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3 Ways to Avoid An Eye Infection During the Holidays

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The last thing anyone wants during the holidays is a nasty cold or virus; especially when it involves your eyes. To help you steer clear of an eye infection, we have created a brief list of a few things that you should try. Ready to learn more? Read on

Wash Off Your Eye Makeup

Going to holiday parties is all about dressing up, right? And one of the most fun ways to really accentuate your holiday look is by wearing some fun, holiday-inspired makeup. Before you hop into bed after your party, make sure to wash off all of your eye makeup. Why? Dirty eyes can lead to an eye infection either in the eye itself, on the eyelids, or around the eye; something you want to avoid. Plus, too much makeup can clog your tear ducts which may lead to a sty or chalazion. To fully get rid of your eye makeup, use a gentle eye makeup remover and then follow up with a facial cleanser to get off any oil or residue.

Wash Your Hands

Our motto around our office? Wash, wash, wash. Just because it’s the holidays it doesn’t mean that the cold and flu season has gone on vacation. To avoid getting any sort of virus that may be going around, make sure that you wash your hands as much as possible. After all, the last thing you want is to get a bacterial eye infection that you got by shaking someone’s hand.

Keep Your Lenses Clean

If you are a contact lens wearer then make sure that you are keeping them as clean as possible. Every night before you go to bed make sure that you are not only putting clean contact lens solution into your case, but that you are cleaning your case as well. A lot of people don’t know it, but your contact lens case can harbor a lot of germs and bacteria which can lead to an eye infection.

Skip the eye infections this holiday season. To learn more about your vision, schedule an appointment with us at our Springfield office and call us today at (413) 782-0030.

Thanksgiving food on table

Can What You Eat Have a Positive Impact On Your Eyes This Thanksgiving?

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What you eat isn’t necessarily going to change the way you literally see the world around you, but did you know that what you do put into your body may have a big impact on things like preventing age-related vision diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration? Because Thanksgiving is upon us and it’s a holiday that’s centered around food, we have created a list of a few foods for you to eat that may have a positive impact on your eyes. Read on to learn a little bit more.

Dark, Leafy Greens

Dark leafy greens aren’t just packed full of iron and other vitamins— in fact, they are also full of lutein which is known to help patients reduce their chances of getting macular degeneration. If you don’t have a spinach salad or kale recipe that you can use this Thanksgiving, consider trying a new one; who knows, it may be a new hit on your Thanksgiving table.

Carrots

Either steamed or raw, carrots aren’t only a delicious vegetable to add to your Thanksgiving table, but they are also extremely good for your vision health. Carrots contain carotenoids which are proven to help strengthen vision in both children and adults. A fun carrot inspired Thanksgiving dish that may be worth trying, include maple glazed carrots.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin pie isn’t just delicious, but pumpkin is also full of carotenoids and vitamins which are proven to help fight against age-related vision diseases and strengthen your vision at the same time. Another fun thing you can do with pumpkin is to turn it into a side dish rather than just a desert. For instance, you could make a baked pumpkin side dish with spices like nutmeg and cinnamon in it.

Keep your eye out this Thanksgiving for more healthy and vision friendly recipes that you can try. To learn more about your vision health, contact our Springfield office and call us today at (413) 782-0030.

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Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Have Your Cataracts Removed

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It can be hard to find the time to schedule doctors appointments— especially if you don’t think they are necessary. When it comes to your vision health, nothing is quite as important as getting your cataracts removed. As one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States, cataracts aren’t something you want to mess with. Let’s take a closer look into reasons why you should have your cataracts removed by Papale Eye Center

They Are Clouding Your Vision

If you have cataracts, you may notice that your vision is kind of cloudy— especially when you’re driving at night. If you feel like your cataracts are making it more difficult for you to see, then you definitely want to have them removed. Once we remove your cataracts, we will replace them with an intraocular lens (IOL) which will help you to see more clearly. If you are interested in seeing both up close and far away, then make sure to talk to us about multifocal lenses as well.

You Don’t Want To Go Blind

As previously mentioned, cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness in patients in the United States, and the last thing you want to do is go blind. If cataracts go left untreated for a significant amount of time, the damage can be irreversible which means that you will be at a higher risk of permanently losing your vision.

During your next eye appointment, we can discuss all of the ins and outs of cataract removal surgery. If you want to take the next steps to get rid of your cataracts and gaining back your vision, then contact our Springfield office today and give us a call at (413) 782-0030.

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Take A Closer Look At Your Genes: What Your Genetics Mean For Your Vision

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Getting your mother’s good looks and your dad’s wit is something to definitely be proud of, but getting stuck with some genetic eye conditions is something that nobody wants. Here at Papale Eye Center, we see patients for a variety of different reasons including some of the genetic conditions listed in this article.

Genetic Eye Conditions

Genetic Conditions In Infants

More than 60 percent of eye conditions in infants that cause blindness are genetic and include conditions such as congenital cataracts, retinal degeneration, optic atrophy, congenital glaucoma, and eye malformations.

Strabismus

Lazy eye or strabismus is a condition where one of your eyes goes the other way and usually presents itself in young children; this is another condition that is linked to genetics but can easily be treated with non-invasive procedures like wearing an eye patch or glasses.

Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration

The two leading causes of blindness in adults are glaucoma and macular degeneration. Although these two diseases can be caused by a variety of things, one of the biggest links is genetics. With both of these conditions, if you catch them early on, they can usually be treated and you can stop them from getting worse.

If you have a family history of any of these diseases, make sure to tell us in your next eye exam. The more we know about your medical history and your family’s medical history, the easier it will be for us to keep an eye out for these diseases.

Are you ready to schedule an eye exam at Papale Eye Center? If so, contact our Springfield office today and call us at 413) 782-0030.

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What to Know About True Tears

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Dry Eye Treatment Springfield, MATearing up at the right moment is a sure way to land you in the good graces of everyone around you, but tearing up for no apparent reason can be a little confusing. If you have noticed that your eyes are runny and watery all the time, then you may be suffering from an underlying condition like dry eye. Dry eye is caused when there is a decrease in tear production. And because your tears are an essential way to coat your eyes and protect them, dry eye syndrome should be taken care of. But how? Here at Papale Eye Center, we specialize in a variety of eye conditions— including dry eye— and have several treatment options that we will discuss during your initial consultation. One of the treatment options that we may suggest is called TrueTears.

What Are TrueTears?

Although treatments like artificial tears are adequate for some people, they aren’t for everyone. TrueTears work differently than artificial tears or eye drops. By using a handheld device, TrueTears work by sending small pulses of energy to signal the brain. The brain then signals the tear glands to produce tears to help lubricate the eyes. The glands around the eyes then react to this response and produce artificial tears.

How Do You Use It?

The thought of using a handheld device near your eyes is a little worrisome for some patients, but it is safe as long as you use it right. When you use it the first couple of times, it may take a little longer to find the sweet spot. To start out, insert the tip into the nose as far as comfortably possible. The goal is to make sure that TrueTear comes in contact with the bridge under the nose. Once it has been properly inserted, make sure the buttons are pointing toward your lips and face. Then you can press the buttons and start treatment.

During your initial consultation with one of our doctors at Papale Eye Center, we will go over all of your treatment options— include TrueTears—- to help you determine which option is best for you. To learn more about TrueTears or other dry eye treatments, schedule an appointment at our Springfield office today and call us at (413) 782-0030.

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How to Take Care of Your Contacts

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Eye Care Springfield MAOne of the quickest ways for contact lens wearers to get an eye infection is to not take proper care of them. If you wear contact lenses every day, we have a few tips to help you keep them cleaner and your eyes rid of an eye infection. Let’s take a closer look at how.

Wash Your Hands

Before you even pick up your contact lens to put them in or before you go to take them out, make sure that you wash your hands with warm water and soap. Dirty hands are one of the fastest ways to spread bacteria to your eye and cause an eye infection or problem.

Clean Your Contacts

Contact cleaning solution isn’t just some sort of marketing scheme to try to get you to buy more things for your eyes; in fact, contact cleaning solution is one of the best ways for you to ensure that your contacts and eyes stay as clean as possible. Before you put your contacts in their case at night and before you put them in in the morning, squirt a little bit of contact solution directly onto your contacts; this will help get off any dirt, germs, or bacteria.

Clean Your Contact Case

You may not realize it, but that small contact lens case that you have on your counter may be harboring more germs and bacteria than you know of. Try getting in the habit of washing out your contact lens case every couple of days with some hot water.

Switch Them Out

If you wear dailies, then you know that you can put them in the trash can every night, but when it comes to regular disposable contact lenses, about every 1-3 months on average. Depending on the type of contact lenses you get, we will tell you how often to switch them out.

Taking good care of your eye health starts with doing simple things like getting regular eye exams and taking good care of your contact lenses. If you want to learn more about your vision health, schedule a consultation with us at our Papale Eye Center Springfield office and call us at (413) 782-0030.

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Seeing Double? What that Could Mean for Your Vision

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Ophthalmologist Services Springfield MAIt can seem like things are better in doubles. Tennis partners, trouble, and mint gum are just a few of the things that are better as doubles. But, if there’s one thing you don’t want to double down on, it’s your vision. If you have started to experience double vision that doesn’t seem to go away, it could be caused by an underlying condition. Let’s take a closer look at what your double vision may be caused by.

A Problem With Your Cornea

Corneal conditions like keratoconus and corneal dystrophies may cause patients to experience double vision. Typically, cornea issues cause patients to see ghost-like images or double vision, and it can usually be treated with glasses or contact lenses.

Refractive Surgery

Refractive surgeries like LASIK and PRK help patients to see better without the need for contacts or glasses. However, as your eyes heal, some patients experience a variety of symptoms such as blurred vision, but it typically subsides on its own.

Cataracts

Typically patients who experience double vision in only one eye have an underlying vision problem like cataracts. With either the help of medicated eye drops or cataract surgery, you should be able to alleviate your double vision and other cataract symptoms.

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are normal during the spring and fall when allergy season is especially high. However, it typically goes away after a few months. If you have severe dry eye, then it can lead to a variety of symptoms such as double vision. Luckily, patients typically find relief with some over-the-counter eye drops.

Of course, these are all only possible things that could be causing you to experience double vision. The best way to get a proper diagnosis is to schedule an eye examination at our Springfield office today and call: 413) 782-0030.

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What are the First Signs of Glaucoma?

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Glaucoma Treatment Springfield MA

There are few health-related things you think of when you’re young— especially when it comes to your vision. However, as you age and your vision starts to diminish, you become much more aware of your visions current state and how to prevent it from getting worse. As you age, one of the eye conditions that you need to be on the lookout for is glaucoma.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States and affects millions of people. If caught early on, the good news is that glaucoma can be treated. If it gets worse, however, there is no cure. So, what are the early signs of glaucoma? Let’s take a close look.

High-Pressure Readings

You wouldn’t be able to spot this sign on your own, but our doctors at Papale Eye Center ould. During your routine eye exam, we check you for a variety of different things including glaucoma. By measuring the pressure in your eyes, we can detect early signs of glaucoma. If it measures high, we will closely monitor the pressure in your eyes to make sure it’s not getting worse.

Sharp Eye Pain

Eye pain is not normal— especially if it’s sharp. If you get consistent sharp eye pains, then come into our Papale Eye Center to be tested. Although eye pain doesn’t exactly mean that you have glaucoma, it may be an indicator.

Headaches

A headache after a night of restless sleep or a long day is fairly normal, but if you get strong, frequent headaches, this could be a sign of a variety of different vision problems including glaucoma.

These are just a few signs of glaucoma. If you have a family history of glaucoma or if you would like to be tested, schedule an eye examination at our Springfield office today: (413) 782-0030.

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Blinded By the Light: The Importance of Investing In Good Eyewear

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Ophthalmologist Services Springfield MAIt’s easy to leave the house without your sunglasses— especially when you can barely make it out the door in the morning, to begin with. But what may feel like a little thing to forget, is something that is more serious than you may be aware of? Because sunglasses ar eat only thing shielding your eyes from the sun’s harsh and damaging rays, it’s important to wear them everytime you go outside during the day— even if it’s overcast out. But before you go to the drugstore and pick up a cheap pair of sunglasses, let’s take a look at the importance of investing in high-quality eyewear.

They Offer UVA and UVB Protection

Some sunglasses only offer UVB protection, but you should invest in a pair that offers both UVA and UVB protection. UVB rays are the rays that are most damaging to your eyes, and so you should always make sure your sunglasses at least have this protection. UVA rays have longer wavelengths which make it harder for them to go through sunglasses but many experts still believe they can.

They Last Longer

For the most part, it’s safe to say that a nicer pair of sunglasses will last longer than a pair that you picked up from the gas station. A good quality pair of sunglasses has a more durable frame and scratch-resistant lenses that will withstand more than a cheap pair can.

If you work in a line of business where you tend to lose, damage, or go through sunglasses easily, then investing in a good pair of eyewear may not be feasible. But, for the most part, investing is always worth it. Are you ready to learn more about how you can take better care of your vision? Schedule an appointment at our Springfield office today: (413) 782-0030.

When to Back Away from LASIK

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There are some things that as an adult you may still say no to— those anchovies on your pizza, that liver staring at you from the kitchen table, and maybe even boiled Brussel sprouts. And although all of those are worth saying no to even as an adult, there are some other things— like LASIK eye surgery— that you may not know when or if you should say no to. Here are a few scenarios in which we will recommend another vision route.

You Have An Autoimmune Disease

If you have an autoimmune disease like lupus, then you may want to back away from the thought of getting Lasik eye surgery. Although Lasik eye surgery is a fast, easy, and effective way at restoring most people’s vision, if you have an autoimmune disease, it may put you at a higher risk of eye complications like dry corneas, corneal ulcers, corneal melts, corneal thinning, keratitis, scleritis, and more.

You Have Glaucoma

Another reason why we may recommend that you take a different route than LASIK eye surgery is if you have glaucoma. Although LASIK is safe for most patients, we do use a suction device when we are making an incision to create the corneal flap which can increase your intraocular pressure— a no-no to anyone who has glaucoma.

You Have keratoconus or Have a Family History of It

If you have keratoconus (a condition that can result in progressive deterioration of your vision and thin of your cornea— or if you have a family history of this eye disease, then we may encourage you to refrain from getting LASIK or any other eye related surgery.

During your initial Lasik consultation with Papale Eye Center, we will go over your medical history, family history, and any eye related issues that you currently have to help us determine if you are a good candidate for Lasik or not. If you are ready to take the next step in learning more about Lasik, schedule your consultation at our Springfield office today: (413) 782-0030.

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