Keep up-to-date on the latest vision-related news and eye care events in our Practice.
Mar 19, 2023
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!
Mar 09, 2023
Blurry vision over age 40? Skip the reading glasses. Find out why multifocal contact lenses are ideal for presbyopia.
Feb 28, 2023
The struggle against dry eye every winter is real. Fortunately there are eye treatments and home remedies to relieve symptoms.
Feb 26, 2023
Having an autoimmune disease like Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can affect your tear production and eye health.
Jan 29, 2023
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.
Jan 24, 2023
Here's how eye exams helped save Katie's vision and quality of life. Call Coastal Vision to schedule your appointment.
Jan 13, 2023
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...
Jan 12, 2023
Is your toddler blinking more frequently? Here are some potential reasons why.
Dec 27, 2022
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.
Dec 08, 2022
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!
Dec 01, 2022
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
Nov 15, 2022
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.
Nov 09, 2022
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.
Oct 26, 2022
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.
Oct 19, 2022
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.
Sep 29, 2022
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.
Sep 28, 2022
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!
Sep 11, 2022
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.
Sep 05, 2022
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?
Aug 31, 2022
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.
Aug 26, 2022
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...
Aug 15, 2022
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.
Jul 27, 2022
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?
Jul 26, 2022
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).
Jul 19, 2022
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"...
Jul 17, 2022
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.
Jun 27, 2022
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...
Jun 27, 2022
Cataract surgery not only improves vision. Research suggests that cataract surgery may also prevent cognitive decline.
Jun 20, 2022
Here’s how you can celebrate National Sunglasses Day on June 27.
May 29, 2022
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.
May 26, 2022
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.
May 16, 2022
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!
May 02, 2022
Bloodshot eyes can be harmless, but may also be a sign of an underlying eye condition.
Apr 12, 2022
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...
Mar 15, 2022
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....
Feb 14, 2022
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...
Jan 28, 2022
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...
Jan 06, 2022
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!
Dec 28, 2021
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.
Dec 06, 2021
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.
Nov 25, 2021
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.
Nov 01, 2021
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.
Oct 11, 2021
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!
Oct 07, 2021
When the emergency is related to your eyes, consider a trip to your optometrist's office instead of the ER. Here's why.
Oct 06, 2021
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...
Oct 05, 2021
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.
Sep 29, 2021
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.
Aug 31, 2021
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
Aug 30, 2021
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...
Aug 15, 2021
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.
Aug 10, 2021
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.
Jul 29, 2021
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?
Jul 28, 2021
There are several ways to combat presbyopia, and the good news is, your optometrist can help!
Jul 27, 2021
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...
Jul 20, 2021
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.
Jun 17, 2021
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
Jun 09, 2021
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...
Jun 08, 2021
June brings with it, not only the first day of summer, but also National Sunglasses Day.
May 25, 2021
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,...
May 25, 2021
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.
May 20, 2021
What does that mean for you? It means that now is the time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Find out why.
May 20, 2021
Multifocal contact lenses can help people with presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) see clearly, whether focusing on close or distant objects.
Apr 28, 2021
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.
Apr 06, 2021
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.
Mar 22, 2021
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.
Mar 14, 2021
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.
Feb 25, 2021
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.
Feb 15, 2021
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.
Jan 27, 2021
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.
Jan 13, 2021
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.
Nov 05, 2020
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. ...
Sep 09, 2020
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...
Apr 17, 2020
(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...
Apr 10, 2020
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...
Apr 01, 2020
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...
Apr 01, 2020
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...
Apr 01, 2020
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...
Nov 10, 2019
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...
Oct 17, 2019
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,...
Sep 05, 2019
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...
Jun 05, 2019
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...
Jun 04, 2019
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...
Jan 25, 2019
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...
Jan 20, 2019
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...
Jan 13, 2019
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....
Jan 08, 2019
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...
Jan 06, 2019
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...
Jan 01, 2019
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...
Dec 29, 2018
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...
Nov 03, 2018
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...
Nov 03, 2018
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...
Sep 25, 2018
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:...
Jan 16, 2018
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,...
Jan 08, 2018
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...
Jan 02, 2018
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...
Dec 11, 2017
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...
Dec 05, 2017
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...
Nov 30, 2017
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...
Nov 27, 2017
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...
Nov 01, 2017
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...
Jun 23, 2017
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...
Nov 03, 2016
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, the...
Sep 03, 2016
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...
Jun 25, 2016
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...
May 23, 2016
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...
Mar 31, 2016
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...
Mar 31, 2016
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...
Feb 01, 2016
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...
Nov 13, 2015
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 of...
Nov 11, 2015
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...
Oct 27, 2015
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...
Oct 15, 2015
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...
Oct 11, 2015
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...
Oct 08, 2015
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...
Oct 02, 2015
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...
Sep 24, 2015
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...
Sep 22, 2015
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...
Sep 15, 2015
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...
Sep 11, 2015
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:...
Sep 09, 2015
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...
Aug 29, 2015
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...
Apr 30, 2015
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,...
Apr 26, 2015
Image courtesy of Norfolk Botanical Gardens 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...
Apr 06, 2015
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,...
Feb 20, 2015
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...
Feb 09, 2015
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...
Jan 26, 2015
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:...
Jan 22, 2015
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...
Dec 31, 2014
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...
Dec 27, 2014
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)....
Dec 11, 2014
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...
Dec 07, 2014
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...
Nov 29, 2014
"What are these yellow spots on my eyes?" is a frequently asked question at Coastal Vision due to the popularity of outdoor lifestyles here in Hampton Roads. These yellowish, slightly raised spots on the white part of the eye are called Pinguecula (pin-ˈgwek-ye-la). It's a pretty funny word, but essentially they are...
Nov 25, 2014
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...
Nov 23, 2014
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...
Nov 03, 2014
For the entire month of November, bring in any article of cold weather clothing (jackets, blankets, scarves, gloves, etc) and receive a credit towards your out-of-pocket expenses at any of our Coastal Vision offices. How it works: Find any new or gently used article of cold weather clothing. Bring the...
Jan 09, 2014
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...
Jul 31, 2013
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...
May 20, 2013
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...
Apr 15, 2013
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...
Feb 26, 2013
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'...
Feb 18, 2013
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 staining of damaged surface cells in Dry...
Feb 12, 2013
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...
Feb 07, 2013
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. ...
Dec 06, 2012
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...
Nov 03, 2012
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...
Oct 08, 2012
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...
Aug 19, 2012
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...
Jul 25, 2012
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...
Jun 11, 2012
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...
Apr 13, 2012
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,...
Mar 04, 2012
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...
Feb 07, 2012
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...
Feb 01, 2012
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...
Jan 26, 2012
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...
Jan 19, 2012
even 2wk old Parker Beach forgets to blink while reading 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...
Jan 11, 2012
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...
Jan 09, 2012
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...
Dec 30, 2011
Wow, hard to believe 2011 is coming to an end. It's time to take a look back and give you links to the 10 most-viewed blog posts from Clearview Eye Care in 2011. 10. "Green Swirls and Green Dots: the Face of Dry Eye" 9. "11 Ways to Promote...
Dec 08, 2011
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,"...
Nov 23, 2011
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...
Nov 21, 2011
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...
Nov 14, 2011
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....
Nov 14, 2011
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...
Nov 03, 2011
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...
Oct 30, 2011
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...
Oct 18, 2011
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...
Oct 11, 2011
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...
Aug 22, 2011
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...
Aug 11, 2011
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...
Aug 02, 2011
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...
Jul 18, 2011
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...
Jul 16, 2011
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...
Jul 10, 2011
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...
Jun 02, 2011
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...
May 09, 2011
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...
Apr 19, 2011
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...
Apr 03, 2011
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...
Mar 27, 2011
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...
Mar 23, 2011
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...
Mar 18, 2011
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...
Mar 17, 2011
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...
Feb 24, 2011
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...
Feb 19, 2011
"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...
Feb 09, 2011
Without a doubt, my enjoyment in delivering patient care is my daily motivation to come to work. The opportunity to Historic Forrest on the beach at Corolla use training, experience and a modern facility to improve the lives of others is what keeps me coming back day after day. But...
Jan 26, 2011
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...
Jan 18, 2011
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...
Jan 02, 2011
Before we jump into 2011, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the thousands of people who've visited CEC's blog this past year and to present our 10 most visited blog posts of 2010. Click on the titles to see the full post. 10. The Optometrist Song (beware-----it's catchy!)...
Dec 09, 2010
It's sleep time. Do you know where your eyes are? For 25% of the population, your eyes go absolutely no where. Kind of boring, but they stay put once your eyelids call it a night. But, 75% of the population have Bell's phenomenon. This is a normal mechanism by which...
Dec 07, 2010
In October, Clearview Eye Care completed a vision screening of the entire student body of Woodstock Elementary in Virginia Beach. It's become an annual event for us, and we have to admit it's probably one of our favorite times of year. The staff, students, and administration are always so kind...
Nov 29, 2010
An interesting fact is that iris color is actually the result of the amount or density of pigment cells in the iris. Pigment cells, called melanocytes, produce the pigment known as melanin. The amount and density of the melanin determines what colors of light are absorbed and what is reflected. ...
Nov 08, 2010
Check out our very first VIDEO blog post. It covers a vitally important topic. As always, thank you for all the feedback. We'd love to hear from you. Shoot us an email or leave a comment on our Facebook page....
Nov 03, 2010
Dispelling common myths about diabetes is one of the main missions of the American Diabetes Association. They outline the following myths and combat them with useful facts. Do any of these change how you think about diabetes? Myth#1: If you are overweight or obese, you will eventually develop type 2...
Nov 03, 2010
Dr. Pen from VSP gives brief overview of what occurs during the diabetic eye exam If someone you know has diabetes, please encourage them to see their eye doctor annually....
Oct 29, 2010
Twitching of the eye or the eyelid can be quite a disturbing event to experience, but it's actually a pretty common problem. Most often the twitching is something called "eyelid myokymia." Myokymia is a local irritation of the nerve controlling some of the muscles around the eyelid. Typically, eyelid myokymia...
Oct 24, 2010
Last week, I reviewed a recent study that demonstrated contact lenses improved the quality of life in children whencompared to wearing glasses. I received a lot of feedback from that study, so I wanted to post a follow-up. I'm often asked what age children can start wearing contact lenses. The reality is that I've...
Oct 22, 2010
These are the types of studies that give me sleepless nights. As I lay my head down on the pillow at night, I count my lucky stars that so many patients tell me they're being compliant with my instructions for wear schedule, cleaning procedures, and replacement schedule. Not so fast,...
Oct 06, 2010
Optician's Corner: The arrival of Wiley X at Clearview Eye Care Marisa Stassi, Optician In the first segment of Optician’s Corner, I wanted to talk about the newest edition to Clearview Eye Care’s already awesome selection of eyewear: Wiley X Wiley X is the leading provider of shatterproof, protective eyewear...
Oct 02, 2010
Tag-A-Pumpkin Free Sunglasses Contest and 32.6% Fall Sale Even though Fall temperatures are starting to settle in, protecting your eyes from the damaging effects of the sun is a year-round task! To help with this, Clearview Eye Care is holding its: "Tag-a-Pumpkin: Free Sunglasses Contest and Fall 32.6% Sale." Despite...
Sep 29, 2010
Came across this and couldn't resist....watch out, it's kind of catchy !...
Sep 24, 2010
Investing in health care in an essential part of life, but the up-front costs of care can be a financial obstacle for many people. At Clearview Eye Care, we are conscious of the fact that up-front expenses can be burdensome when patients do not have insurance, when special procedures are...
Sep 24, 2010
We all have heard that eating carrots is good for the eyes, but is this really true? Can carrots make your eyes healthier? Can carrots make your vision better? Yes, yes, and no. Carrots' claim to fame is beta-carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A. Click here to see...
Sep 15, 2010
After a long 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...
Sep 13, 2010
Swiss Boy Damages Retina with Internet-bought Laser Pointer In the September issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, a case was described in which a teen-aged Swiss boy significantly damaged his retina with a laser pointer purchased over the internet. The boy was playing with the laser pointer when...
Sep 13, 2010
With summer coming to a close, it's time for us get back in the swing of regular blog posts. Autumn also signals some other events: relief from the hot weather, shorter days, and weekends filled with football. Surprisingly, the season also brings about allergies. Typically, it is the various types...
Aug 09, 2010
I received this question from a facebook fan yesterday. And practicing in Virginia Beach, where outdoor activities are such an important part of our local culture, this is a pretty common question. The yellowish, slightly Early Pingueculum raised areas on the white part of the eye are called Pinguecula (pin-ˈgwek-ye-la)....
Jun 01, 2010
Where and how do you store your contact lens cases when not in use? So much time and effort is spent by doctors and patients regarding the proper care of contact lenses themselves that the importance of contact lens cases may get overlooked. However, overlooking the risks associated with...
May 26, 2010
We asked for suggestions from our Facebook fans for blog posts and we got some great responses. This is the fifth of 5 posts on Dr. Beach's blog to be based on these topics/questions. Michael, a CEC Facebook fan, asks: "What causes cataracts because I know my grandparent had it."...
May 24, 2010
We asked for suggestions from our Facebook fans for blog posts and we got some great responses. This is the fourth of 5 posts on Dr. Beach's blog to be based on these topics/questions. David, a CEC Facebook fan, asks: "What do I do? As I age, my eyesight is...
May 18, 2010
We asked for suggestions from our Facebook fans for blog posts and we got some great responses. This is the second of 5 posts on Dr. Beach's blog to be based on these topics/questions. Wanda, a CEC Facebook fan, asks: "With more phones being smart phones allowing us to spend...
May 13, 2010
We asked for suggestions from our Facebook fans for blog posts and we got some great responses. This is the first of 5 posts on Dr. Beach's blog to be based on these topics/questions. Christie, a CEC Facebook fan, asks: "What about eye problems that diabetics may face and how...
May 11, 2010
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Fatty acids are a group of nutrients that are extremely important in the function of cells, muscles, nerves and organs. They also influence blood pressure and other cardiovascular functions through their ability to interact with hormone controls. An "essential" fatty acid is one that our bodies can't...
May 03, 2010
National Teacher Appreciation Day is May 4th. While we all should be appreciative of the hard work and positive influence of our local educators every day, this is a special opportunity to say thanks and let them know we appreciate everything they put into the development of our youth. If...
Apr 27, 2010
CDC Report: 46% of the Adult Population have at least one of the 3 Most Serious Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease The CDC is releasing data from its ongoing "National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey," and gave a very surprising and hopefully sobering assessment that nearly half of all adult...
Apr 23, 2010
This is a great question emailed to us yesterday by one of our facebook fans. Polarized lenses present a great benefit to almost any person who finds themselves outside driving, playing sports, or just relaxing in the sun. The technology behind how polarized lenses work is really interesting. Sunlight...
Apr 06, 2010
There's the old joke: A man goes to the doctor and says 'doc, my arm hurts when I move it like this,' and the doctor says 'then don't move your arm like that.' If only finding a solution to Computer Vision Syndrome were that easy. But the computer plays such...
Apr 05, 2010
Vitamin E: Integral Antioxidant 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, assists in the formation...
Mar 30, 2010
Come fall in love with the all new 2010 Eyewear Collections from Coach & Fendi We look forward to seeing you at this special event. We will have Coach and Fendi's eyewear representative on hand to display over 70 styles of eyewear. And all of these styles will be at...
Mar 24, 2010
With the snowstorm of 2010 now a distant memory, 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...
Mar 15, 2010
It is estimated that nearly 140 million Americans use a computer at work, home, or school on a daily basis. While computers have dramatically improved our lives over the last 20 years, they haven't been quite so kind to the eyes viewing them. Millions of people, using the computer more...
Mar 11, 2010
If you've been to our practice, you've probably noticed all the beautiful nature and scenery photographs hanging on the walls. In fact, we get compliments and questions about the photos and the artist on almost a daily basis. Given all the interest, I decided to interview the photographer, Bill Birkemeier, who is...
Mar 04, 2010
Corneal topography provides the most detailed information possible about the curvature of the cornea. Using a very sophisticated computer and software, thousands of measurement scans are taken and analyzed in just seconds. Then, the topographer generates a color map from the data. The map is interpreted just like any other topography...
Mar 04, 2010
For several years, I've had the opportunity to work with one of Hampton Road's premier refractive surgeons, Dr. Steve Scoper, in the care of many patients. I recently interviewed Dr. Scoper in order to share some very useful information to patients wanting to learn more about Lasik refractive surgery. Tell...
Mar 01, 2010
Amiodarone Last week, a patient requested that I bring up this medication for my next 'Medications Review.' Amiodarone is given to treat cardiac arrhythmia, often when other medications have proved ineffective in controlling the condition. Patients taking amiodarone are advised to have annual, and sometimes more frequent eye exams, because...
Feb 21, 2010
Lutein: A Vital Antioxidant for Eye Health After speaking last month about Vitamin A's antioxidant protection in Macular Degeneration, Lutein is a great follow-up. Lutein is a type of carotenoid, which is a natural pigment in vegetables and fruits. Just like beta-carotene and Vitamin A, Lutein serves as a...
Feb 21, 2010
A University of Michigan study, soon to be published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, states that "elderly people with visual disorders that are left untreated are significantly more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease -- the most common form of dementia." This is interesting because poor vision was typically seen...
Feb 16, 2010
Last month, I touched on a recent study that showed a drastic increase in the number of people with myopia (nearsightedness) over the last 30 years in the U.S. Not only is the number of people with myopia a public health concern, but so is the progression or worsening of...
Feb 09, 2010
Ask Dr. Beach: "What are these floaters or spots I've had in my vision?" Floating spots or strands within your vision, also known as "floaters," are a pretty common occurrence and in some cases can be pretty annoying. Despite the annoyance, floaters are not cause for concern. However, exceptions do...
Feb 02, 2010
An essential component to ocular health: Vitamin A If you ever walk by the vitamin and supplements aisle of the grocery store, you'll notice dozens of brands specifically promoting eye health. Which of these vitamins are important to eye health? How much should you take? What happens if you get...
Jan 26, 2010
Steroids (Corticosteroids) Ever wonder why an optometrist wants you to list all of your medications? Ever wonder what a medicine for arthritis, lupus, or any other condition has to do with a comprehensive eye health exam? In this series of blog entries I'll be talking about potential ocular side effects...
Jan 21, 2010
A recent study in the Journal of Ophthalmology compared the incidence of myopia (near-sightedness) from the early 1970's to 2004. The researchers found a 66% increase in myopia over that 30 year time frame. A 66% increase! I get a little bored with statistics sometimes, but that is an amazing...
Jan 21, 2010
Q: "Do bifocal contacts work like regular bifocals? Do you have to look down to be able to read up close?" This question was posed on our Facebook Fan Page and it's one of my favorite questions to answer. Bifocal contact lenses work very differently from bifocal glasses. When a...
Jan 17, 2010
Not only does the movie, Avatar, bring to life some awe-inspiring computer-generated visual effects but it's also a vision test of sorts. In order to see the "floating" or 3-D effect of the movie, an individual must have a pair of those nifty 3-D glasses AND the ability for stereopsis....
Jan 17, 2010
It's that time of year again....Restaurant Week. Virginia Beach is first, followed by Norfolk the following week. Be sure to check out the great locally owned restaurants participating in this "Foodie Holiday." Click to the right for the list of participating venues....there's definitely too many to choose!...
Jan 15, 2010
What is Glaucoma? Wow! That's a loaded question, and I'm glad to get that question from patients every day. I'm so glad because a better public awareness of glaucoma will be key to preventing the blinding effects of the disease. Statistics and scientific data are a little boring sometimes,...
Jan 11, 2010
Researchers at the University of Missouri, using a newly-developed pupillary response test, have shown that children with autism have pupils that respond slower to light. The researchers used an infrared device to measure pupil responses to a 100 millisecond flash of light. The researchers, according to the December issue of...
Jan 10, 2010
A patient asked me last week how contact lenses were made. My explanation probably wasn't as cool as this Discovery Channel video:...
Jan 07, 2010
With the holidays now passed, you can finally feel winter weather settling in---especially this past week. And with this early January weather, you might start asking yourself a few questions: Why did I eat so many Christmas cookies? Can I retire my reindeer sweater till next year? ... And...
Jan 06, 2010
Welcome ! First, I'd like to welcome everyone to 2010----and to the all new Clearview Eye Care (CEC) blog. It's my mission with this blog to give current and future CEC patients valuable and helpful information. Every week, I'll be posting information about important topics in eye care, new...