Resources 

Protect Your Eyes Against UV Rays 

Anytime we go outside, especially here in sunny Southern California, we are exposed to UV rays. These UV rays can have certain benefits, but also some harmful effects.
UV rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. They have a wavelength slightly lower than that of light. What does that mean? Well, it means that you can’t really see them but they are soaking into your body.
These invisible rays do have some benefits, including:
  • Improves mood
  • Strengthens bones and muscles
  • Strengthens our immune system
  • Treats certain skin conditions, like psoriasis
  • Gives us a tan!

Unfortunately, too much of any good thing can have harmful effects, including:
  • Skin cancer
  • Wrinkling
  • Premature aging
  • Macular Degeneration
  • Cataracts
  • Pterygium
  • Cancers of the eyelids
It has been determined that about half the UV exposure we receive in our lifetime occurs before the age of 16, so children should be extra careful to wear protective sunglasses and use sunscreen whenever they are outside. What does this mean for you and your family? Very simply, that everyone should wear proper sunwear to avoid serious vision problems.
To be sure that your sunglasses offer proper UV protection, call or stop by the Temecula Eye Center, Optometry office. We’ll help you determine whether your current lenses are providing you with the protection you need.

​Protect Your Eyes Against Computer Vision Syndrome 

Do you sit in front of a computer all day? Do you play video games on a regular basis? Do you frequently shop online? You’re not alone! Most people spend an average of 8 hours a day looking at screens; more specifically, computer screens. Although you might not realize it while it’s happening, this can cause serious long-term side effects on your eyesight and vision. It’s called Computer Vision Syndrome.

This is why we want to help keep you protected from the long-term side effects of what most of us consider routine and normal.

Here are some easy ways to help maintain your vision and prevent unhealthy deterioration:
  • Get regular eye exams – at least once a year, especially if you use computers frequently.
  • Reduce glare by lowering overhead/outside light.
  • Blink more often. When people use computers, they blink an average of five times less than normal. Artificial tear drops can also be helpful.
  • Use the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes gaze at something 20 feet away for about 20 seconds.
  • Place materials that you are reading on a stand adjacent to the computer monitor to reduce eye movement.
  • Seek out professional computer glasses that will reduce glare and eyestrain.
These easy tips will help reduce your chances of developing Computer Vision Syndrome, keep
your vision clear, and your eyes healthy.

If you have any other questions on how to maintain your eye health or would like to schedule an appointment to get your eyes checked, click here or give us a call at
(951) 296-1822.

​Source: http://www.allaboutvision.com/cvs/irritated.htm

Are Contacts For You? 

The vast majority of people requiring vision correction can wear contact lenses without any problems. New materials and lens care technologies have made today’s contacts more comfortable, safer and easier to wear. Consider the questions and answers below to help assess whether they’re an option you should consider.

Contact lens wear may be difficult if:
  • Your eyes are severely irritated by allergies
  • You work in an environment with lots of dust or chemicals
  • You have an overactive thyroid, uncontrolled diabetes, or severe arthritis in your hands
  • Your eyes are overly dry due to pregnancy or medications you are taking

After a thorough eye examination, your suitability for contact lenses and the specific contact lens option that best meets your requirements will be determined.

What are the advantages of wearing contact lenses?
  • Better vision correction due to the reduced obstruction from eyeglass frames.
  • They provide excellent peripheral vision.
  • No fogging up.
  • No splattering during rain showers.
  • Less hassle, as they don’t get in the way during sports and other recreational activities.
  • Many wearers feel that contact lenses show their eyes in a better light or don’t like the appearance of eyeglasses.

What are the disadvantages?
  • Contact lenses require getting used to.
1. New soft lens wearers typically adjust to their lenses within a week.
2. Rigid lenses require a somewhat longer adjustment period.