Skip to main content

We are open with normal hours! Please wear a mask when you shop. The Dr. is seeing patients under restrictive guidelines.

Next to Eye Exams Inc in the Kroger/Hobby Lobby Center Hot Springs, AR
Call 501-525-3606
Open Menu
Close Menu
Home »

optometrist

How Pregnancy Can Affect Your Eyesight

Pregnancy can impact almost every part of a woman’s body and health — including her eyes. In fact, an estimated 14% of pregnant women report experiencing visual changes during pregnancy that usually resolve on their own within a couple of months after giving birth. 

Knowing the different visual symptoms that can present when you’re expecting can help alert you to potential underlying health concerns that your physician may need to address. 

Normal Visual Changes During Pregnancy

Blurred Vision

Blurred vision is the most common visual symptom that pregnant women may experience. Hormonal fluctuations are usually to blame for the temporary decrease in visual acuity, and your eyesight will likely return to normal soon after giving birth. 

The influx of pregnancy hormones causes fluid retention in some areas of the body and can cause the cornea to thicken slightly. As a result, the light entering the eye isn’t focused accurately and vision may be blurred. 

Less commonly, blurred vision can signal gestational diabetes, a pregnancy complication affecting 6-9% of pregnant women. The rise in blood sugar level impacts the focusing lens of the eye, leading to blurry vision. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, including gestational diabetes, it’s a good idea to book an eye exam to monitor for retinal changes.

Blurred vision is also a common side effect of dry eye syndrome, a condition characterized by tears that don’t adequately lubricate the eyes, which can be brought on or exacerbated by pregnancy. 

Eye Dryness

Pregnancy hormones can cause a reduction in the amount of tears your eyes produce or affect the quality of the tears. These changes can affect a woman throughout her entire pregnancy, but studies show that eye dryness is particularly common in the last trimester. For this reason, some women find it difficult to wear contact lenses in their third trimester and temporarily switch to glasses. 

Eye Puffiness

Yet another body part that swells during pregnancy: the eyelids and tissues around the eyes. 

Pregnancy-related water retention may cause your eyelids to appear puffier than during your pre-pregnancy days. You may also notice darker areas under the eyes. If your puffy eyes bother you, try limiting your salt and caffeine intake, as they can worsen the problem. 

Visual Changes That May Indicate a Problem

The following visual changes warrant a prompt call to your eye doctor or obstetrician to rule out any underlying complications. 

Flashes or floaters

Seeing stars during pregnancy can signal high blood pressure, which is associated with preeclampsia — a serious medical condition that requires close monitoring by your physician and possible treatment. 

It’s crucial to have your blood pressure monitored throughout your pregnancy, as preeclampsia can potentially endanger the life of mother and child, as well as damage the cornea and retina. 

Temporary vision loss

Temporary vision loss is concerning for pregnant and non-pregnant individuals. Vision loss is another warning sign of preeclampsia, so contact your doctor promptly if you suddenly lose any portion of your visual field. 

Sensitivity to light

Light-sensitivity can either be a normal side effect of fluid retention in the eye, or it can signal dangerously high blood pressure and preeclampsia. 

How We Can Help

At ​​Medical Arts Optical, our goal is to keep your vision and eyes healthy throughout your pregnancy and beyond. If you experience any visual symptoms, we can help by thoroughly examining your eyes to determine the underlying cause and provide you with guidance on what next steps to take. 

Pregnancy is a wonderful time, when self care should be at the forefront — and that includes comprehensive eye care. 

To schedule an eye exam or learn more about our eye care services, call Medical Arts Optical in Hot Springs today!

 

Q&A

Why are regular eye exams important? 

Having your eyes evaluated by an optometrist on a regular basis is crucial for detecting early signs of eye diseases and changes in your prescription, including during pregnancy. Many serious eye diseases don’t cause any noticeable symptoms until they’ve progressed to late stages, when damage to vision may be irreversible. Whether or not you wear glasses or contact lenses for vision correction, ask your optometrist about how often to schedule a routine eye exam. 

Will my baby need an eye exam after  birth? 

According to the American Optometric Association and the Canadian Association of Optometrists, babies should have an eye exam within the first 6-12 months of life, even in the absence of noticeable vision problems. Healthy vision is a significant part of healthy overall development, so be sure not to skip your baby’s eye exams! 

5 Ways to Set Up Your Home Computer to Reduce Eye Strain

Medical Arts Optical | Computer Glasses in Hot Springs

Nearly 60% of people who routinely use computers or digital devices experience symptoms of digital eye strain — also called computer vision syndrome — according to recent data. Since COVID-19 began, the number of hours spent on a computer for tasks like working from home, online schooling, and online shopping has increased dramatically.

Symptoms of computer eye strain include eye fatigue and discomfort, dry eye, headaches, blurred vision, neck and shoulder pain, eye twitching, and red eyes.

If your eyes feel dry and tired, your vision is blurry by the end of the day, or your head, neck, and shoulders ache, the way you utilize your computer and other digital devices might be to blame.

Local Contact lens supplier near you in Hot Springs, Arkansas

How to Reduce Eye Strain

Spending less time in front of your computer is the best way to reduce digital eye strain, but if you’re working from home or you or your children are learning online, that might not be an option.

Here are 5 steps you can take to lower your risk of eye strain:

1. Use proper lighting

Excessively bright light, either from sunlight or from interior lighting, can cause eye strain.

By reducing exterior light (by closing your drapes, shades or blinds), and tweaking the lighting inside your home (using fewer light bulbs or fluorescent tubes, or lower intensity bulbs and tubes) you can lower glare and reflections off the screen.

Also, if possible, position your computer screen so the windows are to the side, instead of in front or behind it.

2. Blink more often

When staring at a screen, people blink one-third less frequently than they normally do. Blinking moistens your eyes to prevent dryness and irritation.

To reduce your risk of dry eye during computer use, every 20 minutes blink 10 times by closing your eyes very slowly. This will lubricate your eyes and help prevent dry eye.

3. Relax your eyes

Constantly staring at a computer screen can lead to focusing fatigue, which causes digital eye strain. To reduce your risk of tiring your eyes, look away from your computer at least every 20 minutes and gaze at a distant object (at least 20 feet away) for at least 20 seconds.

Some eye doctors call this the “20-20-20 rule.” Looking far away relaxes the focusing lens inside the eye to reduce fatigue.

Medical Arts Optical Eye Clinic and digital eye strain, eye health, reduce eye strain , eye exam, Optometrist, Eye doctor, Eye care in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Many eye diseases can be quickly and easily diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. If you were diagnosed with an eye disease, such as Cataracts, Glaucoma, Macular degeneration, Diabetic retinopathy, or Dry eye, you may be overwhelmed by the diagnosis and confused about what happens next. Will you need medications or surgery – now or in the future? Our Hot Springs eye doctor has prepared the following answers to your questions about eye disease.

4. Take frequent breaks

Taking frequent breaks from your screen can help reduce eye strain and neck, back and shoulder pain during your workday.

It is recommended to take at least one 10-minute break every hour. During these breaks, stand up, move about and stretch your arms, legs, back, neck and shoulders to reduce tension and muscle aches.

5. Modify your workstation

Poor posture also contributes to digital eye strain. Adjust your workstation and chair to the correct height so your monitor is not too close to, or too far from your eyes, or in a position that causes you to crane your neck.

Position your computer screen so it’s 20 to 24 inches from your eyes. The center of your screen should be about 10 to 15 degrees below your eyes for comfortable positioning of your head and neck. With this adjustment, you will not only reduce neck, back, and shoulder pain, but reduce eye strain as well.

Local digital eye strain, eye health, reduce eye strain , eye exam, Optometrist, Eye doctor, Eye care in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Read what our patients have to say on Google Reviews

People experience different levels of digital eye strain, so if after you have shut down your computer the symptoms persist, then you may have a visual problem that requires attention from your eye doctor. If these symptoms are ignored and nothing is done to alleviate the eye strain the problem will only worsen.

Having a yearly checkup can help you preserve your eye health. Contact Medical Arts Optical to learn more about how to keep your eyes healthy and reduce eye strain when working on computers.

Call Medical Arts Optical on 501-525-3606 to schedule an eye exam with our Hot Springs optometrist.

Alternatively book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT

FOLLOW US

uniE003
Just in case you missed them, here are some of our previous blog posts :

The Sneak Thief of Sight

Vision Loss and What to Do

Why You Regularly Need to Replace Your Sunglasses

6 Common Myths About Glaucoma

Marciano

 

Optometrist, Marciano Eyewear in Hot Springs, Arkansas.What makes Marcolin an international point of reference in the eyewear sector is its approach: high-quality production process, exploration of the most innovative trends, solid and distinctive values embodied in every new pair of glasses. Find out what distinguishes us.

The glasses we wear tell the world who we are. Finding the right ones means expressing one’s identity by means of an impeccable, iconic accessory.
Here are some tips to inspire you in choosing the perfect model.

 

Visit the Marciano website.

 

Vogue

VogueVogue Eyewear stands for fashion. Created in 1973, Vogue Eyewear evokes the name of the prestigious fashion magazine which defines modern style trends and inspiration. The Vogue collection makes a statement with unique and intricate details, bold colors and brave shapes – a variety of the hottest fashion looks for each woman to define her higher fashion sense with her eyes.

Strike a pose with the hottest frames, creating a stylish and chic look, while maintaining a classic style. The flirty designs and superior quality truly reflect the glamour that the name Vogue is known and loved for.

Vogue Eyewear turns everyday glasses into a hot fashion accessory which makes a statement – you are on the cutting edge of fashion. Vogue’s creative sense of fashion and visionary design creates a line of eyewear that makes each woman feel like a covergirl.

SEE BETTER
DESIGNER EYEWEAR
LIVE BETTER

Home »

WIDE SELECTION OF EYEWEAR IN Hot Springs

We know your favorite fashion accessory isn’t actually an accessory at all… it’s a necessity. Why have clunky metal frames when you can have tortoise-shell frames? Or have both and enhance your fashion statement. Our selection of eyeglasses & designer frames combines the latest trends and prices.

Call 501-525-3606

F A S H I O N . E Y E G L A S S E S

ALL THE BRANDS WE CARRY

THE REST OF OUR EYEWEAR+

  • Ray-Ban
  • Oakley
  • Maui Jim
  • Coach
  • Silhouette
  • Guess?
  • Prada
  • Michael Kors
  • Versace
  • Fysh
  • Vera Bradley
  • KLiiK
  • Costa
  • Vogue
  • Polo
  • Charmant
  • Superflex
  • Swarovski
  • Guess By Marciano
  • Polo Color
  • Cazal
  • Caviar
  • Vanni
  • Life is Good
  • Cosmopolitan
  • Marciano
  • Steppers

OUR MOST POPULAR

DESIGNER EYEWEAR

Guess
Guess
Swarovski Ad
Swarovski
Fysh
Fysh
Ray Ban
Ray Ban

Prescription Reading Glasses vs. Over-the-Counter Readers

If you are over 40, chances are you need reading glasses (or you will soon!). You can purchase these eyeglasses on your own from a local drugstore, or you can buy prescription glasses from an optical store. What’s the difference?

Woman wearing over the counter readers, Eye Doctor in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Woman wearing reading glasses, Optometrist in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Eye glasses on a table, Eye Care in Hot Springs, Arkansas

For starters, generic reading glasses (also known as readers) bought over-the-counter are designed especially for presbyopia. This refers to the age-related condition in which your natural eye lens loses flexibility, making it hard to focus on near objects. These spectacles will not address other visual conditions, such as nearsightedness or astigmatism, as they are constructed from magnifying lenses set into eyeglass frames.

Over-the-counter eyeglasses are typically lower priced and lower quality, especially when compared to the durable, designer frames in our optical collection. The frames tend to be weaker, and the lenses scratch easily.

Readers also have the exact same prescription in each lens. Therefore, if your vision condition isn’t identical in both eyes, then it may be difficult to focus with these generic glasses.

Yet one distinct advantage of drugstore spectacles is their convenience. If you only need reading glasses occasionally, then this may be an ideal solution for your presbyopia. Wearing them for an extended period, such as reading for hours, may cause eye fatigue and headaches. Yet if you only need to put them on to read the fine print at the bottom of a package, then they can be fine for your requirements. You can easily buy a few pairs and store them where you need them most! Keep one pair in your desk drawer and another in your bag.

When we craft prescription eyeglasses for you, we follow a precise vision prescription provided by your eye doctor. To determine this prescription, your eye health and visual acuity will be tested thoroughly. Your reading spectacles will then be custom-made to match the needs of each eye, respectively. In contrast to the display of generic readers in the drugstore, there’s no limit to the range of lens powers available from our optical store.

Lenses made in a prescription laboratory boast higher quality and sharper clarity. The frames are adjusted to suit your face, and the optical center of the lenses is placed in the ideal position you need for comfortable reading.

You will be able to choose the perfect pair of designer frames from our quality collection, and we’ll fit them with the correct lens powers. We’ll also offer you options such as scratch-resistant and anti-glare coatings.

Call Us: 501-547-9226

Can Generic Readers Hurt Your Eyes?

No. Wearing these over-the-counter glasses may bother your eyes or cause a headache if the prescription isn’t correct, but they will not damage your lasting vision. To ensure that you purchase the right power of lenses, it’s a good idea to have an eye exam from a knowledgeable eye doctor. Even if you opt not to buy prescription reading glasses from an optical laboratory, a full vision test is the best, most reliable way to find out the magnification that you need! Contact us to schedule an eye exam with our optometrist!

Woman in glasses, Eye Care in Hot Springs, Arkansas

The Best Ways to Choose Eyeglass Frames

Glasses, when picked appropriately, can improve your best facial features, while hiding your less desirable features. It’s crucial to collaborate with an optician to select a complementary style that works well with your prescription. At Medical Arts Optical, our opticians are experts in this area and they assist the many different customers who come to us for aid.

There are numerous considerations to check out when choosing a frame.

The initial factor to consider is your face shape. You ought to also consider your hair color and skin tone. Furthermore, consider what you will be using the frames for, such as basic uses, reading, or sport. Ultimately you must consider exactly what sort of material you like best for the frame, and the lenses.

The first thing to consider when choosing a frame is your face shape. There are generally seven various face shapes, and different frames look best on each different shape. Take a look at this video for an aesthetic explanation of how to establish your face shape:

Call 501-525-3606
Oval

Oval

Oval faces are symetrical, and are longer than wide, which makes them the easiest to discover frames that are flattering. Looks excellent on oval faces.

Square

Square

Square faces have strong jaws and broad foreheads, and are in proportion to one another. A square face looks best with frames that soften the angles of the face.

Round

Round

Rounded faces have soft foreheads and chins, without any angles. A round face looks best with frames that will include angles and add definition to the face.

triangle

Triangle

Triangle faces have slim, wide foreheads and round chins. Faces that are triangle shaped look best with frames that add design details and color at the top to balance the face.

Heart

Heart

To balance out a heart-shaped face, pick smaller sized frame designs without detail, and a lower set temple. Rectangular, square, and aviator frames will certainly all work with this face shape.

Oblong

Oblong

Oblong faces have square chins with a face that is longer than it is wide. Oblong faces appear best in round, square, or rectangle-shaped frames, with detailing on the temples.

Diamond

Diamond

Diamond faces are narrow on the bottom and the top. The very best frames for diamond faces are frames that accentuate the top of the eyes, such as cat-eye shapes, or highly decorative frames.

Eye Disease Management & Treatment

We use cutting-edge technology to diagnose, manage and treat a variety of diseases, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Home »

Precise Diagnosis for Vision

Here at Medical Arts Optical, our professional eye care team takes eye disease diagnosis and treatment very seriously. We use the most up-to-date technology to ensure the best eye care possible.

After all, early and precise diagnosis means earlier treatment and better outcomes.

Because maintaining good eye health is an ongoing partnership, we encourage you to ask questions and share your health information, which could be vital to monitoring, diagnosing and treating potential vision problems.

More On Eye Disease Management

Pediatric Eye Exams in Hot Springs

Accurate and healthy vision is crucial for a child’s physical development, success in academic endeavours and overall well-being.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Home »

Vision and School Success | Medical Arts Optical

As much as 80 % of what a child learns in school is acquired through vision. If vision problems go undetected, many children may be misdiagnosed with “learning difficulties” or “ADHD”, as is already the case in much of the world.

In fact, 1/10 children have an issue with their visual skills that obstructs their ability to succeed in school and sports. The repeated failures and struggles can negatively impact their self esteem and confidence levels.

Don’t wait until your child is already in school and struggling to read, see the board, or play sports.

At Medical Arts Optical, we have the clinical knowledge and expertise to identify vision issues early on and intervene before the problems affect different areas of your children’s lives.

eye doctor near me
optometrist near me

School Vision Screenings vs. Comprehensive Eye Exams for Children

Typically, pediatric or school vision screenings check your child’s eyes for basic aberrations or abnormalities. But to ensure good vision and proper eye health development, your child should have a comprehensive eye exam by a pediatric optometrist.

Comprehensive eye evaluations are crucial for revealing potential vision problems which can interfere with kids’ learning development. The exam includes tests for binocularity, refractive error, color vision, vision acuity, and overall eye health.

What is Assessed During a Pediatric Eye Exam?

The Medical Arts Optical optometrist will perform a thorough internal and external eye health evaluation. The optometrist will use specialized, age-appropriate instruments, testing procedures, and technologies that provide accurate results.

The pediatric eye exam evaluates the following:

  • Eye Focusing
  • Depth Perception
  • Color Perception
  • Eye Tracking
  • Eye Muscle Teaming
  • Peripheral Awareness
  • Near Visual Acuity
  • Distance Visual Acuity

How Often Should a Child Have an Eye Exam?

Children should have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months of age.
Following that, they should have their eyes examined at age 3 and at around age 5.
For school-aged children who don’t require correction, an eye exam every two years is recommended. Children wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses, however, should be examined annually or as recommended by your optometrist.

eye doctor near me
optometrist near me

Glasses for Kids

Should your child need glasses for vision correction, Medical Arts Optical has a wide variety of age-appropriate and safe options. Because we specialize in eye care for young patients, we’re well acquainted with their preferred styles, shapes, and colors. We carry a large range of frames for children, inspired by adult trends but with a fun and imaginative approach and a pediatric fit in mind.

All of our frames are comfortable, durable, and made with kid-friendly materials. Young children find the bright colored frames they love, while teens find the latest fashion trends scaled down to fit their faces.

Do your kids play sports? Athletic eyewear for children can help protect their eyes from sports injuries.

At Medical Arts Optical, we have eyewear for every child and teen, no matter their features or preferences.

Contact Lenses for Teens

Have your child experience the freedom of contact lenses.

For children who dislike how they look in glasses, contact lenses could be the confidence booster they need.

Contact lenses enhance the natural color of the eye, for a more vibrant look. Your child will feel more confident and ready to take on the world!

They’ll also enjoy having the freedom of not worrying about losing or breaking glasses, and may participate in activities that they weren’t able to before.

Give your child the gift of clear and comfortable vision, and schedule their contact lens fitting with Medical Arts Optical today!

optical store near me
eye exam near you

Your Child Deserves the Best Eye Care

Medical Arts Optical pediatric optometry division is a source of pride for our practice. Our experienced team works diligently to ensure that infants, children and teens have the ability to see, perceive and experience the world to their highest potential.

Make pediatric eye exams a priority. Visit Medical Arts Optical for a routine comprehensive pediatric eye exam, or come to us with your concerns regarding your infant or toddler’s vision, and we’ll make sure to find the optimal solution for his or her visual problems. Let us bring great eye health and vision care to you and your family for many years to come.

Medical Arts Optical is dedicated to ensuring excellent vision and serves patients from in and around Hot Springs.

COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAMS in Hot Springs

We offer comprehensive eye exams using the most advanced technology, and take our time to listen to your story and develop a complete picture of your ocular and medical history.

Expect the highest quality service thanks to our unique on-on-one approach.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Home »

Keeping Your Eyes Healthy is Our Top Priority

A comprehensive eye exam is so much more than simply determining your prescription for glasses or contact lenses. Our optometric team will also check your eyes for eye diseases, evaluate how your eyes work together as a team, and assess your eyes as an indicator of your overall physical health. It is not uncommon for eye doctors to be the first to detect chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes during an eye exam.

No matter your age, a thorough eye exam goes a long way towards ensuring that your vision remains clear and your eyes are healthy. Contact Medical Arts Optical in Hot Springs to book your eye exam today.

optometrist near me
eye exam near me

Eye Exams Can Save Your Vision

Eye exams are critical because many vision threatening eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, or diabetic retinopathy show no or minimal symptoms until the disease has progressed into its advanced stages. In these cases, early detection and treatment is essential to halting or slowing down the progression of the disease and saving eyesight.

During a comprehensive eye examination, your eye doctor will be looking for initial signs of these diseases.

Eye Exams for Children & Young Adults

Children with undetected vision problems or with eye health may face many barriers in life, whether in school or in sports. Because 80% of all we learn is through vision, the longer a vision problem goes undiagnosed and untreated, the more a child’s brain learns to accommodate any vision issues. Having regular eye exams offers the best opportunity to correct vision issues and help a child succeed.

Eye Exams for Children & Young Adults

How Often Do Kids Need to Have Eye Exams?

Some experts estimate that approximately 5% to 10% of preschoolers and 25% of school-aged children have vision problems. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), all children should have their eyes examined at 6 months of age, at age 3 and again at the start of school. Children without vision problems or risk factors should then continue to have their eyes examined at least every two years throughout school.

Children with existing vision problems or risk factors should have their eyes examined more frequently. Common risk factors for vision problems include:

  • premature birth
  • developmental delays
  • turned or crossed eyes
  • the family history of eye disease
  • history of eye injury
  • other physical illness or disease

The AOA recommends that children wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses have their eyes examined at least every 12 months or according to their eye doctor's instructions. Consult with our Hot Springs optometric team for personalized recommendations.rrect vision issues and help a child succeed.

eye doctor near me
optometrist near me

What Happens During An Eye Exam?

Our eye doctor in Hot Springs, Arkansas, will check your vision thoroughly to provide you with an accurate prescription. If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, your visual acuity will be assessed both with and without your corrective lenses.

You'll be asked to read from a basic eye chart, which tests your eyesight at various distances. The normal measurement for eyes with no refractive error is 20/20. We'll also use a phoropter to check carefully for astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. This procedure involves having you look through a series of lenses, and you'll need to give feedback on which ones give the clearest vision. With the aid of a retinoscope, we'll measure how light focuses on your retina with each of the different lenses.

These tests, among others, provide us with the information needed check your eye health and issue an accurate prescription.

Vision Exams For Those Over 40

Just like the rest of our bodies, our eyes begin to weaken as we age. There are a number of common age-related eye conditions such as presbyopia, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration that can begin to affect your vision and your daily life. While some of these conditions are more of an inconvenience, others could lead to vision loss and dependency.

In addition to regular yearly eye exams, it is important to be aware of any changes in your eye health and vision. Also know your potential risk factors as well as your family ocular and medical history. Over half of the vision loss worldwide is preventable with proper treatment and care.

Safeguard your vision by booking your eye exam with Medical Arts Optical in Hot Springs today.

eye exam near me