Posts Categorized: Eye Care

November is the month we focus on gratitude, and good eyesight is certainly something to be grateful for. November also happens to be Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month. If you’re someone who lives with diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2), diabetic eye disease is a real threat to your vision.

There are several types of diabetic eye conditions, but all of them can result in irreversible vision loss. At Eye Medical Clinic, your trusted vision specialists for more than 75 years, we care about you, your health, your eyes and your vision – this month and every month! Diabetic eye disease is a concern but, as with many eye diseases, prevention and early detection is key!

FACTS ABOUT DIABETIC EYE DISEASE

• Diabetic eye disease is the leading cause of blindness in adults between the ages of 20 and 74
• More than 7 million Americans have diabetic eye disease
• At any given time, people with diabetes can develop diabetic eye disease

DIABETIC RETINOPATHY IS THE MOST COMMON DIABETIC EYE DISEASE

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina. These blood vessels can swell and leak, or even close altogether, stopping blood from passing through. All of these changes can result in vision loss.

Diabetic retinopathy typically develops without any warning. Additionally, damage to the eye occurs slowly and is hard to detect without regular monitoring.

Diabetic macular edema is a complication of diabetic retinopathy. Damaged blood vessels can swell and leak fluid into the macula (the part of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision). Over time, this swelling, if untreated, will lead to vision loss.

Our Retina specialist, Dr. Tamer Hadi, works with many patients who have diabetes, helping them navigate caring for their sight and managing their diabetes. Dr. Hadi is a board-certified ophthalmologist with focused fellowship training in the diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of complex retinal conditions.

HOW IS DIABETIC RETINOPATHY TREATED?

In its earliest stages, diabetic retinopathy may not require treatment beyond regular monitoring by Dr. Hadi with a dilated fundus exam. Treatment plans are highly individualized and will be based on your age, medical history, lifestyle and degree of retinal damage.

If you do require treatment, we will explain all options including risks, benefits and alternatives before starting the most appropriate treatment course for you.

Medical management can happen here in the clinic and most often includes intravitreal injections for diabetic macular edema and laser therapy to seal or shrink leaking blood vessels; a procedure called panretinal photocoagulation. In some severe cases of uncontrolled diabetic retinopathy, blood can fill the eye or the retina can become detached leading to blindness without urgent surgery.

Thankfully, tremendous scientific breakthroughs have been made over the past several years arming Retina specialists, such as Dr. Hadi, with a number of tools to avoid such disasters!

These include:

Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (ANTI-VEGF)

This is an injection of medication directly into the eye that can help with two issues: reducing the number of abnormal blood vessels in the retina and decreasing abnormal fluid in the macula.

Grid Laser

This is a laser used to seal leaky blood vessels or to stimulate the cells under the retina to absorb the leaked fluid. In some cases, you may need more than one treatment.

Panretinal Photocoagulation (PRP) Laser

In certain cases, Dr. Hadi may recommend panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). By using a laser, we can reduce growth of abnormal blood vessels, causing them to shrink.

Vitrectomy

In the case of non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage (bleeding in the eye) or tractional retinal detachment, Dr. Hadi may recommend surgery. This procedure removes vitreous gel, blood and scar tissue in the back of the eye to allow the eye to heal. We also use it to repair retinal detachments.

AN ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAM CAN SAVE YOUR SIGHT

If you have diabetic eye disease, the reality is that you face a very real risk of having vision issues. But, it’s not inevitable.

“You can reduce the risk of developing diabetic eye disease by having an annual dilated comprehensive eye exam.”
Dr. Tamer Hadi, Retina specialist at Eye Medical Clinic

An annual comprehensive eye exam can help detect things that a regular vision test can’t, including more serious vision problems. It can uncover hidden signs of disease, allowing for more timely treatment. This is why the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends people have them at least once a year.

SEE EVERY MOMENT

At Eye Medical Clinic, it is our goal that every patient we serve can See Every Moment with the vision they deserve. Our doctors have extensive experience in diagnosing and managing diabetic eye disease. If you have diabetes (even if you don’t have any eye symptoms), please schedule a comprehensive eye exam today to protect yourself from preventable vision loss.

August is National Eye Exam Month! There’s no better time than right now to schedule your next eye exam at Eye Medical Clinic here in San Jose. We’re eager and excited to get you in our office to safeguard your vision into the future. Plus, with our advanced medical technology, we’re able to detect potential vision problems before you even notice their effects on your eyes!

Optometry exams

Dr. Christina Deane is a therapeutic optometrist at Eye Medical Clinic with special interest in specialty contact lenses for patients with keratoconus, eye trauma, corneal transplants and irregular corneas. She also specializes in cosmetic and multifocal contact lenses.

When it comes to eyewear prescriptions, Eye Medical Clinic is the place to go to make sure you’re seeing clearly! If you feel like your glasses aren’t helping you as much as they used to, we’re more than happy to schedule an appointment to get your prescription up to date.

The best part? We’re set up to prescribe glasses for the whole family! With the school year fast approaching, we want to make sure the kids are set up for success as they begin the next chapter of their education. But if they’re having a hard time seeing the whiteboard or reading their books, it will make it much harder for them to excel in their new classes.

From the youngest member of your family to the oldest, we’re ready to help them see well again. Fill out our online form or call us at 408.457.7311 to book your eyecare appointment, and that blurry vision will be a thing of the past.

Glasses and contacts

After you get your prescription, it will be time to pick out a pair of glasses frames and/or the specific brand and type of contact lenses that will work best for you. That’s why we have an optical shop in our clinic that offers all kinds of frames and lenses. From designer brands to more affordable options, whatever your style, budget and lifestyle needs are, we’re sure to find an eyewear solution that works for you.

Glaucoma, Cataracts and Retina

If you’re concerned about something more serious than just a new glasses prescription, we’re equipped to help screen and treat glaucoma, cataracts, retina and a whole host of other common eye diseases and conditions. Our retina specialist, Dr. Tamer Hadi, would be happy to help you!

Our team will screen you for a long list of common eye conditions that develop as we age. Because technology has advanced so much over the years, we are now able to detect these conditions (such as macular degeneration, cataracts and more) before they give you noticeable symptoms. This benefits you because the faster we are able to diagnose any potential vision problems, the easier it is for us to treat and the less likely they are to affect your vision in the long term.

Come see us!

At Eye Medical Clinic, we see patients of all ages and walks of life to tackle their vision care needs. If you’ve been meaning to get an appointment on the books, don’t hesitate! We want to make sure you’re well taken care of as quickly as possible. Schedule an appointment today with the experts at Eye Medical Clinic.

If you’re already our loyal patient, we’re so thankful for you. If you want to become a part of the Eye Medical Clinic family, we’d love to hear from you and welcome you to See Every Moment with the help and care of trusted vision care professionals in the Santa Clara Valley.

Spring is a time for renewal. At Eye Medical Clinic, we want to help you renew your vision! If you’re interested in Laser Vision Correction (LVC) and want to be free of your glasses, schedule a free consultation with our surgeon, Dr. Paik.

PRK – Photorefractive Keratectomy

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a type of Laser Vision Correction (LVC) surgery that was the first excimer laser procedure approved for use in the United States.

LVC describes a group of vision-correcting procedures that offer improved vision without the hassles and restrictions of glasses and contacts. The concept is simple—surgeons use a laser to reshape the front of the eye, changing its focusing power. LVC procedures are the most widely studied elective surgeries in history and enjoy an impressively high degree of patient satisfaction.

Used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, PRK is a ‘flap-free’ procedure that has comparable results to LASIK.

How Does PRK Work?

With PRK, surgeons gently clear away the very thin outer layer of the cornea. We then reshape the cornea with a laser to improve focusing power. The outer layer naturally regenerates itself after surgery.

Meet Our Cornea Specialist

A corneal specialist is a medical doctor who has additional training in issues related to the cornea. Specifically, our corneal specialist, Dr. Jeanie Paik, is a board-certified ophthalmologist who has completed focused fellowship training in diseases of the cornea and anterior segment.

Dr. Paik is an experienced surgeon with expertise in keratoconus, corneal dystrophies, pterygium and corneal infections. She performs cornea transplants, including ultra-thin DSAEK and DMEK. Additionally, Dr. Paik is trained in cross-linking to help stop the progression of keratoconus. She specializes in advanced technology cataract surgery including multifocal and toric lenses. She is also a dry eye specialist. As a fellowship-trained cornea specialist and eye surgeon, Dr. Paik performs everything from modern cataract surgery to complex cornea transplants.

See Every Moment with the Vision You Deserve

Did you know you could have PRK and use your vision plan benefits and Flex Spending Account or Health Savings Account to help pay for it? It’s time to See Every Moment now! Schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Paik today and see how renewed vision can make life more beautiful.

February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month. At Eye Medical Clinic, we want all of our patients to See Every Moment. We want you to have the best possible vision and enjoy healthy eyes for a lifetime. So, we’re raising awareness about this sight-threatening condition.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a genetic eye disease associated with aging that causes central vision loss. It impacts more than 11 million seniors in the U.S. alone. It affects central vision and can have a negative impact on everyday activities, like driving, reading and recognizing faces.

A comprehensive eye exam with a board-certified ophthalmologist is the right place to start if you are concerned about this condition. Our own retina specialist, Dr. Tamer Hadi, is able to guide you through managing this sight-stealing condition.

How Can I Know if I am at Risk for Macular Degeneration?

As the name suggests, advancing age puts you more at risk. Other risk factors include a diet high in saturated fats, being obese, high blood pressure and smoking. Also, people with a family history of AMD are at higher risk, as are women and people of European descent.

Some additional lifestyle factors also increase your risk for AMD:

• Cigarette smoking
• Obesity
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Excessive sun exposure
• Diet deficient in fruits and vegetables

By identifying the early signs of macular degeneration, we can help prevent and treat this disease.

Types of Macular Degeneration

There are two types of AMD, “dry” and “wet.” The dry form is much more common. With dry AMD, vision loss progresses more slowly. If you’ve been diagnosed with dry AMD, it is critical to keep regular appointments with your ophthalmologist because dry AMD can develop into the more damaging form called wet AMD.

Wet AMD is less common but much more serious than the dry form. Wet AMD occurs when new, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina. These vessels can leak blood or other fluids, causing macular scarring.

This is important to know: macular degeneration is irreversible. That means people who are at risk for age-related eye disorders need to be diligent about their eye care.

How is Macular Degeneration Treated?

Treatment for dry AMD begins with routine eye exams, especially after age 60, with the goal of early detection. If detected, your Eye Medical Clinic doctor may prescribe a mix of zinc and antioxidants to help in slowing the progression of the disease.

Wet AMD treatment can include a number of options including intravitreal injections that inhibit the growth of the abnormal blood cells that cause wet AMD.

See Every Moment with the Vision You Deserve

At Eye Medical Clinic, our shared goal is to be the best, most trusted eye care provider in San Jose and beyond. With experienced vision experts and a highly trained clinical team, we provide the latest diagnostic tests, treatments and procedures, customized to your needs, lifestyle and vision goals.

Schedule an appointment with your Eye Medical Clinic team to learn more about protecting your vision today and in the future.

The new year offers a fresh start, a chance to set new goals, prioritize and focus on the important things in life. Things like good health and seeing all your days with the vision you deserve.

There’s no question annual comprehensive eye exams are an important part of overall good health. The quality of your vision affects everything from school and work to driving, hobbying, working out and just about any other activity.

Eye Medical Clinic has served generations of families in the Santa Clara Valley for more than 75 years, and we are still serving families today. We’d like to remind you that the importance of annual eye exams goes well beyond just making sure your vision isn’t blurry. Good eye health can safeguard your health and wellness and even prevent disease.

A comprehensive eye exam at Eye Medical Clinic will include:

• an acuity test to measure how sharp your vision is and a refraction to determine your best-correction vision
• a motility exam to see how well your eyes work together and to rule out strabismus (crossed eyes)
• a slit lamp exam to examine the eye inside and out
• a dilated fundus exam to detect cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and other eye conditions
• additional tests to assess risks for developing glaucoma

How Often Should I Have an Eye Exam?

Healthy eyes are a necessary part of a healthy life. For this reason, our eye doctors recommend that you have a comprehensive eye exam once a year.

For children, regular eye care is as important as regular medical checkups. Since so much of what is presented in a classroom setting is visual in nature, children must be able to see well in order to perform well in school.

We recommend that children have their first pediatric eye screening at 6 months, another when they turn 3 years old and again at the start of school. Children who have risk factors (like premature birth, developmental delays and a family history of eye disease) should be seen more frequently.

For adults, we recommend a comprehensive eye exam annually, and more frequently for those with certain risk factors. Those include a family history of eye disease (for example, glaucoma and macular degeneration), diabetes, high blood pressure, certain medications with eye-related side effects, previous eye injury or eye surgery, or a visually demanding occupation.

What if I Need a Retina Specialist?

Great news! We happen to have a retina specialist on our Eye Medical Clinic team. Dr. Tamer Hadi completed a retina fellowship at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute before joining the Eye Medical Clinic family in 2020.

“Advances in technology have made it possible for us to diagnose many retina conditions sooner, which can result in earlier intervention and more preservation of sight.”
Dr. Tamer Hadi

There are a number of conditions that affect the retina (diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and retinal detachments are the big ones) and need to be diagnosed and treated by an experienced retina specialist. Sometimes, flashes of lights and floaters in your vision are harmless and nothing to worry about, and at other times, they can be an early sign of a problem that needs careful and timely attention to preserve your vision!

Comprehensive Eye Care for the Whole Family

Our experienced team of eye specialists at Eye Medical Clinic includes optometrists and specialty trained ophthalmologists. Additionally, we have proudly served the Bay Area for more than 75 years. We are fully equipped to care for all your eyecare needs, from the youngest member of the family to the most senior member. For example, our full scope eyecare services range from vision evaluation and prescriptions for eyeglasses or contacts, to advanced medical and/or surgical care for dry eyes, droopy lids, cataracts, refractive surgery, or retinal detachment.

We invite you to experience our expert eye care for every generation at Eye Medical Clinic. Our team of experienced doctors, John Sullivan, MD; Jeanie Paik, MD, Tamer Hadi, MD, and Christina Nguyen Deane, OD, can help you enjoy your life to the fullest…with the vision you deserve.

One more reason to be excited about the new year? If you have vision benefits through an employer, they just reset for the coming year! So Schedule your eye exam today and allow us to help you See Every Moment.

November reminds us of all the many things we have to be thankful for. Things like family and friends. Things like good health. Even good eyesight is something to be thankful for. November is also Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month. Diabetic Eye Disease is a real threat to anyone who suffers from diabetes. There are several types, but all of them can result in vision loss and even blindness. At Eye Medical Clinic, your trusted vision specialists for more than 75 years, we care about you, your health, your eyes and your vision!

Facts About Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetic eye disease is the leading cause of blindness in adults between the ages of 20 and 74. The National Eye Institute estimates that more than 7 million Americans have diabetic eye disease.

At any given time, people with diabetes can develop diabetic eye disease. When blood sugar levels remain elevated over a long period, complications can occur throughout your body. This includes your eyes!

What to Know About Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina. These blood vessels can swell and leak, or even close, stopping blood from passing through. All of these changes result in vision loss.

Diabetic retinopathy typically develops without any warning. Additionally, damage to the eye occurs slowly and is hard to detect without regular monitoring.

Diabetic macular edema is a complication of diabetic retinopathy. Damaged blood vessels swell and leak fluid into the macula (responsible for sharp, central vision). Over time, this swelling can lead to vision loss.

Our retina specialist Dr. Tamer Hadi loves to help patients navigate caring for their sight and managing their diabetes. Dr. Hadi is a board-certified ophthalmologist with focused fellowship training in the diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of complex retinal conditions.

How is Diabetic Retinopathy Treated?

Treatment plans are highly individualized and will be based on your age, medical history, lifestyle and degree of retinal damage. In its earliest stages, diabetic retinopathy may not require treatment beyond regular monitoring by Dr. Hadi.

If you do require treatment, we will explain all options including risks, benefits and alternatives before starting the most appropriate treatment course for you. Medical management in the clinic typically includes intravitreal injections for diabetic macular edema and laser therapy to seal or shrink leaking blood vessels in a process called panretinal photocoagulation. In severe cases, the retina can become detached due to diabetic retinopathy and may require surgery.

Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (ANTI-VEGF)

This injection can help with two problems, reducing the number of abnormal blood vessels in the retina and also decreasing fluid.

Focal or Grid Laser

A laser used to seal a blood vessel that is leaking or to stimulate the cells under the retina to absorb the leaked fluid. In some cases, more than one treatment is needed.

Panretinal Photocoagulation (PRP) Laser

In cases where there are abnormal blood vessels, we may recommend panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). By using a laser, we can reduce growth of abnormal blood vessels, causing them to shrink.

Vitrectomy

For cases where the eye is filled with blood or in the case of retinal detachment, Dr. Hadi may recommend vitrectomy surgery. This surgery removes vitreous gel, blood and scar tissue in the back of the eye. We also use it to repair retinal detachments.

An Annual Eye Exam Can Save your Sight

If you have diabetic eye disease, you face a very real risk of having vision issues. But, take heart! It’s possible to reduce that risk by having an annual dilated eye exam. It can help detect things that a regular vision test cannot, including more serious vision problems.

Annual comprehensive eye exams can reveal hidden signs of disease, allowing for more timely treatment. This is why the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends people with diabetes have them once a year. Or more often as their eye doctor recommends.

At Eye Medical Clinic, our doctors have lots of experience in diagnosing and managing diabetic eye disease. If you have diabetes (even without eye symptoms), please schedule a comprehensive eye exam today to protect yourself from preventable vision loss. We want to help you See Every Moment.

Many corneal conditions threaten the health of your eyes and vision. Since the cornea is responsible for most of your eye’s focusing power, you should see an experienced expert with any concerns. Keratoconus is one such condition.

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus occurs when the clear tissue of the cornea thins and bulges outward, causing vision to progressively decline. The condition makes vision blurry beyond what glasses or normal contact lenses can correct. It typically involves both eyes, although it can progress at different rates in each eye.

The condition commonly begins in puberty, progressing into a person’s 30s or 40s. In fact, we often pick it up when young people come in for a comprehensive eye exam before starting school.

For this reason, at Eye Medical Clinic, we recommend young people have an annual comprehensive eye exam. And before the school year begins is a great time to get that done! Not only will we look at your student’s vision, but we will also check for signs of disease.

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How do you Treat Keratoconus?

Eye Medical Clinic offers several options. Traditionally, treatment has involved using scleral contact lenses. These lenses are a little larger than a typical contact lens and sit on the sclera (white part) of the eye.

We also offer an advanced treatment option that is seeing great success called Corneal Cross-linking. The aim of this minimally-invasive, in-office treatment is to stop the progression of keratoconus, preventing further deterioration in vision. Our corneal specialist Dr. Jeanie Paik has significant experience working with this advanced treatment.

Cross-Linking Sets New Standard of Care

In 2016, iLink™ corneal cross-linking became the only FDA-approved procedure for treating progressive keratoconus. iLink™ corneal cross-linking is a minimally invasive procedure that combines ultraviolet light and specially formulated eye drops to stiffen and strengthen weakened corneas.

“Cross-linking is considered the standard of care around the world for progressive keratoconus.”
-Dr. Jeanie Paik

Eye Medical Clinic is proud to offer our patients the iLink™ corneal cross-linking for treating progressive keratoconus. Now, patients who once had few options can slow or halt the progression of this sight-threatening disease.

We’re often asked if insurance covers this new treatment. Good news! iLink™ is now widely recognized. As a result, insurance in the US covers the procedure in over 95% of cases.

If you or your child have been diagnosed with keratoconus, it is important to have regular eye exams. Be sure and consult Eye Medical Clinic, pioneers of research, development and solutions in all things vision related. We’d be honored to serve you.

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Did you know? One in six Americans, 65 and older, have a vision issue that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses? It’s true. The older you are, the greater your risk for developing many eye conditions. Still, many seniors don’t have an annual comprehensive eye exam. To spotlight the importance of caring for aging eyes, Eye Medical Clinic partners with the American Academy of Ophthalmology for Healthy Aging Month. We are raising awareness of the signs of vision loss and offer steps to help seniors take care of their eyes.

Healthy Vision is a Priority in Every Season, But Especially as You Age

More than 40 million Americans are currently 65 or older. And we expect this number to grow to more than 88 million by 2050. That’s a lot of seniors! In addition, by that same year, the number of Americans with age-related eye diseases will double. And the number of people living with low vision, triple. Early detection and treatment are key to saving sight.
Despite what many people think, losing vision as you get older is not normal. That said, older individuals are at higher risk for certain eye diseases and conditions. Things like age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and dry eye. Some of these conditions have no early symptoms. But we can easily detect them during a comprehensive eye exam. This is something we recommend our patients have annually!

Which Vision Conditions are Age-Related?

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

People over the age of 50 are at higher risk for developing Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). This condition happens when a part of the retina called the macula is damaged. With AMD, you lose your central vision, but your peripheral (side) vision will still be normal.

Did you know we have a Retina specialist on the team here at EMC? Well, we do! Dr. Tamer Hadi is our resident expert on all things retina-related. If you haven’t met him, you should!

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a common eye disease associated with diabetes. It is considered a leading cause of blindness in American adults. Diabetes causes weakening of the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina. As a result, fluid and blood leak from the weakened vessels, and new vessels that grow can be distorted and then bleed. These vessels can injure the retina, leading to loss of healthy vision.

Diabetic retinopathy typically develops without any warning signs. In fact, damage to the eye can occur slowly and may go unnoticed until there is significant damage. If you have diabetes, please work closely with Dr. Hadi to monitor and treat this sight-stealing condition.

Cataracts

Cataracts are the most common reason people over age 50 experience vision loss. According to Prevent Blindness America, cataracts currently affect more than 22 million Americans. Important to know, we can’t treat cataracts with medication or changes to your lifestyle and diet. A surgeon must remove them for vision to be restored. We tell our patients that when cataracts begin to negatively affect their lifestyle and the activities they enjoy, it’s time to talk to an expert.

At Eye Medical Clinic, we offer the latest technologies and techniques in cataract surgery, including Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery. In fact, major advances in lens exchange procedures allow people just like you to continue to live their lives the way they want to live them. And we offer a variety of Premium Lens Implants that can correct your cataracts AND reduce your dependency on glasses, bifocals and readers.

If you haven’t met our Premium Lens Cataract Surgeon, Dr. Jeanie Paik, you need to! She has the experience and the expertise to help you achieve restored and even improved vision. So, take control of your health (including your eyes!).

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve located in the back of your eye. The damage is caused by high pressure in your eye and more often occurs in patients over the age of 60 (over 40 if Hispanic or African American).

Glaucoma does run in families, but researchers are still looking at how your risk is affected by family history. Glaucoma in your family tree does not guarantee you will develop the condition, but it is a significant risk factor you should be aware of. Also important to know, symptoms start slowly, so you may not even notice them until the condition has developed further. In truth, the only way to find out if you have glaucoma is to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam.

The goal of glaucoma treatment at Eye Medical Clinic is to preserve your current level of vision and to prevent further vision loss. Treatment can vary, depending on the type of glaucoma diagnosed, the degree to which the glaucoma has progressed, your underlying risk factors and other variables.

Healthy Vision to See Every Moment

At Eye Medical Clinic, we want patients to enjoy quality life in every season. And that includes your golden years! Our doctors ave experience in diagnosing and managing many age-related eye conditions.
Eye Medical Clinic has built a reputation for quality eye care that generations of families have come to trust. We invite you to experience the VIP treatment every patient receives at Eye Medical Clinic. Our team of experienced doctors, as well as a highly trained staff, can help you enjoy your life to the fullest…with the clear vision you deserve. So Schedule your comprehensive eye exam today.

We don’t like to brag, but Northern California summers are nearly perfect. And if you live here, you already know that! From hiking and biking to all the beautiful beaches, gardens and other amazing outdoor venues the beautiful San Jose area offers, this part of the country is a summer paradise. But with lots of outdoor time comes the need to protect yourself. July is UV Safety Month. And at Eye Medical Clinic, we like to use this month to help spread the word about how important it is to protect yourself from the harmful effects of UV rays.

The Sun Can Harm More Than Your Skin

We’ve all probably had a bad sunburn at some point. Ouch! The sun emits radiation in the form of UV light, which can be classified into three types: UVA, UVB and UVC. The ozone layer is the protective layer in the earth’s stratosphere that blocks UVC light. But the other two types of light still pass through it. UVA penetrates deeply into the skin and causes wrinkling. UVB is the type that causes sunburns.

Exposure to both UVA and UVB is associated with the development of skin cancer. For this reason, it is important to protect your skin during exposure to sunlight. UV radiation is at its highest when and where the sun’s rays are the strongest and even more so during the summer months.

Thanks to great awareness campaigns over the years, just about everyone knows to use sunscreen to protect their skin when spending time outdoors. But at Eye Medical Clinic, we want to remind you that UV safety extends to protecting your eyes as well.
Studies show that prolonged exposure to bright sunlight may increase the risk of developing cataracts and other growths on the eye, including cancer.

Protect Little Eyes Even More

By the time a person reaches age 20, they have received (on average) 80% of their life’s UV exposure. Children have more delicate lenses in their eyes and more sensitive skin on their bodies than adults. Because of this, they are at greater risk of experiencing negative effects of over-exposure to UV light.

These effects may not show up until later in life, but they bring an increased risk of developing conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. This is why it is so important to effectively protect even the youngest eyes from the sun.

Healthy Vision, Healthy Life Vaccine Sunglasses Special

For the entire month of July, we’re offering 30% off all sunglasses! Just bring your COVID vaccine card to take advantage of this special which runs through the end of the month!
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, only about half of people who wear sunglasses check the UV safety rating before buying. We need to change that! It’s a simple way to protect yourself.
Choosing sunglasses labeled with “UV protection” is a great start. But we’d like to add, also select glasses that block both UVA and UVB rays and that are labeled either UV400 or 100% UV protection. If you are someone who spends significant time outdoors, consider choosing a wraparound style so that the sun’s rays can’t creep in from the side. And one more tip; even If you wear UV-blocking contact lenses, you’ll still need sunglasses!
Let our expert optical team help you find the perfect pair of sunglasses to match your style and how you live.

Trust San Jose’s Eye Experts

Eye Medical Clinic has built a team of ophthalmology and optometry experts who are ready and eager to meet your vision needs. Representing all of the disciplines of eye care, we want to be your go-to source for anything eye or vision-related. Our expertise often draws in patients for eye surgeries like cataract removal, but that same expertise is also what makes us a great option for routine eye examinations.
From basic eye exams to dry eye check-ups, we strive to safeguard every aspect of your eye health. In addition to modern cataract surgery, we are able to diagnose and treat most eye conditions, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease and more. We even offer blepharoplasty for aging, puffy, tired-looking eyes.
Let us help you See Every Moment. Schedule an appointment today.

Meet Some Happy Eye Medical Clinic Patients

At Eye Medical Clinic, we focus on providing an excellent patient experience every day of the year! We don’t wait for Patient Experience Week (April 25-29) to delight our patients. We want our patients to See Every Moment every day with the vision they deserve.

From a first-time young patient coming in for a back-to-school eye exam to a post-op appointment for a cataract patient we have served for many years, our goal is to provide you with compassionate, comprehensive care. We want to exceed your expectations in every way.

Here are a few happy patient stories from our Eye Medical Clinic family:

Marilyn’s Cataract Experience

Marilyn had Cataract Surgery recently, and she couldn’t be happier with her experience! She was a little nervous about having cataract surgery, but from her initial consultation to testing, surgery day and post-op follow-up appointments, Marilyn felt completely comfortable.

“I have been seeing Dr. Sullivan for many years, and I appreciate his honesty and advice. I’ve been seeing very well and enjoying life more since my cataract surgery. All the vision problems I had are now solved.”

John’s Cataract Experience

John trusted Eye Medical Clinic with his precious sight, and we can’t thank him enough!

“On multiple occasions, I have interfaced with all three doctors at Eye Medical Clinic. Without exception, they are all very professional, have a wealth of experience, are very patient and friendly, and always take the time to ensure that I fully understand everything. My cataract surgery results have been, without exception, superb.”

Marisa’s Optical Experience

Marisa needed some new glasses, and we’re so glad she came to us!

“I’ve been going to Eye Medical Clinic for 5+ years and have been very happy with my experience, from the detail-oriented doctors to the efficient staff. My most recent experience was picking out two new pairs of glasses. Marisol was extremely patient with me; she listened to my preferences, made practical recommendations and adjusted her suggestions based on my feedback. I will definitely look to Eye Medical Clinic next time I need to pick out a new pair of specs!”

Your Health and Safety are Important to Us

At Eye Medical Clinic, we go above and beyond to make sure our team, and our patients are safe. We’re so happy to be seeing patients again (by appointment only)! Following are the measures we are taking to help keep everyone safe and healthy.

The Eye Medical Clinical staff will:

• Use fogging treatment to professionally disinfect our entire office using EPA-registered disinfecting agents
• Use symptom screening protocols for staff and patients
• Limit the number of patients in the office to main social distancing
• Speak as little as possible while in close proximity and request patients to minimize speaking as well
• Wear face masks and face shields when a task requires them to be closer than six feet to a patient or team member
• Clean every surface, disinfecting and sanitizing all clinical settings, waiting rooms, optical department and public areas
• Disinfect between each patient
• Sanitize office supplies, equipment, frames, etc.

We are asking patients to:

• Disclose if they are experiencing any symptoms such as fever or respiratory illness and/or if they have come into contact with someone confirmed or with symptoms of COVID-19 in the past two weeks (please call and reschedule your appointment if this is true for you)
• Schedule an appointment before coming to the office. We are unable to see walk-in appointments at this time (clinic and optical)
• Wear face coverings at all times when in the clinic
• Adhere to our reduced visitor policy
• Have their temperature checked and use hand sanitizer prior to entering the waiting area
• Ask for assistance with frames/glasses. An optician will remove them from the case for you
• Please limit the number of frames you try on
• Bring all current eye drops and contact lens solutions with you to your appointment

Place Your Trust in Eye Medical Clinic

Are you ready to have your own amazing patient experience story to share? We’ve been the bay area’s trusted vision experts for more than 70 years, and we’re excited to serve you!

At Eye Medical Clinic, we have built a reputation for quality eye care that generations of families have come to trust. From routine eye exams to complicated cataract surgeries, Eye Medical Clinic can expertly care for every member of your family. Our collective goal is to provide an amazing, memorable, life-changing experience, visual freedom and a lifetime membership in the Eye Medical Clinic Family.

If you’re ready to trust us with your vision, it’d be an honor to serve you. We invite you to schedule an appointment today.

Summer in Northern California may just be the envy of most of the rest of the country. We live in a beautiful state, indeed. It’s a great time to head outdoors and enjoy hiking and biking, all the beautiful beaches, gardens, patios and many other amazing outdoor venues beautiful Northern California offers.

But with outdoor time comes the need to protect yourself. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has named July as UV Safety Month, and at Eye Medical Clinic, we want to help spread the word about how important it is to protect yourself from the harmful effects of UV rays.

Socially Distance from the Sun!

Many people don’t realize it, but UV light is a form of radiation. By scientific definition, radiation is the emission of energy from any source. The main source of UV radiation is, of course, the sun, but it can also come from man-made sources like tanning beds and even welding irons. Radiation spans a spectrum from very high energy, such as x-rays, to very low energy, such as radio waves. UV rays have more energy than visible light, but not as much energy as x-rays.

The sun puts off radiation in the form of UV light, which can be classified into three types: UVA, UVB and UVC. The ozone layer is the protective layer in the earth’s stratosphere that blocks UVC light, but UVB and UVA light still pass through it. UVA penetrates deeply into the skin and causes wrinkling. UVB is the type that causes sunburns.

Exposure to both UVA and UVB is associated with the development of skin cancer, so it is important to protect your skin during exposure to sunlight.

UV radiation is at its highest when and where the sun’s rays are the strongest and even more so during the summer months.

Protect Yourself, San Jose

Just about everyone knows to use sunscreen to protect their skin, but at Eye Medical Clinic, we want to remind you about the importance of protecting your eyes as well. Studies show that prolonged exposure to bright sunlight may increase the risk of developing cataracts and other growths on the eye, including cancer.

Be Cali-Cool with our Sunglasses Special

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, only about half of people who wear sunglasses check the UV rating before buying. We need to change that! It’s a simple way to protect yourself.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends choosing sunglasses labeled with “100% UV protection”. We’d like to add to select glasses that block both UVA and UVB rays and that are labeled either UV400 or 100% UV protection. And if you spend significant time outdoors, consider choosing a wraparound style so that the sun’s rays can’t creep in from the side. And one more thing; even If you wear UV-blocking contact lenses, you’ll still need sunglasses!

For the entire month of July, we’re offering 20% off all sunglasses! Whether or not you require vision correction, a great pair of sunglasses can add an element of comfort and enhanced performance to your activities, while helping you look great at the same time! Let our expert optical team help you find the perfect pair of sunglasses to match your style and how you live.

Trust the Santa Clara Valley Eye Experts

Eye Medical Clinic has built a team of ophthalmology and optometry experts who are ready and eager to meet your vision needs. Representing all of the disciplines of eye care, we want to be your go-to source for anything eye or vision-related. Our expertise often draws in patients for eye surgeries like cataract removal, but that expertise is also what makes us a great option for routine eye examinations.

From basic eye exams to dry eye check-ups, we strive to safeguard every aspect of your eye health. In addition to modern cataract surgery, we are able to diagnose and treat most eye conditions, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease and more. We even offer blepharoplasty for aging, puffy, tired-looking eyes.

What’s your vision for the rest of 2020? Let us help you See Every Moment. Schedule an appointment today.

We partied like it was 1999. We survived Y2K. And this year brings even more opportunities for clever song lyrics and tag lines. Especially for those of us in the eye care industry. I mean, really; It’s 2020! From “vision” casting to “setting your sights on 20/20”, it’s too easy to capitalize on the current calendar year in your marketing efforts.

But, at Eye Medical Clinic in San Jose, we want to remind you that not only are we here for all your vision and eye care needs, but we have been here for more than 70 years. We’re not going anywhere. Generations of families have trusted us with their precious sight and we look forward to serving the generations to come.

Comprehensive Eye Care for the Entire Family

Eye Medical Clinic has both optometrists and ophthalmologists on our experienced team of eye specialists. We are fully equipped to care for the eye needs of the youngest member of your family to the most senior member.

An annual comprehensive eye exam is important for everyone, no matter how young or old. Here at Eye Medical Clinic in San Jose, we can take care of your eyes in every season of life. From a new pair of glasses to ring in the New Year in style to contact lenses for a new look in 2020, we’ve got you covered.

Our comprehensive eye exam includes so much more than determining if a prescription is needed for eyeglasses or contact lenses. We will also check the eyes for any eye disease, assess how they work together as a team and evaluate the eyes as an indicator of overall health.

Face the New Year Looking (and Seeing) Your Best

Drooping eyelids can interfere with vision and make for tired-looking, aged eyes. At Eye Medical Clinic, we offer a unique approach to eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) that can restore a bright-eyed, youthful appearance. Performed by our very own Dr. John Sullivan, a board-certified ophthalmologist with vast experience in cataract, reconstructive, cosmetic and plastic surgery, he’s helped countless people just like you achieve an open-eyed, refreshed look.

Schedule an initial consultation today with the experts at Eye Medical Clinic. We will share all of our eye-opening options to give you a clear idea of which procedure or treatment will best benefit your vision and lifestyle.

A Vision for the Future

As the bay area of Santa Clara Valley County continues to grow, our Eye Medical Clinic family is growing so that we can continue to serve you and your loved ones with excellence. Stay tuned for an announcement coming soon as we plan to welcome a new eye surgeon this year.

We invite you to experience our expert eye care for every generation at Eye Medical Clinic. Our team of experienced doctors, John Sullivan, MD and Christina Nguyen Deane, OD, as well as a highly trained and dedicated staff, is dedicated to helping you enjoy your life to the fullest…with the clear vision you deserve. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam today and prepare to See Every Moment in 2020!

What’s on the horizon for you in 2020? If you’re the goal-setting, resolution-making type, we wish you all the very best luck and plenty of good vibes for accomplishing everything you desire in the coming year. As for us, we are excited to refocus on our shared goals, our vision and our future—just in time for 2020!

It’s been a great 2019 at Eye Medical Clinic; another year dedicated to serving our valued patients. With a legacy of more than 70 years serving the San Jose area, we’re proud to have built a reputation for quality eye care that generations of families have come to trust.

Food (for thought) that Won’t Make Your Pants Fit Tighter This Holiday Season

December is bustling with all the things that make the holiday season the most wonderful time of the year. But Christmas songs aside, there are a few things worth considering while in the midst of gift shopping and holiday gatherings with friends and family.

Use ‘em Before You Lose ‘em.
We’re not talking about teeth here. We’re talking about vision care benefits and flex plan benefits through your employer. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are employer-sponsored programs that allow you to put aside pre-tax dollars for out-of-pocket medical expenses. With the right planning, you can use your FSA to contribute to the cost of your vision improvements with Eye Medical Clinic just before the end of the year.

Pro tip: FSAs are voluntary programs, and not all employers offer them. If your employer offers an FSA, you will have the option to enroll at the beginning of the plan year, which is typically January 1. At that time, you must commit to an amount of money to be taken out of each paycheck and placed in your FSA. You will not pay taxes on this money. The only downside is that if you do not use this money by the end of the plan year, you may have to forfeit it.

Reach for 20/20 in 2020.
An annual comprehensive eye exam is important for everyone, no matter how young or old. Here at Eye Medical Clinic in San Jose, we can take care of your eyes in every season of life. From a new pair of glasses to ring in the New Year in style to contact lenses for a new look in 2020, we’ve got you covered.
Our comprehensive eye exam includes so much more than determining if a prescription is needed for eyeglasses or contact lenses. We will also check the eyes for any eye disease, assess how they work together as a team and evaluate the eyes as an indicator of overall health.

Invest in Yourself
Drooping eyelids can interfere with vision and make for tired-looking, aged eyes. At Eye Medical Clinic, we offer a unique approach to eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) that can restore a bright-eyed, youthful appearance. Performed by our very own Dr. John Sullivan, a board-certified ophthalmologist with vast experience in cataract, reconstructive, cosmetic and plastic surgery, he’s helped countless people just like you achieve an open-eyed, refreshed look. Schedule an initial consultation today with the experts at Eye Medical Clinic. We will share all of our eye-opening options to give you a clear idea of what will benefit your vision and lifestyle.

If you’re already our loyal patient, we thank you. If you’d like to become a part of the Eye Medical Clinic family, we invite you to get in touch and we warmly welcome you! Happy Holidays and we look forward to serving you.

November may be best known for turkey and dressing, pecan and pumpkin pies (yum!), Black Friday shopping. But this month also marks Diabetes Awareness Month and Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month. It’s the ideal time, but in truth, there’s never a bad time, to shine a spotlight on this debilitating (and potentially sight-stealing) disease that affects more than 30 million Americans.

At Eye Medical Clinic, we want you to have all the facts where your vision health is concerned. Here are 7 facts you need to know about diabetes and how it can affect your vision:

You can develop diabetic eye disease without showing ANY symptoms.
In fact, diabetic eye disease is the leading cause of blindness among adults between the ages of 20 and 74.

At any given time, people with diabetes could develop diabetic eye disease.
When blood sugar levels remain elevated over a long period, complications can occur throughout your body, including your eyes.

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina, which is light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye. As the disease progresses, blood vessels become blocked and prevent areas of the retina from receiving vital blood and nutrients.

Diabetic macular edema is a complication of diabetic retinopathy.
It is caused by damaged blood vessels that swell and leak fluid into the macula (which is responsible for sharp, central vision). Over time, this swelling can lead to vision loss.

Other vision complications from diabetes include glaucoma and cataracts.
Individuals with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age and are twice as likely to develop glaucoma as are non-diabetics. Regular eye exams, early detection, and timely disease management can help protect against further vision loss.

If you have diabetic eye disease, you face a very real risk of losing your vision.
However, it’s possible to reduce the risk of diabetes-related blindness. You have the power to help protect against diabetes-related vision loss!

You should have an annual dilated eye exam.
It can help detect things that a regular vision test cannot and it can also help identify more serious vision problems.

Don’t Skip Your Annual Sight-Saving Exam

Annual comprehensive eye exams are important (critical for people with diabetes) as they can reveal hidden signs of disease, allowing for more timely treatment. This is why the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends people with diabetes have one annually or more often as recommended by their ophthalmologist.

During a comprehensive eye exam at Eye Medical Clinic, we will do so much more than determining your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses. We will also check your eyes for any eye disease, assess how your eyes work together as a team and evaluate your eyes as an indicator of your overall health.

At Eye Medical Clinic, your comprehensive eye exam will include:

• a visual acuity test to measure how sharp your vision is
• a motility exam to see how well your eyes work together and to rule out strabismus (crossed eyes)
• refraction to determine your best-corrected vision prescription
• tests to assess your risk for developing glaucoma
• pupil dilation to help detect cataracts, macular degeneration and other serious eye conditions

At Eye Medical Clinic, we want our patients to enjoy a high quality of life while managing their diabetes. We have extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of diabetic eye disease so that every patient we serve can See Every Moment.

If you have diabetes, schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Eye Medical Clinic today to protect yourself from preventable vision loss.

Across the world, people are living longer than ever before. According to the World Health Organization, by 2020 (that’s next year, people!), the number of people aged 60 years and older will outnumber children younger than the age of 5. Wow!

September is Healthy Aging Month

It’s a great time to focus on our senior population as it pertains to staying fit, staying active, staying safe and staying healthy. Here at Eye Medical Clinic, we love to serve our senior patients and are a trusted resource for all the eye-related issues that accompany aging.

Maybe you’ve heard it said, Life begins at 50! But that doesn’t mean vision loss has to. Let’s talk about the importance of making healthy vision a priority in every season but especially as you age.

While vision loss isn’t a normal part of aging, older adults are at higher risk for certain eye diseases and conditions, including age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, dry eye and more. Some of these conditions have no early symptoms, but, not to worry; they are easily detected during a comprehensive eye exam.

Take Charge of Your Vision. Have a Dilated Exam

If you are aged 50 or older, make a point of seeing us annually. Having a dilated eye exam every year can help detect age-related eye diseases in their earliest stages. Early detection and treatment can help save your sight. So even if you are not experiencing vision problems, you should have an annual eye exam. This is one of the best things you can do to protect your precious sight!

Did You Know?

More than 40 million Americans are currently age 65 or older, and this number is expected to grow to more than 88 million by 2050. By that same year, the number of Americans with age-related eye diseases is expected to double, and the number of people living with low vision is projected to triple. Early detection and treatment are key to saving sight.

Let’s Talk Cataracts

Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50. According to Prevent Blindness America, cataracts currently affect more than 22 million senior Americans. Cataracts cannot be treated with medication or changes to lifestyle and diet. They must be surgically removed in order for vision to be restored. When cataracts begin to negatively affect your lifestyle and activities, it’s time to talk to an expert.

Eye Medical Clinic is proud to offer the latest technologies and techniques in cataract surgery, including Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery. And major advances in lens exchange procedures allow people just like you to continue to live your life the way you want to live it. At Eye Medical Clinic, we offer a variety of Premium Lens Implants that can correct your cataracts AND get you out of your glasses or bifocals.

Healthy Aging Month is the ideal time to schedule a cataract evaluation. Take control of your health (including your eyes!). We’d love to partner with you.

Eye Medical Clinic – Eye Medical Clinic has built a reputation for quality eye care that generations of families have come to trust. We invite you to experience the VIP treatment every patient can expect to receive at Eye Medical Clinic. Our team of experienced doctors, as well as a highly trained staff, is dedicated to helping you enjoy your life to the fullest…with the clear vision you deserve.

Don’t Forget to Schedule Your Back-to-the-Routine Eye Exam

If you’ve finished all your school supply shopping, good for you! If your student has already gotten a fresh haircut, new kicks and cool backpack, you’re fully on the ball. But, what about a back-to-school comprehensive eye exam? New clothes, calculators and colored pencils are important, sure, but good vision is the very foundation for success in school.

August is the time to book a back-to-school eye exam for son or daughter; this includes elementary-aged students through college-aged young adults. Even if your child already wears glasses or contacts, our board-certified ophthalmologist recommends a yearly eye exam because vision can change rapidly when bodies are growing quickly. There is no better time to put it on the calendar than before the school bell rings.

Children of all ages need regular eye exams to detect vision problems that may impede their learning. Did you know that more than 80% of the information presented in classrooms is visual in nature? From traditional chalkboards and whiteboards to textbooks, tablets, smartphones and computer screens, students need to be free of eye strain and potential headaches that can result from uncorrected vision.

What is Included in a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

An annual comprehensive eye exam is important for students and adults. Here at Eye Medical Clinic in San Jose, we can take care of your eyes in every season of life.

Our comprehensive eye exam includes so much more than determining if a prescription is needed for eyeglasses or contact lenses. We will also check the eyes for any eye disease, assess how they work together as a team and evaluate the eyes as an indicator of overall health.

At Eye Medical Clinic, a comprehensive eye exam will include:

• a visual acuity test to measure how sharp your vision is
• a motility exam to see how well your eyes work together and to rule out strabismus (crossed eyes)
• refraction to determine your best-corrected vision prescription
• tests to assess your risk for developing glaucoma
• pupil dilation to help detect cataracts, macular degeneration and other serious eye conditions

We recommend that children should have their first pediatric eye exam at 6 months of age, another exam at age three and again at the start of school, with annual exams to follow. Young people with risk factors (such as premature birth, developmental delays and a family history of eye disease) should see an eye doctor more frequently.

And since caring for your eyes should be part of an overall approach to healthy living, we recommend that adults have a comprehensive eye exam once a year. Adults with certain risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of eye disease should see an eye doctor more often.
Is a Comprehensive Eye Exam Covered by Insurance?

Eye Medical Clinic is committed to making great vision affordable for everyone. Insurance coverage and convenient financing options make it possible. Many vision insurance plans cover at least a portion of eye exams, so be sure and check with our office to discuss coverage.

We accept insurance plans from dozens of providers across California. Please confirm your coverage with one of the members of our Eye Medical Clinic team at the time that you schedule your appointment.

As your family approaches a new school year, you want your children to have everything they need for a successful run. This includes clear vision. Make eye care a priority in your back-to-school planning.

Now is the perfect time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Eye Medical Clinic for “kids” of all ages, as part of an overall approach to health. Schedule your appointment with us today.

We’re in an era of buying everything online. Even things that people said would never make sense to buy online are becoming commonplace. Trying on clothes in the store has been replaced with great online return policies, finding the perfect mattress has been replaced with glitzy startups using “space-age materials” and going to the grocery store has been replaced by some kind of magic only Amazon fully understands.

Now sure, there are some good reasons to buy online, but when it comes to glasses and contacts, there’s just no substitute for the personal care and attention we offer at Eye Medical Clinic. We’re talking about your vision after all!

The Problem with Online Contacts

This is the easy one. The two big reasons you should choose to purchase contacts from your optometrist: expertise and quality.

Expertise

An important choice when considering investing in contact lenses is which lens material will best meet your needs for your unique lifestyle.

Do you cycle? Hike? Work at a computer all day? Are you disciplined about routines and schedules or more relaxed? All of these things and more will need to be considered because different types of lenses and lens materials lend themselves to different preferences and lifestyles.

While soft lenses, especially the disposable variety, are most popular because of wearing ease, there are instances where a hard lens may be a better choice. The experienced optical team at Eye Medical Clinic can help you find the contact lens that will work best for you.

And if you’re in the “hard to fit” category, Eye Medical Clinic can help. Our experienced optometrists love to help individuals just like you find a contact lens that is comfortable and effective.

Quality

Speaking of quality, many people think the only way to truly save money is to take a serious drop in quality. It should be no surprise that we don’t recommend that drop in quality, but seriously, we could write an entire blog on why not to skim on contacts.

The short story is every single side effect associated with contacts is more likely to occur in older technology. From dry eye and discomfort to eye infections, you can expect an all-around worse experience from discount contacts. Be especially wary of bottom-dollar prices from less-established companies because you’ll more than likely end up buying contacts with technology that’s two decades old. Yes, we said TWO DECADES!

By far, the best thing about buying contacts with an optometrist is that you’ll get to try on the contacts and know if they meet your needs. Remember, you’re going to be wearing these contacts almost every day, so you should be sure they’re perfect for you. Thankfully, you can trust Dr. Deane and the entire Eye Medical Clinic team to help you in that department.

The Value of Buying Glasses In-office

So the conversation about glasses is a bit more complicated. We can understand the appeal of rock-bottom prices on glasses. Even if you just want a backup pair – but it’s very true that you get what you pay for.

And if glasses are your “daily driver”, it’s even more important that you buy them from a reputable source.

Experience

The fact is, no matter how fancy a digital try-on tool a website has or the home try-on options they offer, there is no comparison to having a vision expert in your corner when you’re looking for a pair of glasses.

Not only does trying on glasses in-store offer you the input of an expert, but it also means you can trust that you’re getting the best glasses for your vision. We’ll touch on this more in a bit, but the quality of your vision comes down to more than your prescription. An expert like those at Eye Medical Clinic can help you find exactly the right glasses for your vision. Having served the Santa Clara Valley for over 70 years, we have a wealth of knowledge and experience…something you just won’t get when purchasing glasses and contacts online.

A common misconception is that the retail part of an eye care center doesn’t care about patients in the same way as the doctor does during the exam. That couldn’t be further from the truth! In reality, the optical team is in place to help you find a great style that meets your visual needs, fits your face well and complements your features – all for a price that makes sense for you.

That quality extends to after your purchase if/when you run into issues. When you buy online, you’re essentially on your own once you have your glasses in hand. But when you come into our office, we’re happy to offer many simple services such as:

• Repairs
• Deep cleaning
• Fit adjustments
• Screw and part replacements

Quality

The next thing you can expect is quality. Now, we have to be fair, some online retailers offer quality glasses, too. But, when you visit Eye Medical Clinic, you can rest assured that only the highest quality glasses are available.

We work with top brands to ensure we carry the latest styles using only the highest quality materials. So whether you want to go classic or trendy, you can be sure that your glasses will last.

Pitfalls of Buying Online

Truth: there are some serious downsides to buying glasses online that you need to know about.

First of all, it’s very common for glasses to be outright wrong. This study by the AOA shows 44.8% of 200 glasses purchased online had incorrect prescriptions or didn’t pass impact testing. Specifically, 29% percent had incorrect prescriptions. Additionally, many of the glasses didn’t have the extra coating that was requested.

When you purchase from Eye Medical Clinic, we will check all of these things so you don’t have to worry about receiving an improper pair of glasses.

But aside from that, even in a world where you get exactly the pair of glasses you order, there are other things to consider. First, there is the pupillary distance. This is the space between the centers of both your eyes, and it has to be measured correctly to result in a properly fitted pair of glasses. If it’s incorrect, then it can feel like one of your eyes is being pulled “off center”. Our team has the expertise and technology to make this a non-issue.

Another big factor is the lens shape. Depending on the quality of your vision, smaller lenses may limit some of your field of vision. Equally important is the fit of the glasses themselves; certain frames work better on certain faces (both in how they look and how they correct your vision.) These are just a few examples of why it’s so important to have personal care and attention when buying new glasses.

Luckily for you, combining your eye exam with a glasses fitting at Eye Medical Clinic can do wonders for the look, feel and performance of your glasses.

Ready for Some Help Choosing Your Next Frames?

So there you have it – all the reasons you should visit your optometrist before you jump online to buy glasses or contacts. The team at Eye Medical Clinic looks forward to serving you!

Schedule today by clicking the button below, or schedule an appointment by calling 408.457.7311.

Hello, summer. 🌞 San Jose is well known for its temperate climate any time of the year, but summer in San Jose is just the besssssst. Coastal breezes, sunny days. It’s the perfect place to call home.

This time of year has most people shopping for sunscreen and pool floaties but what can you do to protect your eyes? Lots! As you prepare for summertime fun in the outdoors, don’t forget a game plan that keeps your eyes healthy and safe.

Check out our four summer eye care tips to protect your sight:

Shades 😎 When considering how to protect your eyes from the sun, choose sunglasses with complete UV or ultraviolet protection. Look for lenses with 100% UVA and UVB protection. Polarized sunglasses can reduce glare, which is especially helpful if you’re spending a lot of time on the water, in the sand or on the golf course (or in the sand on the golf course).

According to our eye experts at Eye Medical Clinic, more is better when it comes to blocking out the sun. Use a combination of high-quality sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat that can cut down on sunlight. Wrap-around sunglasses perform best. Choose lenses large enough to completely cover your eyes to prevent as much light as possible from entering through the edges of the glasses. Remember to wear sunglasses on cloudy days, too!

You certainly don’t want to be blinded by the light that shines off the water, sand or other highly reflective surfaces. Too much exposure can cause UV eye damage in the form of a painful condition called photokeratitis or photo conjunctivitis. This is when the sun’s UV rays burn the surface of your eye. Continuous UV exposure may contribute to cataract development or cause the development of pterygium (a benign growth over the cornea).

Goggles 🏊 We advise you (and your kiddos) to wear goggles at the pool. Chemicals used to keep pool water clean, such as chlorine, can affect the natural tear film that keeps eyes moist and healthy. The results are red, gritty eyes and even blurry vision. So goggles are a good idea. Also, splash your eyes with fresh water immediately after getting out of the pool.

Avoid Dry Eye 😢 A dry, hot or windy climate can irritate your eyes when outside and cause Dry Eye symptoms. Dry Eye affects the tear film, drying out the eye’s surface. Wrap-around sunglasses can be helpful when outside. Also, consider using artificial tears to keep eyes moist and refreshed.

Fortunately, you don’t have to live with chronic Dry Eye. Here at Eye Medical Clinic, we offer several treatments for Dry Eye including a scleral lens to treat moderate to severe dry eye. A scleral lens (special hard contact lens) holds a reservoir of tears next to the cornea, reducing many dry eye symptoms, decreasing the need for artificial tears and improving visual acuity.

Your Eye Medical Clinic Dry Eye specialist will perform diagnostic testing – including ocular allergy testing – that will pinpoint the source of your symptoms. Thorough testing will help us determine the best course of treatment for you.

Hydration and Healthy Foods 💧🍎 It’s not just carrots that keep your eyes healthy. Be sure and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. This is made easier in the summer months when fresh fruit and veg are in season and can be added to almost any meal! Think summer salads, grilled veggie kabobs and fruity desserts. Adding foods high in Vitamin A, C and E boost vision health, so get your fair share of these essential nutrients.

People also tend to become more dehydrated in the summer, leading to Dry Eye and other vision problems. So…drink water, water and more water! Downing plenty of water can prevent the adverse effects of dehydration, reduce eye strain as well as provide fluid for normal eye function.

Bring on the sunshine, San Jose! We’re ready.

Make your eye care a priority. Summer is a great time to have your regular eye exam, especially for kids who are out of school. We at Eye Medical Clinic advise regular eye exams for patients of all ages as part of your overall approach to health. If you have any immediate concerns about summer eye care or general eye care, contact our experts at Eye Medical Clinic.

The ABCs of Ocular Migraines

Migraine sufferers, we see you (hiding in a darkened room with a pillow over your head). We hear you (crying). We feel you (begging for mercy). And we want to help.

Migraines are the worst. They’re up there with root canals and income tax audits. One of the hardest things about migraines is determining the root cause, which is different for different people and identifying the individual triggers that bring one on in the first place.

Many people don’t know it but migraines can actually impact vision. When this occurs, it’s called an ocular migraine.

What’s an Ocular Migraine?

The term “ocular migraine” can be confusing. It generally means a headache that’s accompanied by changes in vision which may include blind spots, changes in light perception, wiggly lines and flashing lights. As many as 20 percent of migraine sufferers may experience these “aura” symptoms.

It is generally accepted that there are two types of ocular migraines:

1. Migraine with Aura. This type of migraine impairs vision, with symptoms like flashes of light, blind spots, seeing stars or patterns and other visual issues that go away after a short period. Migraine aura can occur with headache or without, and is typically short in duration. Migraine with Aura occurs in 25-30 percent of people with migraine, and less than 20% of individuals with migraine visual aura have the aura phase with every migraine attack.
2. Retinal Migraine refers to visual symptoms that occur in only one eye before or during the headache phase of a migraine. Retinal Migraine symptoms tend to be more intrusive than aura symptoms, and can include decreased vision, flashing lights and even temporary blindness. It can be difficult for people to distinguish between Migraine with Aura and Retinal Migraine, so it’s important to consult a doctor if you think you may be experiencing Retinal Migraine symptoms.

What Causes an Ocular Migraine?

Exactly what causes ocular migraines is not known, but a personal or family history of migraines is a known risk factor. Most doctors agree that ocular migraines have the same causes as classic migraine. They include:

• Genetics – A family history of migraine or ocular migraine increases your chance of having them.
• Hormones – Migraines have been linked to the hormone estrogen. In women, hormones can fluctuate due to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. Hormone levels are also affected by oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapies.
• Triggers – Some people know exactly what triggers a migraine for them but research shows it is likely the combination of factors that trigger a migraine. They can include stress, lack of sleep, weather change, alcohol, caffeine and certain foods.

Can Poor Vision Trigger a Migraine?

If you have poor vision, you may squint a lot (whether you know it or not) or hold items up close or far away from your face in order to see them clearly. This can have a negative impact on your vision over time. You could also strain your eyes by reading in poor lighting. When your eyes are constantly straining to see properly, it could trigger a migraine. Having a comprehensive eye exam by a trusted eye doctor is one step you can take to make sure poor vision is one less thing that could trigger a migraine for you.

Additionally, there are eye conditions that can trigger migraines including glaucoma. Glaucoma causes the pressure to build up in the eye and damage the optic nerve. In order to relieve these migraines, the conditions must be treated.

Comprehensive Eye Care for the Whole Family

Eye Medical Clinic has both optometrists and ophthalmologists on our experienced team of eye specialists. We have proudly served the Bay Area for more than 70 years and we are fully equipped to care for the eye needs of the youngest member of your family to the most senior member. We’d love to talk to you about your migraines as they relate to your vision and see how we can help.

We invite you to experience our expert eye care for every generation at Eye Medical Clinic. Our team, including experienced doctors John Sullivan, MD; Mona Bagga, MD and Christina Nguyen Deane, OD, as well as a highly trained and dedicated staff, is dedicated to helping you enjoy your life to the fullest…with the clear vision, you deserve. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam today.

Symptoms, Causes and Treatments for Conjunctivitis

If you managed to escape childhood without a case of pink eye, consider yourself lucky. According to the National Eye Institute, pink eye is one of the most common and treatable eye conditions in children and adults. About 3 million cases of pink eye occur in the United States each year. That’s a lot of gross.

So let’s talk about it. What causes it? What are the symptoms? And most importantly, how do you get rid of it??

Pink Eye Defined

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is an irritation or inflammation of the conjunctiva, which covers the white part of the eyeball. It can be caused by allergies or a bacterial or viral infection. Conjunctivitis can be extremely contagious and is spread by contact with eye secretions from someone who is infected.

Causes/Types of Pink Eye

The three types of pink eye are:

• Viral conjunctivitis. This kind of pink eye is caused by a virus such as the common cold and is very contagious. The good news, this type usually clears up on its own within a few days without medical treatment.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis. This type of pink eye is caused by bacteria and won’t get better on its own. It requires an antibiotic to clear up. It can cause serious damage to the eye if left untreated.
• Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by eye irritants such as pollen, dust and animal dander among people who are susceptible to those allergens. Allergic conjunctivitis may be seasonal (pollen) or flare up year-round (dust; pet dander). This type is not contagious.

Pink Eye Symptoms

As you might assume, the most common symptom of pink eye is an eye that has a pinkish-red, irritated appearance. Other symptoms depend on which type of pink eye you have and can range from watery, itchy, burning eyes to a sticky, yellow or greenish-yellow eye discharge in one or both eyes.

If you think you (or your child) might have pink eye, it’s best to see an eye doctor who can perform a physical exam to confirm diagnosis. Left untreated, certain types of pink eye (the bacterial varieties) can lead to infections of the cornea, eyelids and even tear ducts. Better to be safe than sorry!

Ophthalmia neonatorum is a severe form of bacterial conjunctivitis that can occur in newborn babies. It is a serious condition that could lead to permanent eye damage if it is not treated immediately. Ophthalmia neonatorum occurs when a baby is exposed to the sexually-transmitted diseases chlamydia or gonorrhea while passing through the birth canal. For several years, it has been standard procedure (in the U.S.) to apply antibiotic ointment to babies’ eyes as a preventive measure.

Treatment for Pink Eye

As with pink eye causes and symptoms, pink eye treatment depends on which type of pink eye you have.

• Viral conjunctivitis. In most cases, viral conjunctivitis will run its course over a period of several days with no medical intervention required. Applying a cold, wet washcloth to the eyes several times a day can relieve symptoms. (Just don’t share this washcloth with others!)
• Bacterial conjunctivitis. Your Eye Medical Clinic eye doctor or even a primary care physician typically will prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. If severe infection is present, oral antibiotics might be necessary.
• Allergic conjunctivitis. Allergy medications can help prevent or shorten cases of allergic conjunctivitis. Check with your Eye Medical Clinic doctor for details.

Remember, because a red or pink eye can be a symptom of many different types of eye problems — some that can be quite serious — make sure you consult with your eye doctor. Routine comprehensive eye examinations by your Eye Medical Clinic eye doctor are the best safeguard for maintaining good vision at any stage of life.

Comprehensive Eye Care for the Whole Family

Eye Medical Clinic has both optometrists and ophthalmologists on our experienced team of eye specialists! We have proudly served the Bay Area for more than 70 years and we are fully equipped to care for the eye needs of the youngest member of your family to the most senior member.

We invite you to experience our expert eye care for every generation at Eye Medical Clinic. Our team of experienced doctors John Sullivan, MD; Mona Bagga, MD and Christina Nguyen Deane, OD, as well as a highly trained and dedicated staff, is dedicated to helping you enjoy your life to the fullest…with the clear vision you deserve. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam today.

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

There’s no question comprehensive eye exams are an important part of overall good health. The quality of your vision affects everything from school and work performance to driving, hobbying, working out and just about any other activity you can think of. But the importance of annual eye exams goes well beyond just making sure your vision isn’t blurry. Good eye health can safeguard your health and wellness and even prevent disease. (more…)

Time to Schedule a Back-to-School Eye Exam for Your Kids

New clothes? Check! Backpack? Check! School supplies? Check! Now, what about a back-to-school eye exam or comprehensive vision screening to check your kids’ eyes…

August is the time to book a back-to-school eye exam for grade school, high school and college kids. Even if your daughter or son already wears glasses or contacts, ophthalmologists recommend a yearly eye exam. There is no better time to put it on the calendar than before the first school bell rings. A child’s vision can change quickly in only a few months, especially when they are growing so rapidly.

Children need regular eye exams to detect vision problems that may stand in the way of their learning. Experts say that more than 80% of information children receive in classrooms is presented visually. With good reason, vision correction is vital to school success because 1) Students must have good distance vision in order to see words and images displayed on whiteboards and blackboards; 2) Students must have near vision correction that enables them to read from books, smartphones, tablets and computer screens; 3) Students should be free of eye strain and potential headaches that can result from uncorrected vision.

What Will a Back-to-School Eye Exam Cover?

Here at Eye Medical Clinic in San Jose, we offer a comprehensive eye exam that includes evaluation of the anterior portion of the eye and pupil dilation to examine the interior of the eye. Our expert ophthalmologists will look for:

• Myopia – Also known as nearsightedness, is a common condition that can be easily diagnosed. It’s a visual defect in which light that enters the eye is focused in front of the retina instead of clearly onto it so that distant objects appear blurred. Myopia can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses or LASIK surgery.
• Hyperopia – Also known as farsightedness, is a common type of refractive error where distant objects may be seen more clearly than objects that are near. As a result, your child probably enjoys great distance vision but struggles with vision that is blurry when reading or looking at objects that are positioned close. Hyperopia also is easy to diagnose and correct.
• Astigmatism – This very correctible condition occurs when the shape of the lens in the eye is not perfectly symmetrical or round. It’s simply a problem with how the eye focuses light and a common symptom is blurred vision. Treatments include eyeglasses, contact lenses or LASIK surgery.
• Eye Misalignments – These issues are more common in younger school children than any other age group. Conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye), and strabismus (misaligned or crossed eyes) are easily diagnosed during eye exams. There are a variety of remedies we can discuss here at Eye Medical Clinic.
• Eye Irritants – Summertime is when children are often exposed to irritants, including allergens, chlorine used in pools, sunblock lotions or insect repellents that may affect the eyes. Our experts at Eye Medical Clinic will screen for these problems during your back-to-school eye exam.

What will a children’s eye exam cost?

First, Eye Medical Clinic is committed to making great vision affordable for everyone. Insurance coverage and convenient financing options make it possible. Without insurance, you can expect to pay around $250 on average for an eye exam performed by a private-practice optometrist or ophthalmologist. Also, eye exams for contact lenses or updating an eyeglass prescription nearly always cost more than routine exams to check general eye health. Many vision insurance plans cover a portion of these services, so be sure and check with our office to discuss coverage.

We don’t want you to worry so much about cost, though. For your kids, as students, their eyes are one of their most important learning tools!!

As your kids (and you) say a bittersweet goodbye to summer and hanging with friends— and hello to a new school year with familiar classmates and the clarity to absorb new knowledge—you will have the added confidence in their success. It’s in the eyes.

Make your kids’ eye care a priority. Going back to school is the perfect time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Eye Medical Clinic for “kids” of all ages, as part of an overall approach to health. Book your appointment with us today!