Fichman Eye Center

Protecting Your Eyes from the Harmful Effects of UV Rays

While many parents are vigilant about protecting their children’s skin with sun block, the importance of wearing sunglasses is less widely known. You can help protect your child’s vision by providing a pair of sunglasses before he or she goes outside to play. 

Watch this video to learn about the importance of wearing sunglasses that block UV radiation. You can also find out about the eye damage that UV radiation can cause and why children in particular are susceptible to vision problems from UV exposure.

With regular eye exams and proper eye care you can prolong the health of your eyes for years. At the Fichman Eye Center optical shop, we can help you find the perfect pair of sunglasses for you and your child. To learn more about UV radiation or to schedule eye exams for your family, call us today at (888) 499-6801.

A Guide to Cataract Treatment

A cataract is a condition in which the lens of the eye becomes clouded, impairing a person’s vision. Cataracts often develop as a result of aging or from an injury which affects the tissue of the eye’s lens. If your vision has become clouded, it is important to seek cataract treatment from a qualified physician right away.

• Cataract Detection
  Common symptoms of cataracts include difficulty reading and reduced night vision. In order to determine if you are suffering from a cataract, your doctor may dilate your eyes to perform a retinal examination. Your doctor may also ask you to undergo a visual acuity test by reading from an eye chart. An examination of each eye using a slit lamp allows your physician to view your eye under magnification to determine if you have a cataract.
   
• Cataract Surgery
  While the symptoms of early cataract development may be lessened through the use of corrective lenses, surgery is often the most effective treatment. Cataract surgery may be performed using the Quick Sight technique, which utilizes eye drops to freeze the eye so that a small incision can be made using a diamond blade. The damaged lens is then removed through this incision and replaced with an intraocular lens. This surgical procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis and allows the eye to heal quickly without sutures or patches.
   
• Lens Implants
  Intraocular lenses allow a patient to see clearly after cataract surgery. There are a number of replacement lenses available that patients can choose from, including premium lenses. The Acrysof ReSTOR lens is one of the most advanced intraocular lenses available, as it utilizes the movements of the eyes to focus on objects at different distances, a process called accommodation. This allows patients to regain both far and near vision.

The doctors at Fichman Eye Center can evaluate your eyes to determine if you have developed a cataract and provide the necessary treatment to replace the damaged lens. To learn more about cataract treatment or to make an appointment at one of our offices in the New Haven area, call Fichman Eye Center today at (888) 499-6801.

Get Even More Information on Eye Exams and Vision Treatment

Lately, our blog updates have covered vision treatment options and what to expect during an eye exam.   If you’d like to know more about these topics, check out the links below:

• The Mayo Clinic explores what usually occurs during an average eye exam, including different types of apparatuses and tests that may be utilized.
   
• Regular eye exams are important for early detection of eye diseases, such as glaucoma or cataracts.  This scientific paper from the American Academy of Ophthalmology describes which demographic groups are most likely to develop glaucoma.
   
• This page provides a step-by-step description of a PRK procedure.
   
• Get an in-depth description, complete with videos, of the Visian ICL procedure on this page.

For exceptional eye care, visit the Fichman Eye Center.  Schedule an eye exam at one of our two Hartford-area locations today by contacting us online or calling (888) 499-6801 today.

Watery, Itchy Eyes? You May Actually be Suffering from Dry Eyes

Dry eyes can produce several different symptoms that may even mask the source of the problem. Patients with dry eyes often suffer from itching, burning, redness and even watering. So while the symptoms of this eye problem interfere tremendously with your daily life, you may be overlooking treatment for the problem.

There are many reasons a person may suffer from dry eyes. Not producing enough tears; having clogged pores, or an eye condition of the skin called blepharitis, could all be causing your dry eyes.  Check out this video by the American Academy of Ophthalmology for more information on the causes and symptoms of dry eyes.

If you’re suffering from any of these dry eye symptoms, don’t hesitate to schedule an eye exam at the Fichman Eye Center. Stop blaming it on your computer job or allergies, because there may be a long-term solution to your dry eyes. Call us at 888-499-6801 to schedule an eye exam in the Hartford area today.

4 Signs You Need to Schedule an Eye Appointment

Scheduling an eye exam at the appropriate time is important for monitoring the health of your eyes. At Fichman Eye Center, our ophthalmologists can diagnose and correct eye problems. Here are a few signs that indicate that it's time to schedule an eye appointment:

• Your Vision Is Blurry
  Trouble focusing on objects that are far away or up close is an indication that it's time for you to schedule an eye appointment. Blurry vision can be a sign of a number of eye problems that require prompt treatment.
   
• Your Eyes Get Tired Each Day
  If you are having trouble seeing clearly, it's likely that you are straining your eyes. Having tired eyes at the end of each day is an indication of a problem with your vision. You may also notice that you are squinting throughout the day or experiencing frequent headaches.
   
• Your Current Lenses Are Scratched
  Eyeglass lenses that are scratched are more difficult to see out of, making them less effective and putting strain on the eyes. If you notice that your lenses are covered in scratches and that you are having trouble seeing clearly through them, schedule an eye appointment to check if your prescription has changed and to receive a new pair of lenses.
   
• It Has Been Two Years Since Your Last Exam
  The American Optometric Association recommends that adults undergo an eye exam at least every two years, even if they do not believe that they require vision correction. During an eye exam, your doctor will check for signs of eye problems or diseases and test your vision. Those with a family or personal history of eye or vision problems and seniors over the age of 60 should undergo an eye exam each year.

It's important to schedule an eye exam at the appropriate time so that problems can be caught and corrected before they become worse. To schedule an eye exam at one of our Hartford-area offices, call Fichman Eye Center today at (888) 499-6801.