Holiday Hours

Holiday Hours

Closed Tuesday December 24
Closed Wednesday December 25

Closing at 4PM Tuesday December 31
Closed Wednesday January 1

Eye Complications and Multiple Sclerosis

Eye Complications and Multiple Sclerosis

Eye and vision problems associated with MS can be frightening, but many times they improve over time.  They're often the first symptom of MS, but can occur later in the course of the disease as well.

Some of the eye complications associated with MS include optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve), diplopia (double vision), nystagmus (involuntary eye movement), and internuclear ophthalmoplegia (impaired horizontal eye movement.

If you have any symptoms affecting your eyes or vision, schedule an appointment with us by calling 770-479-0222, or book on-line at our website:  Edwardseyecare.com.

Do We Have a Dominant Eye?

Just like we use one side of our body more than the other and have a dominant hand that we use for writing, most of us also have a dominant eye.

A dominant eye isn’t always about one having better vision, but rather one leading better than the other because of preference. Your dominant eye is the one that provides slightly more input to the visual cortex of your brain and relays information more accurately, such as the location of objects.

Research shows that eye dominance and handedness are associated, though not directly related. Someone who is right-handed is more likely to be right-eye dominant, but it is possible to be right-handed and left-eye dominant.

Eye dominance can vary from person to person. One person may have strong degree of dominance in one eye, while another person may have an eye with a lesser difference in dominance from the other eye.

What Is Anisocoria?

Anisocoria is when your eye’s pupils are not the same size. The pupil allows light to enter the eye so that you can see.

Anyone can have pupils that differ in size with no problems. In fact, one out of five people have pupils that are normally different sizes. Anisocoria can be caused by several things. You can be born with this condition or develop it later. You might experience it on an ongoing basis or only temporarily. In some cases, your doctor might diagnose an underlying medical condition or other cause of anisocoria.

If you notice a difference in size between your pupils, contact your doctor right away. During your appointment, your doctor will examine your eyes and have your vital signs taken. You should also discuss any other symptoms you’ve been experiencing.

Thanksgiving Week Hours

THANKSGIVING WEEK HOURS

             Monday 11/24                    9:00 – 5:00

             Tuesday 11/25                    9:00 – 5:00

             Wednesday 11/26              9:00 – 3:00

             Thursday 11/27                    Closed

             Friday 11/28                        Closed


      We wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving

National Diabetes Awareness Month

November is National Diabetes Awareness month! Diabetes refers to a complex metabolic disease in which your body either can’t produce insulin, doesn’t produce enough insulin, or simply can’t use it efficiently.

Blurry vision is often one of the first warning signs of diabetes. Your vision may be blurry because fluid is leaking into the lens of your eye. This makes the lens swell and change shape. Those changes make it hard for your eyes to focus, so things start to look fuzzy.  You may also get blurred vision when you start insulin treatment. This is due to shifting fluids, but it generally resolves after a few weeks. For many people, as blood sugar levels stabilize, so does their vision.

Diabetic retinopathy is a term that describes retinal disorders caused by diabetes. Some of these disorders include macular edema and proliferative retinopathy. Left untreated, it may lead to blindess.

Macular edema is when the macula swells due to leaking fluid. The macula is the part of the retina that gives you sharp central vision. Other symptoms of macular edema include wavy vision and color changes.

Proliferative retinopathy is when blood vessels leak into the center of your eye. Blurry vision is one of the signs that this is happening. You may also experience spots or floaters, or have trouble with night vision.

If you have diabetes, you’re at increased risk for a variety of eye problems. It’s important to have regular checkups and eye exams.

Artificial (Prosthetic) Eyes

These days artificial eyes can go unnoticed - which is just what you want. You may even have met someone else with an artificial eye and not even known it.

A prosthetic eye can help improve the appearance of people who have lost an eye to injury or disease. It's commonly called a "glass eye" or "fake eye." It's not really an eye, but a shell that covers the structures in the eye socket.  For most people it is vastly preferable to wearing an eye patch or bandage.  If the entire eye is removed, an ocular implant and prosthesis prevent the tissues in the eye socket from growing to fill the empty space.

Although the surgery itself is minor, loss of an eye and adjusting to life with a prosthetic eye can be very challenging, psychologically, and emotionally.  Support groups or counselling are available to help people through this difficult time.

What is your exam missing? iWellness!

WHAT IS YOUR EYE EXAM MISSING?  iWellness!


The iWellness test is a state-of-the-art technology that is a quick and non-invasive scan of the eye (much like an ultrasound).

iWellness testing allows us to see the layers of your retina in order to see any underlying problems that cannot be viewed with the naked eye. Most sight-threatening eye diseases often have no outward signs or symptoms in the early stages.  A proactive approach to eye health may reduce your risk of vision loss.




We are committed to your vision and the health of your eyes so we offer this test at your exam for reasonable fee. 

FSA - Use It Don't Lose It

It’s that time of year again – if you don’t use your benefits you’ll lose them (most don’t roll over).  Call to schedule your exam before your deductible starts over January 1, 2020!  Many patients lose valuable eye care benefits because they’ve let the year slip away.

HALLOWEEN EYE SAFETY

HALLOWEEN is just around the corner.  If your children enjoy dressing up and trick-or-treating thru the neighborhood for candy, make sure they do it safely. Many eye injuries are reported every year as a result of Halloween activities.


Masks, wigs and eye patches are fun Halloween accessories, but make sure they don't block visibility. Some masks are very dangerous for children because they block their side vision.

If you decide to disguise your child with make-up instead of a mask, use hypo-allergenic options and keep it away from the eyes. It's a good idea to carry a wet towel or washcloth in case the make-up begins to run while trick-or-treating. Running around in a costume makes some kids perspire, so a quick clean-up around the eye area may be necessary before the night is over.


Some costumes don't seem complete without swords or wands. Still, do not allow your child to carry sharp objects. Sharp, pointed props endanger your child eyes as well as the eyes of other children.


Older kids and adults often complete their Halloween costumes with cosmetic contact lenses. Remember that contact lenses are medical devices and require a valid prescription. If not used safely, contact lens use could lead to vision loss.

PINK EYE PANDA - Do you Have "Pink Eye"

Pink eye — also called conjunctivitis — is inflammation of the thin, clear covering of the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids (conjunctiva) and is a highly contagious infection.  See your eye doctor immediately!

Conjunctivitis can have several causes:

• Viral conjunctivitis symptoms include watery, itchy eyes or sensitivity to light. One or both eyes can be affected. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can be spread by coughing and sneezing.

• Bacterial conjunctivitis symptoms include a sticky, yellow or greenish-yellow eye discharge in the corner of the eye. In some cases, this discharge can be severe enough to cause the eyelids to be stuck together when you wake up. One or both eyes can be affected. Bacterial conjunctivitis is contagious, usually by direct contact with infected hands or items that have touched the eye.

• Allergic conjunctivitis symptoms include watery, burning, itchy eyes and are often accompanied by stuffiness and a runny nose, and sensitivity to light. Allergic conjunctivitis affects both eyes, but this type of pink eye is not contagious.

Here are precautions you can take to significantly reduce your risk of getting pink eye:

1. Wash your hands frequently, especially when spending time at school or in other public places.
2. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
3. Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes.

RAY-BAN WAYFARER: TIMELESS EYEWEAR

Bausch & Lomb, a U.S. eyeglass manufacturer, introduced the Ray-Ban sunglasses brand in the late 1930s. One of their designers invented the Wayfarer with all-plastic frames in the early 1950s.  Soon, the Wayfarer became the first sunglasses variety to meld style and functionality. All sunglasses do the same thing, but the Wayfarer made choosing shades a declaration of fashion consciousness. Bausch & Lomb sold the Ray-Ban brand to Italian eyewear manufacturer Luxottica in 1989. Since then, Ray-Ban has tweaked and reshaped the Wayfarer to suit modern tastes, but Ray-Ban hasn’t changed the Wayfarer’s essential fashion mission.   

The Wayfarer is essentially the standard plastic-framed sunglass shape. It has a horizontal bar that rests at the top of the nose, with rounded lens frames. The top corners of the frame fronts jut out a bit. They’re mostly flat in the front and do not curve to the contours of the face.  If you’ve seen the 1980s classic films “Risky Business” or “The Blues Brothers,” you’ve seen Wayfarers.

Edwards Eye Care is an authorized dealer for Ray-Ban.  Stop in our office and check out The Wayfarer and other styles we carry.

PREGNANCY AND YOUR EYES

Pregnancy is a wonderful time when the body is changing rapidly, and it makes sense to nourish your entire body, including your eyes, with healthy foods and an adequate amount of rest. 
 

Many of the changes of pregnancy are well understood — hormonal surges, food cravings, shifts in mood, morning sickness, an expanding belly — but not all women know that vision changes can also accompany those 40 weeks of gestation.  Most ocular changes are temporary and will clear up after delivery.

If you're an avid contact lens wearer, you may have to switch to glasses during your pregnancy. Most doctors advise against being fitted for new contact lenses while you're pregnant as your eyes may be in a constant state of change.  If you normally wear contact lenses on a daily basis, make sure you have a good pair of backup glasses to wear during your pregnancy if you need a break from your contacts!

Glaucoma: Silent Thief of Vision

Glaucoma is a progressive, degenerative disease of the optic nerve that can lead to permanent vision loss.  It is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide.  3 million people in America have
glaucoma and approximately 50% of people don't know they have it by because it is symptomless. However, with early detection and treatment, vision loss can be prevented.  Various forms of glaucoma exist and most forms have ​no pain or symptoms ​ .  Glaucoma is screened for and detected during your annual eye exam.

There are many risk factors for glaucoma.  Some of these risk factors include:  ● Age over 40 ● African American, Asian, or Hispanic descent ● a family history of glaucoma ● being highly nearsightedness or farsighted ● history of ocular injury ● diabetes ● sleep apnea ● use of certain medications such as steroids

The treatment for glaucoma may include eye drops, laser procedures, and/or surgery.

Currently, there are no therapies that prevent glaucoma.  The best practice is have annual exams for early detection and treatment. ​  Advancing technology allows us to detect glaucoma earlier than ever, thereby preserving your vision for years to come.


Written by Dr. Vandana Gandhi
09/14/2019

Vandana Gandhi, O.D.

Board Certified Optometric Physician
Graduate of University of Illinois
Graduate of Illinois College of Optometry

​

Dr. Gandhi Patel has been practicing optometry for more than 10 years with much of that time spent in the Midwest and Chicago area. She completed residency training at a Veteran’s Hospital in Primary Care/Disease Management.

She joined the Edwards Eye Care team of doctors in 2017, seeing patients on Tuesday's and Friday's.

She has extensive experience in all types of contact lens fittings (such as soft contact lenses, rigid gas permeable contacts, daily contact lenses, monovision and multifocal contact lens care), comprehensive eye examinations, diabetic eye examinations, emergency eye care, eye disease management including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, allergies, dry eye and more.

She lives in the Cherokee County area and in her free time enjoys playing tennis, cooking and spending time with her husband and two children.

FALL AND YOUR ALLERGIES 

Fall allergy triggers are different, but they can cause just as many symptoms as in spring and summer.

What Causes Fall Allergies?

Ragweed is the biggest allergy trigger in the fall. Though it usually starts to release pollen with cool nights and warm days in August, it can last into September and October. About 75% of people allergic to spring plants also have reactions to ragweed.

Mold is another fall trigger. You may think of mold growing in your basement or bathroom -- damp areas in the house -- but mold spores also love wet spots outside. Piles of damp leaves are ideal breeding grounds for mold.

Don’t forget dust mites. While they’re common during the humid summer months, they can get stirred into the air the first time you turn on your heat in the fall. They can trigger sneezes, wheezes, and runny noses.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Itchy eyes and nose
• Dark circles under the eyes

Tips to Manage Symptoms

Stay indoors with the doors and windows closed when pollen is at its peak (usually in the late morning or midday). Check pollen counts in your area. Your local weather report will usually include them.

Before you turn on your heat for the first time, clean your heating vents and change the filter. Bits of mold and other allergens can get trapped in the vents over the summer and will fill the air as soon as you start the furnace.

Use a HEPA filter in your heating system to remove pollen, mold, and other particles from the air.

Use a dehumidifier to keep your air at between 35% and 50% humidity.

Wear a mask when you rake leaves so you don't breathe in mold spores.

LION'S CLUB RECYCLE FOR SIGHT

Edwards Eye Care is proud to participate in the recycling of old glasses for the Woodstock Lion's Club. Basic eye care and eyeglasses contribute not only to the improvement of the quality of life for all ages, but also to the process of national development.

The Lion's Club is dedicated to bringing basic eye care and eyeglasses to a world of people in need. They are humbled to have recycled and collected over 10 million pairs of eyeglasses, and to have distributed 6.5 million pairs of these eyeglasses to 67 countries across the globe.

Help us help them continue their mission!