Dr. Bladh, O.D. Optometry Inc.

Anyone who has purchased a pair of sunglasses from Dr. Bladh OD knows that we make sure you look good in what you purchase and sure, sunglasses might add the final touches to your chic ensemble, but the real reason to purchase your shades is to protect your eyes from the sun. Not only does glare from the sun make it difficult to see, but the UV rays it reflects can cause permanent damage to your eyes and vision. You want to make sure your sunglasses offer optimal protection, fit, comfort and of course, the best possible vision. Here are some things to consider when purchasing your next pair. UV Protection There are two types of UV radiation, UVA and UVB . UVA rays are less intense yet more prevalent than UVB rays, making up 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the surface of the Earth. They have been linked to skin cancer, aging and the development of cataracts. UVB rays are very dangerous to the eyes and are the primary cause of sunburns and cancer. While they are dangerous year r

If you want strong, healthy eyes and clear vision for life, a major step you can take is to protect your eyes from UV radiation.  Wearing proper eye protection from the sun reduces the risk of a number of eye diseases and other conditions that are caused or worsened by UV exposure. Eye Diseases Linked to UV Exposure UV exposure has been linked to a number of serious eye diseases including macular degeneration and cataracts. Macular Degeneration Macular degeneration  is a condition in which the macula of the eye breaks down, leading to a loss of central vision and is a leading cause of age-related vision loss.  Macular degeneration develops over time so a lifetime of exposure to UV can contribute it’s likelihood. Cataracts Cataracts  occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes clouded, resulting in blurred vision and eventually blindness. The lens is responsible for focusing the light that comes into the eye, allowing clear vision. Cataracts can be treated by a simpl

We all experience the occasional  eyelid twitch , which is when the muscle of the eyelid spasms involuntarily. Usually, it comes and goes without intervention and while sure, it can be irritating, is a twitching eyelid ever something to be concerned about? An eyelid twitch, also known as a myokymia, can affect the upper or lower lid and usually lasts for at least a few seconds and then may continue off and on for a few minutes. Usually unpredictable, twitching episodes can last several days and sometimes they may go away and then return weeks or months later. Causes of Eyelid Twitching Although they may be bothersome, most eyelid twitches are nothing to cause concern and usually resolve on their own. However, in some rare cases, they may be a sign of a more serious problem, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms - we will discuss this further below. Some known causes of eyelid twitches include: Fatigue or lack of sleep Stress Eye irritation or dry eyes

Infant Eyesight Despite nine months of growth in utero, babies are not born with fully developed eyes and vision - just like they can't walk or talk yet. Over the first few months of life, their visual systems continue to progress, stimulated by their surroundings. Babies will develop the ability to track objects, focus their eyes, and move them like a team. Their visual acuity will improve and they will gradually be able to see more colors. They will also form the neural connections that will allow them to process what they see, to understand and interact with the world around them.Healthy eyes and good vision are necessary for proper and timely progress; ocular or visual problems can lead to developmental delays. So how do you know if your infant is developing normally? What can you do to ensure your baby's eye health and vision are on track? While infant eye problems are not common, here are some steps you can take to ensure your child's eyes are healthy.

It’s that time of the year again. Each February, the optometric community bands together to create awareness about  age-related macular degeneration (AMD) . AMD is a leading cause of vision loss for people 50 years and older; early detection plays a key role in the outcome of the disease. That’s why bringing awareness to the disease and its risk factors is so important. Macular degeneration  is a disease that damages the macula, which is a small area in the center of the retina responsible for sharp, clear central vision. The disease comes in two forms, wet AMD and dry AMD. The most common form, dry AMD, which affects around 80% of AMD patients, is when the macula gradually thins, and small clusters of protein called drusen begin to grow. Drusen result from cells in the macula that cannot rid themselves of metabolic waste called lipofuscin. The lipofuscin accumulates as drusen which causes a gradual vision decline. Dry AMD can turn into wet AMD when abnormal new blood vess

If you've made it this far, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! You are one of the few to have found your solution to the absurd contact lens prices out there. For years you have heard about how great a deal it is to buy a year supply and get a rebate. At first it was a mail in rebate and you were lucky to see the $30 check come in the mail within 3 months. I remember getting a rebate check 6 months later and had completely forgotten that I even sent it in! How many of us, year after year, have every intention of submitting that rebate, but year after year, completely forgot to do it. Ever started the process, get busy with a call, or that toddler won't let you have 5 minutes to fill out the forms and send it in? Dr. Bladh understands completely how you feel! For this reason we have started our own monthly subscription service in order to take the pain out of contact lenses for good! Contact lenses are God's gift to the optical world and we want to share that gift with everyone! I