It is possible to contract the COVID-19 virus through the eyes. However, the respiratory route via the nose and mouth is still the most likely way to contract the virus.

Amblyopia is a condition in which the visual acuity in one eye doesn’t fully develop. Click here to learn more, including a quick screening test you can perform at home.

Sunlight can reflect off the road and other surfaces which can create glare.  This can make driving conditions challenging and sometimes dangerous.  Polarized sunglasses reduce or eliminate glare which is why they are the recommended type of glasses for daytime driving.  It’s also critical that your sunglasses have a protective coating with UV400 protection.

Both extreme cold outside and indoor heat can cause the eyes to be dry and uncomfortable. Click here for a few tips to get you through the winter months in comfort.

Going to bed without removing your eye makeup can clog the glands in your eyelids causing redness, irritation and even sties. These are painful, unsightly raised bumps on and around your eyelids.

Click here to learn about some common toys that can harm a child’s vision.

So, who you choose to perform your LASIK surgery matters!  Click here to read about some key points to consider when choosing your LASIK surgeon.

Drinking alcohol dehydrates you, which can also dry out your eyes.  We want your eyes to be in the best possible condition as you heal on the day of your LASIK surgery, so save the cocktails and the celebration for the next day!  Click here for more LASIK FAQ’s.

Since the macula is responsible for acute visual tasks, increased pigment in this area can enhance your visual performance and may also help prevent the onset or progression of ARMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration). Click here to read more.

Early intervention is your best defense, so be sure to have routine annual eye exams. Click here to learn what happens during an annual eye exam.
Source: aao.org

Being proactive this Spring could help alleviate those annoying ocular allergy symptoms. Click here to read more.

This is supported by a study published by The American Academy of Ophthalmology.* It’s also been linked to decreasing your risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke and delaying the onset of dementia.  Just a few more great reasons to eat healthy!

*Source:  http://mdrproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Hogg-Mediterranean-diet-score-and-its-association-with-age-related-macular-degeneration.pdf

Many prescription and over-the-counter medications can dehydrate your body, which includes your eyes. Some of these medications are: antihistamines, nasal decongestants, antidepressants , acne medication, birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. If you are taking any of these medications and also suffer from dry eye symptoms, check with your doctor to see if you can safely change to a different medication. If you can’t, there are many treatments available for dry eye.  Click here to read more.

Fact: An annual eye exam is just as important as an annual physical. There are silent eye diseases which don’t have any symptoms. The best prognosis for these types of diseases is achieved by early detection and intervention. An annual eye exam can keep you ahead of the curve! Click here to read more about what to expect during a routine eye exam.

These findings have led to new treatment options for this annoying, chronic eye condition.  Click here to read more.

The key to the effectiveness of omega 3 fatty acids is twofold:  obtaining the right ratio of omega 6 (polyunsaturated fats) to omega 3 fatty acids (essential fatty acids) and ensuring the body’s optimal absorption of these fatty acids. Click here to read more.

Annual eye exams are your best defense against this potentially vision-threatening eye disease.  Click here to learn more.

Wondering if the toys on your child’s wish list are safe?  This article may help you make more informed decisions this holiday season.

Reading and digital device use can also contribute to these symptoms, as your blink rate decreases by more than 60% during these tasks. Using preservative free lubricating eye drops every 20-30 minutes during your flight can help keep your eyes more comfortable. Click here to read more.

This is especially important when you’re on the slopes.  In normal situations, light from the sun is diffuse because it scatters as it bounces off uneven surfaces at varying angles.  With smooth surfaces such as water, ice and snow, the light doesn’t scatter.  It reflects at one angle and is much more powerful.  Likened to a sunburn of the cornea, the symptoms of snow blindness can include pain, severe light sensitivity and excessive tearing.  These symptoms often don’t occur until several hours after sun exposure. Wearing goggles on the slopes which have a UV400 coating can help protect your eyes from this painful condition.

Don’t think this applies to you? Then you might be surprised to learn that 8.1 million Americans are unaware that they are diabetic. Diabetes can negatively impact many parts of your body, including your eyes. Click here to read more.

Not only do sunglasses protect your eyes from dry cold air, which can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, but they protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV400 rays. Click here to learn more.

Poor vision can increase the risk of injury from falls, especially among the elderly. Get your eyes checked annually to check for eye disease and to make sure your prescription for glasses is still up to date. Click here to read more about the importance of annual eye exams.

There are multiple types of contact lenses available and they each have a different, manufacturer recommended, replacement schedule. It’s important that you follow the replacement schedule closely to avoid degradation of the lens material, which could lead to corneal abrasions as well as serious eye infections. Click here to read more.

Both prescription and over the counter eye drops have an expiration date that shouldn’t be ignored. Eye drops can lose their potency or change chemical composition over time. They can also become contaminated or develop bacteria that can lead to serious eye infections.

Non-prescription contact lenses could cause a vision-threatening eye infection. Just DON’T do it! Click here to learn more.

Click here to read more about this silent eye disease which can lead to blindness if untreated.
*source: glaucoma.org

In fact, signs of systemic diseases often appear in the eye before the rest of the body, so an annual eye exam can protect more than just your eyesight. Click here to learn more about what to expect during a routine eye exam.

This can help keep your contact lenses safe and protect you from potentially vision-threatening eye infections. It can also keep your eyes more comfortable. Click here to read more about contact lens safety.

Among these are antihistamines and antidepressants. Supplementing your daily routine with over the counter natural tear drops can help alleviate the annoying symptoms of dry eye. Click here to read more about dry eye causes, symptoms and treatments.

Unsafe practices can lead to blinding infections. Still skeptical? This story may change your mind: http://cbsn.ws/2jS20so
Wondering if your regimen puts you at risk? Click here to find out: http://bit.ly/2vb5RXV

An annual eye exam is your best defense against this silent eye disease. Click here to read more about glaucoma: http://bit.ly/2us9Hfv
*Source: glaucoma.org

Shingles, a resurgence of the chicken pox virus, can affect the eye – even without visible blisters on or around the eye. If you have a sudden change in vision or symptoms such as pain, throbbing, redness, light sensitivity or tearing in the eyes while you have shingles, you should see your eye doctor immediately.  Click here to read more.

Here is one of several important safety tips from the American Academy of Ophthalmology: “Never look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars or other similar devices. This is important even if you are wearing eclipse glasses or holding a solar viewer at the same time. The intense solar rays coming through these devices will damage the solar filter and your eyes.” Click here for more tips on how to safely view the eclipse.

In a recent study from University College London, brimonidine reduced the formation of amyloid proteins in the retinas of rats. These proteins are believed to be linked to Alzheimer’s. Click here to read more.

So, if you’re planning to view the solar eclipse on August 21st, you need to plan ahead to do it safely. Click here for details.

Multiple studies have determined LASIK is one of the safest elective surgical procedures with a 98% patient satisfaction rate globally. A contact lens is a foreign object that you place onto your cornea which when not worn responsibly, can be very dangerous – even vision threatening. Click here to read more.

Learn about the sports that are most at risk for eye injuries and the symptoms to seek immediate attention for if you get hit in the eye here.

This is particularly true of the head down positions. Patients with glaucoma should consult their ophthalmologist before practicing those yoga poses regularly. Click here to read more.

Click here to read more.

Click here to learn more about this vision condition.

Following contagious precautions can keep it from spreading. Click here to learn more.

Click here to read more about why this is as well as the technology used to determine corneal thickness.

So, be sure to wear protective goggles with polycarbonate lenses while playing sports. This is particularly important when playing racquet sports. Click here to read more about sports eye safety.

Xiidra is now available by prescription. Shire Ophthalmics received FDA approval for Xiidra in July of 2016 and it is now available in pharmacies. This is the first new prescription eye drop developed for the treatment of dry eyes since Restasis entered the scene more than 10 years ago. Click here to learn more.

These viral or bacterial infections spread super fast in classrooms! Click here to read more.

ARMD is the leading cause of blindness among older Americans. Click here to learn more about this vision-threatening eye disease.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can penetrate cloud cover. UV rays can cause both short and long term eye damage. Wearing sunglasses with a UV400 protective coating when outdoors, even when it’s cloudy, can help protect your eyes from the damaging effects of UV rays.

Click here to learn more about UV safety.

This can help decrease the annoying symptoms of digital eye strain that all of that staring at your phone can cause. Click here to read more.

Play it safe at the beach this summer and don’t go in the water while wearing your contact lenses. This can result in serious eye infections. Click here to read more about contact lens safety.

Click here to find out more about this lens-clouding eye condition here.

Click here to read more.

Be safe this Fourth of July and follow these fireworks safety tips.

ARMD is the leading cause of blindness among older Americans. Click here to learn more about this vision-threatening eye disease.

Keeping their blood sugar under control and having dilated, annual eye exams is extremely important for these patients as early intervention creates the best prognosis in diabetic eye disease. Click here to read more about eye conditions caused by diabetes.

Using natural tear drops, at least 4 times a day, while you are taking allergy medication can help combat this common side effect and keep your eyes more comfortable. Click here to read more about dry eyes.

UV Rays can cause both short and long term damage to your eyes. Make sure your polarized sunglasses also have a special UV400 coating which blocks 100% of UV rays.

If your computer screen is much brighter than the surrounding light, your eyes have to work harder to see.  Click here to read more tips to keep your eyes comfortable.

To find out if your current contact lens regimen puts your vision at risk, read our blog: Soft Contact Lens Wear and Your Eye Health.

Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness in the U.S. Click here to find out more about this lens-clouding eye condition.

Taking extra precautions, such as wearing a hat and sunglasses while taking antibiotics, can help protect you from increased exposure. Ask your doctor if your medication increases your sensitivity to sunlight.

We offer free LASIK consultations and can even simulate what monovision will be like during that visit. Click here to learn more about this exciting alternative to reading glasses.

A recent study found that the eye surface of contact lens wearers harbors bacteria normally found on the skin surrounding the eye. These findings raise questions as to whether this increases the risk for eye infections. Click here to read more.

Did you know that every 13 minutes an ER treats a sports eye injury? Click here to check out an infographic to learn more.

Studies have shown that marijuana does lower intraocular pressure (IOP), however only for very short periods of time. IOP needs around the clock control in order to prevent damage to the optic nerve which could eventually lead to blindness if not managed properly. Click here to read more.

A routine, dilated eye exam with a pediatric ophthalmologist can help diagnose and treat vision problems before they become an issue. Click here to read more.

Spring allergy season is almost here! Mast cell stabilizers prevent histamines from being released, which stops allergies, and the symptoms they create, at the root. Click here to read more.

Click here to read more.

These symptoms could be a sign of the beginning of a corneal ulcer, which can be vision threatening. Click here to learn more about contact lens safety.

Click here to watch!

Polycarbonate lenses are 10 times more impact resistant than other materials. Click here to read about LASIK and sports.

Your vision is on the line! Click here to read more about glaucoma, the silent thief of sight.

Have a gin and tonic…but hold the gin! Tonic water contains quinine which can help relax the muscle spasm which causes an eye twitch.

In cooler weather, the air tends to be dry, which can contribute to dry eye symptoms. A humidifier can help keep your eyes better lubricated. Click here to read more about dry eye.

*Be sure to clean your humidifier regularly. All models are different, so consult the manufacturer for details.

Being overweight or obese, aside from being hazardous to your overall health, increases your risk for conditions like glaucoma and diabetes – both of which can lead to vision loss. Click here to read more about glaucoma.

As we sleep, our eyes are continuously lubricated. This can help alleviate dry eye symptoms and can also clear out allergens and other eye irritants.

Click here to read more.

This is a painful condition that is akin to a sunburn of the cornea and is caused by UV rays reflected off ice and snow. The symptoms can include pain, severe light sensitivity and excessive tearing. The worst part is that the symptoms usually don’t start until several hours after exposure. Therefore, your best option is a preventive approach by wearing goggles with a special UV400 coating during any winter sports or prolonged sun exposure during the winter months, particularly when there is snow on the ground.

Be sure to take precautions when popping open your champagne bottle on New Year’s Eve! Click here for some great safety tips.  

For most plans, up to $500.00 can be rolled over to the following calendar year. LASIK is one of the many procedures that can be paid for with FSA dollars. Click here to read more.

Approximately 1 in 10 children’s eye injuries treated in the E.R. trace back to toys. Click here to learn more about toy safety.

LASIK and PRK gift certificates are now available at Mandel Vision. Click here to read more.

Reading and digital device use can also contribute, as your blink rate decreases by more than 60% during these tasks. Using (preservative free) lubricating eye drops every 20-30 minutes during your flight can help keep your eyes more comfortable. Read more.

These are high in vitamin C, which in addition to other health benefits, has been shown to reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and cataracts.

Learn more about ARMD here.
Learn more about cataracts here.

Research shows it can reduce your risk of mortality by 40%! Read more here.

Click here to read more about diabetes and the effects it can have on the eye.

One of the most common questions we hear from prospective patients over the age of 40 is: “Am I a candidate for LASIK if I only need reading glasses?” The answer may surprise you: It’s yes! Read more here.

Studies have shown that these nutrients and minerals may help reduce your risk of ARMD (Age Related Macular Degeneration). Read more about ARMD here.

Low levels of this fatty acid have been linked to dry eye syndrome. Eating a diet rich in these fish could help combat dry eye symptoms. Read more about dry eye symptoms and treatments here.

There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all contact lens. Lenses that are not fitted properly can harm your eyes. Read more.

If you’re thinking about LASIK and are lucky enough to have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you’ll need to contribute to the account soon in order to use those dollars in 2016. *Due to the ‘use it or lose it’ nature of FSA’s, don’t contribute to your account until you are absolutely sure you’re a candidate for LASIK.* Read more.

Along with the obvious overall health benefits of exercise, it also improves blood circulation which increases oxygen input to the eyes and the removal of toxins.

In addition to the benefits of natural vitamin D, there’s research that suggests that light-sensitive cells in the eye are crucial in helping to regulate wake-sleep cycles.

This helps guard against infections that could be caused from bacteria in your eye makeup and remover being transferred to your contact lenses and eyes. Read more about contact lens safety here.

You may need a different eyeglass prescription temporarily. Typically, vision returns to normal shortly after giving birth or after nursing is stopped.

Almonds are high in vitamin E, which research has shown may slow age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Read more about ARMD here.

This can cause dryness and irritation. Using natural tear drops more frequently when using digital devices can help keep your eyes more comfortable during these tasks. Read more.

If you’re diabetic and your blood sugar isn’t under control, your vision may not be stable. For this reason, if your doctor says your blood sugar is not stable, we recommend not changing your glasses or contact lens prescription until your blood sugar is under control. Ask your doctor what Hb A1C value is appropriate for you.

Click here to read more about Diabetes and the effect it can have on your eyes.

Doing this can help lower your risk of infection. Read more.

An annual physical can help detect this condition early so that treatment can be started before it causes other health problems.

Seafood that is high in Omega-3 fatty acids can help decrease your risk of eye disease. It can also improve the quality of the tear film in the eyes which can help with dry eye symptoms.

A recent study found that patients with sleep apnea are at a higher risk for developing glaucoma than those without this condition. Annual dilated eye exams are your best defense against losing sight as a result of glaucoma. Read more about glaucoma here.

Using drops, such as antihistamine drops, too frequently can irritate the surface of your eyes which can cause pain as well as blurred vision.

If you press on the inner corner of the eyelid, you can block the punctum of the eye. The punctum is connected to the nasolacrimal duct which drains into the back of your throat. Blocking this drainage canal will help minimize that terrible taste.

Read about some of the worst eye injuries in professional sports here.

A recent study has found a correlation between the global increase in nearsightedness in children and lack of sunlight. Click here to read more.

When Dr. Mandel was a fellow at Harvard in the 1980’s, a group studying blepharitis noticed that an antibiotic known as Doxycycline was found to be a very effective gland drainer. Learn more about blepharitis here.

Tanning beds can produce UV radiation levels up to 100 times what you would get from the sun. This can cause serious damage to the eyes. Click here to read more.

This woman went blind in one eye from a bacterial infection known as “cat scratch”. Watch this video to learn more.

These contain preservatives which can irritate the eyes. A rebound effect is also common, which can make the problem worse.

This includes second-hand smoke.

If you suffer from dry eyes and have tried eye drops without relief, this may be the answer for you. These tiny implants plug the puncta of the eyes. Tears drain from your eyes through these puncta. Plugging this drainage canal keeps the tears on the eyes longer which can help relieve the painful symptoms of chronic dry eye. Watch this video to learn more.

When you sleep in contacts, the lenses do not move which means the cornea is deprived of oxygen and nourishment from the tear film during sleep. This can lead to blinding infections, which may not be reversible. Click here to read more about contact lens safety.

Read more here.

Besides offering UV400 protection, they can help shield your eyes from flying debris which could cause a corneal abrasion.

Read more about blepharitis here.

You should see an ophthalmologist right away if you suddenly develop either of these symptoms. Read more here.

A particular amoeba, known as acanthamoeba, commonly found in fresh water as well as chlorinated pools and jacuzzi’s, can cause blinding infections. Read more about contact lens safety here.

You may be a candidate for PRK which is another type of laser vision correction surgery that Dr. Mandel specializes in. Read more here.

The grid shown should be straight, without missing or wavy areas. If any irregularities are noted, you should contact your eye doctor right away. Read more about macular degeneration here.

This is to help minimize the incidence of infection-causing bacteria which can cause blinding infections. Read more about contact lens safety here.

You should replace your eye drops with a fresh bottle every 90 days. Once opened, eye drops have a shelf life of approximately 90 days. After that, the drops should be discarded to avoid the possibility of contamination with infection-causing bacteria. Not to mention that self-diagnosis could be dangerous. Only an eye doctor can properly diagnose an eye infection and prescribe the appropriate medication.

A particular amoeba, known as acanthamoeba, commonly found in fresh water as well as chlorinated pools and jacuzzis, can cause blinding infections. Click here to read more about contact lens safety.

This could contaminate the medication and introduce bacteria into the medication which could cause an eye infection.

Recent studies have shown that exercising regularly may help protect you from developing diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. These are both potentially vision-threatening diseases.

Research has linked smoking to an increased risk of developing eye diseases such as: macular degeneration, cataracts, and optic nerve damage. All of these diseases could lead to blindness.

These supplements contain short and long chain Alpha 3 omega fatty acids. These, along with over the counter natural tear drops used daily, can greatly reduce the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eyes. Theratears nutrition is one product high in both of these supplements, and can be purchased over the counter (without a prescription). Read more about dry eye treatments here.

January is glaucoma awareness month. Click here to educate yourself about this potentially vision-threatening disease here.

The IRS considers LASIK surgery deductible because it “meaningfully promotes the proper function of the body.” If you had LASIK last year, be sure to ask your accountant about this potential tax benefit.

Studies have shown that these antioxidants may help guard against the development of macular degeneration. The macula of the eye is responsible for acute visual tasks such as reading and discriminating fine detail and color.

UV exposure from the sun can be harmful to your eyes even in the winter months.

Airplanes are particularly dry environments. This can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Reading and digital device use can also contribute, as your blink rate decreases by more than 60% during these tasks. Enjoy the holidays!

This is one reason why annual eye exams are so important, even if you have perfect vision! Click here to read more about Glaucoma.

If you experience severe pain or blurred or double vision, you should contact your ophthalmologist immediately.

Choose wisely! Read more in our blog post: How to Choose a LASIK Surgeon.

If you are diabetic, remember: your best defense is a good offense! Eat a healthy low-sugar diet, exercise regularly and see your ophthalmologist for annual, dilated eye exams to be sure your eyes are not at risk from diabetic changes.

Click here to read more about Diabetes and the effect it can have on your eyes.

Infection-causing bacteria can grow in these types of makeup.

This is a condition known as convergence insufficiency.  Read more

Enrollment for Flex Spending Plans is ending soon. Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Mandel today to make sure you’re a suitable candidate BEFORE you make your contribution. Read more

A lot of eye diseases (even those that are silent, and therefore, without symptoms) are hereditary. It’s always best to come prepared with as much information as possible when you see your eye doctor. Read more

Ask your doctor if any of your medications have ocular side effects. If they do, it’s recommended that you have a baseline eye exam BEFORE you start taking the medication and then follow up eye exams at specific intervals after you start it.

Not all sunglasses have this special coating. The next time you come to our office, ask us to check yours to make sure you’re protected!

This may be a sign of a serious, vision threatening infection. Remove your contact lens at the first sign of redness and contact your eye doctor immediately. Read more

This can contribute to dry eye symptoms. Using a humidifier in your bedroom can help keep your eyes more comfortable during the cooler months.* Read more
*It’s important to clean your humidifier regularly. All models are different, so consult the manufacturer for details.