Pediatric Eye Exam in Jacksonville

Most kids don’t suspect that something is wrong with their eyesight and are thus unlikely to seek help with their vision. If you witness your child tilting his or her head too often, frequently squinting, or holding books or other objects unusually close or far away from his or her eyes, it may be time for an eye exam.

Book an appointment with Dr. Merritt at Bob Ham Eyewear today. We will provide a comprehensive eye exam that will detect whether your child has any vision aberrations.

It’s up to parents to recognize the signs of compromised eyesight and to take the necessary precautions against it. Read on to learn the basics of keeping your children’s vision sharp and healthy.

Why Are Vision Screenings Not Enough?

School or pediatric vision screenings often offer superficial eye exams that cannot detect underlying vision issues that get in the way of your child’s success in school and life. In fact, it is estimated that up to 10 million kids suffer from vision issues, despite having passed a school vision screening. Therefore, it is critical to have your child’s eyes examined by an eye doctor in order to assess their overall eye health. The earlier they do it, the better.

Does Your Child Really Hate to Read?

If your child dislikes or avoids reading, it might indicate a vision problem.

Does your child…

• Use a finger or pencil to guide the eyes while reading?
• Incessantly rub his or her eyes?
• Cover one eye while reading?
• Frequently tilt his or her head?

Reading with undiagnosed vision problems can result in headaches, fatigue and eye strain, which could explain why your child shies away from engaging in this activity.

Should your child need glasses for vision correction, Bob Ham Eyewear has a wide variety of age-appropriate options, made of comfortable, durable, and kid-friendly materials.

Should Eye Exams be on the Back-to-School To-Do List?

By the age of 6, every child should have undergone three eye exams. Make sure to prioritize eye exams by adding it to the back-to-school to-do list. No matter how wonderful the pencils and markers are, if the vision isn’t there, your child will struggle through school, sports, and in life.

Is it Clumsiness or a Vision Problem?

If your child frequently bumps into desks, knocks things over, and trips, it may not be just clumsiness. Contact Bob Ham Eyewear for an eye exam today.

Spending Too Much Time on Computer/Digital Screens?

Too Much Screen Time is Linked To Myopia

The use of digital devices is on the rise, and so is myopia (nearsightedness).

Research has shown that prolonged use of computers and digital devices among children can result in myopia. Focusing on images or words on the screen for extended periods of time can result in eye strain, and over time, can even change the shape of a child’s eye. As a parent, we recommend you limit your child’s computer or phone screen time and incorporate the 20/20/20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds).

Blue Light Blocking Glasses or Lenses for Digital Screens

Another problem with using digital devices has to do with the blue light these devices emit. Smartphones expose us to the most blue light, since we hold them very close to our eyes. Long hours of blue light exposure can harm the eyes and disrupt sleep quality.

However, the harm caused by blue light can be reduced by wearing special Blue Light lenses.

At Bob Ham Eyewear, we offer blue light filters for lenses, which block blue light from reaching one’s eyes and protect your vision when using digital devices. Ask us about adding blue-light filters to your or your child’s glasses, or about getting a full pair of blue light eyeglasses.

Why Opt for Polycarbonate Lenses?

When it comes to kids, the lenses you pick a matter. Bob Ham Eyewear recommends opting for polycarbonate lenses when buying glasses. They are more lightweight, impact-resistant and scratch-resistant than traditional plastic lenses. Furthermore, the UV protection can protect your child’s eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.

If you want your kids to ace their classes this year, remember to prioritize a visit to the eye doctor as part of your back-to-school checklist.

Prepare for Back to School with Blue Light Glasses | Bob Ham Eyewear

Comprehensive Pediatric Eye Exams

At Bob Ham Eyewear, we offer comprehensive pediatric eye exams, as well as a wide array of glasses and lenses for our young patients. Bob Ham Eyewear serves patients from in and around Jacksonville in the state of Florida .

Q: My child saw 20/20 at their school physical. That’s perfect vision for back to school, right?

• A: Maybe! 20/20 only tells us what size letter can be seen 20 feet away. People with significant farsightedness or eye muscle imbalances may see “20/20”, but experience enough visual strain to make reading difficult. Vision controls eighty percent of learning so include a thorough eye exam in your child’s Back-to-School list.

Q: My child passed the screening test at school, isn’t that enough?

• A: Distance and reading are two different things. Someone with perfect distance vision can still have focusing problems up close. Doctors need to check for both, many children have undiagnosed accommodative (focusing) problems because no one ever looked for it before. We always check the distance and near vision on all ages because it is so important. Other areas that need to be checked is eye muscle alignment, color vision, depth perception, and overall health of the eyes.

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Bob Ham Eyewear for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.

Eye Doctor in Jacksonville

It’s that time of year again, when parents are compiling back-to-school checklists of school supplies, books, and uniforms.

But here’s one more important item to add to your list: back-to-school eye exams!

Why Are Eye Exams Crucial Before the New School Year?

Academic success goes hand in hand with great vision. After all, about 80% of classroom learning is visual. Whether your child is doing homework, reading from the whiteboard, or playing sports — clear vision is essential.

Some parents rely on school vision screenings to detect their child’s vision problems, but these are merely screenings and are generally insufficient to adequately assess a child’s visual capabilities. Only a comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist can evaluate various visual skills like eye tracking, teaming, eye focusing and other crucial visual skills.

It’s also important to note that many children aren’t capable of verbally communicating the visual difficulties they may be experiencing. They may not even realize there is a problem.

Especially during the school years, children’s eyes grow and develop rapidly, and changes in vision can occur suddenly.

An eye exam before school starts will help ensure that your child is ready to succeed in the classroom.

Frames To Suit Each Child

The new school year is also a great time for children to get a confidence boost with a new pair of stylish glasses.

If a refractive error (nearsightedness or farsightedness) is detected, your child can choose a pair of glasses from the wide range of frames we offer. Beautiful frames will show off their style and make them feel good about themselves.

At Bob Ham Eyewear, we carry the latest in children’s eyewear, some inspired by adult trends, and some with fun, imaginative bold colors and shapes. All of our children’s frames are durable, comfortable, and made with kid-friendly materials.

Our optometric team will ensure that your child’s glasses fit securely and comfortably, reducing the risk of dropping or breaking their new eyewear.

Our Optometrist Can Help

We know that some kids can be a little apprehensive about going to the eye doctor, which is why we use the most gentle approach during eye exams. Our goal is for each child to feel comfortable from the moment they walk in until the moment they leave.

Our friendly and warm staff has experience with children of different ages and visual needs, so you know your child is in good hands.

Get your child off to a smart start this year by calling Bob Ham Eyewear in Jacksonville to schedule their eye exam today!

Q: Can my child choose contact lenses if they don’t want glasses?

• A: Usually! Children as young as 8 can start wearing contact lenses, depending on several factors. If the parent and child both agree that the child is mature enough to wear and care for contact lenses, contacts can be a great option for vision correction. Speak with us to determine if contact lenses are right for your child.

Q: What happens during a pediatric eye exam?

• A: During your child’s eye exam, the optometrist will run a range of tests to assess basic visual acuity like near vision, far vision and astigmatism. Tests of visual skills may also be performed, which assess focusing, convergence, lazy eye and visual processing. The optometrist will also examine the physical health of the eye and ask about any relevant medical history or issues that could affect your child’s vision.

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Bob Ham Eyewear for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.

Optical Store & Eye Care Center in Jacksonville

There is some controversy around the topic of blue light, especially when it comes to children’s eye health and screen time.

Some claim that it’s harmful to a child’s growing eyes and may contribute to retinal damage and other eye conditions. Others believe that blue light isn’t anything to worry about.

Below, we’ll explore what science has to say about blue light, and whether you should invest in a pair of blue light glasses for your child or teen.

What is Blue Light?

Blue light is a high-energy light on the spectrum of visible electromagnetic energy. Some intense forms of blue light have a similar frequency to ultraviolet light, which can penetrate through the eye and reach the retina.

The main source of blue light is the sun, but it’s also emitted by artificial indoor lighting, smartphones, and other digital devices.

Is Blue Light Harmful?

Studies are mixed regarding the safety of blue light on retinal health. The main studies that prove blue light’s harmful effects have been conducted on rats, not humans, and involved very high amounts of blue light. Scientists are trying to determine whether digital screens and indoor lighting, which emit far less blue light, can cause eye damage, especially in the long term.

A study published in Integrative Biology used petri dishes to host retinal cells that were exposed to high-intensity blue light. In this experiment, the retinal cells underwent drastic changes and even cellular death upon intense exposure. However, this may not accurately represent how blue light interacts with retinal cells within the eye.

One thing is certain about blue light: it affects the quality of our sleep and causes eye strain.

Blue light triggers certain cells in the retina that communicate with the pineal gland in the brain. The pineal gland produces a sleep hormone called melatonin — a vital component of the circadian rhythm. When blue light inhibits melatonin production, it may lead to poor sleep quality or insomnia.

Since blue light makes the body more alert, the recommendation is to stop using digital devices at least 2 hours before bedtime.

Can Kids and Teens Benefit From Blue Light Glasses?

Blue light glasses are a good idea for kids and teens who spend a lot of time in front of screens, especially in the evenings.

A study by the University of Houston found that participants (ages 17-42) who wore blue light glasses experienced a 58% increase in their nighttime melatonin levels. This finding is relevant to kids and teens who spend night hours being productive in front of a screen.

A small-scale study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health showed that blue light glasses were effective in minimizing alertness and inducing melatonin production in healthy teenage boys, improving their circadian rhythm.

Some studies have found a link between a child’s disrupted biological clock and an increased risk of several health problems, including metabolic syndrome, depression, and cancer.

Blue light glasses don’t claim to minimize these risks, but simply increase a child’s ability to produce more melatonin and potentially have better quality sleep.

Blue light glasses also reduce eye fatigue and digital eye strain by reducing glare. Blue light can decrease contrast, causing the eyes to work harder and strain for a clearer image.

Symptoms of digital eye strain in children and adolescents include:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Poor posture
• Changes in vision
• Dry eyes

We Provide Blue Light Glasses and Other Services

Here’s the bottom line:

If your child spends much of their time studying or completing homework on a computer, or playing games on a phone or tablet, you may want to consider getting them blue light glasses to improve the quality of their sleep and reduce digital eye strain.

At Bob Ham Eyewear, we take the time to sit with each patient and ask the necessary questions to get a full picture of your lifestyle and visual needs. Our optometric team will guide you and your child through all of their options, whether it’s blue light glasses, regular glasses, or contact lenses.

To schedule your child’s eye exam or to learn more about what we offer, contact Bob Ham Eyewear in Jacksonville today!

Q: Do blue light glasses filter out all of the blue light?

• A: No. Blue light glasses usually filter out around 80% of incoming blue light. Because there isn’t a way to filter out 100% of blue light, we recommend limiting screen time whenever possible and wearing 100% UV-blocking sunglasses when outdoors during the day.

Q: Are blue light glasses the same as computer glasses?

• A: The lenses of computer glasses have a slight magnification to relieve the eye muscles from constantly focusing on the near screen. Blue light glasses usually have a yellowish tint to filter out blue light.

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Bob Ham Eyewear for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.

Contact Lens Eye Exams in Jacksonville

Have astigmatism and want to wear contact lenses? No problem!

Astigmatism is a common refractive error caused by an abnormal or uneven curvature of the cornea that impedes your eye’s ability to focus light properly on the retina. This results in blurry or distorted vision that makes it difficult to distinguish forms and details at any distance. It can also cause headaches, fatigue and eye strain.

Fortunately, there are several types of contact lenses that correct astigmatism, as well as nearsightedness and farsightedness.

Can I Wear Contacts with Astigmatism?

If you have mild to moderate astigmatism, contacts are an affordable and convenient way to correct your vision. In fact, contacts can reduce distortion, offer a wide visual field, and improve visual clarity.

Toric contact lenses are one type of contact lens— in fact, they’re specifically designed to correct astigmatism. They’re slightly thicker and larger, and more stable on the eye than non-toric contacts.

Toric lenses have various design features to ensure they sit correctly on your eye. One of them is the weight at the bottom made to keep them in place and prevent rotation. These lenses are also designed to move with your eye, allowing tears to flow under the lens so you can maintain comfortable and clear vision.

There are two types of astigmatism:

• Regular or corneal astigmatism. This is the most common form of astigmatism. It occurs when the cornea curves in more than one direction, and instead of a sphere, it’s oval-shaped. This type of astigmatism can be corrected by wearing contact lenses, glasses, or through surgery.
• Irregular astigmatism. This occurs when the cornea unevenly curves in several directions and in varying degrees. In such cases, rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contacts are the best option.

Types of Contact Lenses for Astigmatism

There are four types of toric contact lenses, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Soft contact lenses

Soft contact lenses are a popular choice for those with mild to moderate astigmatism. Their softness and flexibility provide comfort, they’re simple to insert and remove, and stay put on the moving eye. However, achieving the best final prescription can be challenging, especially for moderate to high levels of astigmatism, as the visual clarity might not be as stable as an RGP lens. Your optometrist might need to make several adjustments to achieve desired results.

RGP contact lenses

While RGP lenses are smaller and harder than soft lenses, they are more oxygen-permeable and allow more tears to surround the lens. At first, these lenses may feel less comfortable than soft contacts since they are less flexible. Overtime, as you get used to wearing them, these lenses will become more comfortable.

Because they maintain their shape, RGP lenses are more effective than soft lenses at correcting astigmatism and improving visual clarity. They also keep their shape when you blink, allowing for a more stable and clearer vision. That said, they can dislodge during strenuous physical activities. Another disadvantage of RGP lenses is that debris, such as dirt and dust, may get trapped under the lens and cause irritation.

Hybrid contact lenses

Hybrid contacts combine a rigid gas-permeable center with softer edges composed of soft hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. These lenses provide comfort while maintaining the clarity that RGP lenses provide. Because of their large size and thin edges, they’re less likely to fall out during physical activities.

Scleral contact lenses

Scleral lenses are rigid and maintain their shape regardless of the corneal shape. In addition, they sit on the sclera rather than the cornea, allowing the eye to properly focus light and therefore ensuring sharp vision and comfort. The liquid reservoir trapped behind the scleral lens compensates for corneal astigmatism and ensures a secure fit.

How We Can Help

During your comprehensive eye exam, we’ll determine the severity of your astigmatism, as well as your degree of farsightedness or nearsightedness. We will also recommend which contact lenses are best for you, based on your needs. In some cases, your astigmatism will require custom-made toric contact lenses.

Schedule an appointment with Bob Ham Eyewear in Jacksonville to receive your contact lens eye exam and initial lens fitting, the first step toward sharper, more comfortable vision.

Q: Is a contact lens exam the same as a regular eye exam?

• A: If you wear or want to wear contacts, you need a contact lens exam in addition to a regular eye exam. Your eye doctor will perform special tests during a contact lens exam to evaluate your vision with contacts.An eyeglass prescription is not the same as a contact lens prescription. A contact lens prescription measures lenses that sit directly on the surface of the eye, whereas an eyeglass prescription measures lenses that are positioned around 12 millimeters from your eyes. After your eye doctor has determined your prescription they will conduct a contact lens fitting.

Q: What is a contact lens fitting?

• A: Since contact lenses are not one-size-fits-all, your eye doctor will need to take measurements of your corneal curvature, pupil or iris size and will evaluate your tear film, to properly fit your contact lenses. Contact lenses that do not fit properly can cause blurry vision, discomfort and even damage your eyes.

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Bob Ham Eyewear for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.

Eye Doctor In Jacksonville

Digital eye exams allow the optometrist to detect changes to your eyes faster and with greater accuracy. Eye conditions can now be detected earlier, resulting in improved treatment, thanks to new and improved digital equipment.

What Is a Digital Eye Exam?

You’ve probably already had a digital exam without realizing it, as they’re popping up at eye doctors‘ offices all over the place.

Digital eye exams are personalized automated tests that are often used in conjunction with regular vision exams to save time during your visit.

These include computerized sensors that use cutting-edge technology to produce an accurate guide to your optical prescription and check for underlying eye conditions. These devices speed up the process by computing the results automatically, rather than having the eye doctor perform the complete eye exam manually. At the conclusion of your eye exam, your eye doctor analyzes all the measurements and images to calculate your eyeglass prescription and assess your eye health.

How Does A Digital Eye Exam Check Eye Health?

In addition to assessing your vision, digital eye exams can map and image your eye, providing the eye doctor with detailed information about your ocular health. Digital eye tests include:

• Corneal Topography – to assess corneal health and help with contact lens fittings
• Digital Retinal Imaging – used to detect serious eye diseases like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration
• Optical Coherence Tomography – identifies any signs of diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension in your eyes using 3D color images

At Bob Ham Eyewear in Jacksonville we offer digital eye exams to help you maintain healthy eyes and vision. Take advantage of this new technology by scheduling an eye exam today.

Q: Why should I have my pupils dilated?

• A: Your eye doctor typically dilates your pupils during a comprehensive eye exam to get the best possible view of the retina, optic nerves and other parts of the eye. This helps them catch glaucoma, macular degeneration and other irreversible eye diseases before they progress to severe vision loss.

Q: How often should I get a digital eye exam?

• A: It’s recommended to have a comprehensive eye exam — digital or regular — every one to two years, depending on your age, risk factors and whether you currently wear glasses or contact lenses.

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Bob Ham Eyewear for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.

Optical Store & Vision Center in Jacksonville, Florida

No matter how much you love your current pair of glasses, there comes a time when you need to say goodbye to your old pair of specs and replace them with a new pair. But how can you determine when it’s time to do the switch?

Read the following questions and see which ones resonate with you. If you identify with any — or all of them — consider getting new glasses.

Has Your Vision Deteriorated?

Many people continue to wear an old prescription believing that it’s still serving its purpose. The problem is that when you wear glasses that no longer meet your needs, you’re actually causing great discomfort by seeing everything in a blur.

If your vision has gotten worse, you may find yourself compensating by squinting or causing your eye muscles to work extra hard in order to better focus on objects. This often leads to headaches and eye strain. In fact, one of the signs that you need a new pair of glasses is when you experience frequent headaches and feel relieved after removing your glasses.

If you’re seeing less clearly than you used to, or if you haven’t been to the eye doctor in over a year, make sure to contact Bob Ham Eyewear and make an appointment. The sooner Dr. Merritt examines your eyes and prescribes new glasses or lenses as needed, the better you will see and feel.

Are Your Lenses Scratched?

Scratches on your glasses are a permanent sign of damage that cannot be fixed. While scratches may seem harmless, they can affect your vision, eventually causing eye strain and headaches. So if your lenses are scuffed, consider buying a new pair with scratch-resistant lenses for the clearest vision possible.

Has Your Lens Coating Worn Off?

If your lenses have scratch-resistant or anti-reflective coatings, these coatings sometimes become cloudy, making it feel like perpetually looking through a dirty window.

If your coating is wearing off, consider getting a new pair of glasses with a new set of lens coatings.

Are Your Glasses the Best Design for Your Needs?

Technological innovations are constantly providing people who wear glasses even more comfortable, high-quality options.

Thanks to advanced technology, your lenses can serve many purposes simultaneously. For example, progressive lenses offer those with multiple prescriptions the convenience of not having to constantly switch their glasses. If you spend a lot of time on the computer, you can further customize your lenses by adding a blue light coating to reduce digital eye strain and prevent your eyes from being exposed to potentially harmful blue light, typically emitted by digital screens.

Furthermore, if you live in a sunny region, you may also benefit from having transition lenses that automatically adjust to lighting conditions: they become lighter indoors but darken when exposed to sunlight.

So while you may not necessarily need a new pair of glasses to see better, you may want to get a new pair that incorporates the newest technology to significantly increase your clarity and comfort levels.

Getting glasses is surprisingly easy. Simply book a consultation at Bob Ham Eyewear in Jacksonville, where Dr. Merritt will provide you with a comprehensive vision exam and provide you with a prescription to purchase glasses. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you find the perfect glasses for your unique face and lifestyle.

Q: Is it bad to wear my old designer glasses with an old prescription? What’s the best way to replace them?

• A: Yes I would it say it is not the best decision to wear any old prescription unless they will be used as a back-up or supplement to your corrected vision. However if you prefer to keep your old frame, and it is still in condition to handle the new lenses of your updated prescription then by all means. We have opticians that would be happy to thoroughly inspect the condition and accommodate you.

Q: Can I borrow and use someone else’s glasses?

• A: Most glasses are spefically customized for a particular patient. If you are wearing someone’s glasses, it could improve your vision some, but it will not give you the crisp clear vision that a personalized pair of glasses does.

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Bob Ham Eyewear for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.

Contact Lens Eye Exams in Jacksonville, Florida

Though tempting, wearing contact lenses while swimming can leave your eyes vulnerable to contamination by harmful bacteria and chemicals present in the water. This can result in eye irritation, infections and sight-threatening conditions such as corneal ulcers. Moreover, swimming in contact lenses may alter their shape, causing blurred vision and discomfort.

If you absolutely must wear contact lenses to swim, opt for daily disposables and combine them with waterproof swimming goggles. Alternately, you can wear prescription goggles to see clearly underwater.

Why Should I Avoid Wearing Contact Lenses While Swimming?

Swimming pools, rivers, oceans, and other bodies of water (including tap water) are laden with bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms—many of which can harm your eyes. The soft contact lenses’ porous material easily absorbs chemicals and bacteria, increasing the risk of eye irritation and infection.

One of the more harmful organisms often found in water sites is Acanthamoeba, which, when in contact with your contact lenses can potentially lead to eye infections. This condition, called Acanthamoeba Keratitis, may cause permanent vision loss and even require a corneal transplant to recover lost vision if not treated early enough.

Moreover, contact lenses absorb water, causing their shape to change. This results in contact lens discomfort as well as blurred and distorted vision.

What if I must wear contact lenses to swim?

If, for whatever reason, you must wear contact lenses to swim, consider wearing daily disposables together with waterproof swimming goggles. Aside from protecting your vision, goggles reduce the risk of your contacts dislodging from your eyes.

Because water hosts many potentially harmful microorganisms, daily contact lenses allow you to swim in lenses without needing to sterilize them afterward. Just insert them prior to heading into the water and dispose of them immediately after.

If at any point during your swim, you feel eye discomfort, immediately remove the lenses.

For more advice on swimming with contact lenses, speak with Dr. Merritt at Bob Ham Eyewear in Jacksonville, Florida today.

What are the Alternatives to Wearing Contact Lenses For Swimming?

Custom-made prescription swimming goggles are a worthwhile investment for regular swimmers.

Just like glasses, they correct refractive errors, such as myopia (shortsightedness or nearsightedness), hyperopia (longsightedness or farsightedness) and presbyopia. Moreover, prescription goggles are sealed so that water doesn’t come into contact with your eyes. This allows you to see clearly underwater without any risk of contamination.

Certain brands conveniently offer ready-made prescription swimming goggles. But prior to making the purchase, we advise that you check the goggles against your prescription to make sure they match.

Dr. Merritt at Bob Ham Eyewear will be happy to advise you on your best eyewear options for swimming and other activities you enjoy.

What if Water Comes Into Contact With My Contact Lenses?

In the event that water comes into contact with your lenses, make sure to immediately remove, clean and disinfect your contact lenses. This will reduce your risk of eye irritation and other complications.

Contact Dr. Merritt immediately if you experience prolonged eye irritation or sensitivity to light after wearing your contact lenses in water.

Bob Ham Eyewear serves patients from Jacksonville, throughout Florida .

We offer the best eye care services for you & your family. Most vision and medical insurances accepted.

Q: Are disposable contact lenses good for my eyes?

• A: They’re perfectly fine, but it all depends on your eyes. Each person has a different tolerance level to contact lenses. Speak with your eye doctor to determine whether contacts are a good option for you.

Q: What are the advantages of daily disposable contact lenses?

• A: Daily disposable contact lenses are great for many reasons. The possibility of infection diminishes since a new sterile lens is inserted every day. In other words, there’s no need to clean the lens or case. Dailies are also a great option for patients that have allergies, contact lens solution sensitivities and dry eye, as it eliminates the build-up of contaminants on the lenses that can exacerbate those problems. Dailies make for a low-maintenance and comfortable option for any patient!

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Bob Ham Eyewear for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.

Eye Care and Glasses in Jacksonville, Florida

So many of life’s moments are worth capturing. Whether it’s seeing a magnificent mountain during a hike, your favorite band in concert or the smiling faces of family and friends, a perfect pair of lenses can help you see your world with clarity, comfort, and enjoyment.

Do you love to run outdoors during the day? Do you spend most of your working hours in front of the computer? No matter your lifestyle, Bob Ham Eyewear offers plenty of lens options to choose from to suit your every need.

Without further ado, let’s explore the different lens types below:

Single Vision

Single vision lenses are ideal for those with myopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism. Nowadays, lenses are digitally surfaced— meaning that the eye doctor, Dr. Merritt, will take specific measurements to optimize your lenses for your unique visual needs. Compare this to having your suit customized and tailored according to your measurements versus buying a suit off the rack. The obvious choice is clear!

Progressive

Goodbye bifocals and hello progressives! Progressive lenses are an amazing piece of engineering, as they allow multiple vision fields to be incorporated into a single lens. That is, you see clearly both near and far and seamlessly transition at distances in between. Unlike bifocals, these lenses don’t have a line separating near and distance prescriptions — progressive lenses blend the prescriptions. This increases comfort and is an obvious choice for those who switch from activity to activity— such as driving to reading something close up. Furthermore, these lenses provide a sleek, sharp and youthful appearance.

Computer Vision

We live in a digital world and extended screen time is rapidly becoming the norm. When working at your computer for any length of time, it’s not uncommon to experience blurred vision, eye strain, red eyes, and other symptoms. Many try to compensate for their blurred vision by leaning forward, or by tipping their head to look through the bottom portion of their glasses.

If you regularly work at your desktop or laptop, consider getting computer vision lenses. Computer glasses typically have 60% of the magnifying power of reading glasses. But the optimal magnification will depend on how far you’d like to sit from your computer screen and digital devices. These lenses reduce eye strain, blurred vision and unnatural posture that can result in neck and back pain.

Lens Enhancements

You can further customize your lenses with lens enhancements. These protect your lenses from scratches, reduce reflection and smudges, protect your eyes against UV rays, and diminish exposure to blue light.

Anti-reflective (AR) coating

Anti-reflective coating, also known as AR, or non-glare, is a coating that, when applied to the surface of the lens, reduces the amount of glare that reflects off your lenses.

It also allows more light to pass through your lenses to your eye, resulting in clearer and sharper vision.

Because of reduced glare, people will be able to actually see your eyes and not just your lenses, whether in person or in photos. Furthermore, because your vision will be sharper and clearer, you’ll be placing less strain on your eyes in order to see.

Light-reactive lenses

Many people find it a hassle to switch between prescription sunglasses and regular specs. Carrying a pair of each also means that you also have a higher chance of losing one of the pairs. Some may forget to bring their sunglasses along altogether!

The solution? Light-refractive lenses! Also known as photochromic lenses, these prescription lenses cleverly adapt to lighting conditions: when indoors, the lenses are clear, but as soon as you step outside into bright, natural light, they darken, providing you with 100% UV protection.

Photochromics are versatile and are perfect for practically any occasion. Whether for golf or tennis players, where good vision is as crucial as comfort and protection, or when switching between outdoor sports activities and the classroom.

Blue Light Reduction

Many of us have been staring at screens for a large part of our lives, especially in the last 10-15 years, as smartphones, computers, and laptops have become ever more prevalent. The average office worker spends almost 1,700 hours per year in front of a computer screen. And that’s just when we’re at the office— let’s add to that the amount of time we spend staring at our phones before, during, and after work hours.

All of this screen time can result in digital eye strain, a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged use of digital devices or computers. This can result in blurred vision, dry eyes, headaches, neck and shoulder pain.

Blue light lens enhancements help alleviate any eye strain that results from exposure to the dangerous blue light emitted by sunlight or the display screens of computers, smartphones, and other digital devices. Blue light coating provides relief from sore, irritated, tired eyes so that you can keep working, cramming for exams, reading online, or binge-watching your favorite show in comfort.

If you are seeking a new pair of glasses or are deciding on new lenses, the staff at Bob Ham Eyewear will work with you to find the perfect frames and lenses to match your personal style and lifestyle. Our team is dedicated to providing the vision care needs of our patients in the Jacksonville, Florida area, and fitting you for the right eyewear is an important part of our comprehensive eye care services.

Q: Can I borrow and use someone else’s glasses?

• A: Most glasses are spefically customized for a particular patient. If you are wearing someone’s glasses, it could improve your vision some, but it will not give you the crisp clear vision that a personalized pair of glasses does.

Q: Are glasses better for my eyes than contact lenses?

• A: Glasses are better because you do not have a foreign material resting on your eyes, however with advancements in technology contact lens material have become very healthy.

Quality Frames For Prescription Glasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Bob Ham Eyewear for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.

Contact Lens Exam at Bob Ham Eyewear

Some parents may deny their teens’ requests for purchasing contact lenses, thinking they’re too young. So it may come as a surprise to hear that the FDA deems it safe for children as young as 8 to wear certain types of contact lenses. Caring for and inserting contacts requires some maturity, and each parent must decide if their child is prepared for that level of responsibility. If your child is interested in wearing contact lenses, Dr. Merritt can guide both you and your child down the path to achieving clear and comfortable ‘glasses-free’ vision.

What Makes a Teen Ready For Contact Lenses?

Before deciding whether your teen is ready to wear contacts, consider the following:

Hygiene

Maintaining proper hygiene is crucial for contact lens wearers of all ages. They must thoroughly wash their hands before they insert, remove or clean their lenses. Furthermore, contact lenses are in constant contact with protein molecules in the tears, which leads to protein buildup on the lens surface. This can cause the eyes to feel irritated and itchy, and even cause an infection. Examine your teen’s personal hygiene habits, and discuss the importance of caring for lenses properly and safely.

Adherence to Recommended Wear Time

One of the biggest causes of eye infection in those who wear contact lenses is overuse. Your teen must be able to understand and follow the recommended wearing schedule. If wearing a bi-weekly or monthly disposable lens, they would need to keep track of when to discard the current pair of lenses and open a new pair. Additionally, wearing contacts longer than recommended (such as overnight) can deprive the eyes of oxygen, which can lead to corneal damage.

Daily disposable contact lenses are a great choice for first-time contact lens wearers since users discard them daily, after each use, and don’t need to clean the lenses.

Pre-Existing Eye Conditions

If your child has allergies, dry eye, frequent bouts of pink eye or eye infections, speak with Dr. Merritt to determine whether contact lenses might increase their risk of these conditions.

Why Some Teens Prefer Contact Lenses

Contact lenses offer various benefits that your teen doesn’t experience with glasses. Someone who wears glasses may think twice before participating in some physical activities or sports for fear of losing or damaging their glasses. If your teen enjoys sports or outdoor activities, wearing contact lenses can relieve this fear.

Additionally, contact lenses provide clear peripheral vision, while glasses do not. In some cases of a teen or child with a very high prescription, contact lenses can offer clearer and more natural vision than standard glasses. Soft contact lenses are suitable for a wide range of prescriptions and astigmatisms and could be a great choice for your teen.

Moreover, eyewear — or lack thereof — is an essential part of a teen’s image and personal style. Most teens like the idea of having the option to wear either glasses or contacts.

If you think your teen is ready for contact lenses, we’d be happy to help them find the perfect pair for their individual lifestyle and visual needs. At Bob Ham Eyewear, we offer a wide variety of frames and contact lenses, so that every teen who comes to us leaves with eyewear that makes them feel confident while offering them the clearest and most comfortable vision possible.

Q: What are the latest trends in contact lenses?

• A: Many contact lens manufacturers are now producing “daily” disposable contact lenses. These are lenses that are inserted in the morning and thrown away at night. This style of contact lens wear is both convenient and healthy. With these lenses, patients buy less solutions and don’t have to keep up with how old their lenses are and when to change them. Daily disposables are also beneficial in causing less allergy and dryness while reducing the risks of infection. Daily lenses are now offered in all types of prescriptions from distance vision to astigmatism and multifocal/bifocal prescriptions.

Q: Can I wear contacts while I sleep?

• A: Generally, we do not recommend sleeping in contact lenses on a regular or prolonged basis. The eye is a dark, warm place while you are sleeping. Bacteria thrive in dark, warm places. There are contact lenses FDA approved to sleep in, but they should always be removed and thoroughly disinfected every week.

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Bob Ham Eyewear for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.