In recent years, the incidence of myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, has seen a dramatic increase. In fact, this is leading some experts to consider it an emerging global health crisis.

Here in Omaha, we are not immune to the effects of increased myopia. This condition, which impairs distance vision, is becoming more prevalent, particularly among children and adolescents. Factors contributing to this surge include increased screen time, less outdoor activity, and genetic predispositions. As we dive into the complexities of myopia, it’s crucial to recognize its implications and the importance of early detection and management. Here are five startling facts about myopia that underscore the need for awareness and proactive eye care.

1. A Growing Concern Among Americans

Recent studies reveal more than 4 out of 10 Americans ages 12 to 54 are now experiencing nearsightedness. This significant portion of the population reflects a concerning trend that shows no signs of letting up. The implications for public health and the need for corrective vision solutions are vast, indicating a shift in vision health dynamics over the past few decades.

2. A Global Epidemic on the Horizon

Looking ahead, projections indicate that by the year 2050, half of the world’s population will be myopic. This underscores the urgency of addressing myopia not just as a personal health issue, but as a widespread public health challenge. With billions at risk, the global community must prioritize research, prevention, and treatment strategies to combat this trend.

3. The Role of Genetics

The influence of genetics on myopia cannot be overstated. A child with one nearsighted parent is three times as likely to develop myopia. This likelihood doubles when both parents are nearsighted. Understanding these risks can help families take early action to monitor and manage their children’s vision health, emphasizing the importance of genetics in predicting and preventing myopia.

4. Increased Risks of Other Eye Conditions

Myopia is not just about the inconvenience of poor distance vision; it also doubles the risk of developing serious eye conditions such as cataracts, retinal detachment, and glaucoma. And such risk can increase depending on the severity of myopia. These associated risks highlight the critical need for regular eye examinations and monitoring for individuals with myopia, to prevent or manage these potentially sight-threatening complications.

5. The Progressive Nature of Childhood Myopia

Perhaps most disconcerting is the natural progression of myopia in children. Without intervention, children who are nearsighted almost always become more nearsighted over time. This progression can lead to high myopia, which is associated with an increased risk of permanent vision loss. Early detection and treatment are key to slowing or even halting this progression, safeguarding children’s vision into the future.

Your Plan: Take Action Now

The rise of myopia presents a clear call to action for parents, educators, and healthcare providers. The facts are undeniable: myopia is on the rise, its implications are serious, and early intervention is crucial.

If your child has not yet been screened for myopia, or if you’re concerned about myopia progression, now is the time to act. The Omaha eye doctors at Modern Vision Solutions specialize in the early detection and management of myopia, offering state-of-the-art solutions to protect your child’s vision. Don’t wait for the condition to worsen. Schedule a screening today, and take the first step towards safeguarding your child’s eyesight for a lifetime.

via https://www.mvsvision.com/myopia/startling-facts-about-nearsightedness/

Deciding on the best method to correct your vision can sometimes feel overwhelming. With advancements in technology and eye care, patients now have several options available to them. Whether it’s traditional glasses, contact lenses, or opting for a more permanent solution like LASIK, each option offers its own set of benefits and potential drawbacks.

Before we dive into these choices today, keep in mind it’s crucial to consult with reputable Omaha eye doctors to make an informed decision that best suits your lifestyle and vision needs.

The Case for Glasses

Glasses have been a reliable solution for vision correction for centuries. Not only do they correct a wide range of vision problems, such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism, but they also offer a fashion statement for many.

Despite their effectiveness, glasses can sometimes prove inconvenient. They fog up, get in the way during physical activities, and can be a nuisance to carry around. However, they remain a non-invasive and easy-to-update option for those whose vision changes over time.

The Convenience and Cautions of Contacts

Contact lenses offer a level of convenience and aesthetic appeal that glasses cannot match. They provide a wider field of view and don’t alter your appearance. Contacts are especially popular among athletes and those leading an active lifestyle.

Nevertheless, contacts are not without their challenges. Contacts require daily maintenance to prevent eye infections and can cause irritation, dryness, or even more severe complications if not used properly. Consulting with your Omaha eye doctor can help you determine if contacts are suitable for your lifestyle and how to use them safely.

LASIK: A Permanent Solution?

For those seeking a more permanent solution to vision correction, LASIK and other laser eye surgeries present an appealing option. These procedures have become increasingly safer and more cost-effective over the years. They work by reshaping the cornea to correct vision issues, potentially eliminating the need for glasses or contacts altogether.

However, not everyone is a candidate for LASIK. Factors such as eye health, corneal thickness, and age play a significant role in determining eligibility. Thankfully LASIK is not the only option for permanent vision correction. The eye doctors at Omaha-based Modern Vision Solutions specialize in a number of advanced vision correction treatments in addition to LASIK. So even if LASIK is not an option for you, there may be another procedure that better suits your unique eyes.

Next Steps

Making a decision about your vision correction needs is not something to take lightly. It requires careful consideration and professional guidance. That’s where Modern Vision Solutions comes in. By booking an EyeAnalysis Eye Exam at MVS, you’ll receive comprehensive care from trusted Omaha eye doctors. They will discuss all your options for correcting your vision, ensuring you have all the necessary information to make a smart decision for yourself.

Whether you’re leaning towards glasses, contacts, or considering LASIK, the expert team at Modern Vision Solutions is here to guide you through the process. With their help, you can look forward to clear vision and a lifestyle that suits your needs and preferences.

via https://www.mvsvision.com/eyeglasses/glasses-contacts-lasik/

February is Macular Degeneration Awareness Month, a time to explore a condition that affects millions worldwide. As you age, your potential for Macular Degeneration increases, so early detection, regular eye care visits, and preventative, health-driven choices are key.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular Degeneration, often referred to as AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration), is a chronic eye disease that primarily affects the macula—a small but crucial part of the retina responsible for central vision. This condition is more common in individuals over the age of 50, making early awareness and detection essential.

There are two types of Macular Degeneration:

Dry Macular Degeneration:

Characterized by the gradual breakdown of light-sensitive cells in the macula.

Yellow deposits, known as drusen, may accumulate under the retina.

Wet Macular Degeneration:

Less common but more severe form.

Involves the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the macula, leading to leakage and damage.

What are symptoms of Macular Degeneration?

If you are over the age of 50 and notice the following signs or changes in the severity of any of these symptoms, it might be time to see your eye care professional to be assessed for Macular Degeneration:

Blurred or distorted central vision

Difficulty recognizing faces

Straight lines appearing wavy

Decreased color perception

Difficulty reading or performing detailed tasks

What are risk factors for Macular Degeneration?

Age

Family history

Smoking

Genetics

High blood pressure

UV exposure

Unfortunately, there are many risk factors for AMD that you simply have no control over, including increased age, genetics, and family history.

Macular Degeneration Prevention

Dr. Meagan Anderson of Modern Vision Solutions chooses to focus on the positive and controllable. “When it comes to AMD, some factors you can control include: 1) eating a healthy diet low in saturated fat with lots of leafy-green vegetables, 2) not smoking, 3) wearing proper UV protection, and 4) being diligent about your annual eye exams.”

Your Macular Degeneration Prevention Checklist

Regular Eye Exams:

Early detection through routine eye exams is crucial for effective management. EyeAnalysis Exams from Modern Vision Solutions offer screenings specific to AMD. “Our EyeAnalysis is the most advanced and in-depth eye examination there is,” noted Dr. Anderson. “We perform widefield retinal imaging and optical-coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of the macula which can help us detect even the earliest signs of macular degeneration.”

Healthy Lifestyle:

A well-balanced diet rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeaxanthin can support eye health. Quit smoking and maintain a healthy blood pressure.

UV Protection:

Wear sunglasses that block harmful UV rays to reduce the risk of AMD progression. Modern Vision Solutions can connect you with the right shades, including the latest from Prada, Ray-Ban, Polo and more.

Regular Exercise:

Physical activity supports overall health, including eye health.

Ensuring your health as you age includes acknowledging the potential challenges, such as Macular Degeneration, and taking empowered steps towards prevention. Dr. Anderson and the Modern Vision Solutions team remind us that while some risk factors may be beyond our control, focusing on positive, controllable actions can significantly impact our eye health. Regular eye exams, a healthy lifestyle, UV protection, and exercise form the pillars of a proactive approach to Macular Degeneration. Schedule your EyeAnalysis Exam today!

via https://www.mvsvision.com/optometry/shining-a-light-on-macular-degeneration/

At MVS, one of our favorite “modern vision solutions” is Advanced Vision Correction via laser- and lens-based procedures. These include LASIK, the SMILE procedure, the EVO implantable contact lens procedure and our Reading Vision Restoration treatments.

We believe everyone should have the opportunity for permanent vision correction if they choose and if they qualify. Which is why at MVS, we include a vision correction screening with every adult eye exam we perform, at no additional cost to the patient.

And now we’re taking it a step further – everyone who has an eye exam at Modern Vision Solutions is automatically entered to win a complimentary laser vision correction procedure at our partner practice, Kugler Vision.

Free LASIK? That’s right. And you’re automatically entered to win when you schedule your annual eye exam at Modern Vision Solutions.

“But I’ve been told I can’t have LASIK.” You’re not alone. We see many patients who have been told they do not qualify for LASIK. Oftentimes this is incorrect. Perhaps because they did not undergo a full comprehensive LASIK screening, or simply because the technology now is much better than it was even just a few years ago.

For others, LASIK may not be an option. Which is why we also offer 6 additional FDA approved vision correction procedures that may be ideal for you.

Regardless, if you’ve ever even considered vision correction, this is a great opportunity for you to get all the details on what you qualify for and possibly have the procedure at no cost to you.

Tap the button to schedule your appointment now. Most vision insurances are accepted, and our PrimeSight membership is a great option for those who don’t have vision insurance but would still like major savings and benefits.

Schedule Your Eye Exam and Enter to Win

via https://www.mvsvision.com/eye-exams/lasik-giveaway/

The kids are on their way back to school, and we’re ALL headed into cooler fall weather. Sounds like the perfect time for special savings on the latest designer eyewear at Modern Vision Solutions!

This month, when you buy 1 complete pair, get the 2nd pair for 40% off!*

Choose from the latest designer styles, specialty lenses, glasses for kids and more. Bring your current prescription, or book your MVS Digital Eye Exam with NO air puffs and NO dilation!

2 Ways to Get In Touch:

Book an appointment online in about 60 seconds.

Call us to schedule an exam of a visit with our optical team, (833) 586-2020. Next-day appointments are available!

*Some restrictions may apply. Complete pair includes frames and rx lenses. Cannot be combined with any other savings programs, benefits or discounts. 40% savings applies to full retail price.

via https://www.mvsvision.com/eyewear/fall-savings-40-off/