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See Under the Sea & in the Swimming Pool Too

Wear goggles for clear & healthy underwater vision

You don’t swim naked at a public beach or swimming pool, and you shouldn’t swim with naked eyes either! At the beach, it’s hard to know if ocean water is really clean and not polluted, and the sand and salt content can make your eyes sting. If you prefer swimming in a pool, remember that while pool water can be clean, that’s only because it’s packed with chlorine, which can seriously irritate your eyes, stripping away your lubricating film and causing redness, pain, and blurry vision.

Goggles are the ideal solution for protecting your delicate eyes against the harshness of water. Also, due to advanced materials and modern engineering of the lenses in swim goggles, they provide crisper underwater vision than ever before! Your knowledgeable Orlando eye doctor explains about the benefits and features of goggles:

Prescription goggles

If you normally need eyeglasses or contacts to see above water, our Orlando optometrist strongly recommends buying a pair of prescription goggles for underwater vision. For you to see, light rays reflect off an object, enter your eyes, and are focused on your retina clearly. However, light rays don’t function the same way when they are in water. That’s why the floor of a swimming pool appears higher up than it really is. In general, goggles correct this problem by creating an air-filled gap around your eyes. But this doesn’t give sharp sight to swimmers who need vision correction. If you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, you’ll need prescription goggles to see.

Wearing contact lenses and standard goggles

A lot of people are in the habit of wearing standard goggles over their contact lenses, instead of purchasing a pair of prescription goggles. What’s the problem with this? Actually, water is the problem.

Water in all bodies – lakes, pools, oceans, and hot tubs – is a natural breeding ground for bacteria and microorganisms. While your body and your eyes have a built-in defense system to protect against these menacing microbes, contact lenses interfere with your eye’s protection. Consequently, swimming with contact lenses increases your risk of getting an eye infection.

Acanthamoeba keratitis is an extremely hazardous eye infection caused by amoeba being trapped between your contact lens and your cornea. Sometimes, amoeba start to live in your eye, leading to corneal ulcers and permanent vision loss. This type of infection only happens to people who wear contact lenses, which underscores our Orlando eye doctor’s warning against swimming with contacts!

Now, we also realize that many people will insist on wearing contact lenses at the beach or pool – despite all of our warnings. If you’re one of those people, here are some tips to help you minimize the danger to your eye health:

Wear daily disposable contacts for swimming, since you throw them out after a single use. Remove them immediately after you come out of the water, rinse your eyes with artificial tears and replace your lenses with a new, clean pair.
Even if you’re didn’t fully dip into the water, if any drops fall into your eyes, remove your contacts immediately and throw them out, or disinfect them if you aren’t wearing disposables.
Never open your eyes underwater
Never go swimming and then doze off on the shore or poolside with your lenses still in your eyes

Top features for goggles – recommended by our Orlando optometrist

Prescription lenses, if you generally need eyewear with vision correction
Shatterproof lenses
Anti-fog treatment
Leak-free lenses that seal comfortably around your eyes
Built-in UV protection
Surfers should wear polarized lenses to protect against reflected glare, which can be very intense on the water
Competitive swimmers and divers should choose frames with a low profile
Recreational lap swimmers do best with larger lenses (they give wider peripheral vision), and more padded frames

Help! My Child Doesn’t Want to Wear Glasses!

Do yourkids need glasses in order to see clearly? Maybe they have a strong case of nearsightedness, perhaps they have astigmatism, or another type of refractive error. Whatever the cause, getting your kids to wear eyeglasses can be a parenting challenge.

Dr. Marie T. Tartibi treats patients from all over Orlando, Florida with their vision correction needs. The knowledgeable, caring staff at Dr. Tartibi can help you and your kids if they’re struggling with their glasses or don’t want to wear them.

Why Won’t My Child Wear His or Her Glasses?

To help your children get the best vision possible, you first need to understand why they’re fighting with you over their glasses. It usually stems from something physical, emotional, or social, such as:

Wrong fit
Wrong prescription
Personal style
Reactions from friends

How do you know which it is? Pay close attention to the signs, from what your kids say, to how they behave, to how they interact with others.

Physical

Improper fit is a big reason why glasses could feel uncomfortable. If they slip down, itch behind the ears, or put pressure on the bridge of the nose, it can explain why a child wouldn’t like to wear them.

If there’s been a big change to their prescription, they may need time to get used to it. If they were given the wrong prescription, they may be straining their eyes, getting headaches, or having eye fatigue. An incorrect prescription can make wearing glasses painful or awkward. It doesn’t correct their vision, either, so they’ll still see blurry images. When this happens, your eye doctor can check the prescription and make an adjustment.

Emotional

Your kids at home aren’t the same as your kids in school, on the sports field, or with their friends. They may be afraid of being made fun of in school, or they may not want the sudden attention on their appearance. These feelings can be even stronger among the tween and teen set.

Social

Even young kids can feel different when they put on a pair of glasses, especially if it’s for the first time. Feeling different or weird, in their eyes, translates to a negative experience. When wearing glasses makes them feel like the odd man out, they may not want to wear them. The last thing your child wants is to feel like a social outcast. After all, everyone wants to belong.

How We Can Help

First, bring your child in to the eye doctor for an eye exam. Our optometrist, Dr. Marie T. Tartibi, will check to make sure that your child has the right prescription and that any vision problems are being corrected. Next, we’ll take a look at the glasses and place them on your child’s face to determine if they’ve got the proper fit. Our optician will take care of any adjustments that need to be made.

The Vision They Need, The Style They Want

Fashion isn’t only for adults. Your budding fashionista or trendy young stud wants to look awesome, so don’t forget about style. When your kids look great, they’ll feel great! Give them the top-quality eyewear they need without compromising on style. Your kids are a lot more likely to wear glasses when they like the way they look.

What You Can Do to Help

Encourage, stay positive, and don’t give up. Avoid telling them what you want them to wear. Let them choose for themselves. In the end, they’re the ones wearing the glasses. Making decisions is an important life skill, something they’ll need as they grow up and become more independent.

For younger children, use positive words to encourage them. Talk about how glasses are like magic, letting them see beautiful things around them. Show them how a pretty flower or a bright red truck looks with the glasses on, and how different it looks with the glasses off. For older kids, throw in a little pop culture. Tell them how trendy they’ll look by showing them pictures of celebrities who also wear glasses. You’ll also rack up some cool parent points.

At Dr. Tartibi, we have the experience and unique approach to children’s eyewear that will make your kids want to wear their glasses. Schedule an eye exam today – you can book an appointment online right here. If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call and we’ll be glad to help.

Learn How Diabetics Can Take Better Care of Their Vision

Older Couple Sitting on benches outside next to their bikes in Lake Mary, FL

Most people with diabetes know that they are at a higher risk of many ocular diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. Yet, more importantly, diabetics need to be aware that eye complications, loss of vision, and blindness are not inevitable! Whether you have type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes, there are a number of ways for you to protect your eyesight. Our team of eye care professionals will help you take better care of your vision.

To get you started, we recommend that you take the following actions:

Keep Blood Sugar Levels in Control

Many diabetic eye complications are usually associated with poor blood glucose control. It is critical to maintain your blood sugar within the parameters that your physician advises. The results of many scientific studies support that this is the best way to take care of your vision when you have diabetes. In our experience treating diabetic patients, we’ve witnessed the positive effects of proper diabetes control on vision and eye health!

You should be checking your blood sugar routinely on a home meter. If the numbers change suddenly and unpredictably, it may indicate a need to change your medication or meals. Contact your doctor for assistance.

Dilated comprehensive eye exams are the only reliable method for identifying the early symptoms of many harmful diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. When these eye diseases are detected early, our eye doctors can begin treatment early, which drastically raises the rate of treatment success!

Pay Attention to Changes in Your Vision

Even with routine eye exams, some symptoms should be inspected immediately, as soon as you notice them. If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact our offices in either South Orlando or Lake Mary, FL

New black floaters that appear suddenly
Loss of vision, starting from one side and extending across your eyes
Seeing wavy lines instead of straight
Blurry central vision
Difficulty with facial perception
Inability to see clearly at night

Practice Healthy Habits

Even with the extra stress that diabetes places on your eyes, a healthy lifestyle can have a powerful impact on the lasting health of your vision.

Exercise is known to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, thereby reducing the total stress on your visual system.
Don’t smoke! Smoking greatly increases your risk for diabetic retinopathy.
Eat a balanced, nutritious diet – rich in vitamins and minerals – to help keep your eyes strong.
Sunglasses are important for protecting your eyes from the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

We care about your whole health. If you have diabetes of any type, we’ll help you take better care of your diabetes and your eyes, so you can enjoy sharp vision for as long as possible!

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Parkinson’s Awareness Month and Your Vision

Eye Care Center near me

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month in the USA and Canada, a time when those living with the disorder, their family members, friends, and community come together to raise awareness and share helpful information. People with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and their loved ones are encouraged to share their stories, struggles, and successes in order to educate and support others.

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The Parkinson’s Foundation has announced this year’s theme: #KeyToPD and Parkinson Canada advocates the same involvement. What is the key to living a high quality of life while living with Parkinson’s? Patients, doctors, caregivers, and families are encouraged to use this hashtag on social media to give of their knowledge and experience.

In order to successfully manage the disorder, it’s essential to understand the disease, symptoms, and treatments. After all, knowledge is power.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s Disease is a neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to control physical movement. It typically affects middle aged people and the elderly. Parkinson’s causes a decrease in the brain’s natural levels of dopamine, which normally aids nerve cells in passing messages within the brain. According to The Parkinson’s Foundation and Statistics Canada, the disorder affects an estimated 1 million people in the United States, 55 000 Canadians, and 10 million globally.

Dr. Tartibi Eye Clinic and parkinsons and vision problems in Orlando, Florida

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 Orlando eye doctor has prepared the following answers to your questions about eye disease.

How Does Parkinson’s Affect Vision?

Parkinson’s can have a significant impact on vision and ocular health. Patients with PD often find themselves unable to control blinking. Blinking is good for the eyes as it moisturizes the surface and clears it from foreign substances. Less blinking can cause Dry Eye Syndrome, resulting in itchy, red, or gritty-feeling eyes. Other people blink too much or can’;t keep their eyes open.

In more serious cases, Parkinson’s affects the nerves that help us see. Someone with PD may experience blurry vision, double vision, difficulty seeing color and contrast, problems with focus, and other visual symptoms.

In addition to the inherent impact of the disease, some of the medications used to treat Parkinson’s symptoms have known side effects including dry eyes, blurred eyesight and even hallucinations in advanced PD.

What Causes Parkinson’s Disease?

Although much research has been done on the subject, the exact cause of the disease isn’t really known. What doctors and scientists do know is that certain nerve cells located in the brain somehow break down. This damage interferes with both motor and non-motor functions.

Local parkinsons and vision problems in Orlando, Florida

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Common Non-Visual Symptoms of Parkinson’s

PD affects other areas of the body that may or may not – depending on each patient – be related to their eye health and visual needs.

Some of the most common non-visual symptoms are:

Depression
Excessive saliva
Loss of smell
Moodiness
Muscle cramps
Sleep disturbance
Slow movement (bradykinesia)
Stiff limbs
Tremors

Coping With Vision Problems From Parkinson’s

There is currently no cure for the disease itself, but there are options to treat the symptoms of PD. A combination of medications, physical and/or occupational therapy, support groups, and of course, top-quality vision care can give a PD patient relief for some of their symptoms and tools to help cope with the condition.

Research and clinical trials are continuing as doctors and others in the medical community work towards the goal of finding a cure for PD.

No two patients are alike, and each can experience PD differently from the other, so finding what works for you or your loved one is key. During this Parkinson’s Awareness Month, share your #KeyToPD and give your loved ones hope for a healthy and high quality of life.

Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease

Research and clinical trials are continuing as doctors and others in the medical community work towards the goal of finding a cure for PD.

A Caring Optometrist Near You

We’re here for you, and we want to help. Contact your eye doctor for any specific questions or concerns about your vision.

Call Dr. Tartibi on 407-634-2020 to schedule an eye exam with our Orlando optometrist. Alternatively book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT

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

Wearing Colored Contact Lenses This Halloween? Beware and Take Care!

8 Ways Your Eyes Change With Age

Fall is Here! Do You Wish You Could See the Leaves Changing Color?

Sports-Related Eye Injuries

Contact Lenses For Patients With Eye Allergies

Wearing your contact lenses if you are suffering from eye allergies may be problematic for many patients. In fact, optometrists often advise patients not to wear their lenses when allergy attacks are at their worst. But if you are wearing your lenses while suffering from allergies, it is important to keep your lenses clean. Spores, dust, pollen and other allergens easily stick to your lenses. Of course, if you rub your eyes, you will only make the problem worse.

Daily disposable lenses are an excellent option for anyone who has eye allergies and is recommended by many eye doctors. Dailies will allow you to have fresh, clean and hassle-free lenses every day. And you won’t have to worry about allergens building up on your lenses over time.

It’s also important to keep rewetting drops with you, as they will help you deal with the itchiness of eye allergies.

Finally, if your allergies continue for an extended period of time, or become more severe, schedule an appointment with our South Orlando and Lake Mary, FL optometrist. It’s possible you are suffering from an eye infection or something else in addition to your allergies.

HOURS & LOCATIONS: DR. TARTIBI

With offices in Orlando and Lake Mary , Dr. Tartibi proudly serves Florida.

Call us to make an appointment with our eye doctors to talk about your eyeglasses, contact lenses or specialty lens needs. You are also welcome to drop in anytime to browse through our large selection of designer eyeglass frames and sunglasses. Scroll down for more details about our practice location and hours.

Eyecare Professionals Of Orlando – Dr. Tartibi

The Eyes Have It Optical – Dr. Tartibi

Eye Doctors Near You in Orlando

Marie Tartibi Eye Care Center Staff and building photography in Orlando, FL

We are located: 1311 E Michigan St. Orlando, FL 32806-4585

Eyecare Professionals Of Orlando – Dr. Tartibi

1311 East Michigan Street
Orlando, FL 32806

Phone: 407-843-3533

Near ORMC and SoDo.

Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

The Eyes Have It Optical – Dr. Tartibi

440 Saint Charles Court Suite 1008
Lake Mary, FL 32746

Phone: 407-333-2740

Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Lake Mary - City of Lakes - Dr. Marie T. Tarbiti - Eye Doctor in Lake Mary, Florida

We are located: 440 St. Charles Ct, Ste 1008 Lake Mary, FL 32746

Is it An Eye Care Emergency?

pink eye girl rubbing eye disease emergency

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If you experience loss of vision, double vision, swelling, infection or any eye emergency, contact us immediately for guidance. We’ll help you with the best treatment to prevent complications and promote long-lasting clear eyesight.

Use your best judgment on urgency – find the nearest emergency room or review our emergency page of tips.

Eye Care Services

Dr. Tartibi welcomes new and returning patients from central Florida to visit our outstanding eye care centers in Lake Mary, FL, and South Orlando, FL!

Proudly serving central Florida for more than 40 years.

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Eye Exams and Eye Care Services in Lake Mary & South Orlando, FL

Our experienced eye doctor, Dr. Marie T. Tartibi, focuses on you and your healthy vision. We provide a full range of expert eye care services in our convenient offices, located in Lake Mary and South Orlando, Florida. Both offices are equipped with advanced diagnostics and high-tech devices, such as the Optos Digital Retinal Exam and iCare Tonometer, so you benefit from precise eye exams and the best treatment.

No matter how old you are or how well you see, comprehensive eye exams are critical to the lasting health of your eyes. Dr. Tartibi will inspect your visual acuity to ensure that you see as sharp as possible, as well as your ocular health to make sure there are no signs of disease. When it comes to children, crisp eyesight is essential for learning, and we’ll evaluate your kid’s vision thoroughly and gently. Our team in South Orlando and Lake Mary is committed to providing all our patients with an accurate eye exam and positive eye care experience!

Orlando: 407-634-2020

Lake Mary: 407-543-2020

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For Clear Vision Visit Our Lake Mary Eye Doctor Today!

Crystal-clear vision depends upon wearing the most suitable eyewear for your vision prescription. Our optical staff will assist you to select the perfect designer frames to satisfy your individual lifestyle, visual requirements, and attractive look! If you prefer contact lenses,

Dr. Tartibi will perform a detailed contact lens fitting and eye exam in our clinic, in South Orlando or Lake Mary, FL, before providing you with a prescription for lenses. We also provide co-management for LASIK surgery, contact us for more information!

We provide treatment for eye disease, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts. With a close watch on your inner eye tissues, we’ll monitor and manage your condition to prevent complications and vision loss.

Dr. Tartibi stays current with all the newest treatments, so you will receive modern and progressive eye care. If you suffer from the irritating symptoms of dry eye, we will perform an eye exam to diagnose the cause and determine the most effective personalized treatment to bring you relief!