What’s New?

It’s February and that means we’re smack in the middle of winter, which is also the middle of the school year. It’s the season when kids fervently hope for snow days and parents hope they don’t happen. As we head towards the second half of the school year, you’ve probably...

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma, a silent eye disease, is the most common form of irreversible blindness in the world. It is actually a group of diseases that causes progressive damage to the optic nerve.  Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that can lead to...

Each year during the month of January we recognize World Braille Day which gives us the opportunity to take a moment and appreciate the incredible gift that Braille has given to those who are blind or suffer from vision loss.  What is Braille? Braille is a tactile representation of letters...

Nerf Guns: Popular, Projectile... Safe? With the newest Nerf guns and blasters reigning at the top of lists for the most popular toys this holiday season, many parents are excited to surprise their kids (or their spouses) with these coveted toy weapons. There is, in fact a whole culture behind these...

Dry eyes is one of the most common complaints eye doctors get from patients during the winter season, especially in the cooler climates. That’s why we’d like to share some tips on how to relieve dry eye discomfort, and how to know when your condition is serious enough to come...

Diabetes is becoming much more prevalent around the globe. According to the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 425 million adults were living with diabetes in the year 2017 and 352 million more people were at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. By 2045 the number of people diagnosed is expected to...

Brush Up Before You Dress Up Halloween is one of the most fun times of the year for children and adults alike. When else do you get to dress up as anyone (or anything) you want, socialize with friends and eat lots of treats? Nevertheless, lurking behind those costumes and...

Regular exercise is an essential component of overall health and wellness. It is proven that exercise reduces sickness and disease; it increases strength, immunity, and mental health; and it also helps regulate bodily functions and maintain a healthy weight. Research shows that exercise can lower our risk of chronic conditions...

Keeping your children safe from damaging their eyes Whether it is homework, email, gaming, chatting with friends, searching the web or watching Youtube, kids these days seem to have an endless number of reasons to be glued to a screen. Many parents out there are wondering how bad this can...

Getting old doesn’t have to be synonymous with vision loss. There is a lot you can do to keep your eyes and vision healthy and prevent age related eye disease and vision loss, especially if you start early. Keeping your eyes healthy and strong may require some lifestyle changes, but...

What Is Progressive Myopia? Nearsightedness or myopia is one of the most prevalent eye disorders worldwide and its incidence is increasing. In fact by 2050, myopia is projected to affect half of the world’s population! Many children diagnosed with nearsightedness (myopia) experience a consistent worsening of their vision as they...

An online eye test may seem like a convenient way to check your vision or get an eyeglass prescription but beware, these tests aren’t all they are chocked up to be. In fact, they may even be dangerous.  What is an online eye test really testing?  An online eye test...

Healthy eyes and good vision are essential for your child’s growth and development. In fact, learning is 80% visual, which means a child’s success in school, athletics and many other aspects of life can be impacted by poor vision. Good vision goes beyond how far you can see, and also...

It’s almost back to school time for college students and whether this is your first time away from home or you are already a pro, you want to be prepared with as much knowledge as possible to live safely on your own. This knowledge includes eye and vision safety, as...

While it may seem like a harmless action, rubbing your eyes can actually cause a lot of damage. There are a number of different reasons that people rub their eyes and for the most part, it does more harm than good. While rubbing your eyes might feel really good in...

Migraine Awareness Month: An ocular migraine is any migraine headache that involves a visual disturbance such as flashes of light, seeing stars or zigzags or the appearance of blind spots in the visual field. Ocular migraines can interfere with your ability to go about your daily tasks such as driving,...

Sure, sunglasses might add the final touches to your chic ensemble, but the real reason to purchase your shades is to protect your eyes from the sun. Not only does glare from the sun make it difficult to see, but the UV rays it reflects can cause permanent damage to...

Vision is a critical component to succeed as an athlete and this doesn’t just mean having 20/20 vision. There are a number of visual processes that are involved in optimal sports performance, whether you are playing a weekly little league game or competing in professional sports.   The eyes and the...

While we all know that regular eye exams can help detect warning signs of disease and prevent vision loss, many people fail to seek medical attention when there is an acute problem with the eye. In fact, only about half of Americans that are at risk for serious vision loss...

April is Women’s Eye Health Month in the USA and May is Healthy Vision month in Canada too, so let’s take the opportunity to look at some tips for maintaining eye and vision health, with a special focus on women.  Statistically, women are more at risk than men for eye...

If you want strong, healthy eyes and clear vision for life, a major step you can take is to protect your eyes from UV radiation.  Wearing proper eye protection from the sun reduces the risk of a number of eye diseases and other conditions that are caused or worsened by...

We all experience the occasional eyelid twitch, which is when the muscle of the eyelid spasms involuntarily. Usually, it comes and goes without intervention and while sure, it can be irritating, is a twitching eyelid ever something to be concerned about? An eyelid twitch, also known as a myokymia, can...

Infant Eyesight Despite nine months of growth in utero, babies are not born with fully developed eyes and vision - just like they can't walk or talk yet. Over the first few months of life, their visual systems continue to progress, stimulated by their surroundings. Babies will develop the ability...

It’s that time of the year again. Each February, the optometric community bands together to create awareness about age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a leading cause of vision loss for people 50 years and older; early detection plays a key role in the outcome of the disease. That’s why...

At this time of year when the sun sets early, many people are affected by night blindness. Night blindness or nyctalopia refers to difficulty seeing at night or in poor or dim lighting situations. It can be caused by a number of underlying conditions, sometimes completely benign and sometimes as a...

It’s that time of year again. January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time set aside each year to create awareness about this potentially devastating disease. The reason awareness about glaucoma is so important is because as its nickname, The Sneak Thief of Sight, describes, the disease often causes permanent...

While most people have sunglasses high on their packing list for a tropical vacation, many people don’t consider it as much of a priority for colder climate getaways. But they should, and here’s why: Wintertime vacations often include activities that involve snow and ice and in general, conditions that can...

As the season to deck the halls arrives, make sure that you aren’t one of the many people who find themselves celebrating in the urgent care clinic due to an eye injury. The holidays present many opportunities for potential eye injury so it’s important to be aware and proceed with...

The New Year is coming and many people include healthier eating and exercise in their resolutions for the year ahead. Well other than weight loss and overall health and disease-prevention, a healthy diet and regular exercise can protect your eyes and your vision. In particular, there are certain vitamins and...

November 14th is World Diabetes Day. This year, the theme of World Diabetes Day is women and diabetes - our right to a healthy future. The goal of this campaign is to promote awareness of the importance of equal and affordable access for all women, whether they are at risk...

October is World Blindness Awareness Month, an initiative started to help the public to understand the realities of visual impairment and how it affects the world population. Unfortunately, there are hundreds of millions of individuals around the world who are unnecessarily blind or visually impaired due to causes that are...

October has arrived and that means many people are already starting to plan for upcoming costume parties and trick-or-treating for the Halloween season. This is why now is the time to remind the public about some very important precautions about eye safety since there are some common costume props and...

Every good pair of eyes eventually gets old and with age comes a condition called presbyopia. Presbyopia, which usually begins to set in some time around 40, occurs when the lens of the eye begins to stiffen, making near vision (such as reading books, menus, and computer screens) blurry. You...

Even if you don’t have any eye or vision problems, the natural process of aging affects your ability to see and react to visual stimuli. It’s important to know the impact the aging can have on your eyes and vision so you can take the necessary precautions to stay safe...

Many teens who wear glasses are eager to try out contact lenses for convenience, fashion or to just provide another option for vision correction.

Our Dry Eye Specialists Explain Causes of Dry Eyes Are you always rubbing your eyes or blinking constantly to spread more moisture across the surface? Dry eyes can be extremely irritating, even painful for some people. Inadequate lubrication may cause sore eyes, redness, an inability to wear contact lenses and...

What’s it like to be color blind? Contrary to what the name implies, color blindness usually does not actually mean that you don’t see any color, but rather that you have difficulty perceiving or distinguishing between certain colors. This is why many prefer the term color vision deficiency or CVD...

On August 21st, for the first time since 1979, a solar eclipse will be visible across North America. What's even more historic is that it will also be the first time an eclipse will be visible across the continent, from coast to coast, since 1918. If you want to bear...

Light sensitivity, also known as photophobia, is a condition in which bright light - either natural sunlight or artificial light -  can cause significant discomfort, pain and intolerance. People that experience light sensitivity will find themselves needing to close their eyes or squint when exposed to light and often experience...

What Exactly Is a Black Eye? A black eye, also known as a periorbital hematoma, is usually not an injury of the actual eye (which is why it is called “periorbital”- around the eye). It typically occurs when there is an injury to the face or the eye socket which...

It's National Cataract Awareness Month According to the World Health Organization, cataracts are responsible for 51% of cases of blindness worldwide - although this blindness is preventable with treatment. In fact, research shows that in industrialized countries about 50% of individuals over the age of 70 have had a cataract...

You Don’t Have to Live With Dry Eyes Have you noticed that your eyes feel chronically dry, itchy, scratchy or even sometimes watery? Many people that have these symptoms just go on with their lives until the symptoms become unbearable. What they don’t realize is that these are signs that...

Eye Doctors Weigh In: How Smoking Can Harm Your Vision & Eye Health We all know that smoking is bad for you, especially the risks that it poses to your heart and lungs. What many people do not know is that cigarette smoke negatively affects your eyes and vision too. Smoking...

In honor of Sjogren’s Awareness month, eye care providers are helping to spread the word to increase awareness about this hard-to-diagnose disease. Sjogren’s is a systemic autoimmune disorder that can affect the whole body. One of the primary symptoms is excessive dryness particularly in the eyes and mouth. Other serious...

Hey women! Did you know that women are more likely to suffer from vision problems and are at higher risk of permanent vision loss than men? Well 91% of the women surveyed recently didn’t know that, which means that many of them aren’t taking the necessary precautions to prevent eye...

There is nothing worse than a dirty spot on your glasses - well except perhaps many dirty spots or smudges. When that happens, most of us are tempted to grab the corner of our shirt and wipe it off, but resist the temptation - this is actually not a good...

It is not uncommon to experience exceedingly dry eyes after long periods of travel in the air. The temperature- and pressure-controlled cabin of an airplane creates a very dry environment that can easily take its toll on your eyes. Fortunately, eye doctors have outlined a number of steps that a...

Workplace Eye Safety Month Blue light. Do you know what it is? Do you know where it comes from, or how it can be harmful to your eyes? If you don’t know the answers to these questions, you are not alone, yet it is important that you become aware to...

Red eye and dry eye syndrome are quite easily confused. Both conditions include itchy, red and dry-feeling eyes. A person who has dry eye syndrome will often think that their red, dry, itchy eyes are nothing more than something minor, like allergies, and live a long time with the severe...

Eye color is a hereditary trait that depends on the genes of both parents, as well as a little bit of mystery. The color of the eye is based on the pigments in the iris, which is a colored ring of muscle located at the center of the eye (around...

Age-related macular degeneration is a serious condition that can threaten your vision and general well-being. Characterized by the deterioration of the central area of the retina called the macula which is responsible for focused vision, the disease gradually reduces your central vision. This affects the ability to see fine details,...

Your toddler may show every sign of good eyesight including the ability to see objects in the distance, however that doesn't necessarily mean that he or she doesn’t have a vision problem.

Make your resolution for healthy vision this year with increased awareness of the leading cause of blindness worldwide.

This is the one way you can be sure that you or your child’s eyes are truly safe during Nerf shooting:

Despite the fact that it is one of the most common eye problems, a surprisingly large percentage of patients are not aware of it.

Chances are it affects you or someone you know. November has been dedicated as a time to spread awareness about the disease, its risk factors and the effects it has on your body, your daily life and the lives of your loved ones.

Red, itchy, watery eyes and swollen eyelids (along with sneezing, congestion or a runny nose)...

Most people wouldn’t consider contact lenses dangerous. In fact, they are a great alternative to glasses, offering convenience and great vision for those who wear them. However, when not obtained and used according to an eye doctor’s instructions, the consequences can be devastating.   Contact Lenses Need to Fit Like...

90%! That’s the number of sports eye injuries that studies show can be prevented using proper eye protection.  Yet most sports leagues don’t require protective eyewear as part of their uniform or safety requirements.  This leaves it up to athletes, parents and coaches to ensure that proper measures are taken...

It is important to teach your children about eye health and safety from a young age.  This includes awareness about how your overall health habits affect your eyes and vision as well as how to keep your eyes safe from injury and infection.  Starting off with good eye habits at...

Since studies show that learning is 80% visual, children with untreated vision problems can really suffer when it comes to school. Most people think that good “vision” means 20/20 acuity but in reality, vision is much more complex.  Your brain is actually what completes the processing of the visual world...

We have all seen the futuristic thrillers that use high-tech eye scanning identification systems but nowadays the technology does exist to use them in real life. A greater number of high security establishments have begun to use iris recognition for identification and security systems.   How does it work? The...

There have been a lot of videos going viral lately of color blind people “seeing color” for the first time using specialized glasses. The emotional reactions of amazement, shock and joy even lead some to break down into tears. The glasses provide these individuals a way to view the world...

Whether it is the sea, the sand, the sun or the softball field, summer brings people outside and this creates exposure to a multitude of potential dangers to the eyes.  One risk that is possibly the least obvious is the swimming pool. Swimming pools are the culprit for multitudes of...

After the age of 50 most people will eventually be diagnosed with cataracts. Cataracts are when the natural crystalline lens of the eyes become clouded, causing vision impairment that can not be corrected by glasses or contact lenses. While commonly an age-related condition, occasionally there are infants born with a...

According to the Vision Council’s 2016 UV (Ultraviolet Radiation) Protection report, parents are more likely to wear sunglasses (56%) than their children (only 29%!). Yet children, who spend much more time outside, are typically exposed to three times the amount of sunlight and UV radiation that adults get. This early...

UV Awareness Month: This article might scare you, and we hope it does - just enough to motivate you to wear proper eye protection against the sun. Most people are aware of the dangers ultraviolet (UV)  light from the sun pose to your skin, while the long-term effects of sun...

A stye (known by eye doctors as a hordeolum) is an infection of an oil gland which forms a pimple-like bump on the base of the eyelid or within the eyelid itself. Styes can be uncomfortable, causing swelling, pain, redness, discomfort and sometimes excessive tearing or blurred vision if it...

Along with congestion, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, headaches and difficulty breathing, individuals with allergies often suffer from eye allergies or allergic conjunctivitis resulting in red, watery, itchy and sometimes swollen eyes. Just as irritants cause an allergic response in your nasal and respiratory system, your eyes also react with an...

If you are over 40 and have difficulty seeing close up, you probably have a common age-related condition called presbyopia which is when the eye’s natural lens loses the ability to focus on close objects. Presbyopia is a natural process that occurs as the eye ages and affects the majority of...

Macular degeneration is a potentially sight threatening eye condition affecting the small area of the retina, that is involved with both central and detail vision. This area is known as the macula. As this critical area of the retina begins to deteriorate, the associated loss of central and detail vision...

When people think of workplace dangers to the eyes, it is usually machinery, chemicals or construction materials that come to mind.  However, a growing danger to the eyes is one that may be less obvious - exposure to blue light from digital devices, television and computer screens and artificial lighting....

Whether you are looking for regular prescription glasses, sunwear or protective sports eyewear, it can be tough choosing the best eyewear for children and teens. On the one hand, they need to be comfortable and provide the optimal fit for improved vision and protection. At the same time, they also...

February is AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month in the United States, and it’s White Cane Week in Canada. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in adults aged 50 and older. Awareness about the disease, the risk factors and prevention are critical, even for younger...

This year, make healthy eyes and vision your resolution. Find out if you or a loved one is at risk for glaucoma, and take steps for prevention. Glaucoma is a leading cause of preventable vision loss and blindness in adults in the United States and Canada and the second leading...

Here are some helpful and time saving tips before your appointment: If you are a new patient, please fill out the online patient information form: Click Here. What to bring with you to the exam: 1. Your medical insurance card (it is different than vision insurance) - Some procedures are...

Refractive errors including myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia.

Clinic for Vision will present two seminars of interest in early 2016. Both will be at Clinic for Vision PC, 418 Martling Road, Albertville AL 35951. Seating is limited, reservations are encouraged. Refreshments will be served. The seminars are free of charge. Please register by phone or by email at appointments@clinicforvision.com....

Photos from the Clinic for Vision Holiday Party Ornament Swap - Dec 16, 2015.    ...

‘Tis the season for giving, and parents, grandparents, family and friends need to know how to choose toys and games that protect children’s health and eyesight.

Have you ever thought about how vision works? It's an incredible system and process!

Please note our holiday hours in November and December: Holiday closings: Christmas - December 24 and 25 New Years - Dec 31 and January 1 Have a family member or friend who is hard to buy for? How about a gift certificate from Clinic for Vision! Our gift certificates can be for...

Prevention and treatment for eye complications associated with Diabetes

Beware this Halloween and think before you blink (in decorative contact lenses that is)! Sure, decorative contact lenses can enhance any Halloween costume, but if not taken seriously, they can also cost you your vision. Whether they are sold as cosmetic lenses, colored lenses or fashion lenses, they are anything...

Q. Will my insurance cover my examination? A. Yes, provided you are currently eligible for an examination. Most insurances have limits on how often you may use their benefits. You may be required to pay a copay or a deductible out of pocket.   Q. How do I know what...

Home Eye Injury Awareness and Prevention

Seeing the world around you through healthy eyes and clear vision is often considered to be one of the pillars of great quality of life. Unfortunately, in some cases, either because of age, genetics, injury or a combination of these factors, a person may suffer from any number of eye...

Macular degeneration is an extremely dangerous eye condition that affects the small area of your retina, known as the macula, that is involved with both central and detail vision. Deterioration of this critical area of the eye, with the associated loss of your central and detail vision, can make close-up...

Over the centuries there have been a lot of old-wives tales circulating about eyes and vision. You know, like the one that if someone hits you on the back while your eyes are crossed they will stay that way. Unlike this example, some of these myths do have roots in...

There are thousands of eye injuries a year related to sports. According to the National Eye Institute eye injuries are the leading cause of blindness in children in North America and most injuries occurring in school-aged children are sports-related. Further 99% of sports-related eye injuries can be prevented simply by...

The hormonal fluctuations experienced during pregnancy can cause many unexpected changes in your body, including your eyes and vision. Most of these changes are temporary and will return to normal once you give birth.  It’s important to know which vision changes are normal for an expecting mother and which could...

Annidis Imaging System What is the Annidis RHA™? The Annidis RHA™ system combines advanced Multi-Spectral Imaging (MSI) technology with multi-image software processing for early detection of ocular pathologies such as age related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Origin of the RHA™ The RHA™ was developed to provide eye care...

A baby’s visual system develops gradually over the first few months of life. They have to learn to focus and move their eyes, and use them together as a team.  The brain also needs to learn how to process the visual information from the eyes to understand and interact with...

There is a lot more that goes into finding the right pair of sunglasses than just fit and fashion.  While it’s important to look and feel great in your shades, sunglasses also have the very important job of properly protecting your eyes from the sun.  Here are a few facts...

Cataracts are a leading cause of vision loss in the United States and Canada. Here are 6 things you need to know. 1. Chances are you will develop a cataract!  Cataracts are considered part of the natural aging process so if you live long enough, you will likely eventually develop...

Independence Day may have passed but fireworks season is still in full swing and fireworks-related injury and death is a real and serious danger.  According to the 2014 Annual Fireworks Report, compiled by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission there were at least 11 deaths and 10,500 injuries due to...

  Your child's education is very important. His/her success or failure in this most important part of life will effect him/her from childhood into adulthood. If your child is falling behind, it is important to understand the proper way to help. Dr. Nichols of Clinic for Vision in Albertville, AL explains,...

Here are some helpful and time saving tips before your appointment: If you are a new patient, please fill out the online patient information form: Click Here. What to bring with you to the exam: 1. Your medical insurance card (it is different than vision insurance) -  Some procedures are...

Your eyes are constantly at work for you, playing a vital role as you navigate through each day. As May is healthy vision month, here are some things to keep in mind: Know your genes While your eyes may be the same color as your father’s eyes, you may have...

Contact lens overuse is an increasingly common eye condition that has significant potential to do serious damage to your eyes, and lead to major eye and vision issues in the future. Dr. Nicols of Clinic for Vision in Albertville, AL comments “Contact lenses represent a great way to enhance how you...

According to Women’sEyeHealth.org, ⅔ of blindness and visual impairment occurs in women. Additionally, an estimated 75% of visual impairment is preventable or correctable with proper education and care. With the increased risks for women it’s critical for women to know about the risks and prevention to effectively protect their eyes...

The Dangers of Blue Light and What You Can Do   We are privileged to live in an advanced age at the turn of the 21st century. Electronic devices are everywhere in our world today and make our everyday interactions with the world around us ever easier, safer and more...

Diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to properly use and store glucose, a form of sugar meant to be used by the body for energy to perform various bodily functions. As a result, this sugar accumulates in the bloodstream and causes one’s blood sugar level to...

Spring is in the air. But along with the beauty of the blooming flowers and budding trees, comes allergy season. The high pollen count and allergens floating in the fresh spring air can certainly wreak havoc on the comfort level of those suffering from allergies, causing an otherwise nature-loving individual...

Last week, people in South America, Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia and the Middle East saw a solar eclipse. As you may have heard, looking directly at a solar eclipse is very dangerous for your eyes and vision. Nevertheless, this rare event is something that many people want...

A diabetes diagnosis can be a very heavy burden. Suddenly, you have to track your diet closer than ever, totally rethink your previous lifestyle, and check your blood sugar several times a day. A person with diabetes should be aware of what he/she eats, how much, and when. This will...

March is Save Your Vision Month, a time to raise public awareness about how to protect your eyes and your vision. Most people aren’t aware that 75% of potential vision loss can be prevented or treated. This largely depends on patients being proactive and educated about their eye health. Here...

Digital devices have impacted our world in so many positive ways, allowing us to connect, work, play and get information at the speed of light. But all of this good brings with it a measure of concern: Digital Eye Strain or Computer Vision Syndrome. Focusing on your vision on digital...

Macular degeneration is an eye condition that causes damage as a result of deterioration of the the part of your retina that provides central and detail vision, called the macula. This can potentially do a great deal of harm to your central and detail vision, making everyday tasks such as...

February is Low Vision and Age-Related Macular Degeneration awareness month. Low vision describes a set of conditions in which there is significant visual impairment which can not be corrected with traditional means such as glasses, contact lenses, medication or eye surgery.   Low vision includes a loss of visual acuity which...

Diabetes is a serious condition that affects many thousands of people every year across the globe. Diabetics suffer from unhealthy blood sugar levels either as a result of the body's inability to produce a sufficient amount of insulin or to properly absorb the insulin that the body is able to...

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month.  Glaucoma is a serious, vision threatening disease. You can save your eyesight, by knowing the facts. Are you at risk of developing glaucoma? The short answer is yes. Anyone can get glaucoma and because of this it is important for every person, young and old...

Glaucoma is an unfortunately common and serious eye condition in which your optic nerve, which feeds visual information to the brain, is damaged. This happens as a result of rising inner eye fluid pressure, called intraocular pressure. Dr. Timothy Nichols of Clinic for Vision PC in Albertville, Alabama advises, “...

It’s that time of year again…coughs, sneezing, running noses and itchy, red eyes.  How do you know when an eye irritation is something that needs medical attention? First of all, any time an eye infection is accompanied by fever, excessive discharge or pain, you should see your eye doctor immediately....

One of the most common patient complaints during the winter months is dry eyes. In the cooler climates, cold winds and dry air, coupled with dry indoor heating can be a recipe for eye discomfort.  Dryness and irritation can be particularly debilitating for those who wear contact lenses or suffer...

Winter break is in a few weeks and, with college students finding their way home for the holidays, it is a good time for parents to check in and make sure their independent kids are taking care of themselves properly.Vision plays a key role in learning as well as extra-curricular activities...

November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month. Do you know the facts?

Being diagnosed with diabetes can be a life-changing experience. Decisions about what food you eat, when to eat it, and how much, begin to affect you in ways they didn't previously and you have to be aware of your blood sugar level and blood pressure at all times. You also...

You may have experienced this before. Out of nowhere, your eyelid starts twitching uncontrollably. While this can be a cause of aggravation, eyelid twitches, spasms or tics are actually quite common. Here are 7 things you should know about this eye condition: Eye twitches are generally caused by a repetitive,...

October is 'Eye Injury Prevention Month' in the USA and 'Eye Health Month' in Canada. There are about 285 million people living with blindness and low vision all around the world. Children account for some 19 million of them. The vast majority of visual impairment is readily treatable and/or preventable....

The World Sight Day Challenge, slated to take place on October 9, 2014 is an annual awareness day that aims to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment worldwide. The day aims to create awareness that blindness can be avoided if there is universal access to quality vision and...

The new school year has kicked off and you can tick off purchasing all that back to school equipment. Now, it's time to think about what your child will need for after school sports and hobby activities. Making sure they have the right protective eyewear for their sporting or athletic...

A futuristic, yet simplistic, eye implant paired with a smartphone app may change the way eye doctors treat glaucoma.

School is starting: Do you know how to set up your child’s homework and reading spot? Reading and writing are some of the most fundamental skills that your child to facilitate learning in school, so it is important to make sure that your child's eyes are comfortable when they are...

What happens during an Eye Exam for Children? Although their eyes are usually healthy, childrens’ eyes and eye health should be evaluated at least every year or two to rule out any eyesight problems or eye conditions. Vision problems can impact learning, especially during the formative school years, and an...

Summer vacation is well under way, but did you know that even when your child is out of the classroom, vision problems can have an impact on his/her daily activities? Look out for these 4 warning signs during the summer months – they could be a sign of vision difficulties...

Eye floaters are actually more common that you may think. Many people notice specks or cobweb-like images moving around in their line of vision, at some point. Some even report experiencing a "snow globe effect" as if they are swatting at many imaginary bugs. Floaters may be an annoyance, but...

Stop by and See Us at the Albertville Main Street Music Festival August 8-9

We spoke with Dr. Timothy Nichols of Clinic for Vision in Albertville, AL to find out more about this eye health issue What does the diagnosis of AMD mean exactly? AMD stands for age related macular degeneration. This is an inherited condition that affects the macula, the part of our...

We spoke with Dr. Rich McCurdy of Clinic for Vision in Albertville, AL to find out more about this eye health problem What happens in your eye during a retinal detachment? During a retinal detachment, the inner lining of the eyeball which is made of very thin neural tissue separates...

Cataracts affect millions of people nationwide and as the population continues to age, the numbers keep increasing. The good news is, cataracts are often manageable and treatable. As June is Cataract Awareness Month, here are some facts you should know to help you recognize cataracts and prevent permanent vision loss. ...

Have you ever wondered what your eyes do when you finally close them after a long day of visual processing and stimulation? Let's take a closer look at what happens behind your closed lids when your head hits the pillow. Firstly, once your eyes are closed, they do continue to...

The heat of long summer days is nearly upon us. As the sun's rays intensify and people spend more time outdoors in the sunshine it is very important to be aware of the potential damage exposure to the sun can have on your eyes. May is UV Awareness month. Here...

It can be devastating for a tween or teen to be told he or she needs to wear glasses, especially if it is sudden. Many tweens and teenagers are concerned about how glasses will affect their appearance, whether they will be made fun of (which unfortunately is a legitimate concern...

Spring is on the way. Soon the sun will be shining, the flowers blooming and allergy season will be upon us. If you have allergies, your eyes are often affected by the high pollen count along with other allergens floating in the fresh spring air. Tree pollens in April and...

Your eyes communicate much more than you may realize, in fact they play a huge role in your non-verbal communication. Consciously or not, the way you move your eyes, look at someone, blink or make eye contact can say a lot about what you are thinking and feeling. Here's a...

There are so many people who spend hours a day, if not most of the day working on a computer or mobile device. They usually do so without taking notice of the effect this has on their bodies. Using a computer or handheld device for extended amounts of time can...

It's been said that your eyes are the window to your soul. Well, research is showing that your eyes are a window to a lot more than your thoughts and emotions; it can be an indicator of your overall health.  A study by UnitedHealthcare entitled, “Impact of Eye Exams in...

February is low vision awareness month. Low vision is a condition in which an individual suffers significant vision loss that can't be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, medication or surgery. Low vision can affect both children and adults, but is more common in the elderly, and requires significant adjustments...

Your child's first pair of glasses will make an important difference in his or her ability to see and interact with the surrounding world. However, a new pair of glasses can also present a big adjustment for both parents and kids as you get used to a new look and...

7 Facts You Should Know About Glaucoma Glaucoma, which refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, is often called 'the silent thief of sight'. This nickname evolved because the disease creeps up unnoticed in its early stages, causing no pain and few, if any symptoms....

The New Year is a time to start fresh and renew our commitment to health, happiness and success. It’s important to include eye and vision health and safety in these resolutions. Here are the top six ways you can make your eyes and vision a priority this year. Schedule a...

The holiday season is on our doorstep. With technology so much a part of our lives, the easy go-to gifts for kids often include an enormous array of hand-held video devices and home gaming systems. Did you know that after extensive use these games can be harmful to children’s eyes...

  Diabetes affects people of all ages, races and genders.  An estimated 25.8 million Americans or 8.3 percent of the population suffer from the disease, according to data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2011. In fact, diabetic eye disease is the leading cause of new...

If you wear contact lenses, you probably know the hygiene routine you should follow when removing your lenses: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them on a clean, lint free cloth. Remove the lens from your eye and clean the lens immediately (if you wear multi-use...

Did you forget to put on your sunglasses today? Are you constantly sitting in front of a computer screen without taking breaks to look away? Maybe you also skipped your yearly eye exam, again. These are just some of the things we tend to overlook when it comes to our...

As Halloween approaches and costume planning gets more serious, many consider the use of novelty or costume contact lenses as a way to add that extra flair. Whether you are dressing up as a cat, a vampire, or looking for something fun that glows in the dark, dressing up your...

Many travelers experience dry eyes after extended travel by air. The dry environment of a temperature- and pressure-controlled air plane cabin can take its toll on your eyes. The good news is there are a number of steps you can take to reduce the uncomfortable symptoms associated with travelers’ dry...

Just because the summer is coming to an end, doesn’t mean that we have to say goodbye to the swimming pool. Whether it means a nice refreshing dip on a warm fall afternoon or a winter swim in an indoor pool, swimming is a great activity for both fun and...

The use of technology has become commonplace in the classroom. So much so that today’s generation of students, from kindergarten to university, navigates computers, smartphones and tablets all the time.  Many schools have even implemented the use of smart boards and bring your own device (BOYD) programs. However, as amazing...

For adults over the age of 65, the right pair of vision correcting glasses can literally be a life saver. Seniors aged 65 and up are at increased risk of falling, which is the leading cause of injury, injury-related death, and hospitalization for this age group. According to the Centers...

The first weekend of August (August 3rd and 4th) has been marked as the 2nd annual Great Glasses Play Day. The event, which first launched in 2012 was created for parents, eye care professionals, educators and children who wear glasses or have other vision challenges to celebrate and create awareness...

To ensure that your eyes remain healthy, it is essential to protect them from injury and to take proper care measures if an injury has occurred. As July is Eye Injury Prevention Month, here are a number of practical first aid tips to remember if you or anyone you know...

Eye charts of different variations have become a standard in vision screenings and eye exams. One of the most familiar charts associated with vision is the Snellen eye chart, designed by Dutch ophthalmologist Hermann Snellen in 1862 to measure visual acuity- how well you can see at various distances. Although...

Cataracts, one of the most common causes of blindness, develop when the lens of the eye, located behind the iris and pupil, becomes opaque or cloudy. A cataract can result in loss of vision as it prevents light from passing into your eye and focusing on the retina. While cataracts...

Did you know that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness among adults aged 50 and above? AMD occurs when the part of the retina responsible for your sharp central vision, the macula, begins to deteriorate. Central vision is the visual field...

Do your sunglasses have what it takes to protect your eyes? As the summer heats up and people spend more time outdoors, it is very important to wear UV blocking eyewear to protect against exposure to ultraviolet rays that can cause damage to your eyes. Damage caused by UV from...

You are invited to attend Clinic for Vision's patient appreciation day.  Saturday June 15th from 9am to 12 pm.  Kick off your summer with a new pair of sunglasses.  We are offering $25 off any non prescription pair of sunglasses, or $50 off any prescription pair on the day of...

Women's eyes are regularly exposed to potential irritants through the use of cosmetics. As eye shadow, mascara and eye liner can breed unseen dirt and bacteria, it is vital to ensure that the products you use to apply and remove your makeup are hygienic to prevent irritation that can cause...

Did you know that your dietary choices have an impact on your eye health and vision? Opting for appetizing food that at the same time provides you with all the nutrients that are essential for preserving your vision, is taking a major step towards minimizing the risk of eye disease...

Spring is right around the corner, as the winter begins to wind down and the fresh, warmer air begins to rear its head. Unfortunately for many, it's often hard to enjoy nature's blooming beauty as the warmer weather also brings about the onset of itchy, watery eyes that come with...

We all know how frustrating it can be trying to see clearly through a smudged pair of glasses; clean lenses can really make a world of difference. While it may not be something that you pay much attention to, the way you clean your lenses can also make a difference,...

Dry eyes are a common problem for many individuals particularly during the winter months when exposure to dry air and whipping wind is increased. However, if you are suffering from dry eyes that just won't go away, you may have what is known as Dry Eye Syndrome - a condition...

Ski Goggles are an essential part of proper eye protection when participating in winter sports. In order to choose the best winter sports eyewear for your needs it is first important to know what risks are in the first place. UV protection UV danger is just as much a problem...

Unfortunately, diabetes is all too common. So many people aren't aware of how just much it can affect patients. For example, diabetes increases the likelihood of ending up with a number of eye-related diseases. Generally, these include glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts, and also a number of other conditions that,...

Do you know why your eye exam can be a factor in diagnosing diabetes? The increased glucose levels that are the essence of the disease can cause damage to your eyes in a couple of ways. The threat of damage to your eyes is increased when diabetes is not treated....

 For a long time many individuals who have vision problems have turned to contacts to help their eyesight. However with all the new advances in both lenses and frames, eyeglasses have become really popular again. Not only do many people find eyeglasses more comfortable to wear than contacts but they...

Sometimes, particularly when performing an eye exam on a small child the eye doctor will direct a light in the eyes. But what does this do? Such as test is used to help determine the refractive error of your eye, and it's known as a retinoscopy exam. Whether you're near...

Have a look around- you are likely to realize that almost everyone is texting, playing on, surfing and even working from their mobile devices. Smart phones, tablets and handheld devices ensure our access to our friends, family and work no matter where we find ourselves. Nevertheless most people hold their...

A lot of people begin to notice problems with close vision during their 40s. This is known as presbyopia. But, this doesn't mean that those who already wear prescription eyeglasses for nearsightedness need to own two pairs of glasses. This is because of multifocal lenses, which correct both problems, making...

Are you concerned that your child has a lazy eye? It forms when the brain switches off or suppresses vision in one eye. This might occur if a child struggles to see properly through one eye due to issues with distance vision, and in some cases, astigmatism. Usually, an eye...

If you've got an eye exam coming up, there are ways to be extra ready for it. There are a few things you should let us know about to help make sure your exam is a useful one. Because your eyes can be affected by seemingly unrelated changes to your...

  You wake from a dream in the middle of the night, or you're looking for the light switch or door in a dark room. These sorts of things happen to us all the time. It takes a couple of minutes for your vision to return. This process, ''dark adaptation,''...

Unfortunately, having difficulty reading is an extremely common occurrence in middle aged people. But why is this so? With age, your eye's lens grows more and more inflexible, decreasing your ability to focus on handheld objects. The clinical term for this is presbyopia. And, it's something that affects all of...

Buying the best toys with eye safety in mind is something all parents worry about. How can parents make sure they choose toys that keep kids' eyes in mind? Babies are born with a partially developed visual system which forms throughout their early years with the right stimulation. There aren't...

It's been a great summer and it's hard to believe it's almost over. Parents all over are making sure their children have everything they need for the upcoming school year. And if you haven't already done it, it's also an optimal chance to take your son or daughter in for...

Many children are diagnosed with learning or behavioral disabilities when in truth, that's not the issue at all. It's important to be aware that the child might be one of many kids who have a particular condition that creates an obstacle in the way of learning, which eye doctors call...

It's safe to assume that you've stumbled upon the expressions twenty-twenty vision and visual acuity. As common as these terms may be, do you really grasp their meaning? Really understanding what they imply will give you insight into how an eye specialist assesses your eyes in an eye exam. The...

How would you like an updated look for your eyes? FreshLook® provides a large palette of colored contact lenses, which let you subtly boost or radically alter the color of your eyes. This great line of contact lenses has such an extensive amount of options, that you'll be sure to...

Have you noticed that you might be suffering from inflamed eyelids, also referred to as blepharitis? It's a commonly occurring eyelid inflammation, often associated with a bacterial eye infection, some types of skin conditions, like acne, or dry eyes. Usually, symptoms include redness, itching, burning, the feeling of a gritty...

Are you someone who leaves your soft contact lenses in for an extra few days? We don't need to tell you that so many things are in in top form when they're fresh. Well, the same idea can be used to understand the importance of changing your lenses. There is...

In the United States, this month is Cataract Awareness Month. Did you know that cataracts are the main culprit of vision loss among patients who are over 55 years old? Actually, more than fifty percent of those aged 65 and older have some degree of cataract development. As stated by...

Everyone is regularly exposed to UV rays. Even though this is the case, the possible dangers related to many years of exposure to these harmful rays are rarely thought through, and most people take little action to guard their eyes, even if they're planning on being exposed to the sun...

It's May, and that means that it's Healthy Vision Month. When did you last have a comprehensive eye exam? Getting your eyes tested annually is one of the most effective steps you can take to ensure your eyesight remains strong and healthy. During the session, your eye care professional thoroughly...

Transitions® Optical, manufacturers of variable tint lenses, have launched the newest addition to their comprehensive range. It's called the Transitions® Vantage™ lens. Transitions® Optical has increased the features of their impressive light adapting lens with the addition of revolutionary variable polarization. Sunlight that bounces off smooth surfaces like water or...

A decline in strong vision is usually the result of a few factors including anatomical changes or defects in the eye, eye diseases, side effects of medication or eye injuries. Lots of people also report visual abnormalities resulting from aging or eye strain. Aging and stress can cause changes in...

It's April, which is Women's Eye Health and Safety Month. Women go through many changes during their lifetime. Each change could affect her vision differently. Eye disease among the female population is increasingly common, especially in aging women. In fact, studies show that the majority of women over the age...

When the spring comes, along with often nicer weather, comes an increase in the danger of eye injuries caused by sports accidents. Every year, far too many people, both young and old suffer eye injuries as a result of sport play that could easily be averted with proper defense and...

Excellent vision is essential for road safety. As a matter of fact, road safety requires a number of visual abilities - for example, being able to see both far ahead as well as your immediate surroundings, peripheral vision, night vision and color vision, plus many others. Strong distance vision is...

To teach businesses and their workers about the relevance of vision wellness, and to provide advice on how to avoid vision-endangering eye mishaps, Prevent Blindness America (PBA) has designated the month of March as Workplace Vision Wellness Month. Every day, employees suffer from workplace related eye injuries that require medical...

The part of the eye that surrounds your iris and pupil is your cornea, which is, under perfect circumstances, spherical. When light hits your eye, part of the role of your cornea is to focus that light, aiming it to the retina, in the back of your eye. What does...

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is one of the most frequently seen eye infections, especially in...

Did you know that age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading reason for vision loss in individuals aged...

A study conducted by Bausch & Lomb this past August determined that an alarming number of adults are using potentially harmful...

The winter brings an increase in instances of dry eyes because of cold and dry air conditions.

Winter has officially arrived, which means in some parts of the country stinging winds and freezing rains and sometimes snow are also on their way. You would never even conceive of leaving the house without a heavy sweater or coat in freezing conditions, but surprisingly, far too many people leave...

As this month is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, this post is intended to stress the importance of knowing about the threat of glaucoma. Glaucoma is the term for a group of progressive eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which can cause a loss of vision. If not treated, glaucoma...

Contact your Albertville, AL Optometrist to Learn More About Treatment Options Presbyopia is a visual impairment related to age in which the ability to focus on close objects becomes significantly reduced. With the growing international population of older adults, more and more individuals are developing presbyopia, which is an unavoidable...

Holiday season is rapidly approaching which means Erector Sets for some, and Barbie dolls for others. Well intentioned aunts and uncles enjoy surprising the young children with the latest toys for the holidays. Leading optometry specialists advise that family members advise others about the rules when it comes to toys...

Need new specs for the kids? Time for an eye examination? Contemplating refractive surgery? The season has arrived to take care of all of your eye and vision needs. As the year's end approaches, so does the end of your flex spending dollars. If flex spending doesn't sound familiar to...

Visit our Albertville, AL Optometrist for a consultation

Did you know that diabetes is the dominant causal agent of vision loss of men and women aged 20-74 years? In just the last four years, over 4 million men and women in North America afflicted with diabetes were subsequently diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy. Out of those tested, seventy thousand...

Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye is a deficiency in proper vision development due to the failure of both eyes to work in unison. With most instances of ambylopia the actual eyes are typically healthy but good vision cannot be achieved by just glasses. Left untreated amblyopia can cause serious...

  Ever ask what 20/20 eyesight really means? 20/20 vision is a term used to express normal visual acuity or sharpness of vision. In other words an individual with such visual acuity will be able to clearly see an object from 20 feet away which is deemed normal to see...

  At the end of the summer, many people begin to experience symptoms of ragweed allergy or hay fever. In addition to nasal symptoms such as sneezing and congestion, symptoms that affect the eyes can result in a significant level of discomfort. When suffering from allergies, the eyes can become...

  Halloween is a time for fun, parties and dressing up but you don't want the fun to end in some scary damage to your eyes. A popular costume accessory as of late has been decorative contact lenses and the trend is causing serious concern amongst eye care professionals. Contacts...

  The American Optometric Association states that more than seventy percent of employed persons that sit daily from a computer screen (around 143 million ) experience computer vision syndrome (CVS) or eye fatigue. Excessive computer use can result in eye stress and impact eyesight in kids as well as adults....

In honor of Home & Sports Eye Safety Month, we're going to focus on ways to keep your house safe for your eyes particularly when purchasing eye safe toys. Don't wait until it's too late to ensure your home environment doesn't pose any series dangers to your children's eyes. Naturally,...

If you use contacts a few guidelines should be followed when applying cosmetics. Here are some basic tips for how to ensure your eyes stay beautiful and safe. Purchasing Cosmetics First and foremost, eye care professionals recommend you purchase only brands that are oil free and fragrance free. Further, to...

If you have ever witnessed an unfortunate encounter between sunblock and eyes, you know firsthand just how much it can sting. A very good spray in the eye can sometimes result in burning that lasts for hours. It can be a while before the victim can comfortably open his eyes,...

Many adults aren't aware that cataracts affect over 20.5 million Americans over the age of 40. In fact, more than half of senior citizens have some degree of cataracts. What are cataracts? A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens. This inhibits the passage of light that is...

Children across the country are getting ready for a new school year. Before going back to the classroom, the American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends a check-up with the optometrist. Proper vision is crucial to the cognitive processes and a child's performance in the classroom. There are many activities that require...

No adolescent wants to be seen wearing something out of style, and in the case of some teenagers, glasses sometimes seem that way. Adolescents sometimes cringe at the idea of having to wear glasses and appearing ''dorky''. In comparison with glasses, kids and teens who opt for lenses feel a...

Eye injuries come in many shapes and sizes, some more serious than others. Some might require emergency action and immediate care by an optician, while others can be taken care of at home. Follow this guide to typical eye injuries, to decide your next step in case of an accident....

When we have eyes that are in good condition, it's common to forget about the importance of taking preventative steps namely, an eye exam. However, early detection of any eye or vision problems is crucial to maintaining healthy eyes. This can easily be done with a simple eye test. Many...

Now that the summertime has officially arrived it’s time to protect your eyes from the sun and other warm weather dangers. Here are some pointers on remaining safe in the sun: Make sure your glasses provide 100% UV protection. If your sunglasses don’t protect against 100% of UV rays, they...

Are you aware that every year sports-related eye injuries account for 40,000 trips to the emergency room? This is equal to one eye accident every 13 minutes! Eye Care professionals believe that 90% of the damage would have been simply prevented by using protective eyewear. More often than not eye...

Are carrots beneficial for eyesight? While eye care professionals affirm that carrots contain large amounts of a beta-carotene that has proven to be beneficial for one's eyes, ingesting a lot of carrots will not substitute for glasses or contact lenses. Beta-carotene is a carotenoid, or orange pigment that changes into...

  Thanks to efforts to increase knowledge of the dangers of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation to your skin, (including sunburn and skin cancer), most are familiar with the importance of applying sunscreen and avoiding direct contact with the sun when spending time in the sun. What is less known is that...

  Contact lenses need proper treatment and care to be considered a safe and effective choice for those selecting a vision aid. Improper care can lead to damaged contacts, or even worse, eye infections or scratches, which on occasion can lead to blindness. Children and adults that are not capable...

  While you may be more familiar with soft contact lenses, another less familiar brand of contact lenses exists: rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses, also referred to oxygen permeable lenses. In truth, GP lenses involve newer technology than soft lenses, which last longer, offer greater vision quality, and provide...

Are you experiencing red eyes, itchy eyes or watery eyes? If yes, you may be suffering from spring eye allergies. For many of us, March begins pollen season, which means uncomfortable symptoms such as red eyes, itchy eyes, stinging, burning and watery eyes. Spring eye allergies are caused by an...

In today's world, where more and more consumers are accustomed to shopping for more and more products on the Web, glasses are an item that you should consider purchasing in person. Why? Although you may find reduced rates on the Internet, the benefits of going to an optical store far...

While it is common to think of winter as the rainy time of year due to the rain and snow, the atmosphere is actually more dry during the winter, causing your eyes to be more sensitive. Our optometry staff is available to assist you in selecting the best ways to...

This month is dedicated to increasing awareness of macular degeneration (AMD) and low vision. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the number one source of vision loss for seniors. AMD often leads to low vision, a phrase eye doctors use to describe major visual impairment that cannot be helped by typical...

To spread the word about the ''sneak thief of sight,'' this month has been named National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable permanent vision loss, accounting for 9%-12% of all cases of total vision loss in the United States and effecting nearly 70 million people worldwide....

Yep, that's right. Sunglasses aren't just a vital accessory in the summer. While most of us are informed of the dangers the sun presents to our eyes in the summer, we don't all recognize that it is essential to take extra care in the winter months as well. Actually, those...

How about a day with an inflatable play area, free refreshments, music, raffles, and door prises! That's Kid's Day. We will be doing FREE vision screenings, and offering a 50% discount on kid's frames. Kids from 1 to 18 are welcome.  Dont miss te fun- and dont miss the savings!

For more information call and ask for Denise.

 

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We are having a HUGE frame and fashion sow October 16.  Watch this page for upcoming details.

Wondering about LASIK eye surgery? The articles below cover all aspects of LASIK

Dr. Seewell recently was a featured speaker at Vision Expo in NYC.