Ski Season is Here: Are Your Eyes Ready?

Whether you hit the slopes every weekend or just make it to the mountains once a year, having the right ski or snowboard equipment can be the difference between an epic run and constantly stopping to adjust your gear.

We’re not just talking boots and bindings…we’re talking eyewear. If you have to wear glasses or contact lenses to see clearly, you know how lenses can interfere with your fun on and off the slopes:

• Contacts can dry out your eyes, especially during dry winter months at higher altitudes
• Glasses fog up making it impossible to see
• Ski goggles are cumbersome when trying to fit them over glasses

The solution for improved slope performance may be LASIK vision correction in Charleston Dr. O'Day at Charleston Cornea has performed thousands of blade-free LASIK procedures, helping many patients achieve 20/20 vision or better. While not all of these patients were snow enthusiasts, they still enjoy visual freedom from the daily hassles of lenses to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

If you are planning LASIK before a big ski trip, make sure you schedule a free LASIK Consultation at Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery well in advance. Dr. O'Day can tell you if your eyes are right for the procedure and how long you should wait before engaging in outdoor activity. You don’t want to jeopardize the healing of your eyes by skiing too soon after surgery.

Call 843-856-5275 or visit charlestoncornea.com to schedule your LASIK Consultation where you can also learn about LASIK financing options in Charleston and other ways to make LASIK fit your budget. 

Eyeglasses for Eyestrain

If you work long hours at a computer, you are probably no stranger to eye strain in Charleston. This is an actual condition called computer vision syndrome (CVS) that can cause blurry vision, eye irritation, headaches neck pain and back pain.

Causes of Computer Vision Syndrome

CVS is like a repetitive stress injury that can worsen over time.

•     Looking down at the keyboard and then back up to the monitor strains the eye muscles due to the constant shift of focus.
• If you choose not to wear your prescription lenses as you work (to correct nearsightedness or astigmatism), you will be forced to strain to see the monitor clearly.
• If you do not keep your lens prescription up-to-date, you may be adding to the eye strain.
• The onset of presbyopia (the need for reading glasses) beginning around age 40 can make it more difficult to focus on the computer monitor.  
• Workstations that are not ergonomically-designed may cause you to crane your neck, slouch or arrange your body in an awkward position to compensate.

Look cool in your cubical!

Special computer glasses featuring lens coatings and tints that reduce glare can help to reduce the symptoms of CVS. These glasses can be purchased in non-prescription versions or in versions that support your specific refractive error. Before you invest in these glasses, be sure to read reviews online so you can make the best decision; these glasses don’t work for everyone.

Not surprisingly, prescription computer glasses cost more than non-prescription glasses. And if your prescription changes frequently, you will need to invest in new glasses regularly.

One way to combat the ongoing expense of glasses, contact lenses and cleaning solutions is by investing in the one-time cost of LASIK vision correction in Charleston. Dr.O'Day at Charleston Cornea and Refractive Surgery can determine if your eyes are right for LASIK during a free LASIK Consultation. 

Other Ways to Control Eyestrain

•  Every 20 minutes on the computer look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This is known as the 20-20-20 rule.
•  Set a timer to remind yourself to take breaks from your screen (it’s easy to lose track of time when you are focused!)
•  Identify and implement the right ergonomics for your computer workstation by visiting the OSHA website.
• Adjust the brightness and contrast of your computer monitor and reduce the glare on your screen from lights or windows.

20/20 doesn’t mean an end to 20-20-20

Even if you have a successful LASIK procedure at Charleston Cornea and Refractive Surgery and achieve 20/20 vision, it’s still important to practice the 20-20-20 rule! CVS can affect anyone who sits in front of a computer for long periods of time.

To learn more about blade-free LASIK in Charleston and find out about 0% LASIK financing, contact us today at 843-856-5275 or charlestoncornea.com to schedule a free LASIK Consultation.