Blog

By Dr. Sachin Kalarn

If you’re new to the world of prescription eyewear, you’re probably sweating over whether to get contacts or glasses, whether to spring for Transitions lenses or just how much all of this will cost.

In order to live a healthy life, it is essential to eat a diet full of the healthy vitamins that your body needs to survive and function properly. Unfortunately, some of us aren’t able to get all the necessary vitamins in our daily diets and need to take vitamin supplements to avoid being vitamin-deficient. 

When it comes to our eye health, specific vitamins and nutrients are more critical than others. At IEC, our eye doctors support two vitamins in particular for optimal eye health – AREDS 2 and Fish Oil. 

It is important to note that you must discuss these vitamins as well as any others with your eye care provider or your primary care provider before you start taking them. 

AREDS 2

AREDS stands for Age-Related Eye Disease Study, which was a study held by researches who created a nutritional supplement called AREDS formulation, which can reduce the risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AREDS 2 is an improved formulation, which consists of vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids. 

The combination of these vitamins and antioxidants may significantly help people at a higher risk for developing age-related macular degeneration, as well as help maintain optimal eye health. 

Fish Oil 

Fish oil is a dietary source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are a type of polyunsaturated fat that cannot be made by the body, but that the body needs to get from food. Omega-3 fatty acids help the body avoid vision problems from arising, including permanent eye damage and blindness.

Research has suggested that taking a fish oil supplement can reduce symptoms of dry eye syndrome and reduce the chances of developing macular degeneration. 

If you suspect you are suffering from any of the eye issues mentioned above, please reach out to your doctor for more information and ask them whether an AREDS 2 or Fish Oil supplement is right for you. 

While vitamins are essential for your eye health and overall health, it is also important to care for your eyes regularly. Another way to keep your eyes healthy: schedule regular eye exams! 

During a routine eye exam, an eye doctor will assess your medical history and then complete a series of tests to determine the overall health of your eyes. Routine exams should take place periodically to ensure optimum visual health. 

AREDS 2 and Fish Oil are available for purchase at all three Illinois Eye Center locations. You will receive 20% off when you purchase 3.

Check out our website for further information on the full range of eye care services we provide, or call us to schedule an appointment today (309) 243-2400. We also offer same-day walk-in visits for urgent and acute eye care services at our Peoria office.

Hundreds of thousands of people undergo LASIK every year to minimize or even eliminate their need for glasses or contact lenses. Could you be one of them? Illinois Eye Center can help you find out if you are a good candidate for LASIK.

Many patients who have worn eyeglasses for their entire life are curious about the basics of contact lenses, while other patients who already wear contacts often wonder how they can optimize the benefits and convenience of contact lenses. Our eye doctors are here to share their answers to the most frequently asked questions they receive about contact lenses.

Almost everyone experiences dry, itchy eyes from time to time, but for some people, the condition is both pervasive and progressive. Dry eye syndrome (DES) is characterized by a chronic lack of moisture on the eye’s surface. 

Symptoms can include eye redness, a stinging or burning sensation, or sensitivity to light. You may also find difficulty in wearing contact lenses or driving at night. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment to see your eye doctor for them to determine if you are suffering from dry eye syndrome.

LASIK eye surgery can correct vision problems associated with astigmatism. 

Astigmatism is common, affecting about one in three people in the United States. The vision problem is not a disease – it is merely a refractive error like nearsightedness and farsightedness. Similar to nearsightedness and farsightedness, astigmatism happens when the shape of your eyes prevents them from focusing well. Like other refractive errors, astigmatism can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, and LASIK surgery.

A same day eye appointment can be a real sight-saver! Having access to an eye doctor on the same day that you need one is the ultimate in convenience. Patients ages 5 years and older with acute/urgent eye conditions, or in need of routine vision exams can take advantage of EyeCareToday, Monday through Friday at our Peoria office.

Are you considering LASIK to improve your vision, but wonder if you are a good candidate? You are not alone – more than 700,000 people in the United States underwent LASIK surgery in 2020. They are now enjoying improved vision without the use of glasses or contact lenses.

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month across the nation and at Illinois Eye Center. As summer winds down and kids get ready to go back to school, August is a great month to focus on the eye health and safety of children.