Optometry in Hialeah

Looking for Optometry in Hialeah? Dr. Maria Martin at Lakes Eye Care Center would like to offer you and your family an invitation to take a look at our state of the art office. As of late, it has become difficult to know if you‘re comparing apples to pears when it comes to Optometry in Hialeah. That truth is that not all vision centers in Hialeah are the same, that is why you should do the same research when searching for optometry as if you was looking to contract a lawyer, in fact even more so, since our vision is at stake. Whether you are looking for Optometry in Kendall or in Lighthouse Point give Dr. Maria Martin at Lakes Family Eye Care an opportunity to show you why we are the prefer optometrist in the Hialeah – Miami Lakes area.

Become part of the family, come see why Dr. Maria Briceño Martin at Lakes Family Eye Care Center is the prefer option for Optometry in Hialeah…

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How Regularly Should You Get Eye Examinations?

There are a lot of answers with regards to knowing how many times you ought to get eye examinations. If you want to know what you must plan on getting in the form of eye exams, we’re here to aid you. The following is some information on how regularly you must get your eyes looked at by a professional.

A lot of professional will tell you that you need an eye test at least one time each year. Some point out that once or twice each year is better, especially if you have issues that require your vision to be checked out for such things as damage done to them through your condition. Take your eye wellbeing seriously if you do not, they might get in worse shape. The more you wait for an eye examination, the greater your chances are to face troubles you may not even imagine.

Now you have a concept of how often you ought to get eye examinations. You have to be sure you are going in at least one time annually or maybe more for those who have health issues which need more regular visits. Find an eye specialist in your area and go visit them without delay in the event you have not gotten a eye exam in a while. And don’t forget that Dr. Maria Briceño Martin at Lakes Family Eye Care is best bet if you are in need Optometry in Hialeah!

All You Need to Know About Eye Allergies

We all know that annoying feeling of having something in your eyes. But if there is nothing in there, yet you still have red, itchy and irritated eyes, then you might have an allergy. The symptoms of an eye allergy include:

red eyes
itches
burning eyes
sneezing
a stuffy or a runny nose
watery eyes (tears)
swollen eyelids

What Causes Eye Allergies?

It is estimated that in the United States around 50 million people have seasonal allergies. The substances that are causing these reactions are called allergens. There are a wide variety of triggers, including:

outdoor allergens: pollen
indoor allergens: pet dander, dust, and mold
irritants: perfume, cigarette smoke or diesel exhaust
chemicals: some cosmetic products or eye drops

Allergies to certain foods or to bee stings do not usually affect the eyes as much as the above-mentioned triggers.

How They Develop

An allergy appears when the immune system overreacts to a stimulus that usually doesn’t do any harm to most people. When the allergen gets in contact with the eyes, it releases histamine and other chemicals that cause very small blood vessels to leak. The eyes then become red, watery and itchy.

An eye allergy has the same symptoms as some other eye diseases, so that’s why it is very important to get a good diagnosis right from the start. See your doctor as soon as possible and he might suggest visiting an allergist. This doctor will perform various tests that will reveal the exact cause of your allergy.

How to Treat Eye Allergies?

Step 1: Prevention

An old saying states that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. So the first and most important step in treating such an allergy would be to avoid the allergens in the first place.

During periods when pollen is high, try to stay indoors as much as possible. Also turn on the air conditioner in order to filter the air. Make sure that the filters on the device are of high quality and replace them regularly.

When outside, wear glasses (or sunglasses) in order to prevent pollen from reaching your eyes. Also, make sure that the pollen filter in your car is clean and changed frequently, and that you drive with your windows closed.

In case you are wearing contact lenses, try to remove them during this period and wear glasses instead. This is because lenses can attract and accumulate allergens. You can also choose to wear disposable contact lenses that are only used once, thus not allowing allergens to build up.

If you also have a sensitivity to strong light and it’s causing your allergic reactions, you can wear glasses that have photochromic lenses. They change color and adapt according to the intensity of the light, thus protecting your eyes.

In case of allergy to dust mites, it’s recommended to use mite-proof bed covers and for mold allergies to definitely avoid rooms that have it. Get rid of the mold as soon as it starts to appear, and use a dehumidifier to prevent it from developing again.

For pet dander allergies avoid getting in contact with the animals that are causing the allergy (usually cats) and wash your hands after petting an animal. In case of allergies to certain chemicals, try to avoid them as much as possible.

Step 2: Over-the-counter eye drops

Since allergies are so common all over the world, there are a wide variety of products available in drug stores (artificial tears, decongestants, oral antihistamines, and others). Their goal is to reduce the redness of the eyes and to decrease itchiness and watery eyes.

They reduce the symptoms, but they do not cure the allergy itself. They can work great for allergies that are not severe and can be less expensive than prescription medication. But be aware that you can’t use them for a longer period of time, and some of them may have negative effects.

Step 3: Prescription medication

But in case the allergy is more serious and over-the-counter products don’t work, you need to see a doctor and he will prescribe various medication. This may include one or more of the following: corticosteroids, antihistamine products, decongestants, NSAID, allergy shots, eye drops or mast cell stabilizers.

Types of Allergies

The SAC (Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis)

This is by far the most common one and it mostly happens during spring, summer or fall, when pollens are abundant in the air. People get the common symptoms mentioned above (red and burning eyes, itching and tears, a runny nose, sneezing etc.), and those with the chronic disease also have dark circles under their eyes.

For some people the itching is so bothering that they rub their eyes, causing even more harm. There is also the PAC (the perennial allergic conjunctivitis), which has the same symptoms but can happen all year round to people that are not allergic to pollen, but they are to dust mites, mold or pet dander.

The Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis

This is more severe than the SAC, and can happen year round, usually to boys and young men. Most patients also have eczema or asthma. Symptoms include itching, heavy tearing and mucus, photophobia and feeling like there is something in your eyes. It needs to be treated, otherwise it can cause the loss of eye sight.

The Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis

It has similar symptoms to the previously mentioned type and it usually affects older men with allergic dermatitis. It can also cause serious health issues if left untreated.

The Contact Allergic Conjunctivitis

As the name implies, it happens because of an allergic reaction to the contact lenses or to the proteins that bind to their surface. The symptoms are similar to the previous types, plus a discomfort when wearing the lenses.

The Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis

This type is also caused by wearing contact lenses, but it’s a more severe form. In this case, fluid sacs are formed in the upper lining of the eyelid and can cause serious discomfort, itching, tearing and also a blurred vision.

The person cannot stand wearing the lenses and has the feeling of a foreign body in the eye. The eye lids appear as puffy and mucous discharges may also form.

We hope you learned something new today, or maybe have an idea of what it is that is causing those pesky itchy eyes. Please seek medical care if your symptoms worsen or do not resolve with common treatments.