3D Vision and Eye Health

As 3D viewing becomes more commonplace in movie theatres, on television and even in handheld gaming systems, American Optometric Association (AOA) doctors of optometry, together with industry experts from the 3D@Home Consortium, reinforce that 3D viewing is not harmful and actually has a distinct benefit of alerting individuals and parents to undetected vision disorders and eye diseases that, if caught early, are fully amenable to treatment. This includes eye diseases like amblyopia. If amblyopia is not detected early and treated, it often causes not only a loss of 3D viewing but lifelong vision impairment and disability.

The AOA recommends seeing a doctor of optometry for further evaluation if consumers answer yes to any of the following questions:

* Is the 3D viewing experience not as vivid as it is for others watching the same picture?

* Do you experience eyestrain or headaches during or after viewing?

* Do you feel nauseous or dizzy during or after viewing?

* Are you more comfortable viewing 2D TV or movies instead of 3D TV/movies?

* Is it difficult for your eyes to adjust back to normal after watching 3D TV/movies?

Dr Facchiano recommends that you make an appoinment to see your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam in you have any of the 3D's of stereoscopic vision 3 D viewing. Those are dizziness,lack of depth and discomfort when attempting to view in 3D.

So interested in more information? Dr Facchiano suggests that you please check out the new AOA link for more insight on 3D vision:http://www.3deyehealth.org/

To your eye health!

Dr Facchiano OD FAAO

Should you purchase your eye glasses on line ?

In today's world, where more and more consumers are used to shopping for more and more products online, glasses are one item that should be cautiously reviewed before you click that purchase button. Here's why. Even though online e-commerce sites often advertise cheap prices, the benefits of choosing an optical store far outweigh the ''deals'' you might encounter through the Internet.

A persuasive reason for purchasing your glasses at an optical boutique rather than online is that you have a qualified optician to guide you through the process. Our opticians can walk you through the numerous decisions you'll make in purchasing a eyeglasses. In instances where you order through the Internet, you forgo the specialized input of an eye care expert.

Above and beyond the assistance you will find at a real optical boutique, another benefit you have is that you get to try on the eyeglasses prior to buying. Eyeglasses that don't sit right can cause annoyance and discomfort and may even reduce the efficacy of your prescription. Plus, you don't get to see how they really look or feel until you have them in your hands to try on. Even more than your clothing, eyeglasses require proper fit and comfort to work effectively.

Even more than the fit and feel of your glasses, proper eyesight requires correct Pupillary Distance calculation. The optical focus of your lenses provides you the clearest vision, making it essential to correctly determine the pupillary distance, or PD. It can be complicated to measure your own PD, but without this measurement, your lenses won't be aligned properly within the frames.

Yes, Web-based buying is often good for other purchases, but when it comes to glasses your best bet is staying with your nearby optometry center where you can benefit from the staff expertise and advice.
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Save Your Vision Month

Imagine struggling to see the numbers on a clock, or the letters on a sign, or the cars coming down the road. Think how discouraging it would be if you got a headache every time you read, or did homework, or tried to see an assignment on the blackboard. For a student to learn, he or she must be able to see. In the fast paced world most adults live in today clear comfortable vision is mandatory to function at peak capacity.

One out of four children has a vision problem, yet only one out of seven children has had an eye examination before starting school. Only one out of two teenagers has an eye examination by high school graduation. Less than half of all adults have their eyes examined on a regular basis.

Eye health is intrinsically linked to overall health. Thus Save Your Vision Month, celebrating its 80th year this March, has taken on a greater prominence in the health world with its emphasis on Healthy Eyes Healthy People.

Your eyes are often the best windows to your health. By looking into your eyes, your optometrist can tell a lot about your general health. For example, did you know that some systemic and chronic diseases, especially diabetes, can often be detected by an optometrist during a comprehensive eye exam?

Since over 33 percent of people with diabetes don't know that they have it, an eye examination can be the only clue to detecting this potentially life-threatening disease. By dilating the pupil, your optometrist can see inside your eye using an ophthalmoscope, which lights and magnifies the blood vessels in your eyes. Changes to these blood vessels can signify various stages of diabetic retinopathy. Left untreated, it can cause blindness. For those suffering from diabetes without knowing it, the detection and treatment of this disease can mean relief on many levels.

Other eye diseases, like glaucoma, may cause vision damage and eventually blindness without the patient ever experiencing any symptoms. During a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist measures the pressure within your eye and examines the optic nerve in the eye, thereby determining the existence of glaucoma.

Save Your Vision Month raises awareness among the general public and targets at-risk groups to remind them of the need for regular, comprehensive eye examinations to detect eye health problems, general health issues, and vision difficulties.

More information is also available at the AOA Website