In many ways, this school year will be unlike any other, as families navigate the impacts of COVID-19. In a recent survey, nearly 60% of Alachua County parents indicated they do not plan to send their children back to a brick and mortar school this fall. That translates to a large number of students taking classes digitally instead. Among the many complexities this raises is a concern for children’s vision health. Below are some points parents should be aware of and how you can help protect your children’s vision in this new reality.

Prevent Digital Eye Strain

Digital eye strain can result from extensive or improper viewing of digital screens (phones, tablets, computer monitors, etc). Taking classes remotely will require children to spend hours each day in front of these screens, which can produce headaches, blurred vision, dry, burning and irritated eyes, watery eyes, light sensitivity, difficulty keeping their eyes open and more. These symptoms can extend beyond your children’s time in front of the computer. 

Taking a few simple steps can help prevent digital eye strain. Ensure your children sit at least 25-inches from the screen, encourage them to blink regularly and set 20-minute timers to prompt 20-second breaks from looking at the screen. Make sure the room has sufficient ambient lighting and try to limit screen glare. Most importantly, if your children wear eyeglasses or contacts, talk to your eye doctor. Your children may benefit from eyeglasses made specifically for viewing digital screens.

Watch for Vision Challenge Warning Signs

Many children’s vision problems are initially identified at school. Occasionally, this happens through a formal vision screening. More often, it’s through observation of their behavior in the classroom. Teachers may notice a child squinting to see the blackboard, frequently rubbing or blinking his or her eyes, or avoiding reading and other close activities. These are just a few of the potential signs of vision challenges.

Without in-person teachers to make these observations, parents must be more vigilant. In addition to the warning signs listed above, you should also watch for any complaints of discomfort and fatigue, frequent headaches, covering one eye, holding reading materials close to his or her face, tilting his or her head to one side, or shortened attention span. When these symptoms arise, a trip to your local eye doctor is in order. 

Get Your Child a Vision Exam

The American Optometric Association suggests all children should have a comprehensive eye exam prior to starting first grade, and every two years thereafter. Given the issues listed above, increased frequency may be appropriate for your child. A comprehensive exam can identify eye diseases and conditions easily overlooked by a standard vision screening.

While some parents are hesitant to take their children out of the house for anything that isn’t urgent right now, few things are more essential than protecting your children’s eyesight. Thankfully, reputable eyecare practices have preemptive steps and precautions in place to make your visit as safe as possible.

To ensure your child’s eyes are ready to take on the upcoming school year, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300 to schedule a comprehensive eye exam or learn more about eyeglasses optimized for digital screens.

Sunglasses have the power to make the world a cooler place, and not just cool as in looking cool. In addition to shielding your eyes from bright Florida sunshine, and making you look like a million bucks, the right pair of sunglasses can actually protect your eyes from the ultraviolet rays that can contribute to a number of eye diseases, including cataracts.

Cataracts and Sunlight

Cataracts form when the proteins that make up the eye’s lens begin to break down and clump together. This occurs naturally over time, but can be made worse by a number of factors, including chronic exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. As this happens, the lens becomes thick and cloudy, preventing light from passing through. This is what’s known as a cataract. Once you develop a cataract, surgery is the only effective treatment. The damaged natural lens must be surgically replaced with an artificial lens implant. 

Protecting Your Eyes with Sunglasses

Much of the cataract-producing damage caused by the sun’s UV rays can be prevented by wearing proper sunglasses. Studies show that wearing UV-blocking sunglasses when you’re young helps reduce the risks of developing cataracts as you age. The key is selecting sunglasses that provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. UVA and UVB are the variations of ultraviolet rays that can be damaging to your eyes. Many people take UV protection for granted when buying sunglasses, but just because the lenses are tinted dark, doesn’t mean they’re equipped to protect your eyes from UV rays. 

A reliable pair of UV-blocking sunglasses will have UV protection embedded in the lenses rather than just a coating on the lenses. Many brands list the UV protection rating on the label, but your best bet is to confirm with your local optical shop or your optometrist.

Other Eye Health Factors

Cataracts aren’t the only potential eye risk associated of too much exposure to UV rays. Short-term effects can include photokeratitis and photoconjunctivitis, inflammations of certain eye structures, caused by direct acute expose to UV rays. These often feel like you’ve sunburned your eyes. Longer-lasting effects can include pterygium, a condition in which a layer of cells can grow across the cornea and must be surgically removed, and the development of squamous cell cancers of the eye, which can lead to blindness. Macular degeneration is also promoted by long-term UV exposure.

As summers heats up, it’s only natural to want to get outdoors and enjoy all our beautiful state has to offer. Just remember to care for your eyes by protecting them with a great pair of sunglasses. 

At North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care, our two convenient local optical shops offer an outstanding selection of UV-blocking sunglasses from stylish brands, including Kate Spade, Etnia Barcelona, Costa Del Mar and more. Contact us today at 352-373-4300 to make an appointment or just stop in and talk to our knowledgeable staff.

Fear of the unknown can sometimes lead people to hesitate on choices that could make their lives so much better, like getting cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures in the world, and it’s recognized as being safe and effective. More than 3.8 million cataract procedures are performed in the U.S. each year. Here in Gainesville, Dr Gregory Snodgrass has personally performed more than 20,000 cataract surgeries throughout his career, and he was the first local eye surgeon to use the state-of-the-art LenSx Laser Cataract System.

Of course, the best way to overcome any fear is through education. So, let’s walk through what you can expect if your laser cataract surgery is performed by one of the eye surgeons at North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care.

Preparing for Surgery

Upon arrival at the eye surgery center, you will be asked to complete some basic paperwork and then be brought back to the surgical prep area. Once you’re in your surgical gown and lying comfortably in the hospital bed, the doctor will visit to answer any last-minute questions. Soon after, you’ll be rolled into the surgical suite in your hospital bed. You’ll receive a local anesthetic and remain awake during the 10-15-minute procedure.

The Surgical Procedure

Your surgeon will start by creating a detailed visual map your eye using LenSx’s cutting edge cameras. The doctor then uses the LenSx laser to make a tiny incision in the ideal location of the eye’s surface. A small probe inserted through the incision uses ultrasonic waves to break up the cataract-damaged lens. The tiny pieces are then suctioned out using a second instrument. Finally, the surgeon inserts and positions your new artificial lens through the same incision. The entire process is pain-free, and the incision is so small that it will heal itself without needing stitches.

Recovery

The surgical team will place a temporary protective shield over your eye to block out excess light. Then, in the recovery room, you’ll take some time for your eye to adjust to the new lens. Typically, within 30-60 minutes you will be ready to be driven home. Many patients report improved vision before they even leave the recovery room. Once home, it’s recommended to keep the eye shield on for several hours and wear it while you sleep for a few days. You’ll return to the practice the day after surgery for a follow-up examination with the surgeon.

Any short-term side effects such as cloudy or blurred vision or redness should clear up within a week or two. In fact, some patients see clearly almost immediately.

Cataract surgery truly is a life-changing procedure. Regaining your site means regaining the freedom to explore and experience your world the way you remember it. Now that you know what to expect, we hope you will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to see clearly again. 

Contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300.

Prevent Blindness America designated June as Cataract Awareness Month to bring attention to this devastating, yet curable, disorder. While cataracts are one of the most common eye disorders in the United States and around the world, too few people understand the causes, symptoms and treatment options. 

Here are five cataract facts you may find surprising…

1. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the U.S.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly 30 million Americans have cataracts. That’s more than twice the total number of people with glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration – combined. 

2. Babies can be born with cataracts.

Although rare, some babies are born with cataracts, a condition known as congenital cataracts. Infections in the mother during pregnancy, such as rubella, syphilis, chicken pox and cytomegalovirus, can cause the condition, as can some other metabolic problems, diabetes, trauma, inflammation and drug reactions.

3. One out of every six Americans over age 40 has cataracts.

Most people think of cataracts as only affecting the elderly, but symptoms and vision loss from cataracts often start as early as age 40. The likelihood of developing cataracts doubles in your 50’s and doubles again in your 60’s. By the age of 80, more than 50% of Americans have cataracts. 

4. Smoking and excessive sunlight add to the risk of developing cataracts.

Smoking doubles the risk of developing nuclear sclerotic cataracts and triples the risk for subscapular cataracts. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can also promote cataract development, reinforcing the importance of wearing UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors.

5. Surgery is the only effective treatment for cataracts.

Cataracts permanently damage the natural eye lens. The only way to restore a patient’s vision therefor is by surgically replacing the natural lens with an artificial lens. Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures in the world and is recognized as safe and effective. Traditional and laser-assisted surgical options are available.

If you believe you or someone you love may have cataracts, or if you are dealing with any form of vision loss, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care for an evaluation, diagnosis and treatment plan. Call us today at 352-373-4300 to schedule an appointment.

As health experts around the world continually research coronavirus (COVID-19), we’re learning more about basic precautions that can limit possible exposure and infection. Among these is a recommendation to temporarily replace use of extended wear contact lenses with daily disposable contact lenses.

Studies show coronavirus (COVID-19) can live on some surfaces for days. And, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it may be possible to contract coronavirus (COVID-19) through touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching your eyes.

The repeated process of taking out and putting in extended wear contact lenses, placing those same lenses down on surfaces, cleaning them to varying levels of thoroughness and then placing them back into your eyes with your fingers introduces unnecessary risk of virus transmission. That risk is reduced with daily disposable contact lenses, as they are introduced to the eye directly after being removed from sterile packaging. Then, at the end of each day, following thorough hand washing, those contacts can be removed and disposed of.

Contact Lens & Anterior Eye: The Journal of the British Contact Lens Association recently published an article recommending eye doctors should, “consider the option of moving patients to daily disposable lenses.”

Daily disposable contact lenses have been a preferred choice among some contact lens wearers and eye care professionals for years. Many appreciate the convenience of not needing to deal with cleanings, while others point to the reduced health risks associated with day-to-day accumulation of lens deposits and overnight wear. In fact, in their coronavirus (COVID-19) article, Contact Lens & Anterior Eye went on to add, “the use of daily disposable contact lenses substantially reduces the risks of many inflammatory complications.” 

If you or someone you love wears extended wear contacts, now might be a good time to switch over to daily disposables…at least for the short-term.

North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care can help you quickly get the best disposable contact lenses for your vision needs. To assist patients during this time, we currently have a variety of disposable lenses in stock and ready to pick up. To get yours, contact us today at 352-373-4300.

All services of North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care re-opened to patients on May 4th, 2020. This decision is in keeping with guidelines of our state and local governments and within the standards provided by health officials.

To ensure the safest environment for patients and staff alike, we are strictly following recommended practices to limit the likelihood of COVID-19 (coronavirus) transmission. To that end, we are implementing the following precautions at all of our locations, including the surgery center:

• Spacing out and staggering appointments to limit waiting room occupancy
• Checking patients’ temperatures before they enter the building
• Providing each patient a mask to wear throughout his or her appointment
• Asking that accompanying drivers remain in their cars during appointments, or we will help patients call their drivers to return following their appointments

We are excited to once again provide the area’s highest level of eyecare, including comprehensive eye exams, optometry services, optical services, treatment of eye diseases and eye surgery, including cataract surgery.

We recognize that some patients may be hesitant to leave their homes or seek services at this time, and that is understandable. We’ll be here when you’re ready. Please just be sure not to overlook a serious condition that could worsen over time. Call 352-373-4300 and talk to one of our friendly associates to determine whether your symptoms and history suggest coming in sooner rather than later.

While these past few weeks have been difficult for so many, we hope this is a turning point. We are excited to get back to work, and excited to help you see clearly again. Contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today.

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has substantially impacted availability and access to a variety of goods and services around the globe, including eyecare. As ophthalmology and optometry practices in the U.S. limit delivery of non-emergency procedures, how can you still get access to eyecare you truly need?

The most important thing to know is that if you DO have an eyecare emergency, eye doctors are still available to diagnose and treat you. In an effort to reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), however, the US. Surgeon General and the American Academy of Ophthalmology encourage eye doctors to, “postpone those outpatient visits and procedures that can be safely delayed.” 

That means many familiar eyecare services – like standard eye exams and eyeglass prescriptions – are unavailable to patients at this time. Likewise, elective eye surgery procedures are also being delayed until further notice. What eye doctors can still do is diagnose and treat ocular emergencies.

Ocular emergencies may include corneal ulcers, uveitis, acute angle closure glaucoma, orbital cellulitis, endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, corneal abrasion, corneal and conjunctival foreign bodies, hyphema, ruptured globe, orbital wall fracture, lid laceration, chemical injury, flashes and floaters, visual loss in one or both eyes, and eye pain. 

As a patient, of course, those terms are probably unfamiliar. That’s why diagnosing any eye discomfort should be left to your local eye doctor and his or her staff. An initial phone screen with these medical professionals can help determine whether your current eye health challenge likely fits into an emergency category and should therefore be further diagnosed and treated immediately. 

At North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care, we advise patients to call us at 352-373-4300 with any and all vision concerns. Our practice continues actively diagnosing and treating patients with a variety of emergency eyecare needs. When symptoms justify, we schedule an in-office evaluation. This is in keeping with Alachua County Emergency Order 2020-09, which deems eye care centers, “Essential Businesses and Operations,” recognizing the critical need for eye doctors to continue serving our community.

Within our practice locations, we have instituted a series of preemptive steps to minimize patient and staff exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19). Among these are:

• Requiring patients to fill out a screening form prior to coming to the office
• Asking patients not to come in if they have a cough, fever or any other flu-like symptoms
• Monitoring staff closely to ensure they are not carrying or transmitting the virus
• Requesting staff members who do not feel well to remain at home and seek immediate medical care
• Using all recognized and recommended universal precautions (sterilizing rooms, washing hands with soap and hot water, using sanitizer, and gloves and masks when appropriate)

At North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care, your health – including your eye health – is our top priority. We are here to answer your eyecare questions and to provide any critical services you need. Call us today at 352-373-4300.

The current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is impacting lives around the globe. While most people understand that it can be spread by coming into contact with infected respiratory droplets through the mouth or nose, few realize their eyes may also be susceptible.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it may be possible to contract coronavirus (COVID-19) through the eyes, as mucous membranes (membranes that line various body orifices) are most susceptible to transmission of the virus. While the CDC suggests transmission via the eyes, “is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads,”, health officials, including those at the Cleveland Clinic, recommend people should avoid touching their eyes with unwashed hands.

Even though the incidence rate is low, the World Health Organization recommends protective eyewear for anyone with the potential of being exposed to a person with coronavirus.

Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, may be a symptom in some people infected with coronavirus (COV-19). A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found “conjunctival congestion” in approximately 1% patients with a confirmed diagnosis of coronavirus.

Supporting that finding, a paper published in the Journal Ocular Immunology and Inflammation cited anecdotal reports of ocular infection, saying “the ocular implications of human CoV (coronavirus) infections have not been widely studied. However, CoVs have been known to cause various ocular infections in animals.”

While the correlation between conjunctivitis and coronavirus (COVID-19) is not yet fully known, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends, “Patients who present to ophthalmologists for conjunctivitis who also have fever and respiratory symptoms including cough and shortness of breath, and who have recently traveled internationally, particularly to areas with known outbreaks (China, Iran, Italy and South Korea, or to hotspots within the United States), or with family members recently back from one of these areas, could represent cases of COVID-19.”

With all this in mind, we encourage you to make smart judgments. If you’re going to be in close contact with someone who likely has coronavirus (COVID-19), wear appropriate eye protection to reduce the risk of transmission. And if you or someone you love experiences conjunctivitis along with the other symptoms cited by the American Academy of Ophthalmologists, look into being tested for coronavirus (COVID-19). 

At North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care, we wish all of you the best as we navigate this pandemic together. If you have a vision emergency during this time, we are here to help. Check out our coronavirus (COVID-19) information page to learn more about our current diagnosis and treatment services or call 352-373-4300 today.

In recognition of 35 years of active membership, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) named Dr. Gregory Snodgrass a Life Fellow. In announcing the honor, Academy CEO Dr. David Parke II identified Dr. Snodgrass as a, “member of an elite group of ophthalmologists who represent the gold standard in advancing high-quality, safe and effective eye care,” and called the recognition, “a testament to (Dr. Snodgrass’s) commitment to clinical excellence and dedication to our profession.”

Dr. Snodgrass leads North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care in Gainesville and Lake City and is renowned as one of the area's premier ophthalmologists. After earning his medical degree from the West Virginia University School of Medicine and completing his internship and Ophthalmology Residency at Riverside Methodist Hospital and The Ohio State University, Dr. Snodgrass began practicing in Gainesville in 1987. His advanced skills, mastery of state-of-the-art technology and more than three decades of experience place him among the upper-most echelon of eye physicians. 

The AAO Life Fellow acknowledgement is the latest in a long history of recognition from peers, leading industry organizations and patients alike. The International Association of HealthCare Professionals (IAHCP) added him to its prestigious membership. As a result, Dr. Snodgrass was published in The Leading Physicians of the World, a journal that “selects and documents biographies of medicine’s brightest minds.”

Based on an evaluation of Dr. Snodgrass’s reputation, history, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence, among other criteria, he was also recognized as one of Gainesville’s three best eye doctors by ThreeBestRated.com. In announcing the honor, the organization quoted one reviewer as saying, “Dr. Snodgrass did a great job removing my cataracts, inserting lenses and providing diligent after-care. As a scientist myself, I respect his knowledge and technical expertise. As a patient, I appreciate his friendliness and concern for my vision and well-being.”

At North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care, Dr. Snodgrass and his team deliver complete eye care for the whole family, from comprehensive eye exams and prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses to diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. He is possibly best known for his expertise in laser-assisted cataract surgery. In fact, Dr. Snodgrass was the first local eye surgeon to use the state-of-the-art LenSx Laser Cataract System.

For all your eyecare needs, contact Dr. Gregory Snodgrass and North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today. To schedule your appointment, call 352-373-4300.

When you have a problem, you ask an expert. At North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care, we gladly answer dozens of eyecare questions each day, from patients and friends alike. Below are some of the questions we answer most frequently.

The answers on this page are intentionally brief. Please click the “read more” links to learn even more about each topic. 

1. How often should I have an eye exam?

The Mayo Clinic recommends healthy adults with no outward symptoms of eye problems should have a comprehensive eye exam every 5-10 years in your 20s and 30s, with increasing frequency as you age. By age 65, you should have an exam every 1-2 years. If you have known vision problems or risk factors, you should be examined more frequently. Read more.

2. When is it time to get prescription eyeglasses?

Five common indicators that it’s likely time to get prescription eyeglasses include blurred vision when reading small text, difficulty seeing things far away, eyestrain or tired eyes, frequent headaches and difficulty with night vision. If these sound familiar, it’s time to visit your eye doctor. Read more.

3. What should I know before getting contact lenses?

For many people with vision problems, contact lenses are a great option…so long as they are used and cared for correctly. If you are interested in contacts, your eye doctor will help you explore whether soft lenses or hard lenses may be best for you, and if any specialty lenses – like multifocals or tinted lenses – could also provide useful benefits. Read more.

4. What should I do if my eyeglasses don’t work as well anymore?

Just like the rest of your body, your eyes change over time. Sometimes, this means that eyeglasses that worked for years can no longer provide the visual clarity you’ve come to expect. An comprehensive eye exam should be able to uncover any necessary changes in your eyeglasses prescription or any new eye disorders that may be causing your symptoms. Read more.

5. What can I do about floaters?

Laser Floater Treatment (LFT) can help relieve the visual distraction and frustration of eye floaters. LFT is non-invasive and performed right in your ophthalmologist’s office. It utilizes laser pulses to precisely target and dissolve floater clumps. North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care is the only practice in the Gainesville area to offer this exciting treatment. Read more.

6. Is cataract surgery right for me?

The choice is very personal and should be made following an in-person consultation with an ophthalmologist. The two most important aspects to consider are the impact cataracts have on your quality of life, and whether you have access to an experienced cataract specialist who offers state-of-the-art technology and treatment options. Read more.

7. What should I look for in a cataract surgeon?

Choosing the right surgeon is your most important decision when it comes to cataract surgery. Take the opportunity to thoroughly screen your prospective eye surgeon. Ask about his or her training, experience, procedure options, preferred surgical center and more. The right doctor will gladly answer your questions. And, of course, make sure you feel comfortable with him or her as a person. It goes a long way to affording you peace of mind. Read more.

8. Is laser-assisted cataract surgery safe?

Cataract surgery is recognized as being safe and effective. And laser-assisted cataract surgery offers more precision and less eye trauma, resulting in faster recovery and fewer complications. In Gainesville, Dr. Gregory Snodgrass has performed more than 20,000 cataract surgeries and was the area’s first surgeon to use the revolutionary LenSx system. Read more.

9. What can I do to reduce digital eye strain?

80 percent of U.S. adults use digital devices for two hours or more each day, and 59 percent report experiencing symptoms of digital eye strain. Don’t throw away your computer, just take some simple steps to reduce the impact of all that screen time. Backing away a few inches from your monitor, taking regular breaks and improving nearby lighting are a great start. Read more.

10. How can I tell if my child needs eyeglasses?

Children aren’t likely to tell you if they’re experiencing vision problems. In fact, they may not even realize it, so it’s important for parents to know the warning signs. If your child consistently covers one eye or tilts his head, squints, sits too close to the TV, has trouble concentrating or complains of recurring headaches or eye pain, it could point to a vision problem. Read more.

If you have questions about your eye health, contact the friendly staff at North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care at 352-373-4300. With two convenient Gainesville locations, we’re here to help you see clearly.