Sight To See Eyecare & Eyewear

It’s Contact Lens Health Week! Did you know contact lenses are classified as a medical device? Make sure you’re treating those lenses well and keeping your peepers safe!

Bad news for kids, good news for parents, but school is right around the corner! Did you know that in Illinois, an eye exam is required for all children entering kindergarten? Don’t get caught up in the rush, schedule a back to school exam today!

Did you know that in Illinois, an eye exam is required for children entering kindergarten? Plan ahead and schedule your child’s eye exam with us to beat the mad rush at the end of the summer! For the month of June, we are running an $80 kindergarten exam special for patients without vision insurance, which includes:

- Comprehensive eye exam
- Cycloplegic refraction (as indicated)
- High-Resolution Retinal Imaging
- Topography and Axial length scans (measures the eye down to the micron to identify high risk of myopia)
- Filled out school form

Call or text our office to schedule an appointment - 630-326-4417

May marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to prioritize self-care, spread compassion, and especially destigmatize conversations about mental health. Have the uncomfortable conversations. Ask the uncomfortable questions. Talk about mental health like your life depended on it, because for some, it very well might.

To those of you struggling, we see you. We love you. We are glad you are here.

🚨🚨 Raffle Raffle Raffle 🚨🚨

In celebration of our grand opening this Thursday, May 2nd, we are raffling off different prizes! We are so thankful for all the support we’ve received from friends and family across the country since we first opened, and while we know many of you would love to be here, traveling across the country on a random Thursday just isn’t possible. But why should that mean you miss out? Our raffles are now open to everyone and anyone!

All you have to do between now and 10 PM on Wednesday, May 8th, is

1) Like & Share this post (make sure to tag us!)
2) follow on Instagram (and Facebook if you have one!)
3) tag a friend and tell us your favorite fact about the eyes!

Thanks to our generous sponsors, prizes include
- sunglasses
- sunglasses
- frame (winners choice)
- gear

Winners will be randomly chosen on Thursday, May 9th!

See Where Life Takes You with

Join us as we wish a very happy birthday to Dr. Durias! Thank you for all that you do for our office and especially for our patients!

‼️GRAND OPENING‼️

Come join us in celebrating our opening of Sight to See Eyecare & Eyewear!! It has been quite a journey in getting our doors open but we are finally up and running. We are already seeing patients, helping them look and see their best, but we want to get the word out, meet more of our community and CELEBRATE! We will be serving light refreshments, our optical will be open for your perusing, we will be raffling off free glasses/sunglasses and will even be offering free demos of retinal imaging for you to learn more about your eyes and our technology.

Join us on May 2nd from 3-7PM, with a ribbon cutting at 4PM. We can’t wait to SEE you! 😎

Don’t believe everything you read on the internet! You CANNOT lose a contact lens behind your eye, it is physically impossible due to the tissue called the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin, clear membrane that helps to protect your eye. It starts as the palpebral conjunctiva on the inside of your eyelids, and then folds over itself to become the bulbar conjunctiva on the white surface of your eye. While contacts can move off the cornea and get caught in the pocket that this creates, the conjunctiva itself stops the contact from going any further, especially to the back of the eye!

But please still don’t sleep in your contacts. Thanks.

Isn’t she beautiful?! I hope you said yes, because you more than likely have a population of them living on your eyelashes.

Meet Demodex mites, tiny inhabitants of your lash follicles. 😮 While pretty much everyone has demodex on their eyelashes, an infestation can cause itching, burning, foreign body sensation, tearing, discomfort, and irritation. This can lead to meibomian gland dysfunction, lid margin reddening, lash loss, and misdirected lashes as the infestation can alter the structure of the lash follicles.

When examined under the slit lamp, the presence of cylindrical dandruff at the base of the eyelash is considered to be pathognomonic for the presence of Demodex. This debris is composed of hyperkartinization from microabrasions from the mite’s claws as well as, brace yourself, demodex remains and waste products.

At Sight To See Eyecare & Eyewear, we’re here to shed light on these microscopic critters and provide expert solutions for a comfortable, clear-eyed journey. Schedule an appointment to learn more about Demodex and how to keep your eyes feeling their best! 💙 ”

At Sight To See Eyecare & Eyewear, we know that clear vision is crucial, whether you’re at the office or working remotely. Take a break from the screen and follow these tips to reduce digital eye strain and prioritize your eye health. Let’s keep your eyes in focus and your workday bright! 🖥️💼

1) The average blink rate is about 20-25 times a minute, but drastically drops down to 10-12 times a minute when using a digital device. The tears evaporate and the eyes dry out. Make deliberate, purposeful blinks to respread those tears on those beautiful peepers.
2) Since the eyes are drying out, keep some artificial tears handy to lubricate your eyes. Stay away from any of the drops that say “Get The Red Out” though! While they may feel good short term by wetting the eyes, they don’t lubricate your eyes and they have a vasoconstrictor that can cause “rebound redness” (thats how they get ya)
3) Every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds and look 20 feet away. Tell your boss your Optometrist prescribed frequent breaks.
4) Low plus computer glasses can do the work of focusing for your eyes and can take some of the strain off. For those of you who are 40+, we can make you a special pair of “computer glasses” so you don’t have to constantly find the sweet spot in progressive lenses.
5 & 6) Adjust your computer screen! Turn the brightness down to put less strain on your eyes, and make sure the top of the computer screen sits about eye level, and that you’re sitting arms length away.

What’s the reason for the air puff? Is it just because we like torturing our patients? No! But is there a better way to do it? YES.

At Sight To See Eyecare & Eyewear, we’ve moved on from the dreaded Air Puff, and can perform the test in a way that will make you more comfortable.

Read on to find out the Purpose Behind The Puff

What is the purpose of the air puff? Why does my eye doctor shoot air into my eye?

Spotlight on these beautiful DB4K kids frames! This pair of glasses was made for a lovely little lady who has never worn glasses before. Due to us carrying a VAST range of finished polycarbonate uncut lenses with Crizal Rock anti-reflective coating in the back and having our own edger, we were able to get her seeing out of her glasses in less than a day. Compare that to almost 2 weeks when you have to send the lenses to an outside lab!

DB4K is a frame line that strives to make glasses that kids want to wear. Their colors and eyewear aim to express the wearers personality, and this did just that - she went straight to the cotton candy pink! But one of the best things about this line is their “Kid Proof” warranty - alien abduction, lost in the pond, bike wreck, doesn’t matter what happens to their frame - it will get replaced. Let kids be kids without worrying about their glasses!

Stop in to see DB4K and other frame lines we carry, and we’ll make sure you’re a Sight To See.

October 2019 -> March 2024

It took four and a half years, but my dream finally came true: now she has to listen to my dad jokes at work.

That Feeling Inside is the only thing that should be fuzzy! Whether you’re enjoying a romantic dinner or spending time with loved ones, make sure your vision is as clear as your affection. Fall in love with perfect vision this Valentine’s Day with Sight To See Eyecare & Eyewear.

At Sight To See Eyecare & Eyewear, we’re focused on your vision, especially during this important month, Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Month.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in adults over the age of 50. It damages the small part of the retina responsible for central vision called the macula. When damage to the macula occurs, it typically causes loss of central, detailed vision which results in difficulty with tasks such as reading, driving, threading a needle, or recognizing faces.

AMD might be a challenge, but we’re here to help you see the beauty in every detail. Let’s take strides towards preserving your sight—schedule your eye exam today! 💪💙

Everyone gets them confused. Nearsighted means it’s easier to see up close. Farsighted means it’s easier to see far. Read about that and the “stigma” aka astigmatism here!

What is an astigmatism? What is an astigmatism and is it something to worry about?

We're shining a spotlight on Glaucoma Awareness Month and hoping to open your eyes on the importance of eye health. Glaucoma, often called the "silent thief of sight," can affect anyone, but early detection is key. Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damages the optic nerve, causing a gradual loss of vision. It typically occurs slowly and often without symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. There is usually no redness, pain, or irritation associated with it.

Regular eye check-ups can help spot glaucoma in its early stages, so make that appointment today! 💙

Don't blink and miss out on the chance to protect your precious vision. Schedule your eye exam and let's keep your sight in tip-top shape. 👓✨

Imagine keeping on the same underwear on for 30 days straight, or putting your dirty dishes away before cleaning them and then cleaning them before using them.

Read on for the proper way to take care of your lenses!

Contact Lens Hygiene Contact lenses have revolutionized the way we see, but they are a medical device and can lead to serious complications if not treated seriously.

Happy New Year to our STS Family! We hope you enjoyed some rest, relaxation, and quality time with friends and family. As we look forward to 2024, we hope you set your Sights on something great this year, and See Where Life Takes You.

As we bid farewell to an incredible year, we want to express our deepest gratitude to all our amazing family and friends who cheered on Sight To See Eyecare & Eyewear as we prepared to be able to serve the Geneva and surrounding communities. Your support and loyalty have been the perfect lens that helped us see success, and we’re going into the New Year with a 20/24 Vision. We're excited to begin providing you with eye-mazing services, trendy frames, and a clear vision for the future. Here's to a year filled with eye-popping opportunities and adventures! 🌟✨

We’re spreading holiday cheer with a clear vision of joy! 🎄✨ At Sight To See Eyecare & Eyewear, we believe in making your holiday season as merry and bright as our slit lamps. From stylish frames that sparkle to comprehensive eye exams that ensure your eyes are ready for all the festive sights, we've got you covered. Wishing you a season filled with laughter, love, and perfect vision. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our Sight To See family to yours! 🎅🎁❄️

🔦🔦Spotlight on disease: Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS)

Did you know that some individuals with visual impairments may experience vivid hallucinations? Beyond the visible spectrum lies a lesser-known phenomenon called Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS), where people with visual loss may experience intricate visual hallucinations. This condition is surprisingly common among people with certain types of vision loss, with some estimates around one person in every two with vision loss experiencing hallucinations.

Normally, a healthy retina will receive light that enters the eye and convert these rays into visual messages that are interpreted by the brain. When a person experiences vision loss from diseases like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma, the visual system is no longer able to send visual messages to the brain due to damage. In order to fill the void, the brain can either recall stored images (like the lion or dragon above) or make up images instead.

Hallucinations can be grouped into two types. There are simple hallucinations, which include patterns and lines, or complicated where people have reported people dressed in outfits from different time periods, landscapes, imaginary creatures, and much more. These hallucinations may move or remain still, and may last anywhere from seconds to hours.

There is currently no cure or medical treatment for CBS, but luckily most cases will resolve after 12-18 months. Other things that may help patients who suffer from CBS are low-vision rehabilitation, changing the setting such as turning on a light if in the dark or changing position from sitting to standing, and also just talking about the hallucinations so the person with CBS feels less isolated and reassured.

At Sight To See Eyecare & Eyewear, we're committed to spreading awareness and supporting those navigating the complexities of eye health. Your eyes are so much more than just the next pair of trendy eyeglasses. While we love to see you in stylish frames and comfortable contacts, a healthy eye will always be a Sight To See.

🚨 🚨 🚨 NERD ALERT!

A 25 year old white female presented due to “tunnel vision" in her right eye, onset 1 month prior to her exam. Her last exam was 2 years ago and was unremarkable aside from a prescription of -2.00 DS OU. Her previous ocular and medical history are unremarkable, and family history is positive for diabetes. Entering VAs with her glasses was 20/20 OD/OS, although she noted tunnel vision when the left eye was covered. Pupils, CVF (confrontational visual fields), EOMs (extraocular muscle movements) were all normal. Her anterior segment was unremarkable, but upon dilation, it was discovered that she had a large subretinal hemorrhage inferior to the macula, hemorrhages around her optic nerve, and optic disc edema in her right eye. She was immediately referred to an ophthalmologist for further investigation and treatment, where she was diagnosed with Idiopathic Multifocal Choroiditis (IMFC).

IMFC is an inflammatory condition that spontaneously presents as multiple lesions within the retina and choroidal tissues. The term "idiopathic" indicates that the cause of IMFC is currently unknown. IMFC can cause episodes of inflammation bilaterally, either simultaneously or separately, which explains why our patient only had visual complaints in her right eye. It can lead to various visual symptoms, including blurred vision, visual distortion (as experienced by this patient), and in some cases, vision loss. IMFC has been reported in both sexes ranging in age of 6-69 years, but is more often in white female patients with an average age of 30 years old. Most patients tend to be myopic, and IMFC predominantly affects healthy patients with no known history of systemic or ocular disease.

Treatment for this patient was initiated by the ophthalmologist and included oral corticosteroids, with the possibility of intraocular corticosteroid injections in the future. The prognosis of most patients with IMFC is excellent, however inflammation can reoccur. Poorer prognosis is indicated when scarring and bleeding involves the macula. In the case of this patient, our doctors hold an optimistic prognosis due to the locations of the lesions, as well as her BCVA of 20/20 OD.

👀 Don't let your FSA funds go to waste! 💰 As the year comes to a close, remember to make the most of your Flexible Spending Account since the funds don't carry over to the next year!

While Sight To See Eyecare & Eyewear is not quite ready to help you with your eyecare needs just yet, we're here to help you maximize your benefits and invest in your eye health. Whether you need a stylish new pair of frames, prescription lenses, or a comprehensive eye exam, make sure you use your FSA funds wisely. Don't blink and schedule your appointment with an eye care professional today! 😎✨

Interested in contacts but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you, and your corneas, covered here.

A Beginners Guide To Contact Lenses Learn the first steps on how to switch to contact lenses

🚨 🚨 🚨 Man your battle stations, we've got a case of Torpedo Maculopathy! 🚨🚨🚨

A 24 year old white male presented to the clinic for his first ever eye exam with no visual complaints. His previous ocular and medical history was unremarkable, as was his family ocular and medical history. His subjective refraction was pl DS in his right eye, and +0.50 -0.75 x180 in his left, with best corrected visual acuity 20/20. The anterior segment was unremarkable upon slit lamp examination. During examination of the posterior pole, a "torpedo shaped lesion" was noted temporal to the macula in his right eye (2nd picture).

Torpedo maculopathy is a congenital condition that affects the outer retinal layers. It is commonly a single, unilateral, asymptomatic, hypopigmented area in the macula, temporal to the fovea with a characteristic cigar or torpedo shape. It may, however, cause a central scotoma (blind spot) and may be susceptible to choroidal neovascularization, which is when new, fragile blood vessels begin to grow in the choroidal layer of the eye.

In general, Torpedo Maculopathy remains stable over years and is associated with a minimal risk of vision loss. However, due to the risk of neovascularization, albeit slight, periodic monitoring is warranted. This patient was sent home with an Amsler grid and asked to self-monitor with the Amsler grid about 1-2x per week. He was scheduled to return to the clinic in 6 months for more frequent observation due to the pigment in the lesion or sooner if he notices any changes in his vision.

Torpedoes away.

Gobble, Gobble, Grateful! 🦃🍁 This Thanksgiving, we're thankful for our incredible patients, community, and the opportunity to serve you. At Sight To See Eyecare & Eyewear, we're here to help you feast your eyes on the beauty of the world. Let's give thanks for the blessings of good eyesight and the joy it brings to our lives. Wishing you a Turkey-tastic Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and perfect vision! 🍂✨

👁️✨ November shines a spotlight on Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month.

The two photos above are pictures of the right eye retina of two different people. The eye on the right is what a normal, healthy retina should look like. You can see a healthy optic nerve on the right side of that photo, a dark, flat, pigmented macula in the center, and the retina and blood vessels look unremarkable. The photo on the left, however, shows signs of severe diabetic retinopathy, which is when the blood vessels in the eye become damaged and start to bleed and leak. This is important because diabetes not only affects your eyes, but also causes the same bleeding from the blood vessels in your other organs. The bleeding and leaking can lead to new blood vessel growth, which can then lead to scarring and, in the case of your eyes, potentially blindness.

At Sight to See Eyecare & Eyewear, we're dedicated to promoting healthy vision for all, especially those affected by diabetes. Diabetic eye exams are crucial to maintain the health of the eye and clear vision, and should be performed, at a MINIMUM, once a year. Let's focus on eye wellness this month and beyond!

Honoring the brave, past and present. On this Veterans Day, we salute the incredible men and women who selflessly served our nation. As a veteran-owned business, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve our community and provide quality eye care. From one veteran to another, thank you for your service and trust in Sight To See Eyecare & Eyewear.