La Mesa Optometry

Celebrating all the incredible dads out there this Father’s Day! 🎉👔 Whether you’re a mentor, a protector, a teacher, or a friend, your love and dedication shape our lives in the best ways. Here’s to the dad jokes that make us laugh, the advice that guides us, and the unwavering support that makes everything possible. Happy Father’s Day!

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Have you checked your children's eyes lately? Myopia, or nearsightedness, is increasingly common in children and can be hard to detect early on. Here are a few signs to help determine if your child might have myopia.

Schedule your appointment at any of our three locations. Link in bio.

Happy Pride Month! Let's celebrate love and diversity. Together, we honor the progress made and continue to advocate for equality and acceptance.

According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), over half of Americans aged 80 or older have either developed cataracts or undergone cataract surgery. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the United States and the primary cause of blindness globally. To raise awareness, June has been designated Cataract Awareness Month to educate the public on risk factors, symptoms, types of cataracts, and treatment options.
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s lens, obstructing or altering the passage of light into the eye. The lens, located behind the pupil and iris, is normally transparent and focuses images onto the retina, which then transmits these images to the brain.
Symptoms of cataracts include: 1. Blurry vision, 2. Difficulty with night vision, 3. Sensitivity to light and glare, 4. Halos around lights, 5. Fading or yellowing of colors, 6. Double vision in one eye, 7. Frequent changes in prescription, 8. Difficulty reading
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above schedule an eye checkup at any of our three locations.

Stress can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Stress is a natural human response that everyone experiences to some degree. The way we respond to it, however, makes a big difference to our overall well-being. Prolonged or excessive stress can have detrimental effects on both the mind and the body. It's crucial to recognize the signs of stress.
Prioritizing self-care practices that promote mental resilience and well-being, help manage stress. A few practices you can follow:
1. Keep a daily routine. Having a daily schedule can help us use our time efficiently and feel more in control.
2. Get plenty of sleep. Getting enough sleep is important for both body and mind. Sleep repairs, relaxes and rejuvenates our body and can help reverse the effect of stress.
3. Connect with others. Keep in touch with family and friends. Connecting with others can lift our mood and help us feel less stressed.
4. Eat a healthy diet.
5. Exercise regularly. Regular daily exercise can help to reduce stress.
6. Limit the time you spend following the news, since it can increase stress levels.
By fostering healthy coping mechanisms, seeking support when needed, and prioritizing mental health awareness and education, we can work towards a more resilient and compassionate society where individuals are empowered to manage stress and nurture their mental well-being.

Books closing, pencils dropping, and excitement buzzing—it's that time again! School's almost out, and summer's knocking on the door! Are you feeling the heat of anticipation? We've got our flip-flops, sunglasses, and sunscreen ready to soak up every sunbeam and wave. Remember to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays with a good pair of sunglasses. From beach days to BBQ nights, our summer plans are a mix of fun adventures: road trips, lazy afternoons with a good book, and maybe even mastering some homemade ice cream. What are YOUR summer plans? Get a head start on your student eye exam for next year and book your appointment at any of our three locations! Link in bio.

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women service members, first responders, volunteers, aid workers and civil servants who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty for our freedoms at home and abroad. Their service, courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Wishing everyone a meaningful Memorial Day filled with gratitude, remembrance, and unity.

As we continue to dive into Mental Health Awareness Month, it's crucial to focus some attention on one of the most common mental health conditions: depression.
Depression is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. It can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background.
Depression manifests in various ways, from persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness to loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Depression not only impacts the individual's emotional state but also interferes with daily functioning, relationships, and physical health.

It's essential to recognize the signs of depression and seek support and treatment. Whether through therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of approaches, there is hope for recovery. There are also a few things individuals coping with depression can do:
• Try to get physical activity. Just 30 minutes a day of walking can boost your mood.
• Try to maintain a regular bedtime and wake-up time.
• Eat regular, healthy meals.
• Break up large tasks into small ones; do what you can as you can. Decide what must get done and what can wait.
• Try to connect with people. Talk with people you trust about how you are feeling.
• Delay making important decisions, such as getting married or divorced, or changing jobs until you feel better. Discuss decisions with people who know you well.
• Avoid using alcohol, ni****ne, or drugs, including medications not prescribed for you
We can all help by fostering open conversations, showing empathy, and understanding around mental health to break down barriers and ensure that everyone receives the care and support they deserve. If you or someone you know might be suffering from depression, seek help.

Here's to our everyday superheroes who raise us, guide us, and love us unconditionally. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all the incredible Moms (Aunts, GrandMomz, besties and sisters lending a hand) out there! Your strength, compassion, and boundless love light up our lives in countless ways. Today, and every day, we celebrate you and the beautiful impact you make. Thank you for being our rock, our comfort, and our inspiration. You are truly cherished and adored. What are you doing special for your MOM today? 🌸💕

May marks National Astigmatism Awareness Month, a time to shed light on a common yet often misunderstood vision condition. Astigmatism is a common vision condition where the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular shape, causing blurry or distorted vision at various distances. It is a very common condition. Astigmatism can develop due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some common causes include:
• inherited (passed down from parents)
• eye disease
• eye injury
• or after surgery
Individuals with astigmatism may experience symptoms like blurry or distorted vision, eye strain, headaches, and difficulty seeing at night. These symptoms do not always mean you have astigmatism. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam to find out what is causing your symptoms. Children may not realize they have blurry vision and are unlikely to complain about blurred or distorted vision. This is why early childhood eye screenings are so important.

Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and correction through eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery, ensuring clear and comfortable vision for those affected.

Do you suffer from any of the symptoms? Have you checked your vision lately? Book an appointment for your eye exam at any of our three locations, La Mesa Optometry, Heights Optometry, or North Park Optometry, at the link in bio.

Did you know that vision loss can affect both your physical and mental health? Over 7 million Americans have vision impairment, with 1 million being blind, and an additional 93 million adults in the US are at risk of severe vision loss. Vision loss not only heightens the risk of falls and impacts quality of life but also significantly affects ones mental health.
It's crucial for individuals experiencing vision loss to undergo screenings for depression and anxiety. Early intervention can vastly improve their quality of life. Here are five things you can do to improve both your eye and mind health:
1. Incorporate more movement into your daily routine to reduce the risk of vision-related health issues and improve mood. 2. Consume a nutritious diet to enhance mood, lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, and diabetic retinopathy, a major cause of vision loss. 3. Avoid smoking. Smoking heightens the risk of eye diseases leading to vision loss. 4. Effectively manage chronic conditions through proper medication and lifestyle adjustments to mitigate the risk of mental health problems and associated eye issues. 5. Get regular checkups and inform your doctor about your family's medical history, as both mental health disorders and eye diseases can be hereditary.
How is your mental health? Have you gotten your eyes checked recently? Book your appointment at any of our three locations by clicking the link in bio.

Suffer from eye redness? Well, LUMIFY redness reliever eye drops can help! They're made to quickly reduce redness in your eyes, making them look whiter and brighter. It only takes about a minute for them to work their magic. They have a special formula approved by the FDA. It uses a small amount of brimonidine to target redness specifically. Plus, it kicks in fast and lasts for up to 8 hours.When used as directed, there's a lower risk of side effects such as rebound redness. They don't contain bleach or dyes.

Number one choice recommended by eye doctors for relieving redness caused by minor irritations. So, if you're tired of those red eyes, give LUMIFY .eyes a try! Visit any of our three convenient locations: Heights Optometry, La Mesa Optometry, and North Park Optometry. Our team of experienced opticians is ready to assist you in determining the best options for your needs. Come and explore the wide range of products we offer.

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🎨✨ Save the date: La Mesa Art in the Park is Saturday, May 18th, from 2pm to 6pm at La Mesa Community Garden. Enjoy a captivating art show, browse through diverse art vendors, and indulge in a lineup of food trucks. There will be entertainment with onsite artists and auctions, performances throughout the day, and kid activities- Something for everyone to enjoy! Support our local community of talented. Are you an artist? You can also apply now for Artist Vendor Booths! Mark your calendars for the perfect way for your family to spend a Saturday afternoon. 🌳🎉

¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Time to salsa into the fiesta and guac 'n roll all day long! 🎉🌮💃 How you'll be celebrating Cinco de Mayo? Where is your favorite local place for Margaritas? Tacos?

Have you checked YOUR vision lately? During the week of May 13th through May 19th, we observe Myopia Awareness Week, dedicated to educating people about myopia, its causes, and strategies for both prevention and slowing its progression.

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error of the eye where distant objects appear blurred while close objects can be seen clearly. It occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) is too curved, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Such a sight defect is often called as a “minus number” in relation to spectacle glasses.

Myopia appears early in childhood from the age of 5 and continues to progress until the age of 18. Adults with untreated and moderate to severe myopia that has progressed from childhood are at an increased risk of developing early cataract disease, glaucoma, retinal detachment and other serious vision threatening eye conditions. Those with severe myopia are not well-suited for LASIK or other laser vision corrective refractive eye surgeries if they are needed. keeping myopia under control and reducing its progression right from an early age is key to preserving and protecting the vision of our children.
Book your appoint, at any of our three locations, and get your routine check up.

May is Mental Health Awareness month. Since the 1940's, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. We often focus our health conversations on the physical, treating mental illness as something private and even stigmatized. But, over 20% of American adults (more than 50 million) experience some sort of mental illness every year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and 5% encounter a more serious mental health concern every year. And it’s not just adults: 1 in 6 kids ages six to 17 in the U.S. experience a mental health disorder. Anxiety, depression, stress, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder are among the mental illnesses that affect americans.

Despite progress in reducing stigma, many still struggle silently due to fear of judgment or lack of resources. This month serves as a poignant reminder to prioritize mental health, advocate for better support systems, and foster a culture of understanding and empathy. Let's stand together, raise awareness, and promote actions that empower individuals to seek help, cultivate resilience, and thrive.

Happy Mother's Month! May is the month we celebrate the incredible women who shape our lives - our mothers. Show your love and appreciation by bringing her in to any of our three locations for an eye exam and a refresh on her prescription glasses. Her vision deserves the utmost care. Let's ensure she sees every beautiful moment clearly.

What are YOU doing for YOUR mom this Mother’s Day?💖👁️

Celebrate with us as we mark our 9th Anniversary!
This Saturday, come in and join us, at our Heights Optometry location for our Unplugged event! Enjoy LIVE performances by Joe Kane , Elysian Cadence , and Matt Sheridan , starting at 1:00pm.
See you tomorrow!

The return of Spring means it’s time to gather up bats, gloves, and helmets and PLAY BALL....BUT don’t forget your protective eyewear! As we turn our attention to this exciting sport, we remain committed to observing Sports Eye Safety Month.

According to the National Eye Institute, BASEBALL is a top cause of eye injuries in kids 14 years old and younger who play sports. Injuries include corneal abrasions, orbital fractures, ruptured eyeballs, cataract and detached retinas. LESS YIKES! MORE STRIKES! Before hitting the diamond do your part to keep your little leager's eyes safe:
1. Ask your eye doctor about PROTECTIVE prescription eyewear, certified helmets with attached safety guards for batters AND base runners. 2.Ensure sports glasses meet American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards. 3. Choose polycarbonate lenses for shatter resistance and UV protection.
4.Replace yellowed lenses promptly. 5. Opt for sports goggles for best protection, or certified glasses with thick polycarbonate lenses when goggles don't fit. 6. Any player who has vision loss in one eye should always wear protective eyewear recommended by their eye doctor.

NEED HELP FINDING WHATS RIGHT: Book your appointment with us at any of our three locations: La Mesa Optometry, North Park Optometry, and Heights Optometry, and keep your vision protected! Link in bio

Nine years of growth, from a single location to three thriving clinics – it's all thanks to your continuous support. Clients like Meli have been instrumental in fueling our journey, helping us grow with their trust and loyalty. Our dedicated staff works tirelessly to make each of your visits a great experience. Here's to many more years of partnership, progress, sevice and growth together.

Come visit us and see for yourself. Book your appointment at any of our three locations at the link in bio.

AAAHHH-CHOOOOOOOOO!!! April showers bring May flowers…AND ALLERGIES! Spring has sprung, but so have the allergies! 🌼🤧 Don't let allergies dim your view – here are a few TIPS to give your eyes the TLC they deserve amidst the pollen flurry.

1) USE SUNGLASSES. When you're outside, UV rays can harm your eyes just like they harm your skin. Sunglasses shield your eyes from UV light, preventing cataracts and retinal damage. BUT did you know, they also guard against allergens that can irritate your eyes?
2) STAY HYDRATED. Drink plenty of water to keep your body AND EYES hydrated, reducing irritation caused by dryness.
3) MOISTURIZE. Artificial eye drops offer effective relief for dry, itchy eyes in spring allergies. Over-the-counter options can help, but for chronic allergies, consult one of our optometrist for stronger prescription drops or better over-the-counter choices.
4) SPRING CLEANING. One of our top spring eye care tips is to deep clean your home. Dust and allergens build up in everyday spaces like your bedroom and office. Vacuum, mop, and wipe down surfaces to reduce eye irritation and allergy symptoms.
5) EAT HEALTHY. Your diet directly impacts your overall health, including your eyesight. Ensure your meals are rich in vitamins A, D, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, to support strong eyes and reduce environmental irritation.
6) SCHEDULE YOUR ANNUAL ROUTINE APPOINTMENT. Regular annual check-ups are essential for maintaining long-term health, and your eyes are no exception. Eye exams are particularly popular during the spring season.

Schedule your appointment with us at any of our three locations: La Mesa Optometry, Heights Optometry, North Park Optometry. Link in bio.

April is Women's Eye Health and Safety Month. Did you know women are more prone to visual impairments, with two-thirds of blindness occurring in women? Fortunately, 75% of visual impairment is preventable or treatable. According to the National Eye Institute, women are more affected due to their longer lifespan and hormonal factors. Risk factors like smoking, poor nutrition, and obesity also contribute.

Here are some TIPS for maintaining healthy eyes and vision:
1) GET YOUR EYES EXAMINED. Be proactive by scheduling regular eye exams as part of your health routine. A comprehensive eye exam by age 40 or earlier, with follow-up care as advised by your eye doctor, is recommended.
2) EAT HEALTHY. A healthy diet supports healthier eyes. Women should consume foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.
3) STAY ACTIVE. Regular exercise reduces the risk of eye disease. When active outdoors, ensure proper sun protection with hats and sunglasses.
4) LEARN ABOUT DRY EYE SYNDROME. Dry eye syndrome affects around 3.2 million American women, causing itching, burning, and eye irritation due to insufficient tears for lubrication and nourishment. Without proper moisture, it can damage the eye's surface and impair vision. Consult one of our eye doctors to discuss dry eye and explore treatment options.

Take care of your eyesight and schedule your appointment with us at any of our three locations: La Mesa Optometry, Heights Optometry, North Park Optometry.

EyePromise is a science-based, doctor-recommended line of eye health supplements formulated to support and maintain visual function. Their products are designed to address various eye health concerns, such as macular degeneration, dry eye, and digital eye strain, using a combination of vitamins, minerals, and other key nutrients backed by scientific research. With a focus on providing high-quality, doctor-recommended solutions, EyePromise aims to help individuals of all ages maintain healthy vision and improve overall eye wellness.

EyePromise offers a range of supplements, including DVS, Restore, and EZ Tears.
DVS is a nutritional supplement designed to enhance visual function and retinal health without affecting blood sugar levels. It contains natural ingredients known for improving color vision, peripheral vision, and contrast sensitivity. Restore provides essential nutrients to enhance your eyes' natural protection against age-related eye health issues. EZ Tears is an eye vitamin made for occasional dry eye, featuring natural ingredients like anchovies, green tea leaves, and turmeric.

Come see us at any of our three locations: Heights Optometry, North Park Optometry, and La Mesa Optometry to find out which eye care products are right for you. Book your appointment at the link in bio.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Nearly 30,000 sports-related eye injuries are treated in U.S. emergency rooms each year. The good news is that 90% of serious eye injuries are prevented by wearing appropriate protective eyewear and following certain guidelines.

Above, we share 4 basic steps to take care of your sight while engaging in sports.

Book your appointment at any of our three locations La Mesa Optometry, Heights Optometry, North Park Optometry. Link in bio.

As celestial events like eclipses captivate our curiosity, it's essential to ensure that we observe them safely. Today's eclipse promises a stunning display, but it's crucial to protect your eyes from potential harm. Whether it's a partial or total eclipse, safety should always come first.

1. Use Proper Eye Protection: The most important rule for eclipse watching is never to look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. Standard sunglasses are not sufficient to protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays. Instead, use solar viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers certified to meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.
2. Use Solar Filters: If you're using telescopes or binoculars to observe the eclipse, attach a solar filter to the front of the instrument to protect your eyes. Never look through these devices without appropriate solar filters.
3. Photograph Safely: If you're photographing the eclipse, ensure your camera or smartphone is equipped with a solar filter to protect the lens. Do not look at the sun through the camera's viewfinder without proper protection.
4. Monitor Children: Always keep a close eye on children during the eclipse to ensure they're using proper eye protection or following safe watching methods.

Safe watching San Diego! ☀️🌑

🐣🐥 Wishing you a Happy Easter! 🐣🐥 We hope you enjoy this day surrounded by loved ones. On this Easter Sunday, let the spirit of renewal and hope fill your heart. May this day bring warmth, love, and a sense of rebirth to your home. Embrace the beauty of new beginnings and cherish the moments of togetherness, for Easter is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there's the promise of light and joy.