Preventative Eye Care

with Dr. Kien Lam in Columbia, MD

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I know which lenses to choose?

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  There are many types of lenses based on your eye vision and eyewear needs, so ask your doctor to help find the right lenses for you. Based on your prescription, lenses can be specific to visual needs like astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness. There are also enhanced lens features that can help support your visual needs by filtering blue light from your digital devices, protect against UV rays and support your visual demands in your daily life. You can also choose Anti-Reflective lenses to reduce glare and reflection by your lenses while driving or in pictures. Lens technology has come a long way, so during your annual eye exam talk to your doctor about lens options based on your lifestyle.

• Are contact lenses right for me?

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  Contact lenses can be a great option for vision correction, especially for patients with an active lifestyle and to rotate with prescription glasses. There are various options of contact lenses that can be convenient and comfortable based on your preferences and eye care needs. Daily contact lenses can be disposed of every day, keeping your eyes comfortable with a fresh pair every day, and a safer option with less risk of a bacterial infection. There are also monthly and bi-weekly lenses that provide great comfort and require cleaning every night for daily wear. You can find contact lenses for astigmatism or multifocal contact lenses to help you see up close and far away. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor which contact may be right for you.

• Why filter blue light?

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  As technology becomes more and more frequent every day, it's important we think about the potential short and long-term effects of blue light. Make sure you're protecting your eyes from blue light, which may be found in the following daily items and more:

  • Computer screens
  • Phone screens
  • LED lights
  • Sun's Rays
  • Energy Saving lights
  • Flat screen TVs

  Ask your doctor about blue light filtering lenses, including Transitions. Transitions lenses can help filter out blue light as you shift from indoors to outdoors without changing your eye wear. They are a convenient way to make sure your eyes are covered around the clock from UV and blue light and can save you money by not having to purchase both prescription glasses and prescription sunglasses!

• Top tips from your eye doctor

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  • Come in for an annual eye exam, even if you think your vision has not changed, or your eyes feel fine. Optometrists can detect changes in your eye health before you notice!
  • Don't wear your contacts longer than they are prescribed, and always wash your hands before handling your contacts.
  • Keep a healthy overall diet, high in leafy green vegetables and stay away from smoking which can affect your vision long term.
  • Be aware of eye fatigue and things that can cause eye irritation or dry eye.
  • If you are squinting or have blurry vision, it's time to come in for your annual eye exam.
  • Your eyes are an indication of your overall health, so make sure to get an annual eye exam to help detect health issues early.
  • Always wear sunglasses to protect against UV rays and to help prevent eye diseases.

• How does age affect eyes?

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  Our eyes change and evolve with age, and there are key times to think about how your eyes might be adjusting and developing.

  Babies: Infants and young babies are naturally born with slightly blurry vision and develop different aspects of their vision over their first year of life. They can take time to learn things like focusing and using their vision to learn the new world around them. A baby's first eye exam should be around 6 months of age, even if there are no apparent vision issues. It's a great way to detect potential challenges early and to make sure your little one's eye are equipped as they learn and grow.

  Kids: Did you know 80% of your child's learning is through vision? If your child is struggling in the classroom, they may be having an issue with their eyes. Make sure to take them in for an annual eye exam. There are fun frames that your kids will love, should they require eye wear!

  Teens: Your high schooler may benefit from switching over to contact lenses if they are active in sports or other on the go activities. Although they may think their eyes are just fine, this is the time that nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism may develop, so it's smart to schedule annual eye exams during those critical years. Teens are also becoming young adults and updating their glasses or switching to contact lenses may provide a little boost of confidence during that life transition.

  40+: Your eyes will be changing during this time period, and it's important to have frequent visits and discussions with your eye doctor if you're experiencing eye discomfort or blurry vision. You may be approaching presbyopia, which leads to difficulty in seeing items up close. This may indicate it's time for lenses that can help with your reading. There are no-line bifocal lenses available that make it easy to transition from single lenses to progressive lenses during this stage in life.