Author:

Courtney Dryer

I’m a North Carolina-based optician, and I’m a 2011 graduate of the Southern College of Optometry. I’m the owner of Autarchic Spec Shop. I consult with new graduate optometrists on start-up practices, and I contribute regularly to Invision Magazine and other industry publications. I was featured in Women in Optometry and named a Rising Star. I was also named one of the ‘most influential women in optical’ by Vision Monday.

Light Therapy for Dry Eye Disease

Written By Courtney Dryer

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Dry eye is a disorder of the tear film due to tear deficiency or excessive evaporation.

The most common reasons for dry eye include age, digital device use, contact lens wear, and the use of medication. The most common symptoms are itching, inconsistently blurry vision, redness, watery eyes, grittiness, burning, and eye fatigue.

A dry eye diagnosis is usually made from a patient’s dry eye symptoms, and the signs present on the front of the eye, confirmed through specific tests. Dry eye disease can be frustrating for both the patient and doctor because it’s considered chronic. The symptoms don’t always match the appearance of the eye that your eye doctor sees. It may require life-long treatment.

Keep Your Eyes Extra Safe in the Summer

Written By Courtney Dryer

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As the days get longer, and we approach summer, it’s crucial to prioritize your eye health. More time outdoors, increased exposure to UV from the sun, and more time spent in the water can affect your short- and long-term eye health. We will discuss five tips for improving your eye health during summer.

Common Medications that May Affect Your Vision

Written By Courtney Dryer

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Does your vision seem to fluctuate? Does it seem clearer some days?

Have you ever considered your medications may be impacting your visual clarity? Medications play an important role in the management of health conditions by providing both relief and improvement in well-being. However, some medications can have a substantial impact on your vision, both temporarily and permanently.

Whether the medication is prescribed to address a chronic condition or over the counter for temporary relief, certain drugs may induce visual side effects that affect the clarity, focus, or overall health of the eyes. Understanding the potential impact of your medications on your vision is vital for both healthcare providers and patients alike so they can make informed decisions.

Here are a few common categories of medications that can affect vision and their ocular effects.

Presbyopia: Are Things Looking Fuzzy in Your Forties?

Written By Courtney Dryer

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Imagine: You turn 40. Suddenly reading up close is a challenge. A menu in a dark restaurant, instructions on a medicine bottle, and even your kid’s homework become difficult to read. You find yourself adjusting your font size and relying on your phone’s flashlight to help in dimly lit restaurants.

You are experiencing presbyopia. Let’s take a closer look (bad joke).

Eye Health and Vitamins: The Truth About Their Connection

Written By Courtney Dryer

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Have you ever wondered about the connection between eye health and vitamins? Can taking vitamins improve your eye health? What about your vision? Or are eye vitamins a hoax, just like carrots decrease the risk of needing glasses for poor vision? Here are a few truths about eye health and vitamins, and the effect they can have on vision and the prevention of disease.