What Are the Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Dry Eyes?

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Are you looking for a way to ease dry eye symptoms on an ongoing basis? At Paul Vision Institute, our eye doctors in Wilmington, NC, offer red light therapy, or Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT), to help stimulate tear production. We may recommend this service and intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) used in combination for effective relief. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of red light therapy.

It Promotes Healing and Reduces Inflammation

Red light therapy helps improve circulation and eases inflammation that contributes to dry eye symptoms. This helps stimulate your body’s natural healing process, bringing you ongoing relief.

It’s Safe and Comfortable

LLLT doesn’t cause discomfort, and it’s considered a safe treatment for all skin types. It involves gentle exposure to near-infrared light and visible red light, which doesn’t hurt.

It’s a Non-Invasive Treatment

Dry eye treatment in Wilmington, NC, involving red light therapy, doesn’t require any needles or eye drops. It’s just light exposure so you can go right back to your normal activities after treatment.

It Stimulates Gland Function

Red light therapy stimulates your meibomian glands, increasing tear production and improving tear quality. This helps alleviate dry eye symptoms and reduces the risk of having them come back.

It’s Fast and Convenient

Coming in for red light therapy means you’ll only be in our office for around 30 minutes. These sessions usually take about 20 minutes or less to complete.

Visit Our Eye Doctors for Dry Eye Treatment!

Do you need help easing your symptoms? Our optometry team at Paul Vision Institute offers dry eye treatment in Wilmington, NC, including red light therapy. We can help you find the right approach to relieving discomfort.

How Do You Know If You Have Glaucoma? 

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When you get older, your risk of eye diseases may increase. With glaucoma being one of the top causes of vision loss for people 60 and up, it’s important to know if you have this condition. Our eye doctors in Wilmington, NC, at Paul Vision Institute offer testing and treatment for glaucoma to help keep your vision safe. Here’s how to tell if you should seek testing for this eye disease.

Do You Have Any Glaucoma Symptoms?

You might not have any if you’re in the early stages of this disease. But as it gets worse and causes more damage to the optic nerve, you may experience symptoms, such as:

  • Pain in your eye
  • Eye redness
  • Vision changes, like double vision or blurry vision
  • Frequent headaches
  • Blind spots in your vision

Do You Have Glaucoma Risk Factors?

We may recommend testing for glaucoma in Wilmington, NC, if you have any risk factors for this condition, such as a family history of it or certain chronic conditions. Other risk factors include your age and whether you have any refractive errors, such as nearsightedness. Any of these can raise your risk of developing glaucoma.

When Should You Seek a Diagnosis?

If you have risk factors or if you’ve been experiencing signs of glaucoma, it’s time to see our eye doctors for testing. Catching this condition as early as possible improves your chance of maintaining your vision rather than losing it.

Visit Our Eye Doctors for Glaucoma Testing

Are you concerned that you may have this eye disease? At Paul Vision Institute, our optometry team offers testing for glaucoma in Wilmington, NC, along with treatment options to protect your vision if you do have this condition.

How Your Eyes May Change With Age

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As you get older, your eyes naturally begin to change. For some people, that can mean blurrier vision, and for others, more significant vision loss. At Paul Vision Institute, we understand how important your vision is, and we want you to know how vision changes in Wilmington, NC, can be addressed.

How Your Vision Changes With Age

Adults usually notice their vision starting to change around the age of 40. You may start to identify issues such as:

  • Trouble focusing on near items, such as a menu or written note
  • Needing more light for reading or detailed work
  • Spotting floaters in your eyes
  • Feeling that your eyes see with less contrast or that colors have become duller

Right now, your eyes are aging, so it’s not surprising that you’re noticing changes. That being said, while these changes aren’t always a sign that something is seriously wrong, they do mean that it’s time to stop in and see our team at Paul Vision Institute for a checkup.

When Should You See Your Optometrist Immediately?

Some vision changes are serious and need to be addressed right away.

If you notice sudden blurring, flashes of light, many floaters, or shadows in your vision, call us at Paul Vision Institute immediately.

These symptoms could be signs of problems like a torn retina or even a disease like multiple sclerosis.

Make an Eye Appointment in Wilmington, NC

Regular checkups are how you can keep your vision as clear as possible. Even if your vision is fine, it’s important to come in for your annual exam to keep a close eye on the (hopefully) small changes that may start around your 40s. For more information about your vision and what to expect as you age, call us or set up an appointment today.

What Are Common Causes of Dry Eye?

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Wondering why your eyes feel dry? This can happen from time to time, especially in certain environments, but having it frequently means you have dry eyes that need treatment. Our eye doctors in Wilmington, NC, at Paul Vision Institute offer this kind of care. Let’s go over some of the more common causes of this condition to help you understand why you might have it.

Blocked Ducts

If you have an obstruction that’s blocking your tear ducts, your tears might be drying up faster than they should, causing dryness.

Gland Problems

Issues with your meibomian glands might cause you to have low tear production, increasing dryness in your eyes.

Eye Procedures

Have you had any surgeries recently, such as cataract treatment or LASIK? This may raise your risk of developing dry eyes.

Certain Medical Conditions

You may need dry eye treatment in Wilmington, NC, if you have medical conditions that result in higher dry eye risks, such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases.

Medication Side Effects

What kinds of medications do you take? Certain medicines, such as blood pressure meds or pain meds, may come with an increased risk of making your eyes dry.

Environmental Conditions

What kind of environment do you live or work in? Exposure to windy conditions, dry air, or smoke, for example, can cause you to develop dry eye.

Contact Lens Usage

How often do you wear contacts? In some cases, wearing them regularly or frequently may lead to a higher risk of dry eye.

Make an Appointment for Dry Eye Treatment Today!

Are you ready to find relief for your eye symptoms? At Paul Vision Institute, our eye doctors offer dry eye treatment in Wilmington, NC, to ease redness, discomfort, and other symptoms that affect your day-to-day life.

What Happens When You Get Cataract Treatment?

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Are you experiencing vision issues due to cataracts? These clouded areas of your eye lenses can slowly but surely impact your vision as they grow bigger. But our eye doctors in Wilmington, NC, at Paul Vision Institute offer treatment to replace the affected lens and improve your vision. Here’s what to expect if you’re undergoing this procedure.

Preparing for Surgery

Our optometry team will let you know what you need to do to get ready for this procedure. It’s an outpatient process that usually doesn’t take long to do, so no hospital stay is required.

Removing the Affected Lens

Treating cataracts involves undergoing surgery to take out the clouded lens and replace it with an artificial one called an intraocular lens (IOL). In fact, that’s the only way to address this eye problem. We carefully remove the affected lens during this step.

Replacing the Lens with an Artificial One

Before you undergo cataract treatment in Wilmington, NC, we’ll help you determine the right type of IOL to replace your natural lens. After removing the lens, we’ll place your new IOL in your eye, giving you improved vision.

Recovering from Surgery

This kind of procedure is common and safe for most people. We’ll discuss possible risks with you before surgery, like infections, but you should have a low chance of experiencing complications. You may feel some discomfort for a couple of days after your procedure. Overall, it can take a few or more weeks to fully recover.

Schedule Your Cataract Surgery Today!

Do you have cataracts that need to be removed for better vision? At Paul Vision Institute, we offer cataract treatment in Wilmington, NC, so you can see clearly again with a brand new, unclouded lens.

How do People Develop Low Vision?

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Low vision doesn’t happen overnight. For many, it starts with subtle changes—like needing more light to read or struggling to recognize faces in a crowd. Over time, these difficulties can grow, making daily life challenging. The term low vision means your sight can’t be fully corrected with glasses, contacts, or standard treatments. It develops for different reasons, often tied to age, health, or injury.

Common Eye Diseases

The most frequent cause of low vision in Wilmington, NC is age-related eye disease. Conditions like macular degeneration damage the part of the eye that lets you see fine details, creating blurry or blank spots in central vision. Glaucoma, on the other hand, harms peripheral sight, slowly narrowing your field of view. Diabetic retinopathy is another concern, where high blood sugar damages blood vessels in the retina, leading to patchy, distorted vision.

Injuries And Other Factors

Not all low vision is tied to the process of aging, though. Eye injuries, such as from sports accidents or workplace hazards, can scar the retina or cornea.

Then again, certain genetic conditions, like retinitis pigmentosa, also lead to gradual sight loss, sometimes beginning in childhood. Even experiencing strokes or neurological disorders can affect how the brain processes visual signals.

Protecting Your Sight Moving Forward

While some causes of low vision aren’t preventable, many can be managed or slowed with early detection and care. Regular eye exams play a huge role in catching problems before they become severe.

If you’ve noticed changes in your vision—no matter how small—don’t wait. Contact Paul Vision Institute today to set up a comprehensive eye exam with your Wilmington, NC optometrist. We’re here to help protect your sight so you can keep enjoying the activities and people you love.

What Makes Lashes Fall Out?

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Eyelashes serve a great many purposes, not the least of which is attracting other people. For many, their eyelashes are an important part of their beauty aesthetic, which is likely behind the multi-million dollar eye makeup industry, much of which centers around thickening and lengthening eyelashes. So when eyelashes fall out, it can be incredibly worrisome. While it’s normal to lose a few lashes daily as part of their natural growth cycle, excessive lash loss can signal an underlying issue, and you should consider a visit to your eye doctor in Wilmington, NC.

The Lash Growth Cycle

Eyelashes, like the hair on your head, grow in cycles. This includes the anagen (growth), catagen (transition) and telogen (resting) phases. Natural shedding occurs when lashes reach the end of the telogen phase. However, factors like stress, hormonal changes, or improper care can disrupt this cycle and lead to increased lash loss.

Common Causes of Lash Loss

Certain medical conditions, such as blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), alopecia, or thyroid imbalances can cause your lashes to fall out. Infections or trauma to the eyelid area may also play a role. Harsh makeup removers, frequent use of eyelash curlers, using old, expired makeup or extensions can also weaken lashes over time and make them more likely to fall out when they shouldn’t. For some, medications or treatments may contribute to thinning lashes.

Can Treatments Like LATISSE™ Help?

LATISSE™ is a prescription treatment that can promote longer, thicker lashes by extending the anagen phase of the growth cycle. LATISSE™ in Wilmington, NC is available through your eye doctor at Paul Vision Institute and can be an effective solution for lash thinning caused by certain conditions.

If you’re noticing significant loss, it’s important to consult with an eye care professional to identify the root cause. Contact us today to book an appointment.

Corneal Imaging and Other Technology at Paul Vision Institute

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Corneal mapping in Wilmington, NC, is a technology that goes by many different names. You may also hear Dr. Paul or another staff member at Paul Vision Institute refer to it as corneal topography, video keratography, or photokeratoscopy. Dr. Edward Paul invested in this technology to enable our optometrists to map out the curvature of the cornea in both eyes.

What is the Cornea?

Your corneas sit in the outermost layer of your eyes and cover the anterior chamber, iris, and pupil. The primary function of the cornea is to refract light as it enters your eyes, allowing you to interpret images correctly. Another job of the cornea is to protect your eyes from dirt, grit, germs, and any other potentially harmful substances that could become trapped in them.

How Does Corneal Mapping Work?

This painless procedure sends color-coded images to a computer screen to assist our optometrists in diagnosing various visual conditions. Mapping can help the optometrist working with you pick up on even subtle changes in your vision and/or eye health. Some of the specific things that our optometrists measure with mapping include the thickness of your corneas and any elevation changes.

Corneal mapping is especially useful for helping to plan eye surgery, such as LASIK or cataracts, and diagnosing the eye conditions listed below.

  • Astigmatism
  • Keratoconus, which is an optical condition that causes your corneas to take on a cone-shaped appearance and dulls your vision
  • Scarring from previous infections or injuries
  • Unusual growths
    If you are concerned that your vision is becoming less sharp or you have sustained trauma to your eyes in the past, please do not hesitate to ask us about corneal mapping in Wilmington, NC. All you have to do is mention your symptoms or that you would like to have the test when scheduling your next eye exam.

How We Diagnose and Treat Macular Degeneration

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Macular degeneration in Wilmington NC is a potentially serious eye disease that affects people as they age. Although macular degeneration typically doesn’t cause complete vision loss, you may lose some or all of your central vision. While there is no cure for this age-related eye condition, you can receive effective treatments for it.

Wet Macular Degeneration

With this type, the blood vessels in your macula and retina leak fluid and blood, and your eyes take on a bulging appearance. Wet macular degeneration affects only 10 percent of people diagnosed with the disease. However, this type is the more severe of the two because it can cause complete loss of central vision when left untreated. We urge you to schedule an exam at Paul Vision Institute right away if you notice dark spots in the center of your visual field.

Dry Macular Degeneration

The dry type of macular degeneration causes a buildup of yellow protein deposits in your macula called drusen. The drusen causes your eyes to feel very dry while thinning your macula at the same time. Loss of central vision occurs slowly over time. Some people with the dry type of macular degeneration develop the wet type after several years.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Macular Degeneration

We start the eye exam by dilating your eyes to check for signs of the disease. Your optometrist may also use one or more advanced tests to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. Once we know which type you have, the next step is to start using prescription medication. Nutritional supplements and lifestyle changes are also useful, as is photocoagulation if you have leaking blood vessels. We may also recommend specific low vision tools to increase your quality of life.

Your vision is too important to ignore. Please contact us to screen for macular degeneration in Wilmington NC if you have any concerns.

4 Qualities to Look For In An Eye Doctor

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Your eye doctor is your partner in maintaining good eye health, so it’s important to choose an eye doctor in Wilmington, NC, that you can trust. Below are four qualities you should look for when you’re looking for an eye doctor in the Wilmington area.

1. Experience

As you’re calling around to different eye doctors, find out how many years of experience they have. Experience and skill often go hand in hand. The more experience an eye doctor has, the more chances they’ve had to develop their expertise in their field. Experienced eye doctors also have more experience managing a caseload of patients and tending to their needs.

2. Services

It’s best to see an eye doctor that offers a wide range of services. While you may have limited eye care needs right now, someday, you may need more services. Find an eye doctor that offers treatment for conditions like glaucoma and cataracts, and if possible, emergency eye care. You never know when you may want these services, and if you ever do, you’ll want to get them from an eye doctor you have a rapport with.

3. Accepts Your Insurance

If you have eye insurance, then of course, it’s important to find an eye doctor that accepts that insurance. Before making an appointment for an eye exam in Wilmington, NC, check to be sure that your type of eye insurance is accepted there.

4. Convenient Scheduling

Find an eye doctor that offers appointments when you’re available, and has a convenient scheduling process. It should be easy to see the eye doctor on a timeline that works for you.

Are you seeking an eye doctor in Wilmington? Paul Vision Institute can help. To make an appointment or learn more about our practice, call today.