Vision Source - Jennings Eye

About 80% of what children learn in school is presented visually. Only a comprehensive eye exam can help ensure your child’s vision is the best it can be.

🌐 https://visionsource-jenningseye.com/
📞 573-499-9949

Don’t let an undetected vision problem interfere with your child’s learning. Schedule an eye exam today!

🌐 https://visionsource-jenningseye.com/
📞 573-499-9949

Wearing eyewear can significantly impact a child's confidence, and the effect can be both positive and negative, depending on various factors such as the child's personality, the fit and style of the glasses, and the reactions of peers and adults.

Positive Impacts:
Improved Vision: Clear vision can enhance a child's ability to participate in activities, which can boost confidence in both academic and social settings.
Stylish Frames: Modern eyewear comes in various styles and colors, allowing children to express their personality. A child who likes their glasses is more likely to feel confident wearing them.
Positive Reinforcement: When parents, teachers, and friends offer compliments and support, it reinforces the idea that wearing glasses is normal and even fashionable.
Potential Challenges:
Peer Reactions: Children might face teasing or negative comments, which can affect their self-esteem. This is less common today as glasses are more widely accepted, but it can still happen.
Adjustment Period: Some children may feel self-conscious initially, especially if they are new to wearing glasses. It might take time for them to get used to how they look and feel.
Comfort Issues: If the glasses are uncomfortable or don’t fit well, it can make the child reluctant to wear them, which might impact their confidence.
Tips to Boost Confidence:
Involve the Child in Choosing Frames: Allowing children to pick out their glasses can make them more excited and comfortable with wearing them.
Role Models: Point out characters in books, movies, or real life who wear glasses confidently.
Normalize the Experience: Discuss how many people wear glasses and how they help with seeing better, making it a common and positive experience.
Overall, with the right approach and support, wearing eyewear can become a confidence-boosting experience for kids.

Children's eye exams before starting school are crucial for several reasons:

1. Early Detection of Vision Problems:
Undiagnosed Vision Issues: Children may not realize they have vision problems because they assume everyone sees the way they do. Early eye exams can detect issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and more serious conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (crossed eyes) before they impact learning and development.
Prevention of Long-Term Issues: Early detection can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. For example, conditions like amblyopia are much more effectively treated when caught early.
2. Impact on Learning:
Visual Learning: A significant portion of learning in early childhood is visual. Reading, writing, and even physical activities require good vision.
Attention and Behavior: Proper vision care can improve a child's focus and academic performance.
3. Physical and Social Development:
Coordination and Motor Skills: Vision is closely linked to the development of motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Self-Esteem: Addressing vision issues can improve a child’s self-esteem and overall well-being.
4. School Readiness:
Readiness for Formal Education: Being able to see clearly is essential for tasks such as recognizing letters and numbers, following along in books, and participating in classroom activities. Ensuring a child has good vision sets them up for success from day one.

Eye exams are a vital part of preparing a child for school, ensuring they are physically, academically, and socially ready to learn and thrive.

We are seeking individuals to join our team who want to make a difference! If you enjoy helping people, learn quickly, pay close attention to details and possess strong initiative, please consider applying!

Please help us welcome Shannon to our office! She has been an educator for over 15 years as a librarian and classroom teacher and brings an enthusiasm for teamwork, service and organization to her job at Vision Source-Jennings Eye Associates. Outside of work, Shannon enjoys connecting with others and spending time with her husband and daughters. She has no pets because she is allergic to most of the animals her kids want and is scared the other options might escape indoors!

We count it a privilege to serve you. We are thankful when YOU put your trust in us for your eyecare!

If you find yourself squinting or straining to see objects at a distance or up close, or if you have a family history of eye conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration, it is wise to schedule an eye exam. Regular check-ups become increasingly important with age, as the risk of age-related eye diseases rises. Detecting issues early through exams can preserve vision and overall eye health.

Workplace eye wellness is crucial for maintaining overall health and productivity. Here are three important points to consider:

1. **Eye Ergonomics and Screen Use:**
- Many jobs require prolonged use of digital screens, which can lead to eye strain and discomfort. Proper positioning of computer monitors, adjustable chairs, and adequate lighting are important factors to consider. The 20-20-20 rule, where you take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes, can also help alleviate eye strain.

2. **Protective Measures and Safety Practices:**
- Regular training on safety practices and the correct use of protective eyewear is essential.

3. **Eye Health and Awareness:**
- Regular eye exams are essential for detecting and addressing potential vision issues.

Addressing these aspects of workplace eye wellness can lead to increased safety, comfort, satisfaction and productivity.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. Consider these risk factors:

Age: The risk of AMD increases as we age.
Genetics: Family history plays a significant role in the development of AMD. If you have a close relative with AMD, you may have a higher risk of developing the condition yourself.
Smoking: Smoking is one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for AMD. It not only increases the risk of developing AMD but also accelerates its progression.
Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure: Prolonged exposure to UV light, especially without adequate eye protection, may contribute to the development of AMD.
Diet: A poor diet contributes to your risk. Incorporating foods rich in carotenoids (especially lutein/zeaxanthin) such as green, leafy vegetables have been shown to reduce risk. Excellent supplements exist that provide these ingredients.
Cardiovascular health: Conditions like hypertension, diabetes and obesity have been associated with an increased risk of AMD.

Loving your eyes means prioritizing their health and well-being by getting regular eye exams and updating your glasses/contact lens prescription as needed. It's a simple yet essential way to show appreciation for one of your most precious senses.

We are searching for our next associates! The ideal candidates will possess a strong desire to help people, a meticulous eye for detail, a strong work ethic and a desire to be part of team with long term career goals. If you or someone you know would like to apply, we require a resume and cover letter. The positions are currently listed on https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Jennings-Eye-Associates,-PC?from=mobviewjob&tk=1h8ufqv4hkltu800&fromjk=51bfb2bd2017a1c4&attributionid=mobvjcmp.

In memory of all who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and country, Happy Memorial Day!

Congratulations to our very own Skiler for graduating from Mizzou this past weekend. She has been at our office for nearly a year and was able to maintain a good balance between working and school. Tell her congrats the next time you see her! She'll remain at our office for a while and will be pursuing grad school in the future.

Happy Easter!

UV protection of the eyes is critical for maintaining eye health and preventing long-term damage. Here are three important points to keep in mind:

UV radiation is harmful: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause significant damage to the eyes, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and even skin cancer of the eyelids. Exposure to UV radiation is cumulative and can lead to irreversible damage over time.

Prevention is key: Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays can help protect the eyes from the harmful effects of UV radiation. It is also important to wear a hat with a brim to provide additional protection to the face and eyes.

Children need protection too: Children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of UV radiation and need to wear proper eye protection when outdoors. Starting good habits early on can help prevent long-term damage and keep eyes healthy throughout life.

It is important to get regular eye exams for several reasons, but one of the main reasons is that we only have one set of eyes. Here are some reasons why regular eye exams are important:

Early detection of eye diseases: Many eye diseases, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, have no noticeable symptoms in their early stages. Regular eye exams can detect these conditions before they cause vision loss.

Vision correction: Regular eye exams can determine if you need glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision. This can improve your quality of life and help prevent eye strain and headaches.

Detection of other health problems: Eye exams can also detect other health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. This is because the eyes can provide a window into overall health.

In general, it is recommended that adults get a comprehensive eye exam every 1-2 years, depending on their age and risk factors. Children should also have regular eye exams to ensure proper development of their vision.

Are you on a screen the majority of your day and your eyes are not happy? Here are some pointers:

1: Take regular breaks: It is important to take frequent breaks and look away from the screen every 20 minutes. This will give your eyes a chance to rest and recover.

2: Blink often: Blinking helps to moisten your eyes and prevent dryness. Your blink rate decreases when you are focused on screens.

3: Adjust lighting: Adjust the lighting in your room to minimize glare and reflection from your screen. You can also reduce the brightness of your screen, use a blue light filter or set your screen to night mode.

4: Maintain a comfortable distance: Sit at a comfortable distance from your screen, usually an arm's length away.

5: Correct posture: Maintain good posture while using digital devices. Sit with your back straight, your feet on the ground, and your screen at eye level or slighly below eye level..

6: Step away: Step away briefly and engage in activities that don't involve digital devices, such
as taking a walk or stretching.

7: Lubricating eye drops: The above recommendations may make eyes drops unnecessary. However, if your eyes still become dry and uncomfortable, a good quality eye drop used at routine intervals (prior to your eyes becoming uncomfortable) may be helpful.

Happy St Patricks Day! Are you wearing green today? Don't give the leprechauns an excuse to pinch you!

If you haven't had an eye exam recently, Save Your Vision Month is a great time to schedule one. This can help detect any issues early and ensure that you're taking the necessary steps to protect your vision.

The 20-20-20 rule is a simple rule that can help reduce eye strain and discomfort caused by staring at digital screens for long periods of time. Here's how it works:

1. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This gives your eyes a chance to rest and refocus on something other than a screen.

2. During the break, blink frequently to help lubricate your eyes and reduce dryness.

3. Adjust the brightness and contrast of your screen to reduce glare and make it easier on your eyes.

The 20-20-20 rule is especially important for those who spend a lot of time in front of digital screens, such as computer users, smartphone users, and gamers. By taking regular breaks and practicing good eye care habits, you can reduce the risk of eye strain, fatigue, and discomfort. Additionally, moderating screen time and taking breaks helps reduce the chances of developing long term, chronic dry eye.

Annual eye exams are essential for maintaining good eye health, detecting potential eye problems early, and ensuring that your vision is properly corrected. They also provide valuable insight into your general health and can help develop a personalized plan for your eye care needs. Come see us!

An annual eye exam is important for several reasons:

Early detection of eye diseases: Many eye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, may not have any noticeable symptoms in their early stages. An annual eye exam allows Dr. Jennings to detect any signs of these diseases before they progress and cause permanent damage.

Maintaining good vision: An eye exam can identify changes in vision that may not be noticeable to the individual. These changes can be corrected with glasses, contacts, or other treatments to help maintain good vision.

Checking for general health issues: The eyes can reveal a lot about a person's general health. During an eye exam, Dr. Jennings may identify signs of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and other health issues that can affect the eyes.

Updating prescriptions: An annual eye exam is also an opportunity to update prescriptions for glasses or contacts, which can help ensure optimal visual acuity.

Overall, an annual eye exam is a crucial part of maintaining healthy eyes and preventing vision loss. It's important to see an eye doctor regularly, even if you don't have any noticeable vision problems.

AMD = age-related macular degeneration

Dry AMD

Early - small, yellow deposits called drusen form under the retina.
Intermediate - larger drusen develop, and changes in pigment may occur in the retina.
Late - geographic atrophy (wasting away) of the retinal cells occurs, leading to blind spots in the central vision.

Wet AMD:

Early - abnormal blood vessels start to grow under the retina.
Intermediate - blood vessels continue to grow and leak fluid or blood into the macula, causing distorted or blurred vision.
Late - scar tissue forms in the macula, leading to permanent vision loss.

It's important to note that not all cases of dry or wet AMD progress to the late stage. Additionally, some people may have a combination of both types of AMD. Regular eye exams and early detection are important in managing AMD! Come see us!

Your eyes need to last you a lifetime! Let us help you care for them!

Family history? Smoker? Excessive UV exposure? Poor diet? Lack of exercise? Yes to any of these increases the risk of developing AMD (age-related macular degeneration).

We are continusously changing up our inventory of frame styles! Come find your perfect style or browse our inventory online.

February is AMD (age-related macular degeneration) awareness month. Annual exams are important for early detection and treatment, regardless of your need for glasses. Lifestyle and family history play key roles in your risk. Come see us!