What’s New

Eye care is just as important for children as it is for adults. The sooner you teach your children how to care for their eyes, the more likely they will be to ingrain these habits for life. Here are some tips for kids!

Do your eyes become irritated and itchy when you wear contact lenses? Could be dry eye syndrome, allergies or the contact lenses themselves. Read on to find out what to do if you experience contact lens discomfort.

Poor visual skills can impact a child's self-esteem and confidence levels. Find out how vision therapy can unlock your child’s hidden potential and offer them the confidence and happiness they deserve.

Mosquito bites are annoying but on the eyelid they can be particularly uncomfortable and even impact your vision. Find out what you can do to treat the bite at home, and when it's a good idea to contact your optometrist.

Are your contact lenses uncomfortable? It may be time to look into custom-designed scleral lenses, which provide clear and comfortable vision to people with keratoconus, corneal irregularities, severe dry eye syndrome, astigmatism and hard-to-fit eyes.

Playing outdoors offers numerous benefits, including delaying the onset of myopia. Read on to learn why that is, and learn why slowing myopia progression is vital for your child’s eye health.

Do you have a lump on your eyelid? It could be a chalazion. Learn what a chalazion is, how to treat it and prevent it from recurring.

Diabetes increases a person’s risk of developing a variety of serious eye diseases, such as glaucoma. Learn more about the link between diabetes and glaucoma and discover what you can do to preserve your vision.

It's important to understand that vision and learning are intertwined. Make sure your child’s vision isn’t holding them back from succeeding in school by scheduling a comprehensive eye evaluation today!

Do people with dry eye syndrome have to forgo wearing eyeliner and other eye makeup? Although eyeliner can lead to meibomian gland dysfunction, there are steps you can take to safely wear eye makeup without compromising your eye health.

Dry eye syndrome can cause dry, red, itchy, irritated eyes. While eye drops or artificial tears provide relief to some individuals, they may not be effective for people with severe dry eye symptoms. For these individuals, scleral lenses may be a better option. Find out how scleral lenses can help relieve your dry eye symptoms.

Is your child nearsighted (myopic)? Here’s what you need to know about myopia and how it can lead to sight-threatening eye disease in the future.

As we age our eyes start to change, but that doesn’t mean you have to struggle with declining vision. Find out what you can do to maintain eye health after the age of 50.

Although COVID is still present in our lives, we are slowly returning to a semi-normal life. With so many disruptions this past year, the one thing that should be consistent is your child's back-to-school eye evaluations.

Is your child showing signs of a vision problem? Discover the different signs and symptoms that can indicate a vision problem, and learn what you can do to help your child thrive.

If you wear contact lenses, you likely appreciate the freedom it provides. But did you know that wearing contact lenses in water or while sleeping can damage your eyes?

If you have recently been diagnosed with keratoconus, you’ll likely have many questions. We’ve compiled 5 frequently asked questions about keratoconus so you can better understand the disease and learn how to manage it.

Eye conditions like cataracts and retinal disease affect the way we see the world, and may have influenced the famous works of several well-known artists.

Choosing the right eye drops to relieve dry eye syndrome can be a real challenge, as there are several brands and products on the market. Learn all about the types of artificial tears available and start feeling better today.

If you wake up in the morning with itchy, burning eyes, you may have dry eye syndrome. Wonder how this happens when your eyes are closed all night? Read on to find out!

Lazy eye (amblyopia) affects the vision of the affected eye, causing blurry vision even with corrective eyewear. Learn what may be causing your child’s lazy eye and how vision therapy can help.

Since blue eyes contain very little melanin — a pigment that helps block out light, including the sun’s harmful UV rays and blue light — they often feel more sensitive to bright light. Find out more.

Scleral contact lenses are so much more than oversized contact lenses. Here are our top 4 reasons why patients and doctors are calling scleral lenses a ‘big deal.’

More and more children are being diagnosed with myopia, a common refractive error associated with developing serious eye diseases later in life, such as macular degeneration and glaucoma. Find out what myopia is and how to prevent it from progressing

Here’s another reason for parents to send their kids out to play. Research shows that spending 2 hours or more outdoors lowers the risk of developing myopia and slows its progression.

Although caffeine has a diuretic and drying effect, it also has tear-producing properties that can potentially lessen your dry eye symptoms.

Here’s a glimpse into the life of Kenneth, a keratoconus patient. Read on to learn about his struggle with this eye disease, and how scleral lenses opened up a world of opportunities to him.

It’s important to get the facts straight. Here are 5 myths — and truths — about vision therapy.

Dilated eye exams make it possible for eye doctors to better assess your eye health and are the only way to detect certain eye diseases.

Using your computer for long periods of time can irritate and dry your eyes. The condition is so common that researchers have coined it computer vision syndrome. Learn more about the causes and treatments of this condition.

Multifocal contact lenses can help people with presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) see clearly, whether focusing on close or distant objects.

When it comes to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), being obese may heighten the risk of entering the advanced stages of this sight-threatening disease.

Scleral lenses are rigid gas permeable contact lenses that are often prescribed to patients with irregular corneas and severe dry eye syndrome, among other eye conditions. Read on to learn how to insert, remove and care for scleral lenses.

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is more than just blurry vision. Here’s why parents of myopic children should consider myopia control, and what we can do to help.

Ever wonder why rock superstar Bono wears sunglasses, even when indoors? It's not due to his "look", but rather is related to managing his glaucoma.

In certain cases, vision therapy may help manage the symptoms of myopia (nearsightedness). Read on to discover the hows and the whys.

A reduction in hormones during menopause, may lead many women to experience symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Read on to learn about the link between menopause and dry eye syndrome.

Eye herpes can cause several uncomfortable symptoms and recurring flare-ups. In extreme cases, it can lead to blindness. Discover how your eye doctor can help.

Myopia is an eye condition with increasing prevalence. While there is a lot of information out there on myopia, there are also many misconceptions. Read on to discover the REAL facts.

Vision problems are often missed during your child’s school vision screenings. Having them undergo a comprehensive eye exam can help detect any underlying vision problems. Help your child enjoy learning by giving them the tools they need to succeed with vision therapy.

Dry eye syndrome is more common in women than it is in men. Read on to learn why, and how we can help diagnose and treat the cause of your dry eye syndrome.

Many factors contribute to vision loss, some of which may even be relevant to you. Read on to learn what puts a person at risk of developing sight-threatening eye diseases, and discover what an eye doctor can do to help.

Scleral lenses are becoming increasingly popular among those with corneal problems and dry eye syndrome—and for good reason! Here are our top 5 tips for anyone who wears scleral lenses.

Sleep apnea is associated with high blood pressure and heart failure; it also causes eye-related issues. Find out how your eye condition may be linked to sleep apnea.

While occupational therapy and vision therapy have some similarities, they are actually very different. Read on to learn about their differences, and find out whether you should have your child see a vision therapist.

Since our eyes grow as we grow, children tend to need new prescription lenses relatively often. If your child has myopia (nearsightedness), their prescription may change even more frequently. Find out ways to slow your child's myopia progression.

Glare is that annoying bright light that causes you to squint. It also can cause eye strain when using your computer. Luckily, anti-glare coated glasses offer many benefits, such as reduced glare, allowing you to see and feel better.

Does it feel like you have something stuck in your eyes, and that no matter what you do, that scratchy sensation won’t go away? If so, you may be experiencing dry eye. Consult your eye doctor, who will diagnose the problem and prescribe the best treatment.

Night blindness is not an eye disease. It’s a symptom of several conditions that can range from mild to severe. Learn more about night blindness and discover ways we can help.

Scleral contact lenses are specially designed to vault over irregular corneas to create a smooth optical surface that provides sharp, comfortable vision. Here are 3 benefits of wearing scleral lenses.

If current trends continue, roughly half the world’s population will have myopia (nearsightedness) by 2050. But is the growing rate of myopia due to increased use of digital devices?

It may surprise you to learn that contact lenses can be safely worn by children aged 8 and over. Read on to learn more about contact lenses for the younger demographic.

People with astigmatism may wonder whether they can wear contact lenses. They absolutely can! The two main contact lens choices for astigmatism are scleral lenses and toric lenses. Read on to learn more and discover how we can help.

Confidence is one of the keys to success. If your child is struggling in school or in sports, it could be due to a vision problem. Find out how vision therapy can improve your child’s visual skills and boost their self-confidence.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases causing damage to the optic nerve that can lead to vision loss or blindness. While there is a lot of information out there on glaucoma, there are also many misconceptions. Read on to learn to discover the REAL facts.

Find out how educators can accommodate students with poor visual skills and help them learn better.

There are so many fun things you can do outdoors this winter! Here we share tips on fun outdoor activities you can do and explain why playing outside can help your child’s vision.

Contact lenses that don’t fit properly can cause discomfort and even eye damage. During a contact lens exam, your eye doctor will perform various tests to ensure you get the right prescription and the proper fit.

Scleral contact lenses were designed to vault over irregular corneas to create a smooth optical surface that provides sharp, comfortable vision. Here are 5 facts about sclerals to better understand how and why they work.

Wearing face masks is something that will be around for the foreseeable future, and so will mask-associated dry eye. Ask your eye doctor how to minimize dry eye symptoms today.

The older one gets, the more the eye changes and the higher the risk of developing sight-threatening conditions. Learn about why middle-aged people need reading glasses and when to visit the eye doctor.

When selecting a gift for your child this holiday season, try to choose one that promotes learning, creativity, and visual health. Check out our recommendations!

Diabetic retinopathy is a potentially sight-threatening condition caused by high blood sugar levels in diabetics. Fortunately, your eye doctor can advise on how to manage and reduce the risk of developing it.

It’s nearly the holiday season, so it’s a great time to learn which gifts may be beneficial to children with myopia, and which may be a hindrance.

If you or your child is new to wearing contact lenses, read our Top 5 Tips to make the adjustment easier.

Scleral lenses are a good solution for people with keratoconus, a corneal condition that leads to nearsightedness. Besides observing general recommendations for staying coronavirus-free during the pandemic, scleral wearers should consider taking additional precautions. Read on to learn more.

Even children with 20/20 vision may experience functional visual problems that can negatively affect their schoolwork and enjoyment of activities like reading and sports. Our vision therapy program can help treat these visual problems, allowing your child to reach their potential both in the classroom and on the sports field.

Demodicosis occurs when the microscopic Demodex mites living on your face or in your eyelashes proliferate, causing uncomfortable, even painful symptoms. But worry not, it can be easily treated by your dry eye optometrist.

Sunglasses aren’t just for summer. Why not, you ask? Read on to find out why sunglasses are just as much “fall wear” as jackets are.

Scleral lenses offer an excellent option for vision correction for people with irregular corneas, providing unparalleled comfort and improved eyesight. Learn more about these specialized lenses and how they've improved the vision and lives of these patients.

Consuming certain vitamins and nutrients can support your eye health and potentially ward off serious eye diseases and conditions. Read on to find out more!

Many schoolchildren have started the new school year at home, learning in online classes at least part of the time. As parents, it's important to monitor your children for signs of eyestrain and the worsening of other eye conditions.

Myopia or nearsightedness is most commonly corrected with prescription glasses or contact lenses. As children grow, their prescription often gets stronger, what we call “progressive myopia”. Our eye doctors can help.

Eye floaters are usually normal. But what causes them and when do they indicate a serious eye problem that needs emergency eye care?

Eyes naturally tear up to provide lubrication and comfort, but sometimes we don’t produce enough tears or tears of sufficient quality to keep our eyes moist. This can lead to a condition known as dry eye. Using compresses can help keep your eyes hydrated and comfortable.

Driving long distances, prolonged screen time and even reading can cause eye strain symptoms like headaches and blurry vision. Here are some eye exercises that can help you relax your eyes and find relief.

Many people with severe dry eye or irregularly shaped corneas find standard contact lenses uncomfortable or impossible to wear. Scleral lenses don’t touch the cornea, making them an excellent choice for people with these conditions.

Eyeglasses correct deficiencies in our vision. While eyesight might weaken as we age, wearing glasses is not the cause.

Cataracts, which are caused by the build-up of protein on the lens of the eye, are usually age-related, but other causes can bring about the condition much earlier. Be sure to schedule a comprehensive eye exam, especially if you are experiencing any of the symptoms related to cataracts.

Adjusting to new eyeglasses can take time, but persistent visual or eyestrain symptoms that accompany your new eyewear could warrant a call to your optometrist.

Ortho-k therapy can address a child’s myopia (nearsightedness) without surgery. Inserted at night and removed in the morning, ortho-k contact lenses can slow myopia’s progression at a time when an unprecedented number of children are being diagnosed with the condition.

Whether you work in an office, from home, or outdoors, certain elements of your work environment could be contributing to dry eye symptoms. Read on to learn how.

Most parents have heard of nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia), but there are many other visual problems that can affect a child’s success. Here are some common visual problems we think you should know about.

Does your child have myopia (nearsightedness)? Here’s what you can do to try and slow down it’s progression to keep your child’s eyes healthy for a lifetime.

To get maximal eye protection from your sunglasses, consider replacing them every two years, according to a study conducted in Brazil. Over time, protective UV coatings become less effective.

Certain contact lens wearers experience eyes that are dry, red, itchy, uncomfortable, and painful. Though eye drops can offer relief, it tends to be temporary. Scleral lenses offer permanent comfort and relief while providing vision correction and hydration.

Myopia (nearsightedness) is a common childhood condition. While eyeglasses and traditional contact lenses correct vision, prescriptions must be updated regularly as a child’s eyes develop and myopia progresses. In contrast, orthokeratology (ortho-k) slows the progression of myopia.

Don’t let dry eyes stop you from enjoying your time outdoors. If you experience any dry eye symptoms, implement the following tips, or get an eye exam to identify the cause of the problem and get the appropriate treatment.

Is your eyelid twitching again? Dry eye syndrome could be at the root of those little eyelid spasms. Treating your dry eyes can help reduce eye twitching. Here’s why.

If your child struggles with reading, focusing, or performing other academic tasks, it may be time to consider vision therapy. Here’s why.

Vision therapy is the ideal treatment for strabismus and offers long-term results because it targets the root of the issue — the brain.

Orthokeratology (ortho-k) is becoming the standard for myopia management in children today. There are several good reasons why many optometrists prefer this treatment to other methods.

Blurry vision can have many causes and may not always be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Insufficient tears or poor tear quality are often responsible for diminished vision clarity in people who spend much time on the computer.

Are you using your eye drops the right way? If not used properly, drops may not only lose their effectiveness, but could also damage your eye health. Below are a few simple rules to follow when applying eye drops.

1 in 5 people sleep with their eyes open. Known as nocturnal lagophthalmos, this condition can interfere with sleep and cause people to wake up with dry, irritated, red eyes. What is it? And can it be treated? Read on to find out!

Optometrists are slowly reopening their practices to offer routine services like eye exams for contact lenses, glasses, and eye surgery. This time around they will be implementing the strictest health guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Read on to find out what to expect on your next visit.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, we have been going above and beyond to ensure that people are receiving emergency eye care. If you're having an eye emergency call your Westfield optometrist first.

With the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in full-swing, it's important to practice good eye hygiene because eyes are a portal for infectious diseases. Implement these 4 important eye hygiene practices to help you stay safe and healthy.

Tears flush out toxins, provide vital oxygen and nutrients to our eyes, and, among countless other benefits, ensure that our eyes remain lubricated and healthy. Read on to learn more about the composition of tears and how they benefit not only our eyes, but also our general well-being.

We all instinctively rub our eyes, whether we're tired, our eyes are itchy or when something gets stuck in them. However, did you know that doing so poses a threat to your eye health and can potentially lead you to contract COVID-19? Read on to learn why eye doctors instruct people to avoid rubbing their eyes.

Did you know kids can keep developing visual functions from the comfort of their home? In this text, we outline various fun and engaging exercises parents can do with their kids to develop accommodation, depth perception, and other critical visual skills.

An eye care emergency is defined as medical care for conditions requiring prompt medical attention due to a sudden change in ocular or visual health.

Wearing traditional contact lenses is particularly uncomfortable when you have dry eye syndrome as it can further exacerbate itchy and irritated eyes. Fortunately, there is a lens that isn’t only comfortable but can also improve dry eye syndrome.

Wearing lenses overnight has been shown to be safe and effective in slowing down myopia progression in children. That said, many parents believe orthokeratology involves a higher risk factor than other contact lens modalities. Let's take an open and honest look at some of the issues.

Your vision depends on your eyeball shape. A perfectly shaped eye will provide crystal vision, whereas any deviation in size or irregularity in contour will cause distortion. Read on to learn the difference between a healthy and an unhealthy eye shape.  

Are you frustrated your bright child is not reading at the level you think they should be? They may actually be suffering from an issue in their visual system. Our practice can assess more than just 20/20 vision and use vision therapy to treat any vision-related learning issues that could be affecting your child.

Use your new benefits to make 2020 your year of perfect vision. Ortho-k overnight lenses, which are particularly advantageous for myopic patients,  can be eligible for reimbursement with major savings accounts, such as HSA and FSA.

Though some people think vaping is a harmless alternative to traditional smoking, it can actually cause a whole host of health problems — including dry eye syndrome.

Your toddler may show every sign of good eyesight including the ability to see objects in the distance, however that doesn't necessarily mean that he or she doesn’t have a vision problem.

Make your resolution for healthy vision this year with increased awareness of the leading cause of blindness worldwide.

This is the one way you can be sure that you or your child’s eyes are truly safe during Nerf shooting:

Despite the fact that it is one of the most common eye problems, a surprisingly large percentage of patients are not aware of it.

Chances are it affects you or someone you know. November has been dedicated as a time to spread awareness about the disease, its risk factors and the effects it has on your body, your daily life and the lives of your loved ones.

Red, itchy, watery eyes and swollen eyelids (along with sneezing, congestion or a runny nose)...