Optometry

The Importance of an Annual Eye Exam

Among the many routine healthcare screenings that patients are encouraged to prioritize, there’s one that is too often overlooked: the annual eye exam. Eye exams are essential for the screening of potential vision-threatening diseases says Dr. Elizabeth George , a board-certified Optometry specialist at Watson Clinic Main in Lakeland. During a routine exam, we assess the structures of the eye, screen for eye diseases, check eye muscle function, and even evaluate peripheral vision. If we no...

A Team with Vision

Watson Clinic’s eye care specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating a variety of eye disorders. Our Optometry and Ophthalmology departments are both located at Watson Clinic Main at 1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd. in Lakeland. Appointments for either department may be scheduled by calling 863-680-7486. OPTOMETRY Watson Clinic’s skilled Optometry department provides comprehensive eye exams, vision tests, and much more for patients 5 years and older. Our expert eye specialists carefu...

Effective Treatments for Dry Eye

Well over 16 million Americans have been diagnosed with dry eye, a condition that can lead to stinging discomfort, light sensitivity, redness and blurred vision. In its most advanced stages, dry eye can even cause cornea damage and vision loss. What causes dry eyes? Your eyes produce tears that help to keep them lubricated and well-functioning. When there’s an imbalance in how these tears are produced or absorbed, dry eye can result. While anyone can suffer from dry eyes, you might be at i...

10 facts about diabetic retinopathy

Anyone with diabetes—type 1, type 2 or gestational—is at risk for diabetic retinopathy. So if you have diabetes, it's good for you to learn as much as you can about this eye disease, including these 10 important facts. 1. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar damages your retina—the light-sensitive lining found at the back of your eye. Sugar can block tiny blood vessels in your retina, causing them to bleed or leak fluid. Your eyes try to compensate by growing new b...

Safety tips for contact lens wearers

OK, be honest here: If you wear contact lenses, when was the last time you replaced the lens storage case? Has it been longer than 90 days? And do you ever wear your contact lenses while taking a shower? It may surprise you to know that these are just a few of the risky contact lens habits that can increase your chances of getting an infection or other serious eye problem. Before you pop another lens into your eyes, read on to learn how best to protect your peepers. We love our contact lenses. T...

Understanding Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause pressure to build inside the eyeball and can damage the optic nerve. In its earliest stages, it rarely causes symptoms. If left untreated, however, it can slowly start to rob you of your sight. Roughly 3 million people are afflicted with the most common form of glaucoma. It can strike anyone, but some demographics have a higher risk of getting it, including people who are over 60, African Americans over the age of 40 and those with a family history ...

Focus on children's eye safety

As children grow up, they often get to experience some pretty amazing things. There's so much in this world to discover—and see. Unfortunately, thousands of children in the U.S. endure eye injuries every year that can seriously threaten their vision. Many of these injuries are avoidable. To help keep your kids' eyes safe, follow these tips from the American Academy of Ophthalmology and other experts: Insist on proper eye protection. Many eye injuries occur during sports. For that reason, e...