Can Cataracts Become Painful If Left Untreated?

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Cataracts refer to proteins on the lens of the eye, and it’s a condition that typically develops very slowly over time. When 24.4 million people over the age of 40 have it, it’s important to understand what you’re really up against. If you’re nervous about what cataracts feel like, we’ll look at what you can expect.

Do Cataracts Cause Pain?

The short answer is not really. Pain is not one of the symptoms of this condition, and this is true even if you have a relatively advanced state of cataracts. Instead of pain, you’re likely to have cloudy vision, sensitivity to light, double vision, nearsightedness, or intense glare at night. A cataract evaluation in Champaign, IL can tell you more about what your cataracts look like and what can be done to get them under control.

Treating Cataracts in Champaign

Cataracts might not cause pain, but they can have a marked impact on your life. Unfortunately, you can’t turn to a medication for help, either. Surgery is really the best way to treat this disorder. It’s not only one of the most risk-free surgeries you can have, it’s also relatively little recovery time. If you’re looking for an optometrist in Champaign who can help you treat cataracts, it’s important to talk to someone who can give you all of your options upfront. For instance, you might be able to avoid surgery for a while if you wear a stronger prescription, though the condition will need to be monitored so your vision isn’t slowly deteriorating over time.

At Champaign Eye Professionals, our evaluations are thorough enough to catch what’s really happening to your eyes. We can help you navigate through different choices so you’re comfortable about managing and potentially removing the build-up.

How Can an Optometrist Help You See Better at Night?

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The right optometrist in Champaign, IL, will be able to give you a general overview of your eyesight as well as specific recommendations on how to help improve it. If you’ve struggled to make out your surroundings at night to the point where you worry about your safety both on the road and off, we’ll look at what an optometrist can do to help you balance it out.

Improving Night Vision in Champaign

There are a few things that you can do on your own to help you see better at night, including eating more of the infamous carrots that you may have heard more about in your younger years. This is because Vitamin A is great for night vision, and if you’re not a fan of carrots, you can get it from sweet potatoes, spinach, or red bell peppers. Cutting back on smoking and getting more sleep doesn’t hurt either, as both can improve your ability to see at night.

How an Optometrist Can Help

Your Optometrist may not have a magic wand, but they may know more about which lenses can help you correct everything from farsightedness to astigmatism. They can treat things like cataracts and glaucoma or recommend coatings for your glasses that can fend off the glare from headlights.

Night vision in Champaign, IL, is more than just making out shapes in your home when you have to find the lamp switch. This can be the key to doing more at all hours of the day, whether that’s running a few errands or going to your favorite events. If you’re looking for a team that can help, visit Champaign Eye Professionals to learn more about what’s causing the problem and what you can do to correct it.

Eyemed Plans and Your Dependents: What You Should Know

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EyeMed plans can be purchased either by a company or an individual. As a vision insurance company, its terms will vary based on the policy coverage. If you have dependents, we’ll look at some of the most common questions about the plans and what they cover.

Does EyeMed cover all dependents?

No. In general, you’re more likely to get coverage for dependents if you have a plan through your employer. Illinois does not have a rule that EyeMed needs to cover dependents, so it’s important to check your plan for details.

What are some standard benefits for dependents on EyeMed?

Benefits will vary based on coverage, but you’re likely to get some coverage for eye exams, eyeglasses, contact lenses, and vision care products (e.g., eyedrops). In some cases, you might get full coverage, while others will have maximum limits and/or copays for each visit.

Is it easy to find information about my dependents through EyeMed?

It depends on what age they are. If they’re under 18, you should be able to see everything through the main portal. If you want to see information for a dependent over 18, you won’t have access to their account. It’s important to work out your communication with each dependent so everyone is on the same page.

Who Accepts EyeMed Plans in Champaign, IL?

If you’re looking for an optometrist in Champaign who will accept your plan, the staff at Champaign Eye Professionals can tell you more about what your benefits entail. We’re here to make sure that you get the most from your insurance, no matter what type of history you or your dependents have. Call us today to get a better handle on how to plan your budget for you and your family.

3 Tips to Find Better Sunglasses

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All sunglasses in Champaign, IL, offer some degree of protection from the rays above, but that doesn’t mean that all brands and models are created equally. We’ll look at what the differences are and what you should look for when you’re selecting your next pair.

Look for UV Protection

If it’s a reputable brand, it’s going to say what you can expect in terms of UV protection. Choose a pair that protects against UVA and UVB light. If you’re concerned about your current sunglasses (maybe you want to keep them for variety), there are optical shops with light meters that will test just how much of a barrier the sunglasses provide. Bigger sunglasses do not necessarily offer better protection from UV rays.

Don’t Choose Based on Lens Color

It’s worth noting that lens color is not necessarily a factor here. Just because you choose the darkest lenses that you can find doesn’t mean that you’ll be guaranteed better protection. Checking the label, assuming it’s from a trustworthy source, is the best way to ensure your eyes are covered. In addition, polarized lenses may or may not offer UV protection (you’ll have to look for a brand that guarantees UV filtering in addition to polarization).

Talk to an Optometrist in Champaign, IL

The right optometrist in Champaign can tell you more about what kinds of sunglasses will be best for your eyes. At Champaign Eye Professionals, we help each patient choose based on more than just how well the frames complement their sense of style. While different patients will be more at risk for sun damage, the reality is that the adverse effects of the rays above will accumulate over time. If you don’t want to take chances, schedule an appointment with us today.