Springtime Eye Allergies: How do you Spell R-E-L-I-E-F
Ah, Spring! We usually can’t wait for it to arrive, but when it does many of us will experience eyes that are irritated due to seasonal allergies. When an allergen (like pollen) comes in contact with your eye, certain cells within your eye (called mast cells) release histamine and other substances to fight off the […]
Ocular Migraine: When Migraine is not a Headache
We usually associate migraine with the painful headaches that some people experience, often accompanied by feeling sick and visual disturbances known as “aura”. Ocular migraine, also known as retinal migraine, is different in that it happens without the classic pain and throbbing of a headache. Also, an ocular migraine — unlike a migraine aura — […]
Show Your Eyes and Heart Some Love
We all know how important it is to take good care of our eyes with regular Atlantic Eye checkups, but did you know that eye doctors may also be able to detect signs of heart disease during a comprehensive eye exam? According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a new study finds that people with […]
Fear of Eye Surgery — You’re Not Alone!
If you are considering vision correction surgery, it’s normal that you feel a bit apprehensive about the procedure. But at Atlantic Eye, we have seen first-hand how life-changing vision correction surgery can be, and each member of our team is dedicated to ensuring that your vision correction experience is as comfortable as possible. Procedures like […]
Bloodshot Eyes: What to Do, When to Worry
New Year’s Eve partying may have resulted in some temporary red eyes on New Year’s Day (we hope you had a good one) but there are many and varied reasons why sometimes our eyes get red, or bloodshot. Many of these cases are caused by minor irritation and will go away on their own or […]
Looking Toward the Future
As we extend our fond Thanksgiving memories forward into the December holidays, we at Atlantic Eye are reminded that, first and foremost, this is the season of giving. And what better gift could there be than the gift of sight? That’s why at this time of year we thought it important to share some information […]
Do You Know Snellen?
Most of us are familiar with the chart an eye doctor asks us to read during an eye exam to help determine if we need glasses or contacts, or to make changes to an existing prescription. The eye chart measures visual acuity, which is clarity or sharpness of vision. But where does that chart come […]
Ten Things You Probably Don’t Know About Tears
Our everyday tear film is essential for the way it protects our eyes, keeps them moist, and allows us to see clearly. And if you’ve ever had a run-in with a raw onion or sad movie, or numerous other triggers, you’re familiar with the uniquely human phenomenon known as crying. It turns out that tears […]
Progressive Lenses – Are They For You?
Starting around age 40 and as we age, we may begin to notice changes in the ability of our eyes to see clearly at various distances. The ability of our eyes to change focus between near, middle, and far distances tends to diminish as we age. Progressive eyeglass lenses are designed to enable you to […]
Introducing EVO Visian ICL Lens: The Latest Advancement in Vision Correction Surgery
At Atlantic Eye, we take pride in offering you a variety of advanced vision correction options so we can find the best vision solution for you. We are excited to announce that the EVO Visian ICL Lens, which earned FDA approval in the United States on March 25, 2022, is now available for our patients […]
Back-to-School Checklist: #1: Eye Exam for your Child
September means back-to-school, a time when, as a parent, you try to do everything you can to prepare your child for success in the new academic year. New clothes, school supplies, haircuts and new schedules all play their part; but one of the most important learning tools is good vision, an essential factor that is […]
Lens Implants for Cataract Surgery: Know Your Options
If you live a long life, as most of us would wish, you’re very likely to develop impaired vision because of cataracts. And sooner or later, just about everyone opts for cataract surgery to restore good vision. You may already know that cataract surgery involves replacing the clouded natural lens inside the eye with a […]
Bites & Stings Around the Eye – Bee Careful!
Bees and wasps are with us outdoors as we enjoy the summer weather, and most of the time, these busy little pollinators don’t sting us. It’s even less likely to be stung near or in the eye, but it’s helpful to know what to do if that should happen. AROUND is different from IN A […]
July is UV Safety Month – Here’s Why All Sunglasses are Not Created Equal
Sunglasses may be a fun fashion accessory, but more importantly, they should protect our eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays produced by the sun. These UV rays—including UVA and especially UVB— damage the eye’s surface tissues, cornea, and lens. Over time, that damage can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, and other vision-stealing eye conditions. So when […]
It’s Pool Time! — Cooling Down the Burn of Swimmer’s Eye
The ouch, the itch, the sting – summer is a time to enjoy the cooling off in the pool, but most of us are familiar with the red-eyed discomfort that can occur after even the most refreshing dunk. Exposure to ocean, lake, or pool water is tough on the eyes. But if you love to […]
The Depression / Vision Connection — A Double-edged Sword for the Eyes
The problem of depression and its health consequences has always been with us, reportedly even more so due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Depression is an insidious enemy that attacks our physical health and well-being, and our eyes are no exception. Studies suggest that vision problems may both cause and be caused […]
Confused About the Right Frames for your Face? You’re Not Alone!
When you visit the Atlantic Eye Optical department with your prescription in hand, it’s thrilling to see and try on the many styles, shapes, colors, and materials of fashionable eyeglasses. But it can be hard to make that final decision with confidence. Here’s some advice about what styles will tend to flatter your individual face […]
More women than men take this “prize”: Dry Eye!
For Mother’s Day and every day, women beat out men in being more likely to develop the ophthalmic condition known as Dry Eye Syndrome. In fact, dry eye is two to three times more likely to affect women than men, at any age. Sorry, ladies, we know this is not a race you want to […]
Parkinson’s and the Eye — April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month
This month, in observance of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, it seems timely for us at Atlantic Eye to note how this disorder may affect the eyes, and what can be done to treat issues that may arise. According to the American Parkinson Disease Association, eye problems that may be associated with Parkinson’s (PD) include: 1. Eye […]
Have Some Fun This Spring Fooling with Frames
Choosing new frames for your eyeglasses can go a long way toward refreshing your look this Spring. The Atlantic Eye optical departments at all 4 office locations continually refresh their wide selection with the latest styles, fashion trends, and high-quality materials. But before you have fun browsing the latest looks at Atlantic Eye, let’s consider […]
What Does Your Eye Color Say About You?
Whether brown, blue, green, or somewhere in-between, our eye color is as individual as we are. You may be surprised to hear that research has found some associations between eye color and greater (or lesser) risk for certain health problems. Though eye color alone is not diagnostic, it may signal some health areas of possible […]
March is Sleep Awareness Month — Are You Peeping While Sleeping?
March is Sleep Awareness Month, a good time of year to take stock of whether the quantity and quality of your sleep is helping you to stay as healthy as possible. It is also a chance to consider if you are one of the people who sleeps with open eyes, a condition that negatively affects […]
We Love Eyes
On Valentine’s Day (okay, and every day!) Atlantic Eye ophthalmologists can get a little mushy about these awesome organs known as our eyes. This February, we want to show our love by sharing 10 “fun facts” about eyes and vision care: 1. Two parents with the same eye color can have children with entirely different […]
Find out what you can do to reduce your risk
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative disease that happens when part of the retina called the macula is damaged. The macula is the part of the eye that delivers the sharp, central vision we need to see objects straight ahead. Over time, the loss of central vision can interfere with everyday activities, such as the ability […]
Did You Know: Glaucoma Runs in Families
Talk to Your Loved Ones About Glaucoma Glaucoma is an eye problem that over time can lead to blindness. It usually happens when fluid builds up in the front part of your eye. That extra fluid increases the pressure in your eye, damaging the optic nerve. Glaucoma often has no symptoms in its early stages, […]
Eat More Kale, Dump the Smokes – Making 2022 an Eye-Healthy Year
Now is the time to celebrate having a whole year ahead to work on doing the things we know we should do to maintain our health and wellness. And it makes perfect sense that protecting overall health can go a long way toward keeping your eyes healthy. So as we go into the brand new […]
Why Santa Claus Wears Glasses
Santa’s eyes get a workout every year, focusing up close to check lists twice and make sure all those toys are up to design specs. No wonder he needs those glasses perched on the tip of his nose! The magical old elf is not alone, since most of us will experience changes in vision, known […]
Raise a Glass to the Holidays – A Little Wine May Help Your Eyes!
Cataracts and Alcohol As you may know, a cataract is a clouding of the eye’s normally clear lens. Most cataracts develop slowly and don’t affect vision early on. But over time, cataracts eventually make it more difficult to read, drive a car or see people’s faces. Treatment includes surgery, where the cataract is removed and replaced with […]
Take a Deep Breath & Close Your Eyes: National Stress Awareness Day is November 3
We’ve all heard about how elevated levels of daily stress, such as many are experiencing related to the Covid-19 crisis, can impact physical and mental health. Being in a prolonged and constant feeling of stress can contribute to serious problems such as hypertension, heart disease, decreased immunity, loss of sociability, and decreased mental resilience. But […]
There’s More to a Sagging Eyelid than Meets the Eye
In our September 8th blog, we shared the story of how Atlantic Eye’s Dr. Ronald Kristan made a lifesaving decision for patient Lisa Economou (September blog). In this season of giving thanks, we remember Lisa’s gratitude for Dr. Kristan’s care. Let’s explore the common eye disorder that brought Lisa to us just in time: droopy […]
Eye Makeup Hazards – Be Afraid!
Halloween is coming, and many costume kits for children and adults alike will come with makeup designed to create special spooky or spectacular effects. A word of caution, however, from your Atlantic Eye ophthalmologists: makeups are largely unregulated and may not be sufficiently tested for safety, especially for use around sensitive eye areas. According to […]
Dr. Ronald Kristan Makes a Lifesaving Call
When Atlantic Eye patient Lisa Economou noticed in a photo that one of her eyelids was drooping lower than the other, she was not particularly concerned. “I thought nothing of it. My grandmother had a droopy eye, and it was fixed. I assume it runs in my family,” explains Lisa, a 40-something wife, and mother. […]
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) Lipiflow® to the Rescue!
First, what is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction? MGD is common, but you may not realize you have it. Meibomian glands are tiny glands in the edges of your eyelids that make an oil called meibum. The combination of meibum, water, and mucus make up the tear film that keeps our eyes moist. Having less oil or […]
Seeing Red – What Causes Bloodshot Eyes?
We’re all familiar with bloodshot eyes, a condition where the white of the eye (the sclera) has become reddened or “bloodshot.” One or both eyes may look pink or red in some or all or the sclera. This happens because of the dilation of tiny blood vessels of the eye that become swollen because of environmental […]
What Causes Heterochromia – And is it a Concern?
First of all, what is it? Heterochromia is when a person’s irises (the colored area around the pupil) are different colors. It is relatively uncommon among humans and is most often a harmless condition. A number of celebrities have heterochromia, among them Kate Bosworth, Jane Seymour, and Washington Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer. Color differences between […]
Twitches & Spasms – when your eyelid muscles do their own thing
From time to time, most of us have probably felt our eyelids twitch, which means they move slightly and rapidly. This tends to happen more in your upper eyelid. The lid moves every few seconds, usually just for a minute or two. These movements also called “tics,” are involuntary and do not affect vision. Even […]
A Quick Peek at Eyeglass Lenses
Vision Basics: Refractive Errors In a healthy eye, the cornea is a clear dome-shaped window that allows light rays to pass through and focus on the retina behind it. Distortions in the cornea can cause light rays to bend (or refract) at odd angles and fail to achieve sharp focus; this is called refractive error. Eyeglass […]
Make April 2021 Your Month for Sports Eye Safety!
Do you know which sport is the leading cause of sports-related eye injuries in the United States? Answer: Basketball. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, eye injuries have cost the NBA $2.4 million in a single season! Eye injuries can – and do – happen when playing any sport. In fact, in 2018 more […]
In the Workplace: An Ounce of Prevention Keeps Eyes Safe!
March is Workplace Eye Safety Month, and your doctors at Atlantic Eye want to remind you that protecting your eyes from injury is one of the simplest things you can do to keep your vision healthy throughout your life. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 20,000 eye injuries occur in the workplace each […]
Eating healthier in 2021? Your eyes will thank you!
If your New Year’s resolutions include eating healthier, here’s another reason to put that at the top of your list: eating the right foods can help protect your vision as well as benefit your overall health. Research says that a vitamin-rich diet is linked to a lower risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and […]
See the New Year with Fresh Eyes!
If you’ve been putting off routine health screening exams due to Covid-19 restrictions, you’re not alone. But as we go into a new year, your Atlantic Eye ophthalmologists want to remind you that regular eye exams are vital to maintaining vision and reducing the chances of vision loss due to disease. A comprehensive eye exam […]
Are You the One in Ten?
About one out of every 10 people in the U.S. has diabetes, a disease that puts them at an increased risk of developing serious eye disease. If you or a loved one are diabetic or pre-diabetic, you may already be aware of the risks of diabetic eye disease. But studies have shown that sixty percent […]
Does your mask have you walking around in a fog?
We are committed to wearing masks to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus, but for eyeglass, sunglass, or safety goggle wearers, masks can cause the nuisance of foggy lenses. When warm breath escapes upward from under the mask, the cooler lens surface often mists up. But don’t ditch the mask – the American Academy of […]
Ask Your Ophthalmologist > How to Keep Your Aging Eyes Healthy
If you are in your 60s or older, you are probably becoming more concerned with how to maintain health and preserve function in body, mind – and not to forget the eyes. Normal aging of the eyes does not have to lead to low vision. Here are some tips for maintaining eye health as you […]
Screen Time and Your Child’s Vision
Fact: There is a world-wide epidemic of myopia, also known as nearsightedness. A new study offers evidence that at least part of the worldwide increase in nearsightedness has to do with near work activities with screens and also traditional books. And, that spending time outdoors—especially in early childhood—can slow the progression of nearsightedness. Fact: There […]
Don’t Let the Sun Damage Your Eyes – Remember Your Sunglasses!
Most of us remember to protect our skin from sunburn, but protecting our eyes from the damage done by ultraviolet light is just as important. Too much exposure to UV light raises your risk of cataracts, eye cancers, and other diseases of the eyes. By wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, you can enjoy the summer safely while […]
Eyes Irritated from Pollen Allergies?
Preventive Steps can Help Even as we cope with the Coronavirus threat, spring has sprung here in Monmouth County, and our trees and plants are blooming with gusto. We’ve also had strong winds to carry pollen and other particles into the eyes and noses of allergy sufferers. Unfortunately, more than 40 million Americans who struggle […]
March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month – Give Your Eyes a Break!
Whatever may be blowing on the March winds, our focus this month is on the indoor “digital” environment and how it affects our eyes. Our ever-increasing use of electronic devices for work and leisure activities can lead to eye complaints, including eye strain, dry eye, headaches, and insomnia. This month, our eye care team at Atlantic […]
Improving Dark Under-Eye Circles
By Ronald W Kristan, MD, FACS Dark under-eye circles can make us look tired, even sad or angry. A circle, crescent or indent in the lower lid area is often the focus of unhappiness with how our eyes appear. There are many causes of dark circles under the eyes, and the cause will determine treatment […]