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.

Are You at Risk for Macular Degeneration?

Written By Courtney Dryer

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Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) affects 10 million Americans each year. The number of cases is expected to rise as we are living longer.

How do you prevent getting macular degeneration?

If you have a family history of age-related macular degeneration, does that mean you will get it?

Is there anything you can do to improve my sight if I currently have ARMD?

More research and funding are being dedicated to this disease than ever before, yet there is still much we do not know.

10 Systemic Diseases Diagnosed by an Eye Exam

Written By Courtney Dryer

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Most people think of having their eyes checked when they experience blurry vision or want to purchase new eyeglasses or contact lenses.

You may not be aware of the many systemic diseases of the body that can be diagnosed from an eye exam. A dilated eye exam allows your eye doctor to look in the back of the eye at the blood vessels and retina to uncover signs of systemic diseases. Even if you are still seeing well, it is still important to have your eyes checked annually to make sure they are healthy.

Here are 10 systemic diseases that can be diagnosed by your doctor by looking at your eyes:

Are Eyes Organs? A Comprehensive Guide to Eye Anatomy

Written By Courtney Dryer

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Are eyes organs? It’s a question many people ask. Composed of many intricate parts, the eye bends light rays to stimulate nerve cells in the retina and, by way of the optic nerve, sends messages for interpretation by the brain. The brain uses the information from both optic nerves and combines it to create one clear image.

The connection between the eyes and brain is the reason for headaches when your vision changes and a loss of your peripheral vision due to stroke or tumor. If you’re interested in learning more about eye anatomy, this guide is for you. From are eyes organs to what are choroid and vitreous, we’re answering all your burning eye questions!

Are Daily Contacts Better Than Monthly Contacts? What to Know

Written By Courtney Dryer

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Are daily contacts better than monthly ones? It’s a question many contact wearers ask. You may have heard from your aunt, sister, friend, or roommate how great daily lenses are. Your eye doctor tries to convince you to give up those dry, irritating monthly contacts every year, and you wonder…

What makes daily contact lenses better than monthly ones?

Eye comfort, vision, health, technology, and lifestyle convenience are five reasons why patients and doctors prefer daily contact lenses over other lens modalities. Still asking, are daily contacts better? Let’s break it down!

Red Eyes: The Top 10 Most Common Causes

Written By Courtney Dryer

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The question, “Doc, why are my eyes always red?” is commonly asked of me by patients. Red eyes are screaming for attention and rarely improve on their own without proper treatment.

There are several reasons your eyes can be red, many of which can be serious and should be assessed and treated by an eye doctor. Though over-the-counter eye drops exist to “get the red out,” they are only a quick fix and only mask the true eye problem.

Your doctor may ask you questions about your red eyes at your visit.

How long have you had red eyes?
Which symptoms are you experiencing? Severity? Pain?
How many hours do you spend on the computer?
Do you take any medications?
Do your eyes appear red all day or do they seem worse in the morning/evening?
What type of contacts do you wear and how long do you wear them?
Have you tried any medications or drops for treatment?