What’s New

Did you know that your eyes are often the first line of defense when it comes to detecting and treating many common systemic diseases and conditions? It's true!

Blurry vision over age 40? Skip the reading glasses. Find out why multifocal contact lenses are ideal for presbyopia.

The struggle against dry eye every winter is real. Fortunately there are eye treatments and home remedies to relieve symptoms.

Having an autoimmune disease like Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can affect your tear production and eye health.

This special test that eye doctors use to take pictures of the inside of your eyes is usually done in the doctor's office; it's painless and non-invasive. Learn more.

Here's how eye exams helped save Katie's vision and quality of life. Call Coastal Vision to schedule your appointment.

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma affects between 3 and 4 million Americans and is the number two cause of preventable blindness worldwide. About 50% of patients with glaucoma are currently undiagnosed. It is sobering to think about how many of you reading this article right now currently have...

Is your toddler blinking more frequently? Here are some potential reasons why.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of permanent vision loss in people over the age of 60. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the treatment outcome. Learn more here, at your local optometrist.

Your eye experts at Coastal Vision have compiled our top 7 tips for keeping your eyes healthy and safe this holiday season. Let us know how else we can help!

Contact lenses are a great option for people who don't want to wear glasses when on the road, but do you know how to take care of them on the go? Before your next trip, book a contact lens assessment at Coastal Vision in Chesapeake

Eye exams aren't just important for your eye health. They can often reveal serious problems with your general health. Read on to learn how an eye exam could potentially save your life.

Legendary British actor Dame Judi Dench has recently revealed how macular degeneration impacts her life. With such a high-profile case in the news people have been asking: What is it, what are its symptoms, and how can it be prevented? Well, read on.

Many scientific studies have confirmed that exposure to various things in the environment can negatively affect our eye health and vision. Read on to learn more.

It's Contact Lens Safety Month, which makes it the perfect time to brush up on ways to keep your eyes and vision healthy when wearing contact lenses. Here are our top contact lens safety tips to keep your peepers happy.

As a parent, you want to do everything you can to protect your child’s vision. But you may be wondering if contact lenses are safe for kids. Read on to learn more about the risks and benefits of contact lenses for children.

Seeing floaters is common and usually nothing to worry about. Yet there are times when floaters are a sign of a serious eye condition. Here’s what you need to know about eye floaters, and how Coastal Vision can help!

Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common eye conditions in the world, yet many people put up with the discomfort, even though it's very treatable. Here are tips to help you deal with your dry eye symptoms, along with treatment from your eye doctor.

Everyone's heard the adage that "the eyes are the window to the soul." But did you know that they can also be a primary window into the overall health of your body and mind?

Here are 5 eye symptoms that you should never ignore. Call Coastal Vision without delay if you or a loved one experiences any of these eye or vision problems.

An individual's eyes can reveal a lot about them, including their mood, feelings, and even emotions. By simply looking at them, eyes can convey a warm, bright, and inviting vibe as well as a cold and repellent one – they are the window to a person’s soul. The Iris: What...

Every child should have a comprehensive eye exam before the start of the new school year. Just as you wouldn’t consider sending them to school without a backpack or a lunch box, make sure their eyes and vision are ready for the challenges ahead.

Did you know that Nerf® guns, a supposedly safe children’s toy, have been shown to cause eye injury in certain cases? What makes them so dangerous?

Adjustable eyeglasses are an affordable non-prescription alternative to prescription eyeglasses or for the correction of minor refractive errors such as presbyopia, hyperopia (farsightedness) and myopia (nearsightedness).

While we all know that drinking alcohol can harm our bodies, what does it do specifically to our eyes? Short-term exposure to alcohol can alter vision, but what about repeated exposure to alcohol? Are there any permanent effects that you need to worry about? People who consider themselves to be "social drinkers"...

Hyperopia affects near vision in children and young adults. Want to know more about hyperopia? Here we explain ways to recognize the condition and help your child if they have it.

Are you one of those people who tried contacts in the past, but had no luck? Perhaps you found them dry and uncomfortable, or your allergies made them impossible to wear?  Maybe you were unable to see as clearly compared to your glasses, or you never needed glasses but now...

Cataract surgery not only improves vision. Research suggests that cataract surgery may also prevent cognitive decline.

Here’s how you can celebrate National Sunglasses Day on June 27.

Working at home has many benefits, but it can also trigger computer-related eye strain. Here are some proven ways to reduce digital eye strain, whether at home or in the office.

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is about more than just poor eyesight. It can also pose a long-term threat to your kid’s vision and eye health.

At some point in our lives, we've all had our eyes examined using an eye chart – whether during a school screening or at the optometrist's office. But what exactly is the chart and what does it measure? Read on to find out!

Bloodshot eyes can be harmless, but may also be a sign of an underlying eye condition.

Cosmetic procedures have been prominent for both women and men for years. While the popularity of certain procedures tends to decrease and incline in waves, temporary facial “improvements” like Botox injections have become and remain one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. The popularity is thanks to its noninvasiveness, and...

Hey, allergy season. Welcome back to the time of year when everyone blames almost every distress on allergies! Let us help set the record straight though, since certain symptoms are easily assumed as a seasonal allergic reaction when they can actually be a result of something worth looking into further....

Putting makeup on is fun! It can also be considered one of the most relaxing and satisfying parts of getting ready... If it is being done on time, and not in a rush, which we can admit is pretty rare. Of all the little mishaps that can take place during...

White eyes have just about the same cosmetic priority as white teeth or unblemished skin. In fact, several surveys reveal that about 30% of people initially notice eyes when they first meet someone. While you can be a generally healthy human with stained teeth and imperfect skin, your eyes can...

Your children's vision is their primary window into the world around them. Keeping their eyesight healthy is an important part of allowing them to experience life to the fullest. Read these 5 tips!

Did you know that pregnancy hormones can affect your vision? Read on to learn about the possible visual changes that some women may experience while expecting, and what warning signs to look out for.

For many children, learning via a digital device has become routine, and their eyes are paying the price. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize digital eye strain while your child is studying.

Creating healthy living habits is a great way to preserve your vision throughout your lifetime. These can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.

If you've noticed that your vision turns hazy after enjoying a meal, you may have an early stage of diabetes mellitus. Here's how your optometrist can help.

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!

When the emergency is related to your eyes, consider a trip to your optometrist's office instead of the ER. Here's why.

Eye Care Emergencies to take directly to the Optometry Office ASAP When a health crisis occurs, it is common to consider a visit to the nearest hospital emergency room for care. However, when the emergency is related to your eyes, consider a trip to your optometrists’ office as the first...

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.

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.

Fall is a great time of year, but the accompanying allergens: not so much. Let’s talk causes, effects, & solutions of allergies, & how they can affect your eyes

Seasons changing are often something to look forward to. Especially when the chill of winter is conquered by the warmth of spring, and the swelter of summer is subdued by the cool crisp of autumn. One of the downsides of changing seasons, however, is the allergens that come along with...

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.

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?

There are several ways to combat presbyopia, and the good news is, your optometrist can help!

Through each stage of life, from infancy through adulthood, your eyes and visual needs will change. One of those changes, and arguably the largest and most frustrating, will come in your early 40’s. Yes, we are referring to the need for reading glasses which is technically referred to as presbyopia. Presbyopia is the...

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.

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

June brings with it, not only the first day of summer, but also National Sunglasses Day (6/27). In keeping with these two annual milestones, let’s chat about the importance of wearing sunglasses! Many people simply think of sunglasses as a summertime fashion accessory but don’t stop to consider the benefits...

June brings with it, not only the first day of summer, but also National Sunglasses Day.

What does that mean for you? It means that now is the time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. While these are one of the exams we may often let fall by the wayside, they are extremely important to maintain our eye health. Comprehensive eye exams serve several purposes. During these exams,...

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.

What does that mean for you? It means that now is the time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Find out why.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nearly every day we are reminded of the ongoing challenges of living in a pandemic.   Jobs, health, lives, education are just some of the areas of everyday life that have been radically disrupted due to COVID.   There's a lot of signposts on this present journey.   Some induce fear or anxiety. ...

In times such as these, we can choose to focus on the positive or negative.  Some may argue there’s not a lot that is positive enough to celebrate right now.   That’s why I want to tell you about Sedonia Triepel.  She’s a truly special patient, who’s strength, courage, and determination...

(Coastal Vision is pleased to present this guest post by Dr. Elizabeth Yeu, surgeon at Virginia Eye Consultants. ) Our world today, in so many facets, has changed quite drastically. Access to each other, to caregivers and to daily necessities has become often less accessible. Consequently, I’ve received an increasing...

It's well established that many common medications can cause eye and vision symptoms.  In this article we'll be going through some of the ocular side effects of topamax, andidepressants, viagra, accutane, plaquenil, and prednisone.    It's important that everyone taking these medications know the potential side effects.   Some symptoms may...

Are your eyes constantly red? Do people always ask you why you always look like you have been crying? Redness and puffiness around the eyes could be a sign of chronic allergic conjunctivitis associated with environmental allergies. A Chemical Chain Reaction An allergic reaction is an immune system response to...

It goes without saying that health and vision go hand in hand.  But, it may be surprising for some to learn that eye allergies in children may leave them at risk for a certain eye disease, called keratoconus, which can result in severe and permanent vision impairment.   This is important...

Along with spring comes the dreaded spring time allergy season.  Spring marks the blooming of flowers, grasses, and other plants which all release pollen into the air. For many people, this means the start of red, itchy eyes. If you are one of the millions of Americans who experience some...

Eyes may be our profession, but hearts are in focus at Coastal Vision.    Community outreach, as well as in-office pro bono eye care are fundamental aspects of our mission and purpose. Our Coastal Vision Cares Initiative has been in place now for 5 years.  During that time, we've been...

Blue light from digital screens is here to stay.   That's important for adults and children alike. Our world has significantly changed in the few decades with the advancement of technology. You can’t escape it! As adults, almost every job is now technologically driven.  Even if there's no screen at work,...

Did you know that diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in working-aged adults? Many people don’t know about the correlation between diabetes and the eyes.   I would like to increase awareness because early detection can help to prevent vision loss!  In short, diabetes is a disease that occurs when...

Ever wished your contact lenses could turn dark to help shade the sun's brightness when you walked outside?  Well, the new Acuvue Oasys Transitions contact lenses do just that!   Coastal Vision is one of the first practices in Hampton Roads to receive fitting sets for these exciting new lenses. This...

Great news! Dr. Arieneh Tahmasian, our Vision Therapy Optometrist, is providing pediatric eye care services at our Volvo Parkway office in Chesapeake starting June 6th. It's hard to believe it's been nearly a year since Dr. Tahmasian (or, "Dr. T") joined Coastal Vision.  If you are a parent of a...

As we close out National Glaucoma Awareness month, it’s important to address diagnosing glaucoma.   How do optometrists diagnose glaucoma? What tests are involved? Which information is more useful or important in diagnosing glaucoma?   Diagnosing glaucoma is really about identifying pieces of the puzzle and putting them together to give a...

January is National Glaucoma Awareness month.  Increasing awareness is a big priority for many eye doctors for 3 reasons.   First, glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States.  Second, blindness from glaucoma is preventable.  Third, it’s estimated that nearly half of the people who have glaucoma don’t even...

We sat down with 3 of our Coastal Vision doctors recently to discuss myopia progression in children as well as ways to reduce or control that progression. Dr. Beach:   First, Dr. Nilsson can you define myopia? Dr. Nilsson:   Myopia is the clinical term for what most people know as nearsightedness....

One of the greatest honors we have at Coastal Vision is the opportunity to make a positive impact on the community around us.   Being locally owned and operated, Coastal Vision is invested in making Hampton Roads a better place for everyone. When ownership changed in 2013, we developed a  special...

According to the Mayo Clinic, Parkinson’s Disease (PD) “is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Symptoms start gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are common, but the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement.”   There many other prevalent symptoms...

It’s the new year and this special time of year would not be complete without some resolutions.   While many people set up unrealistic resolutions, Coastal Vision is here to help you with some resolutions that you can and should keep.    Here’s our 6 Resolutions for Healthy Eyes and Better Vision...

Dry Eye Disease is a very common occurrence in patients with diabetes.   While most optometrists are rightly concerned with educating diabetic patients about potential blindness from diabetic retinopathy, it’s important to also address the front surface of the eye.  It’s here that Dry Eye Disease (DED) occurs. Many patients have...

Dr. Tahmasian Joins Coastal Vision to Provide Pediatric Eye Care We couldn't be more excited to announce that Dr. Arieneh Tahmasian joined Coastal Vision in August 2018.  She has has the unique background of having completed a residency at The Eye Institute, Magee Rehabilitation Center, and Saint Christopher’s Children’s Hospital...

Help the Homeless and Earn Office Credits One of the great things about working at Coastal Vision is our goal to meaningfully impact the Hampton Roads community through our Coastal Vision Cares Initiative.    We have a special interest in helping local homeless. There’s so much we do through our...

Find out by taking this test: Check the True or False box next to each statement. When you are finished, find the correct answers at the bottom of the page. Grade yourself as follows: 19-20: I understand my eyes very well 17-18: My view of my eyes is clear 15- under:...

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Previously, we gave an overview of what glaucoma is. If you missed it, dive in right here. As you now know, Glaucoma is especially dangerous because in its early stages, there generally are no noticeable symptoms. By the time an affected individual has noticed,...

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is a devastating disease that damages your eye's optic nerve, which carries information from the eye to the brain. It is one of the leading causes of vision loss in the United States, and currently affects over 3 million Americans. This vision loss...

As we kick off the new year, many of us are making resolutions to better ourselves in 2018. One of the most common New Year's resolutions is to improve our health. We know you'll be hitting that tough gym routine or counting calories for the next few weeks. However, there...

We're just a few weeks away from January and the opening of our Harbour View location in Suffolk Virginia! Our new location will offer the same quality care you've come to expect from Coastal Vision, as well as an extensive selection of eyewear products and brands. The Coastal Vision Commitment...

At Coastal Vision, we happily answer all kinds of questions about vision and eye health. We've found that some are asked more often than others, and thought we'd take a moment to go over our most frequently asked questions. I see fine, why do I need to see an eye...

As National Diabetes Awareness Month comes to a close, the doctors at Coastal Vision would like to remind everyone of the health risks diabetes poses to your eyesight. Our doctors see many patients who are struggling with diabetes related vision issues, or are at risk to develop them. To give...

Portsmouth Vision Clinic An extension of our Coastal Vision Cares initiative: providing vision care for those without. On October 21st, 2017, the Coastal Vision team partnered with Homeland Disciples and Virginia Supportive Housing to provide eye exams and glasses for the residents of South Bay Apartments. Virginia Supportive Housing is...

Warm Visions 2017 Winter is an especially hard time for the homeless. Every year, Coastal Vision partners with Homeland Disciples to outfit these individuals with cold weather clothing. We reach out to the community and ask for clothing donations in exchange for office credits that can be applied to service...

The Coastal Vision team is excited to announce that we will be opening a brand-new location on Harbour View Boulevard in Suffolk! Our new location will feature the same high standard of care you have come to expect from Coastal Vision. Our experienced team of Doctors lead a devoted staff...

  Soon, cold weather will be upon us.  We feel excited and blessed to announce that Coastal Vision is once again doing our annual Warm Visions Donations Campaign--yet another extension of our Coastal Vision Cares Initiative which aims to actively engage the local community in positive and charitable ways. Specifically,...

A portion of the proceeds from every glasses purchase at Coastal Vision goes to support the Transitional Housing Project for homeless individuals by Homeland Disciples.   “Underneath the layers and the grime lies an individual who has value.”  Homeland Disciples. At Coastal Vision, we share the sentiment and truth of...

Let’s face it.   With all of life’s responsibilities, it’s often challenging to make and keep your doctor appointments Monday through Friday.  That’s one reason why Coastal Vision is now expanding our Glaucoma Clinic services to include Saturdays at our Salem Crossing location on Lynnhaven Parkway. On select Saturdays, Dr. Russell...

As with many of my fellow Asians, I’ve always been frustrated by the lack of selection of "asian-fit eyewear" that would not only look great but actually sit and stay on my face properly.   I actually like wearing glasses; it’s a nice change from wearing contact lenses. However, with a flatter...

Cleaner contact lenses are more comfortable. From the instant that you place the contact lens onto the eye, the contact lens material begins to interact with the mucus, oils and minerals in your tears and your ocular surface. These minerals, mucus and oils start to deposit on the surface of...

Dr. Beach and son Parker protecting their eyes from the sun Dr. Beach recently had the opportunity to write a guest article titled "Let's Think About Protecting Kids' Eyes from the Sun."   The article appeared on the local website Myactivechild.com.    You can click on the links to see...

We live in a fashion-conscious culture, making a person’s choice of glasses (or frames) often a statement of personal style or expression.  Sometimes, that expression is more bold.   For others, it may be more classic and conservative.   And others choose frames that are somewhere in between.   However, beyond the...

Studies Show Multi-focal Contact Lenses Can Slow or Stop Progression of Myopia (Nearsightedness) in Kids   Myopia, or nearsightedness, has a significant impact in the U.S.    Not only is the prevalence of myopia among the general population significantly higher than it was 30 years ago, but the progression or worsening...

November: National Diabetes Month According to the American Diabetes Association, "diabetes mellitus (MEL-ih-tus), or simply, diabetes, is a group of diseases characterized by high blood glucose (sugar) levels that result from defects in the body's ability to produce and/or use insulin."    Insulin is the hormone that is needed to convert...

One of the great things about working at Coastal Vision is our goal to have a positive impact on the local community through our Coastal Vision Cares Initiative.   There’s so much we do through our Coastal Vision Cares Initiative, but in November we run a special donation drive called...

An interesting study from the UK, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, states that first born children are more likely to have nearsightedness (myopia) than their younger siblings.   Not only that, first born children were also more likely to have high myopia, a more severe form...

I think when many people ask "do I need glasses to drive?" they are really asking "does the DMV require me to wear glasses or contacts while I drive?"     Each state has different requirements, but let's take a look at the requirements for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The DMV in...

Preeclampsia is a complication during pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, and signs of damage to other organ system--most often the kidneys.  It usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women who previously had normal blood pressure.   Even slight rises in blood pressure during this period of pregnancy can...

One of the most delicate questions to answer from a parent is “could my child fake their way into glasses?”    Before we get to the answer, I think it’s important to point out why this is such a delicate subject in the exam room. Clinical experience has taught me there...

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) affects many of us throughout the day. These days we would be hard pressed to find a job that does not require computer work since we are constantly relying on computers for our everyday tasks for work, home, and social life. While convenient, all this screen...

For many people, astigmatism sounds like a horrible eye condition. It sounds like, at any minute, the eye could explode, melt and fall out on the ground in front of you. The truth is that astigmatism is really a description of a particular vision error that creates blurred vision. Other such...

According to one study, contact lenses improve vision-related quality of life in children compared with glasses---this was especially true in the areas of athletics and appearance. The study, published in Optometry and Vision Science Journal, was a 3 year assessment of the effects of glasses and contacts on the self-perception...

As children settle into the new school year, there is a good chance many students will be missing the most important school supply of all--good vision!  While we strongly recommend yearly eye exams for every child, here are 8 signs your child needs to see the eye doctor soon: Squinting:...

THE BAD NEWS: Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. To make it worse, researchers estimate that half of glaucoma patients in the U.S. don't realize that they have it because it steals sight little by little a long period of time. Think Peter Gibbons' (Ron Livingston) scheme to electronically steal fractions of...

As busy parents, it's often challenging to keep up with your kids' glasses and eye exams during the summertime and before school starts.    Between vacations, day trips, and recreational activities it can be difficult to find time to scratch off eye exams and glasses from your kids' back-to-school checklist.    The...

Coastal Vision is thrilled to announce our new partnership with Onelife Fitness to promote "One Life. One Vision," which aims to educate the public on exercise, healthy living, and good vision practices.    Every month, Onelife Fitness will be our guest blogger,  giving you valuable information on exercise, healthy living practices,...

With the freezing winter weather fading away, April and May bring some familiar Hampton Roads sights:   beautiful skies, birds chirping, new leaves on the trees, colorful flowers in bloom, and......POLLEN.    In some areas, the pollen can drop like blankets over driveways and cars.   And if you are like me and...

Vitamin E:   Antioxidant for eye health and vision Vitamin E is another essential nutrient due to its effects on both your ocular and overall health.   Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps protect your cells and Vitamin A against oxidation.  Vitamin E is also essential to your circulatory system,...

Uncorrected hyperopia (farsightedness) may impact a child's academic related performance, according to a recent study published in the February 2015 issue of "Optometry and Vision Science." The study simulated uncorrected hyperopia in children with an average age of 11 years old.   Researchers looked at how the combination of uncorrected hyperopia...

There are certain things you can't take your eyes off of: a tantalizing meal, a scary movie, or your favorite television show. However, there are certain things you should take your eyes off of. If not, they can do serious damage to the health of your eye. Check out these...

In this post, we continue our Dry Eye Syndrome interview with Dr. Jessica Lin.   Be sure to check out part 1 of the interview. How would you describe your clinical approach to assessing and diagnosing Dry Eye Syndrome? Dr. Jessica Lin Optometrist and Co-owner of Coastal Vision Dr. Lin:...

Dry Eye Syndrome is a widespread problem, especially in Hampton Roads.   Dry Eyes can affect men and women of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.     We sat down with Dr. Jessica Lin to discuss Dry Eye Syndrome.   If you don't already know Dr. Lin, she is an excellent...

Using tablets and e-readers before bedtime may harm sleep quality, according to a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.   The study, performed at the Harvard School of Medicine, showed that people who used these devices within a few hours of sleeping took longer to...

Nearsightedness, also called Myopia, is when a person experiences blurred vision for far away distances and clear vision while reading up close. Farsightedness, also called Hyperopia, is when a person experiences clear vision for far away distances and blurred vision while reading up close.  (some exceptions apply to hyperopia though)....

Optometrists have known for a long time that Dry Eye Disease damages the cornea, which is the front curved part of the eye that is responsible for a significant portion of the eye's staining of damaged surface cells optical power.   In a  recent study, published in the December 2014 volume...

Handwashing is something that most Americans know is important.   But, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) we may not be doing handwashing correctly and/or often enough.   Hands contaminated with germs are not only a threat to a person's overall health, but there is a specific risk for individuals...

Through our eyes, we experience life. We can see sunsets, flowers, delicious food, and even a baby’s first smile. Why would we ever risk that? Here at Coastal Vision, we understand just how important your vision is. For that reason, we have made eye care our number one priority. While...

As optometrists, we often hear from patients who desire independence from corrective eyewear but have concerns about LASIK.   Some patients may be hindered, restricted or bothered by glasses.   Others may suffer from dry eyes interfering with contact lens wear.   Other patients may wish to be free of glasses but either...

In 2005, Clearview Eye Care was started by Dr. Russell Beach.  The goal was to create a practice centered on customer service and genuine care for patients. Clearview Eye Care was committed to providing thorough eye examinations, using the latest technology in eye care, and providing the finest quality glasses...

Ok, I admit I completely made up that statistic.   But, personally, I do want patients to ask more questions about their vision and their ocular health.  One of the things I enjoy most is a patient who presents some questions to me during the exam room encounter.    Whether these questions...

While ADHD is not my area of clinical expertise, I do know there seems to be conflicting points of view on ADHD in pediatric care.    Some feel ADHD is under diagnosed and proper identification of the condition could lead to better social and academic outcomes in children.   Others feel it...

With the freezing winter weather fading away, the arrival of April brings some familiar Hampton Roads sights:   beautiful skies, birds chirping, new leaves on the trees, colorful flowers in bloom, and......POLLEN.    In some areas, the pollen can drop like blankets over driveways and cars.   And if you are like me...

You may have noticed, at our office, the patient care technician checks your blood pressure as part of your testing during the eye exam.    But why?    What does blood pressure have to do with your eyes or your vision?    The answer:  a lot! Almost everyone---the news, our doctors, Dr. Oz'...

I've posted a lot over the past few years on Dry Eye Disease.    It affects millions of people every day and I've seen, in my practice, the effects and symptoms of dry eye ranging from mild to severe.   Dry Eye Disease can cause physical symptoms, as well as functional issues. ...

I'm pretty sure my few remaining hair follicles are holding on for dear life, so I'll admit this headline would catch my attention.   And although there is no "cure" for thinning hair or baldness, one company is looking to a derivative of a particular glaucoma medicine as a way to...

There's no doubt artificial tanning through the use of "tanning beds" is a big business in the United States--especially in states like Virginia where the colder months prevent sunbathers from venturing outside to catch their rays.    We know that tanning beds provide significantly more UV (ultra-violet) light than the sun.  ...

At Coastal Vision, almost half of the patients who visit us are children.   So, we frequently get questions about how old a child must be in order to wear contact lenses.    The truth is there is no magic age or set answer to this question.    But, there are several studies...

Most of my blog post ideas come from real life patient care issues that we see here in the office.   But, this topic is a little more personal.   I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea and my first thought was "I can't believe I haven't yet posted about the ocular...

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Not too many people think of their annual visit to their optometrist as an opportunity to save their life, but when a dilated retinal exam is performed there is the possibility of finding warning signs for potentially life-threatening health issues.    This is the case when an optometrist finds a retinal...

With increases in childhood obesity and diabetes, there has been a big public awareness effort to get kids outdoors.    A little less time playing video games or watching television and a little more time exercising can help keep children healthy through their important developmental years.   But a recent study says...

I'm  breaking my rule against soap box blogging in order to say how much I enjoy being an optometrist.    Truly, it is a personally rewarding profession and it encompasses many more aspects than most may realize. Many people see optometry as the profession that simply diagnoses vision problems and prescribes...

An interesting study out of Japan this year examined tear production and related dry eye symptoms in two groups of patients: the first group was given caffeine and the second group was not. Researchers found that the group taking 400 mg of caffeine (almost the equivalent of 4 cups of...

When you think of Friday the 13th, no doubt images of the scary movie series may pop into your head. And for some people, the "air puff" at the eye doctor's office has become just as frightening. Whether it's the anticipation of the air puff or the actual puff itself,...

Even eye doctors wear glasses and contact lenses.   In fact, I would say most do.   That is probably what started their interest in becoming an optometrist.    Recently, I underwent my annual eye exam with the prettiest eye doctor in town---who also happens to be my wife---and she wrote me a...

Accutane or isotretinoin is a medication that is used to treat certain, severe cases of acne that do not respond to other forms of treatment.     The medication is widely known to cause birth defects, and the medical community does a good job educating women they should not take...

November's Patient of the Month: Jana (pictured in the middle) with CEC staffers Erin, Cayla, & Kristyna Excuse our tardiness in posting these photos, but here are some shots of our "Patients of the Month" for November and December.      It's so tough to choose just one patient each month, when...

I have 2 primary functions as an optometrist:  address visual conditions AND assess and treat medical conditions of the eye.   But an equally important responsibility of my role as an optometrist is to relay the importance of lifelong eye care through the annual eye exam. Unfortunately, there is the widespread...

Have you ever noticed how often you blink your eyes?   You might now that I've planted the seed, but most of us go about our daily lives and never realize that we may blink our eyes as many as 17,000 to 20,000 times a day.   This amounts to a normal...

A recent study showed that dilated eye exams were a low-cost method of increasing quality of life for seniors.   The study revealed that, in patients with no previously diagnosed eye problems, a dilated eye exam increased the quality of life of the individual 7 x more than just a simple...

Dr. Beach and his wife, Dr. Janel Chou, welcomed their first child (a boy) into the world on 1:33 am, January 6th. Parker Beach weighed in at 8 lbs 3 oz and was 21 inches long. Mom and baby are doing fantastic.    Dad already gave him his first eye exam...

Since every person is unique in their combination of visual needs, ocular health, and amount and type of prescription it's hard to say that one type of lens is absolutely the best for everybody.    But now that we have that disclaimer out of the way, I would say that 'dailies,"...

Jen D. is our Patient of the Month for October! Jen has a baby on the way soon, so the Clearview staff put together a goodie basket of items for the little boy's arrival. She's pictured here with team member Erin. Thanks again Jen and all of our great patients...

During American Diabetes Month, it's important that we remember that diabetes affects the entire body.   And while we may think of the kidney disease and heart disease as being associated with diabetes, I was surprised to learn from my dentist that diabetes can pose significant risk to a person's oral...

Don't forget to use your Flex-Spending (FSA) benefits before December 31st!    And remember, you can use these benefits towards services and vision products at Clearview Eye Care....

As we progress through American Diabetes Awareness month, I wanted to touch on how diabetes can commonly affect the outside or front surface of the eye.   In fact, one study suggests that nearly half of all people with diabetes suffer from Dry Eye Disease.   This is very significant because Dry...

November is American Diabetes Awareness month.   All this month we'll be posting information about this very common disease.   If you know someone with diabetes please share these posts with them and help us increase awareness. A recent study published in the journal, Neurology, suggests that diabetes may be associated with...

If a specific  type of light is transmitted less than normally to a person's retina, does it increase the likelihood of sleep disturbances?    Researchers in Denmark, who published their results in a recent journal, may have provided an answer.    The researchers found that the chance of sleep trouble or sleep...

If you said yes, hopefully I've got your attention.     There is a type of contact lens that doesn't need to be cleaned every day, dramatically increases the convenience of contact lens wear, results in over $100 a year in savings on contact lens solutions, AND greatly reduces your chance for...

It's October and time for our annual vision screening at Woodstock Elementary in Virginia Beach.    We've had the privilege of providing vision screenings for the entire student population at the elementary school for the last 4 years.   We'll be closed on Wednesday, October 11th, so that Dr. Beach and our...

After an all-too-short  summer break, most families in Hampton Roads are diving into the “back-to-school” mode and all of its required activities.    Most of us will be creating lists which may include:  new clothes, haircut, school supplies, new shoes, and these days even unlimited text-messaging plans seem to be making...

Imagine you and a friend on top of a steep hill.   Your friend, thinking he's pretty funny, tells you to walk a few feet down the hill and when you get there he pushes a 2 foot boulder your way.   Luckily, the boulder hasn't gathered much speed yet, so you're...

Tamoxifen is a common and effective drug used in the treatment of breast cancer.   But like many medications, it does have the potential to adversely affect the eyes and vision.    Although the incidence of these ocular side effects may be uncommon, some studies indicate that as many as 6 to...

We can't say enough about how much we appreciate our patients at Clearview Eye Care.   We interact with so many great people everyday.   And while we try to say thanks to our patients whenever we can, our staff came up Mom and Daughter, Karen and Kelly, pictured with Clearview's...

Have you ever watched a sporting event on television and been amused by how abstract and random some statistics seem?   Well, one stat may actually have some significance.   A recent NY Times article found that major league baseball players with blue eyes have a lower batting average during the day...

Chances are good that many of us have smartphones.   And, if you're like me, you'll find yourself using these modern marvels of technology to surf the web for various information.   But an interesting study, published in July's "Optometry and Visual Science,"  reviewed the visual demands created by viewing websites...

Summer is definitely here.   The ocean front is packed.  High temperatures are routinely in the 90's.   Vacations are being planned.   But this is also an important time to talk about the risks of ultraviolet (UV) light. Certainly, we are all aware of the importance of putting on sunblock to reduce...

One question we ask of all our patients is  "do you have any history of head trauma?" The overall delicate nature of the eyes makes trauma relevant with any degree of impact to the head.   This could be as simple as slipping on a banana peel at the Norfolk Zoo...

It's Spring, which means it's time for allergies and it's time for another Facebook Tag-a-Photo Sunglasses Giveaway Contest. Click on this photo to go to our facebook fan page and enter to win If you have spring allergies, the first thing is to avoid holding a picnic in the middle...

Dry Eye is much more than a symptom or a feeling.   For many people, it's an actual syndrome.   What does Dry Eye Syndrome look like?   Green Swirls and Green dots of course! abnormal evaporation of tear layer Before you go asking your friend of family member if they see any...

Why do Antihistamine Medications come with Warnings about Glaucoma? It's official.  Allergy season is back!  As cars around Hampton Roads are being blanketed with pollen, we'll also be bombarded with commercials for antihistamine medications treating symptoms related to seasonal allergies.   Ever wonder why these medications come with the warning, "ask...

With all that engulfs the national news these days, we can sometimes forget all the people in need within the local community of Hampton Roads.   Yet, in this community there are people doing great things to improve the lives of those around them.   One awesome example is The We Promise...

Even optometrists need annual eye exams.  My eye doctor, who happens to also be my wife, won't let me get much past a year without a comprehensive eye health evaluation.    And as a patient, and as an optometrist, I'm convinced that annual eye exams are the best way I know...

St. Patrick's Day:   Wear green or suffer a pinch.  But there' s more to the color green than this tradition.  Here's some fun facts about the color green: Green, along with red, was present in the first traffic light ever used.   This was in London in 1868 and engineers used...

When I was a kid, I remember my mother always harping on me to develop the good habit of frequent handwashing.    And, while mom was not a microbiologist, there is a lot of scientific evidence to support how important handwashing is to our daily lives.    Certainly, this is the case...

"I've been told I can't wear contacts because I have astigmatism" is like nails on a chalkboard to my ears.   Astigmatism is not a visual death sentence, but merely a challenge that CAN be successfully treated with modern contact lens technology. Astigmatism traditionally has been described as meaning the eye...

Without a doubt, my enjoyment in delivering patient care is my daily motivation to come to work.   The opportunity to use training, experience and a modern facility to improve the lives of others is what keeps me coming back day after day.  But I have to admit, there is another...

Truclear HD Plus, the next generation no-line bifocal (progressive) lens, incorporates patient height and many more custom parameters in it's unique design This is truly another one of those exciting times to be in the optical field.  We are witnessing great advances in prescription lens technology that continue to improve...

For many people (myself included), the end of January can become the battleground between success and failure  for "new year's resolutions."      But there are some resolutions that we can't afford to let die, and a resolution to achieve better eye health is one of them.   Not only is this resolution...