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Blog Archive

Why Am I So Sensitive to Light? Oct 1st, 2023

We all experience some degree of light sensitivity. Episodes can occur when we’re walking outdoors, turning on the lights, or opening the curtains in a dark room. For some, photophobia occurs in tandem with migraine episodes. In other instances, it might indicate an issue with the brain or eyes.  Sometimes...

The Best Ways to Support Your Vision Sep 1st, 2023

Although we’ve become adept as a species at preventing blindness, it isn’t without effort. Proper eye care involves more than just getting a new pair of glasses from time to time or keeping your contact lenses clean. If you want to preserve your eyesight, you’ll need to be mindful of...

Is There a Way to Treat Cataracts Without Surgery? Aug 8th, 2023

In the early stages of cataracts, you might notice that some of the color and clarity has left your life. Though cataract treatment has become more effective and accessible, not everyone has the means to undergo surgery right away. With a specialist, you can begin planning the procedure while managing...

Which Type of Contact Lenses Are Right for Me? Jul 13th, 2023

Contact lenses can provide clearer and more convenient vision than glasses, but they can take some adjustment on your part. Picking the right kind of contact lenses can make the transition process as comfortable as possible. During a consultation for contacts, a specialist can help find the perfect fit for...

Is My Computer Giving Me Dry Eyes? Jun 6th, 2023

Many jobs today require looking at a computer screen for hours. Even if you aren’t using your computer much for work, you might be glued to it or another device screen in your free time, reading, catching up on news, spending time on social sites, or watching TV shows or...

When to Schedule a Back-to-School Eye Exam May 1st, 2023

Though many schools perform their own vision screenings on students, these are not comprehensive exams. Roughly 75% of these screenings miss notable vision problems, and many children do not receive eye examinations outside of school.  To make matters worse, refractive errors like myopia worsen as your child’s vision develops, leaving them with...

When to Consider Cataract Surgery Apr 7th, 2023

According to statistics, half of adults will have some form of cataracts by age 75. In the past, blindness was just something that came with age, but modern technology allows doctors to replace the cloudy lens, restoring your vision and even improving it in the process. The best part? You...

Are There Different Types of Contact Lenses? Mar 6th, 2023

Tired of glasses that constantly slip around on your face, don’t let you make the fashion statement you want, and create difficulties when you want to engage in physical activities? Contact lenses could be the best option for you. Today, you have more options than ever. At Harlem VistaSite Eye Care in...

Why Do I Keep Getting Pink Eye? Feb 14th, 2023

Pink eye is instantly recognizable. Many a parent has been woken by a distraught child early in the morning and found their offspring with eyes crusted shut. Once the grime is cleared away, the reddish-pink sclera (white) of the eye is obvious, and it’s time to book an appointment with...

Working from Home with Dry Eyes: 4 Steps to Take Jan 20th, 2023

Staring at a screen is something many people who are working from home these days spend far too much time doing. Having your home space also serve as your workplace means lines can easily get blurred, and you find yourself glued to your devices for extra hours every day. Harlem...

How to Manage Dry Eyes through the Winter Dec 6th, 2022

Dry eyes in winter have a range of contributors and causes, and it’s important to cover all of your bases when trying to avoid dry eyes.  Harlem VistaSite Eye Care in New York City provides a full range of eye care services, including solutions for uncomfortable dry eyes in winter....

5 Common Conditions that Blur Your Vision Nov 30th, 2022

Have you or your child been experiencing blurry vision? If so, you might need to simply order glasses with a fresh prescription, or you could need your eyes examined by a specialist to look for deeper problems.  At Harlem VistaSite Eye Care in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City,...

How to Keep Pink Eye from Spreading Oct 10th, 2022

If your child is in daycare or school, odds are they are going to come home with pink eye at some point. Little kids touch their eyes and touch everything else, and it’s almost impossible to keep pink eye from turning into an outbreak. Once your child brings it home,...

What to Expect from Your Cataract Treatment Sep 1st, 2022

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide, but they aren’t an automatic sentence of vision loss. Today’s cataract surgery options are both accessible and effective, and your doctor can tailor your treatment for your specific case to help you have the best experience and results possible.   At Harlem VistaSite...

Does Glaucoma Lead to Blindness? Aug 2nd, 2022

Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness in the United States. Depending on what type of glaucoma you have, your risk may come at an earlier or later age. Other health conditions can also increase your risk of going blind from glaucoma.  At Harlem VistaSite Eye Care in the Harlem neighborhood of...

Metal or Plastic: Which Frames Are Right for You? Jul 1st, 2022

Do you need to get eyeglasses because of issues with your vision? Choosing between metal frames or plastic is the immediate problem faced by those new to eyeglasses. Your frames can feel deeply personal, since you’ll be wearing them daily and they will be part of how you present yourself to the...

6 Problems That Can Result From Having Astigmatism Jun 1st, 2022

Astigmatism usually develops in adolescence. This condition can cause subtle, but notable, problems, especially when it's combined with other refractive errors like myopia or hyperopia. Luckily, treatment for astigmatism has improved over the years, and you have several treatment options.  At Harlem VistaSite Eye Care in the Harlem neighborhood of New York...

Are You Taking the Proper Steps to Control Myopia? May 1st, 2022

Myopia often manifests in adolescence, with symptoms like squinting at the board and struggling to see distant objects. If your child is showing signs of nearsightedness, it’s important to have them formally diagnosed and treated while they’re young. From there, you and your optometrist can discuss how to manage their...

Strategies for Getting Used to Contacts Apr 7th, 2022

Making the switch from eyeglasses to contact lenses can be a difficult transition if you’re one of those people who are squeamish about touching your eyes. Maybe you’re struggling with putting them in, or you keep blinking them out, or everything feels weird and itchy. That’s all totally normal, and...

How Your Eye Develops from Birth Mar 1st, 2022

When babies are born, their worldview is limited to what’s in front of their face. As their eyes develop and their vision becomes clearer, their attention will shift to what’s in their hands and beyond. If you want your baby’s world to keep expanding, it’s important to monitor their growth...

My Child Has Pink Eye. Now What? Feb 1st, 2022

Pink eye is common and easily spread, and it isn’t unusual for children to bring it home from daycare or school. Conjunctivitis is rarely dangerous, but it’s important to monitor your child’s condition and make sure they don’t infect anyone else. Most cases will clear up without incident, but severe...

Winter Eye Care Tips Jan 19th, 2022

Every season brings its own unique health issues; summer sunburns and heat exhaustion, springtime and autumn allergies. Winter has its own set of problems, including the common cold and dry eye syndrome. Luckily, there are a number of ways you can prevent your eyes from becoming itchy and inflamed or...

You Don't Have to Live With Dry Eyes Anymore Dec 1st, 2021

Staring at a screen, smoking, sitting near an air conditioner, and even being outside on windy days can all cause your eyes to feel dry and scratchy. Although OTC eye drops can usually alleviate the sensation, persistently dry eyes can be a symptom of a more serious problem. If you...

Tips for Life With Contact Lenses Nov 1st, 2021

If you’ve been longing to make the switch from eyeglasses to contact lenses, you may be surprised to find out there is an adjustment period when you finally get fitted for contacts.  Don’t worry; although you might find your contacts challenging at first, you’ll swiftly become accustomed to them. However,...

Common Eye Problems in Children Oct 7th, 2021

Children are carefully screened at multiple points during childhood to prevent vision problems or vision loss. What are the most common childhood eye problems, and how can they be addressed? At Harlem VistaSite Eye Care in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, Brittni Rodriguez, OD, and Sarah Quan, OD,...

What to Do When You Have Cataracts Sep 1st, 2021

We tend to take our vision for granted, but aging and disease can quickly take that surety away. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide, but cataract surgery is more effective and accessible than ever. If you’ve begun noticing symptoms of cataracts, getting diagnosed is the first step to...

Is Pink Eye Contagious? Aug 4th, 2021

If you have a child in daycare or in school, you know that a pink eye breakout is their worst nightmare. Without knowing the cause of conjunctivitis, you have to assume it’s contagious. At Harlem VistaSite Eye Care in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, Brittni Rodriguez, OD, and...

Understanding the Different Types of Astigmatism Jul 1st, 2021

Vision problems, such as nearsightedness and farsightedness, can be relatively easy to correct, but what about astigmatism? The good news is it, too, can be treated with the right approach. At Harlem VistaSite Eye Care in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, Brittni Rodriguez, OD, and Sarah Quan, OD,...

4 Problems that Contacts Correct Jun 15th, 2021

While glasses are still one of the most popular methods for correcting vision, contacts have been evolving and gaining popularity for decades. If you lead an active lifestyle, are concerned about how your appearance will change with glasses, or just want the convenience that contact lenses can provide, a contact...

The 2 Main Types of Multifocal Lenses May 1st, 2021

It’s estimated that 45 million people wear contact lenses in the United States alone. Many people prefer contacts because they don’t alter their appearance, and they don’t get in the way of activities, such as showering or sports. Regardless of why you choose contacts, it’s important to understand the different...

Help for Your Dry Eyes Apr 1st, 2021

Rubbing, blinking, and itching are the three constants when it comes to having dry eyes. If regular eye drops don’t help, it might be time to visit an expert. Dry, irritated eyes can be a sign of poor tear production, and leaving your eyes chronically dry may make you vulnerable...

Understanding the Different Types of Glaucoma Mar 11th, 2021

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness, especially in people over age 60. However, there’s more than one type of glaucoma. At Harlem VistaSite Eye Care in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, Brittni Rodriguez, OD, is an expert in diagnosing and treating glaucoma. In this blog,...

What Causes Pink Eye Feb 1st, 2021

Pink eye is a childcare worker’s worst nightmare. Bacterial or viral forms of pink eye can spread rapidly between children and infect adults as well. However, inflammation and infection of the eyes can also be caused by a number of other things, including prolonged use of contact lenses, allergies, and...

Everything You Need to Know About Controlling Myopia in Children Dec 1st, 2020

It’s a common pattern. A child who used to do well in school suddenly starts to lose ground and complains of headaches and eye strain. This is often due to myopia, also called nearsightedness, which is a condition that allows someone to see things well up close but makes things...

What Happens if You Delay Cataract Treatment? Nov 3rd, 2020

Most people age 80 and older have either developed cataracts or have already had cataract surgery. In fact, cataract surgery is one of the most common vision surgeries in the United States. But how do you know if you have cataracts, and when should you get surgical intervention? At Harlem...

What Causes Dry Eyes? Sep 7th, 2020

Approximately 16 million Americans, two thirds of them women, suffer from dry eye disease, or DED. The symptoms can vary, but the feeling of dryness is universal. At Harlem VistaSite Eye Care in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, Brittni Rodriguez, OD, can diagnose and treat your dry eyes...

Treating Conjunctivitis Aug 13th, 2020

Every year, an estimated 6 million people in the United States get conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. Many cases of conjunctivitis are triggered by allergies, which can stimulate histamine production and cause the eyes to get red, swollen, and itchy. At Harlem VistaSite Eye Care in the Harlem neighborhood...

Am I a Candidate for Contacts? Jul 20th, 2020

Better vision is easier and more accessible than ever, and 45 million Americans now wear contact lenses. If you think you’d like to join that number, your chances are good. Most people who wear glasses can make the switch to contacts without issues. However, there are a few things to...

Dealing with Presbyopia Mar 1st, 2020

Presbyopia is the slow progression of the stiffening of the lens of the eye as you age. By age 40, more than 60% of people have some degree of presbyopia, and that percentage rises with age. Women are more likely than men to develop presbyopia, and women are also more...

5 Symptoms of Astigmatism Feb 3rd, 2020

Not all vision issues can be readily fixed with a regular pair of glasses or contact lenses. If your vision issues are increased by astigmatism, you could need the help of a trained optometrist in diagnosing and treating this disorder. At Harlem VistaSite Eye Care in New York City, Brittni...

Do I Need Bifocals or Trifocals? Jan 7th, 2020

As we reach our 40s, it becomes more likely that our vision starts to change. It usually happens slowly, but eventually you may develop presbyopia, an inability to focus on objects near you. Whether you’re wearing glasses or not, when you develop presbyopia, you will have to start deciding if...

Myths and Facts About Contact Lenses Dec 1st, 2019

Around 45 million Americans enjoy the comfort and convenience of their contact lenses. However, myths about wearing contact lenses keep more people from embracing the chance to be free from glasses. At Harlem VistaSite Eye Care in Harlem, New York, Dr. Brittni Rodriguez can walk you through the process of...

What Is Astigmatism? Nov 6th, 2019

Blurry vision can be annoying, especially if you expected blurriness to resolve after getting eyeglasses or contacts. However, if you have a condition called astigmatism, even correcting your nearsightedness or farsightedness won’t do away with your unclear eyesight. At Harlem VistaSite Eye Care in Harlem, New York City, Dr. Brittni...

Coping With Chronic Dry Eye Oct 1st, 2019

Burning the midnight oil to study for a test or spending the day sunning and swimming at the beach can leave you with dry itchy eyes the next day. But what happens when that scratchy, burning feeling is constant, even when you’re well-rested and can’t blame the environment? That’s called...

5 Tips to Help You Adjust to Life With Contact Lenses Sep 1st, 2019

Contact lenses not only give you a whole new look, but they also offer far more freedom than glasses. Imagine not having to worry about dirty or fogged up lenses disrupting your vision, frames sliding down your nose when you sweat, or glasses getting in the way during the big...

Are You at Risk for Developing Cataracts? Aug 5th, 2019

The statistics are alarming: By the year 2050, over the course of three short decades, the number of adults in the United States who will be either visually impaired or completely blind is expected to exceed 8 million, a figure that’s more than double today’s rates.  So why is some...

How to Prevent Eye Irritation and Infections from Pools and Lakes This Summer Jul 10th, 2019

You’ve weathered the long New York winter, and summer is finally here. At last, you can relax in the warm sun by the pool or lake and take a dip when the temperature hits a high note. But wait — before you dive in, make sure you protect your eyes...

Your Guide to Choosing the Most Effective and Flattering Sunglasses Jun 27th, 2019

Sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes against the sun’s glare and sun damage. They are also a statement about your individual style.  At VistaSite Eye Care in Harlem, New York, we offer patients a wide selection of the very best in sunglass wear, to ensure everyone can find a...