutein and zeaxanthin.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are a very good type of fat that your body needs. Great food sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flax seeds (or flaxseed oil), salmon, sardines, tuna, and walnuts.

If you want to improve your eyesight, include more of these foods in your diet.

The link between nutrition and vision

We already know there’s a strong link between the quality of your nutritional intake and your vision. The macula is the part of your eyes responsible for giving you clear, sharp vision, and foods that are high in lutein and zeaxanthin can make your macula stronger.  Foods high in zinc can help keep your retinas healthy and protect them from damaging types of light.

Sometimes, your vision is already slightly damaged due to macular degeneration or the effects of diabetes. Here at Eye Q Optique, we can test your visual fields and determine if you should be taking additional supplements of these nutrients.

If you want to see better, it often starts with something as simple as changing your diet. Contact us at Eye Q Optique today or request an appointment online.

While red or bloodshot eyes might make you feel embarrassed, they can also be accompanied with symptoms like itchiness, dryness, and discomfort. That’s why it’s important to learn the root cause of the problem.

Here at Eye Q Optique, we explain the possible causes of bloodshot eyes and how to remedy the issue.

Possible causes of red eyes

Some of the more common causes of bloodshot eyes include:

Improper contact lens use

If you wear contact lenses, you may find your eyes getting red and possibly dry and itchy for certain reasons. Improper forms of use, such as wearing a pair of lenses for longer than you’re supposed to before replacing them or reusing lens cleaning solution can cause your eyes to be red.

Allergies

Allergies are another common cause of red eyes. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do if your allergies are due to your environment. However, if you notice that your eyes get red in certain areas you can control — such as a smoky environment — spend less time in there or avoid it altogether to reduce your eye redness.

Many people with allergy-related red eyes find that over-the-counter eye drops get rid of the problem pretty well.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a type of eye inflammation that’s relatively common. Schedule an appointment with our team of providers to determine if your blepharitis is caused by a bacterial infection, in which case, we’ll prescribe eye drops to clear the infection. Be sure to follow up if your infection doesn’t heal properly or gets worse.

Pink eye (conjunctivitis)

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, can be a real problem. Some cases are bacterial, while others are viral. This infection spreads extremely easily from one person to another. Prescription eye drops are often required if you have bacterial pink eye, although viral cases usually resolve on their own.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is caused by a group of various eye disorders that damages your optic nerve. Though glaucoma is one of the less-common reasons for red eyes, you should come into our practice for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment options

Most causes of red eyes are treatable. When you schedule an appointment with our team, we examine your eyes to determine the cause. Whether you have an infection or are simply wearing your contact lenses improperly, we can identify the cause and help you feel better quickly with a customized solution.

If you have red eyes, contact us at Eye Q Optique or request an appointment online today.

Selecting a pair of safety glasses is more important than you might realize. Choosing safety glasses isn’t about finding what looks best on you.

When you need to get a pair of safety glasses — whether for work or just while engaging in your hobbies — we can help you choose the right pair. Here at Eye Q Optique, our team explains some of the features you should take into consideration.

Why you might need safety glasses

Safety glasses protect your eyes from flying debris, dangerous chemicals, and other environmental threats that can damage your eyes, or cause you to lose your sight altogether.

When selecting safety glasses, make sure they’re recommended by both the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Occupational Health Safety Administration (OSHA.) 

Among the standards set by ANSI, your safety glasses should protect you from:

• Dust
• Debris
• Impact
• Heat
• Radiation
• Splatters and splashes

If you regularly come into contact with any of these materials, you should invest in a good pair of safety glasses. When it comes to glasses that you’re counting on to protect your eyes from damage, now is not the time to cut corners.

What’s different about safety glasses

Safety glasses have to be of a thickness sufficient to protect your eyes from flying objects or projectiles. However, you can choose between vented and non-vented types of glasses. The right ones for you depend largely on the environment you use them in. 

Vented safety glasses are generally more comfortable, as they allow your eyes to breathe, but they don’t provide enough protection if your work or hobby environment poses different risks.

Impact protection

Because the impact on your eyes is such a risk during certain activities, safety glasses must meet certain minimum standards to protect your eyes, which are determined by OSHA and ANSI.

Glasses have to meet two key standards to adequately protect you from impact, including:

High mass test

This test involves placing the glasses on a headform and a sharp, conical-shaped object is used to measure their resistance.

High-velocity impact test

As the name might suggest, this involves placing glasses on a headform, which must then resist the impact of steel ball bearings fired at them at high speed.

If your safety glasses meet both of these criteria, we can recommend them as safe for your eye protection.

If you need safety glasses, you simply cannot avoid getting them any longer. The health of your continued vision depends on it. Come in and look at our selection of safety glasses. 

Contact us at Eye Q Optique or request an appointment online at either one of our locations in Chicago or Buffalo Grove, Illinois.

If you suspect you may have an eye infection, it’s probably an uncomfortable and worrisome situation. While some common symptoms can indicate a probable infection, the warning signs may be more serious.

Eye infections are sometimes caused by viruses, bacteria, or a fungus. Our providers at Eye Q Optique explain more about what to watch for.

Symptoms of eye infections

While the causes of eye infections may vary, most of them have similar symptoms. Some of the warning signs to watch for include:

• Eye pain or discomfort
• Swelling or redness around your eye
• Producing more tears than usual
• Having unusual discharge from your eye
• Discomfort or pain when you open or close your eyes
• Blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Feeling like something is stuck in your eye

Although these symptoms can indicate one of several different problems, they’re all unique warning signs that you should take seriously.

Common types of eye infections

Although there are many different types of eye infections, certain ones are more common than others. These include the following:

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an extremely common eye infection. It may be either viral or bacterial, although it can have other causes as well. One or both eyes may be affected. 

The telltale symptoms of conjunctivitis include having eyelids that are crusted over when you wake up and having the whites of your eyes look pink or red instead of white, in addition to itching and feeling like you have sand or grit in your eyes. You should definitely make an appointment with us as soon as possible.

Keratitis

Keratitis is an infection or inflammation of the eye’s cornea. Although it may have multiple different causes, most often it’s caused by improper care of contact lenses. 

However, it’s extremely essential to seek immediate medical attention from us. Failing to diagnose and treat keratitis in a timely enough manner can result in blindness. You usually have enough time that you don’t need to go to the emergency room, but you do need to treat it right away.

Cellulitis

Just as cellulitis can affect your skin, it can also affect your eyes. This infection may be fungal or bacterial in origin. You must seek medical attention as soon as possible because this infection can also result in the permanent loss of your vision.

Uveitis

This type of infection is sometimes caused by conditions like herpes or may be related to autoimmune disorders like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. You need to schedule an appointment with us quickly for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

These are not the only causes of eye infections. You should never hesitate to schedule an appointment if you experience any of the telltale symptoms of an eye infection. 

Contact us at Eye Q Optique to make an appointment at the location nearest you in Chicago or Buffalo Grove, Illinois. You can also request an appointment online.

Wearing contact lenses seems like it should be so easy, right? And most people find that it is, but they’re often unprepared for the learning curve of getting used to them. 

If you decide you want to wear contact lenses, your first step is to make an appointment with our providers at Eye Q Optique. We examine your eyes and ensure that you’re a good candidate for contacts before prescribing them to you. Here, we offer helpful tips for getting started with contact lenses and adjusting to them.

Getting started

Every time that you put your contact lenses in, thoroughly wash and dry your hands first. You could have bacteria on your hands that could transfer to your eyes, causing a nasty infection. Also, be sure to dry your hands with a lint-free towel.

Open the storage case for your contact lenses and choose one to place in your eyes. It doesn’t matter which one you start with, although many people find it most comfortable to start by putting in a contact lens with their nondominant hand. 

Putting them in your eyes

This step may take a little bit of practice at first. Don’t worry, though; you should find them much easier to put in once you’re used to it.

Rinse the lens with a bit of contact solution or saline solution. Never use regular tap water.

Put the lens on the top of your index finger or middle finger on your dominant hand. Make sure the contact lens is facing the right way. It should be shaped like a bowl on the end of your finger.

Look in the mirror and hold your upper and lower eyelids open to create space for the contact lens. This may take a few tries or even several, but it’s important not to give up. You’ll get the hang of it soon.

Close your eyes once you have the lens in place, and make sure you can see clearly out of that eye.

Repeat the same process with the second lens.

If you’re still having trouble

It’s okay if you’re still having a bit of trouble; many people do at first but go on to become happy, long-term contact lens wearers.

If your lens feels scratchy or uncomfortable after you put it in, simply take it out. Wash your hands again before doing so.

Don’t rub your eyes, although it may feel very tempting to do so. Take out the contact lens and examine it for any rips or tears, which can cause extreme discomfort. 

If it’s ripped or damaged, you should discard it. If you have daily-replacement contacts, you can just use another one. However, if you have lenses intended for more regular wear, you should contact us immediately about a replacement.

If your lens doesn’t have any rips or tears, you should try to put it back in. Sometimes, waiting a couple of minutes and trying again is all it takes.

How to take out contacts

So, you already made it through the process of getting the contacts into your eye, but now you have to take them out, too.

Again, wash your hands before doing so. Use the middle finger of your dominant hand to pull down on your eyelid. In most cases, doing so allows you to just grasp the contact lens with a gentle pinching motion and remove it.

You should always store your lenses in contact solution until your next wear.

Additional considerations

If you wear eye makeup, in particular, you should always put in your contacts before applying eyeshadow, eyeliner, or mascara.

Paying attention to product expiration dates is especially important. You don’t want to use any makeup (especially eye-makeup), contact solution, or eye drops past the expiration date. Similarly, never use someone else’s eye-makeup.

If you’ve been thinking about getting contact lenses but feel a bit intimidated, make an appointment for a consultation at the location nearest you in Buffalo Grove or Chicago, Illinois. Our opticians can also help you put in your contacts. Contact us at Eye Q Optique or request an appointment online.

If you’ve ever had swollen, puffy eyelids that couldn’t be explained by a long night of crying, you could have a condition called blepharitis. It’s not a particularly dangerous condition, but it can be very uncomfortable.

Blepharitis tends to be common and recurring. If you’ve ever had the problem once, you’re likely to get it again. Here, at Eye Q Optique with locations in Buffalo Grove and Chicago, Illinois, our team explains more about how to treat blepharitis.

What is blepharitis?

Blepharitis is a term to describe a condition that causes the following symptoms:

• Redness of the eyelids
• Scaly or flaky debris that may be crusty
• Thickening skin
• Dry eyes
• Excessive blinking
• Feeling like you have something gritty in your eye

Sometimes, the scaly, crusty debris near your eyelashes may look like “eyelid dandruff.” You can get treatments that can help your eyes heal. Blepharitis may be linked to the meibomian glands, which produce the oils that lubricate your eyes; your eyes may produce more of these oils.

The two types of blepharitis

There are two types of blepharitis. We may take samples of the discharge that’s on your eyelids to help determine which type of blepharitis you have. 

Anterior blepharitis

This type of blepharitis is often characterized by a few symptoms and affects the front of your eyelids. Symptoms may include:

• Acne rosacea
• Allergies to things that you put near or in your eyes, such as eye drops or makeup
• Seborrheic dermatitis (also known as dandruff)
• Dry eyes
• Lice or mites in your eyelashes

The anterior type of blepharitis is usually caused by bacteria, such as staphylococcus, or the overproduction of oils.

Posterior blepharitis

Posterior blepharitis affects the rear of your eyelids. This type of blepharitis can worsen dry eyes and lead to painful styes in your eyes.

How to treat blepharitis

Blepharitis is treated effectively by medicine, but it first needs an accurate diagnosis. Once diagnosed, you may be treated with one of the following medications:

Antibiotic ointments

Some cases of blepharitis are caused by bacteria, so we may prescribe antibiotic ointments to treat the infection. These ointments are usually erythromycin, bacitracin ophthalmic, or Polysporin®. If these treatments don’t work, you may have to follow up with a course of prescription oral antibiotics.

Anti-inflammatory medications

We may give your steroid eye drops to combat the infection. Steroids reduce inflammation and can be used in addition to antibiotics.

Immunomodulators

Some cases of blepharitis are particularly difficult to treat. In these cases, you may need immunomodulating medications, such as Restasis®. These medications block your body’s natural immune response, which may contribute to recurring infections.

Self-care at home

There’s no question: blepharitis is uncomfortable, even if you receive medical treatment. If you want to make your eyes more comfortable in the meantime, try these suggestions:

• Put warm compresses over your eyes
• Try to avoid touching your face as much as possible
• Wipe away your tears with a tissue 
• Wear glasses instead of contact lenses until the issue resolves
• Remove your eye makeup every day
• Replace your eye makeup to avoid reinfection

If you have blepharitis, you may find these tips more comfortable.

If you think that you might have blepharitis, you want to get checked out by an optometrist. Contact us at the nearest Eye Q Optique location or request an appointment online.

If you haven’t had an eye exam recently, you may wonder if you really need one. The short answer is yes, but the longer answer is a bit more complex. Comprehensive eye exams do more than just check how well you can see.

When you have a comprehensive eye exam, we check for the overall health of your eyes, which is extremely important. As eye doctors, we can detect potential health problems, often even before you know about them. 

Here at Eye Q Optique, Dr. Sandra Rafael and Dr. Emily Davis and our team guide you one knowing when and how often to have comprehensive eye exams.

Knowing when to get your eyes checked

If your eyes are healthy and your vision is clear, you might only need an eye exam once every three years when you’re in your 20s and again in your 30s, to provide a baseline. 

If you pass your eye tests, you should be checked at age 40. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, you’re at greater risk of developing conditions that could affect your eyesight at this age and beyond.

When you might need an additional eye exam

If you’re noticing that you don’t see as clearly as you once did, you definitely need to schedule an appointment for an eye exam, even if you’ve previously had good vision.

You might have nearsightedness (can’t see things far away) or farsightedness (can’t see things close up). You might also have astigmatism, which is a curvature of the eye that affects your vision.

You need to make an appointment for an eye exam immediately if you experience any of the following conditions:

• Eye infection
• Eye injury
• Eye pain
• Eye floaters

In addition, you should get eye exams more frequently if you have a family history of diabetes.

When to get checked if you wearing contacts or glasses

If you wear contact lenses or glasses, we recommend that you get an eye exam every year. Your prescription for contacts or glasses can change quite a bit in a year, causing you not to see as well. We can provide you with a new prescription with each visit, as needed.

Special circumstances that require more frequent screenings

You might have special circumstances that can require more frequent eye exams that include the following:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Family history of eye disease
• Being over 65 years of age

Your eyesight can’t often be restored once lost, so it’s very important to keep up with your screenings.

Comprehensive eye exams are an essential part of preserving your vision. If you’re due for an eye exam, don’t wait. Contact us at the Eye Q Optique one of our three locations — two in Chicago and one in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. 

Whether you’ve just got a loose eyelash stuck in your eye or something more serious, our team at Eye Q Optique has information about how to handle the situation and how to know when you need additional help.

What causes things to get stuck in your eye?

Something can get stuck in your eye at seemingly a moment’s notice. One minute, you’re fine, but the next minute, you’re feeling a ton of misery.

Having something stuck in your eye might mean that you need to wear safety glasses when you do dangerous activities, such as mowing the lawn or working with chemicals. But even outside of these circumstances, you can still get something as simple as a stray eyelash or a speck of dust in your eye, through no fault of your own. 

Tips for home self-care

Before you call the doctor, you may want to try a few simple home care techniques. 

One of the most important things to do is to avoid rubbing your eye even though you may want to. You should also make sure your hands are clean before touching your eye. If you wear contact lenses, you may have this experience more often. 

You can try flushing out your eye with water and see if it helps. But if it doesn’t, don’t hesitate to call us for assistance. 

Foreign object removal

If you get a foreign object stuck in your eye, contact our team at Eye Q Optique right away. We have expertise in foreign body removal.

The first thing we do is help you stop feeling pain. We may give you some eye drops to numb your eye before we begin the removal procedure.

Once the object has been removed, we rinse your eye thoroughly. We then monitor you to make sure that your eye is healthy before we send you home.

In some cases, we may also prescribe medications for you to use at home to prevent an infection that you should use exactly as directed.

Corneal abrasions

Sometimes, whether it’s a result of having something stuck in your eye or not, you may end up with a corneal abrasion, which is a scratch on the surface of your eyeball. You may be required to wear an eyepatch while it heals, which may take a while.

Getting something stuck in your eye is not an everyday kind of circumstance. But if it happens, taking care of the matter requires using caution. 

If you feel like something is stuck in your eye and you need our assistance, contact us at Eye Q Optique at the location nearest you today or request an appointment online.

Did you know that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 21 million people have some sort of vision damage? You may think that your eye health is just a matter of luck, but you can actually do quite a bit to encourage having healthier eyes.

Some of your everyday habits — even ones that seem unrelated to your eyes — can actually do a lot of damage. Here, at Eye Q Optique, we have seven ways you can encourage the health of your eyes, which can keep you seeing well for a long time.

Wash your hands

This seems so simple, doesn’t it? But it makes a big difference in your overall health and for your eye health specifically. Many common diseases, including staph, chlamydia, and even pink eye can spread to your eyes by your hands. Because these diseases can negatively impact your vision, you want to do everything you can to avoid them.

Handle contact lenses responsibly

Paying attention to the use of contact lenses is essential, which involves:

• Avoiding extended-wear contacts
• Never reusing contact lens solution
• Paying attention to expiration dates on contact lens solution
• Washing your hands before touching your eyes
• Keeping your case in storage in a safe place

All of these factors contribute to the health of your eyes while wearing contacts. Although wearing contacts isn’t dangerous in itself, they can cause issues if you’re not careful.

Wear eye protection

Certain environments can present risks to the safety of your eyes. Examples of when you should wear eye protection include when:

• Using lawn equipment
• Using power tools
• Being exposed to flying objects
• Being exposed to environments filled with dust or other particles

Even if you’ve been in one of these environments countless times without negative consequences, it only takes a moment for a projectile to hit your eye and that can result in vision damage or even vision loss.

Avoid risky cosmetic procedures 

Your eyes are one of your most important organs. You would be significantly affected if anything happened to them. As such, you should avoid getting cosmetic procedures that present risks to your eyes.

These include eye lifts and iris tattooing. But even getting colored contacts, especially from a provider other than your optometrist, can present risks.

Eat a healthy diet

What you eat makes a big difference in the health of your eyes. Your best bet is to eat a whole foods diet that includes:

• Fish high in Omega-3 fatty acids, especially tuna and salmon 
• Eggs 
• Leafy greens, such as kale and spinach
• Whole grains, such as barley and quinoa
• Bell peppers and citrus fruits
• Nuts and seeds

These foods contain nutrients that your eyes need to be healthy. Keeping your blood sugar under control can help, too, especially if you’re diabetic.

Exercise

We know you hear about the importance of exercise from your doctors. But there’s a good reason for it. Regular exercise has so many benefits for your health in every way, and there’s virtually no drawback.

It can reduce stress, increase blood flow, and help your blood sugar stay consistent, which all play a role in your eye health.

Rest your eyes

It’s incredibly easy to overdo it when it comes to using your eyes. The smartphone is particularly addictive and damaging, but computers aren’t much better. Exposure to blue light is hard on your eyes. Give them a rest sometimes or consider wearing blue light glasses.

Taking care of your eyes isn’t very difficult; it just requires some mindfulness. To learn more about your eye health, contact us today at Eye Q Optique at the office nearest you in Buffalo Grove or Chicago, Illinois.

Your child’s vision is extremely crucial to their development. You may not realize it, but having poor vision can alter their development in some significant ways, especially once they start school. Almost 20% of children develop eye problems before age 18.

Even young children should regularly get eye exams, even if they don’t need glasses yet. At Eye Q Optique, we can detect any potential problems early, which means your child can be treated as soon as possible. As your expert team of providers, we explain more about some of the most common pediatric eye problems.

Refractive errors

The most common refractive errors in children are astigmatism (blurred or distorted vision), myopia (nearsightedness), and hyperopia (farsightedness).

You can tell that your child has one of these types of vision issues if they have any of the following behaviors:

• Frequent head-tilting or squinting
• Headaches or eye strain
• Sitting very close to the television
• Holding books or computer tablets or smartphones close to their face

Fortunately, any refractive errors are usually very easily corrected with glasses.

Amblyopia

Amblyopia is also more commonly known as “lazy eye.” It can sometimes go undiagnosed because the stronger eye makes up for the weaker eye. 

Signs of amblyopia include:

• Difficulty reading, doing math, or playing sports
• Difficulty with attention and focus
• Frequently closing one eye
• Rubbing eyes frequently
• Head tilting or squinting

If your child has any of these symptoms, bring them in for an eye exam as soon as possible.

Convergence insufficiency

Convergence insufficiency occurs when both eyes don’t work together as well as they should due to a problem with near vision and eye-muscle coordination.

Symptoms might include:

• Difficulty with attention and focus
• Double-vision
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Homework avoidance
• Motion sickness or vertigo
• Reading below grade level

This condition is treatable.

Nystagmus

There are two main types of nystagmus — congenital and acquired. Congenital nystagmus means that the condition is present at birth, whereas acquired nystagmus usually develops around 6 months or so. Signs to watch for include their eyes rapidly moving from side to side, up and down, or around in a circle.

Crust or “goop” in the eyes

There can be several reasons why your child might have crusty or “goopy” eyes. One cause is blepharitis, which is an inflammation of the oil glands in your child’s eyelids. A blocked tear duct can also cause crusty eyes. Pink eye is another potential cause of crusty or goopy eyes.

Itchy or watery eyes

If your child frequently experiences itchy or watery eyes, they may have seasonal or environmental allergies. People with eye allergies often also have nasal allergies.

If it seems like your child may have a problem with his or her eyes, make an appointment at the location nearest you in Buffalo Grove or Chicago, Illinois, with one of our specialists at Eye Q Optique. Contact us today by phone during business hours or book online anytime day or night.

Fortunately, many of the causes of dry eye are manageable. To learn more about what causes dry eye and how to remedy it, our team at Eye Q Optique can explain more.

Dry eye explained

Dry eye is a common condition, affecting approximately 20 million Americans. You may feel like your tears aren’t enough to keep your eyes feeling moist and comfortable. Additionally, you may have other symptoms, including the following:

• Burning, stinging, or scratchy sensations in your eyes
• Redness
• Feeling like you have something in your eyes
• Eye fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
• Problems with driving at night

There are many possible causes of this condition, so you should make an appointment with one of our Eye Q Optique specialists.

Causes of dry eye

Dry eye is caused by many possible factors. Some of these include:

Aging

Anyone can develop dry eye at any age, but it’s definitely more common as you get older. People over age 50 are more likely to have this condition because our eyes produce fewer tears as we age.

Computer use

Many of us have to use computers as a primary function of our jobs. In addition, you may also use computers in your leisure time. When you stare at a computer screen, you don’t blink as often. You may also experience tension headaches and eyestrain.

Certain medications

Several common medications result in your eyes producing less mucus, which can lead to dry eye. Some of these medications include:

• Antidepressants
• Antihistamines
• Diuretics
• Beta blockers

If you take any of these medications, they could contribute to your eyes being drier.

Hormone changes

Many of the hormonal changes that women experience lead to dry eye. These include pregnancy, being on birth control pills, and menopause. Because hormones stimulate tear production, an imbalance in these hormones can cause dry eye. 

LASIK surgery

If you’ve had LASIK surgery, you may feel relieved about not needing to wear glasses as often anymore. But dry eye is a common side effect after this procedure. The dryness in your eyes is usually temporary and may resolve itself as your eyes heal, but sometimes the problem continues.

How to treat dry eye

Fortunately, having dry eye is a treatable condition. Here are some ways to treat it:

Avoid dry or windy environments

Deserts, airplanes, and other environments where it’s very dry or windy can aggravate the issue.

Use eye drops

Using non-prescription eye drops is often enough to help with the problem. However, there are also eye drops available by prescription to treat dry eyes. We can help determine if you might be a good candidate for them.

Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke

Smoking and secondhand smoke are both common causes of dry eye. Smoke is an eye irritant, so it makes sense to avoid exposure to it.

Stay well-hydrated

Dehydration — even mild dehydration — can contribute to dry eye. Make sure you’re well-hydrated to minimize the problem.

Take breaks from computer screens

If you work on computers, you can’t avoid them altogether. But you should still take brief, frequent breaks to give your eyes a rest.

If you have problems with dry eye, you aren’t alone. Contact us today at Eye Q Optique by phone or online to request an appointment.

Myopia is a common vision disorder, resulting in near-sightedness. This means that the individual has trouble seeing things far away, where distant objects appear blurry. Unfortunately, this disorder is on the rise, due to lifestyle habits and genetics.

However,  if myopia is diagnosed at an early age, you may be able to control it and keep it from progressing. Here, at EyeQOptique, our team offers information about myopia control and whether or not you should consider it.

Causes of myopia

Myopia is a vision condition in which your eye becomes too elongated for its refractive components, meaning you can’t see things far away because of the shape of your eye.

Myopia is caused by three things: genetics, environment, and lifestyle. If a child’s parents have myopia, their children are more likely to have it. Some people believe that myopia is caused by spending too little time outdoors. Lifestyle factors can also contribute, such as staring at screens.

The condition tends to get worse as you get older. But, if you catch it at a young age, it may be possible to stop or delay the changes.

Symptoms of myopia

If you have myopia, the symptoms may come on gradually and might include:

• Blurred vision when looking at things far away
• Headaches caused by eyestrain
• Squinting or partially closing eyes to try to see things better
• Difficulty seeing while driving a vehicle

For children, you may see the following behaviors:

• Sitting close to the TV, movie screen, or in front of the classroom 
• Squinting
• Rubbing their eyes
• Being unaware of objects in the distance
• Having low grades (if they can’t sit close to the front of the classroom)

If you detect that you or your child may have a vision problem, schedule an appointment for an eye exam with our team at Eye Q Optique right away.

How early prevention can control myopia

Once you’re diagnosed with myopia, you don’t necessarily have to resign yourself to a life in glasses — especially if you catch it early enough.

Treatments may include:

Atropine

Atropine is a prescription medicine that may help slow the progression of myopia. Atropine drops are applied topically to your eye. They are the same drops you get when we dilate your eyes. It is not known how the medicine works to slow the progression of the disorder, but it appears to be effective.

Spending more time outdoors

Spending more time outdoors, especially during your childhood and adolescent years, appears to have a protective effect against developing myopia later in life. Researchers think that the ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun may change the shape of the eye.

Wearing dual focus contact lenses

Dual focus contact lenses are a newer type that can help prevent the progression of myopia. They have different strengths for different areas of the lens of your eyes. Young children need to wear them between the ages of 8-12. This age can be challenging to adapt to wearing contacts, but many children can manage it.

Orthokeratology

Orthokeratolgy is a technology that requires wearing special contact lenses during sleep, which allows a child’s eyes to reshape themselves during the day. We give the patient daily, disposable contact lenses, each in gradually decreasing prescriptions. 

The effect of this technique can work very quickly — in as little as a week. However, children may have difficulty adjusting to wearing contacts.

If you think you or your child might have myopia, contact our friendly office staff at the location nearest you today. We have one in Buffalo Grove and two in Chicago, Illinois.

Either way, you’re trying to figure out if contacts are right for you. After all, they work for 45 million people in the United States. There seem to be various choices and options, and you aren’t sure how to figure out what you need. You like the way you look in contacts as opposed to glasses, but how do you know if they’ll be good for you?

The expert team at Eye Q Optique is here to help you determine if contacts are the best choice for you. Here are a few guidelines to follow.

Why wear contacts?

Contact lenses sit right on your eye and move with your eye, so they’re a good choice for people who lead a more active lifestyle, such as athletes — you don’t have to worry about your glasses falling off and breaking, or getting in the way.

When contacts were first developed, they were only available as hard lenses. Hard lenses today are much more advanced — they’re gas permeable, which means oxygen can still reach your eye through the lenses. If you take care of them, gas permeable lenses will last up to a year.

Most people, though, opt for soft lenses, which are thinner, lighter, and more comfortable. They also allow oxygen to still reach your eye, and they come in a couple of different varieties.

• Monthly disposable lenses: Take them out every night, and store them in disinfectant solution. Do this for a month, and then throw them away and open a new pair. 
• Daily disposable: You throw away each pair at the end of the day and open a new pair the next morning.

Because people have various vision needs, manufacturers have developed lenses to fit many of those needs. A few types include:

• Spherical lenses — standard lenses that correct near- and far-sightedness
• Toric lenses — prescribed for people with astigmatism, these lenses are weighted so they rotate to match the shape of your eye.
• Multifocal lenses — allow you to see both distance and close up. These may require some trial-and-error to get acclimated to them. You can also opt for single-focus lenses and then wear reading glasses to see well up close.

Why contacts might not be best for you

In some cases, glasses might be a better solution than contacts for people with vision issues. If you suffer from dry eye syndrome, wearing contacts might make your eyes feel scratchy and gritty after just a few hours. If you have dry eye but still want to make contacts work, soft lenses will work better than gas-permeable lenses.

Wearing contact may also be challenging if you have allergies that cause redness, itchiness, and even discharge from your eyes. If this is the case for you, consider wearing glasses during the time when your allergies usually flare up. (You should also make sure the contacts themselves aren’t causing an allergic reaction.)

When you’re ready to get fitted for contacts, reach out to Eye Q Optique to schedule an appointment. Just call one of our three offices, or use the convenient online scheduler. You’ll be amazed at how much better your vision can be!