Do you experience blurry or distorted vision at all distances? Do words appear stretched or shadowed while reading? If yes, you might be dealing with Astigmatism — a very common but often misunderstood refractive error.
At Vision & Beyond, we aim to simplify eye health education for our patients. Here’s everything you need to know about Astigmatism.
Astigmatism occurs when the eye’s cornea or lens has an irregular curvature, leading to blurred or distorted vision at both near and far distances. Instead of being perfectly round like a basketball, the cornea is shaped more like a rugby ball (oval), causing light rays to focus on multiple points in or in front of the retina, rather than precisely on it.
Astigmatism often co-exists with Myopia (Nearsightedness) or Hypermetropia (Farsightedness).
Yes. While most cases remain stable, astigmatism due to keratoconus or corneal ectasia can worsen over time, requiring close monitoring and advanced treatments like Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (C3R) to halt progression.
Astigmatism is not a disease but a common refractive condition that can be corrected effectively with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. Early diagnosis and appropriate correction can significantly enhance visual clarity and comfort.
At Vision & Beyond, we offer state-of-the-art diagnostics and personalized treatment plans for astigmatism — helping you see the world as it’s meant to be seen: sharp and distortion-free.
The new generation of silicone hydrogel lenses allows up to 6 times more oxygen to reach the cornea, offering incredible comfort for extended wear. They’re perfect for individuals with dry eyes or long screen-time usage.
Daily disposables have become increasingly popular due to their hygiene benefits — no cleaning, no storage — just fresh lenses every day. They are ideal for teenagers, travelers, and occasional users.
Modern toric contact lenses now feature improved stabilization designs that prevent lens rotation, providing sharp and stable vision for astigmatism sufferers without compromising comfort.
Presbyopia is no longer a “glasses-only” issue. Multifocal contact lenses offer crisp vision at all distances — near, intermediate, and far — giving presbyopic patients the freedom to ditch their reading glasses.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) involves wearing custom-made rigid lenses overnight to gently reshape the cornea. The result? Clear vision throughout the day without any lenses or glasses. Studies show Ortho-K can also help slow down myopia progression in children.
For patients with keratoconus, severe dry eyes, or post-surgery irregular corneas, scleral lenses provide superior visual clarity and comfort by creating a fluid reservoir over the cornea.
Always ensure your spectacles and contact lenses are fitted by a qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist. Ill-fitted lenses can do more harm than good. Regular follow-ups, proper hygiene practices (especially with contact lenses), and updated prescriptions are essential for maintaining healthy vision.
The optical industry is no longer just about correcting vision — it’s about enhancing your visual experience. With advancements in lens technology and stylish frame designs, spectacles and contact lenses are evolving to offer better clarity, more comfort, and greater eye protection than ever before.
At Vision and Beyond, we help you discover optical solutions tailored to your eyes and lifestyle.
Have you ever wondered why refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness) are skyrocketing, especially among children and young adults? Just a few decades ago, clear distance vision was a survival skill for humans. Today, the demands on our eyes have shifted dramatically — from scanning horizons for prey to scrolling endlessly on smartphones.
At Vision & Beyond, we believe that understanding this shift is the key to protecting your vision in the digital age. Let’s dive into how modern screen-centric lifestyles are reshaping our eyes and leading to a global myopia epidemic.
For thousands of years, humans were hunters, gatherers, and explorers. Our eyes evolved to spot predators, prey, and navigate vast landscapes. Sharp distance vision (emmetropia) was crucial for survival, while near tasks were minimal and transient.
Fast forward to today’s world:
In essence, we are now using our near vision far more than our distance vision. Our eyes, however, haven’t evolved fast enough to adapt to this modern visual demand.
When we perform prolonged near tasks (like reading, screen use, or mobile gaming), the ciliary muscles in our eyes stay contracted for extended periods to maintain focus at a close distance. This continuous strain sends signals that stimulate axial elongation of the eyeball — the primary anatomical cause of myopia.
In simple terms:
The younger the eye, the more pliable it is, making children particularly susceptible to this elongation with excessive screen time and limited outdoor activity.
While myopia (nearsightedness) is the most affected, excessive near work can also influence:
Research shows that spending at least 2 hours outdoors daily reduces the risk of developing myopia. Natural sunlight and focusing on distant objects help relax the eye’s focusing system and regulate healthy eye growth.
Every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to relax your eye muscles.
Encourage children to play outdoors and minimize gaming or mobile use outside of academic needs.
Avoid reading or working on screens in dim light to reduce strain.
Maintain appropriate distance (at least an arm’s length) and screen height at eye level.
Especially for children, to catch early refractive changes and implement myopia control strategies like:
The digital age is here to stay, but that doesn’t mean your eyesight has to suffer. With mindful screen habits, increased outdoor activities, and proactive eye care, you can protect yourself and your children from the rising wave of refractive errors.
At Vision & Beyond, we are committed to providing comprehensive myopia management programs tailored for the modern lifestyle. Let’s ensure that screen addiction doesn’t blur your future.
Choosing between spectacles and contact lenses is no longer a simple decision. With advancements in lens technology, lifestyle needs, and eye health priorities, patients often wonder: “What’s best for my eyes?” In 2025, the answer isn’t just about personal preference — it’s about understanding how the latest innovations in optics can enhance your vision and quality of life.
At Vision and Beyond, we’re here to help you make an informed choice.
Feature | Spectacles | Contact Lenses |
---|---|---|
Ease of Use | Easy to wear, no direct eye contact required | Requires handling & hygiene precautions |
Comfort | Can feel heavy on nose/ears, affected by weather | Feels natural, unrestricted peripheral vision |
Visual Field | Limited peripheral vision | Full visual field correction |
Fashion & Style | Wide variety of frames for a fashion statement | Invisible, allows natural facial appearance |
Sports & Outdoor Activities | May slip or fog during activity | Ideal for active lifestyles |
Maintenance | Easy to clean and maintain | Requires strict hygiene routine |
Eye Conditions | Specialized lenses for myopia control, presbyopia | Toric, multifocal, Ortho-K, scleral lenses |
Cost Factor | One-time investment, low maintenance cost | Recurring cost, varies based on lens type |
Many patients today prefer a combination of both — glasses for daily wear and contact lenses for specific activities like sports, events, or long working days. For instance, someone might use spectacles at work and switch to contacts for social events or workouts.
At Vision and Beyond, we believe that vision correction is highly individual. Our comprehensive eye examination includes:
We ensure that you’re not just seeing better, but living brighter with the solution that best suits your eyes and your life.
In 2025, the choice between spectacles and contact lenses isn’t an either/or decision — it’s about what enhances your vision, comfort, and lifestyle. With constant innovations in optical technology, the right eyewear or contact lenses can improve not just how you see, but how you live.
Wearing spectacles or contact lenses is a part of daily life for millions of people. However, many overlook the importance of proper care and hygiene for these vision aids. Improper handling can not only reduce their lifespan but also lead to eye infections, discomfort, and even vision problems.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential tips to maintain your spectacles and contact lenses, ensuring clear vision and healthy eyes.
Always use a soft microfiber cloth to clean your lenses. Avoid wiping them with tissues, handkerchiefs, or your shirt, as these can scratch the lens surface.
Invest in a lens cleaning spray or solution specifically designed for spectacles. Avoid using household cleaners like window/glass cleaners, as they can damage lens coatings.
Rinse your glasses under lukewarm water before cleaning to remove dust and debris that could scratch the lenses.
Always use both hands to wear or remove your spectacles to avoid misalignment or bending of the frame.
When not in use, keep your spectacles in a hard-shell case to protect them from damage.
Never place your spectacles lens-side down on any surface.
Visit your optician for a professional ultrasonic cleaning of your spectacles every few months.
Always wash and dry your hands before handling your contact lenses. Use a lint-free towel to dry hands to avoid fiber contamination.
Do not extend the usage of daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses beyond the recommended period.
Rub and rinse lenses with a prescribed multipurpose solution. Never use water or saliva to clean lenses.
Discard old solution from your lens case daily and refill with fresh solution. Never “top off” the existing solution.
Clean your lens case with fresh solution daily and let it air dry. Replace the case every 1-3 months.
Unless specifically prescribed, do not sleep wearing contact lenses as it increases the risk of corneal infections.
Water can introduce harmful microorganisms that can adhere to contact lenses.
If you experience redness, pain, blurred vision, or excessive tearing, remove the lenses immediately and consult your ophthalmologist.
Taking care of your vision aids is as important as using them. At Vision & Beyond, we guide you on proper eye care practices and ensure your eyewear enhances your life—not complicates it.
Do you find it easier to see distant objects clearly, but struggle when reading a book or working on your phone? You might be dealing with a common vision condition known as Hypermetropia, or Farsightedness.
At Vision & Beyond, we believe patient education is the first step to healthy vision. Let’s understand what Hypermetropia is, why it occurs, and how it can be managed effectively.
Hypermetropia (Farsightedness) is a refractive error where light focuses behind the retina, rather than directly on it. This happens because the eyeball is too short or the cornea has too little curvature, making nearby objects appear blurry, while distant objects are seen more clearly.
In some cases, even distance vision can be affected, especially as the condition progresses with age.
Family history increases risk.
The eyeball is physically shorter than normal.
The front surface of the eye lacks adequate curvature.
Loss of accommodative power of the eye lens as we age, often confused with hypermetropia.
At Vision & Beyond, we offer comprehensive eye examinations, including:
Hypermetropia is a common but easily manageable vision condition. Whether it’s helping a child with reading difficulties or an adult tired of eye strain and headaches, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly enhance visual comfort and quality of life.
At Vision & Beyond, we offer tailored solutions — from glasses and contact lenses to advanced refractive surgeries — to help you see better and live brighter.
Imagine a world where distant objects appear blurry while reading a book or looking at your phone is crystal clear. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. This common vision problem is called Myopia, or Nearsightedness, and it’s becoming a global epidemic, especially among children and young adults.
At Vision & Beyond, we believe that understanding myopia is the first step towards managing it effectively. Here’s everything you need to know.
Myopia is a refractive error where light focuses in front of the retina, rather than directly on it. This happens because the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing distant objects to appear blurred, while near objects remain clear.
If one or both parents are myopic, there’s a higher risk.
Prolonged screen time, reading, or close-up tasks without breaks.
Natural sunlight plays a role in healthy eye development.
Urban lifestyles, increased digital device usage.
Studies predict that by 2050, nearly 50% of the world’s population will be myopic. The sharp increase is largely attributed to lifestyle changes — more indoor time, less outdoor play, and digital screen addiction, especially among children.
Most common, progresses gradually during childhood.
Severe form where the prescription exceeds -6.00 diopters, increasing the risk of retinal problems.
Degenerative changes in the retina due to extreme elongation of the eyeball.
A comprehensive eye examination is essential. At Vision & Beyond, we perform:
Myopia is not just an inconvenience; in high degrees, it can lead to serious eye complications. However, with modern diagnostic tools and proactive management strategies, myopia progression can be slowed down effectively.
At Vision & Beyond, we offer advanced myopia management programs tailored for both children and adults. Whether you need glasses, contact lenses, or specialized myopia control treatments, we are here to guide you towards clearer vision and a brighter future.
Do you find yourself holding your phone or book farther away to read clearly? Are your near tasks like reading fine print, sewing, or using your phone becoming a daily struggle after crossing 40? If yes, you’re not alone. You’re experiencing Presbyopia — a universal, age-related vision change that affects everyone eventually.
At Vision & Beyond, we believe that understanding Presbyopia helps you prepare for it and manage it proactively. Here’s everything you need to know.
Presbyopia is a natural age-related condition where the eye gradually loses its ability to focus on near objects. It typically becomes noticeable around the age of 40-45 and progresses over time.
Unlike Myopia, Hypermetropia, or Astigmatism (which are due to the shape of the eye), Presbyopia occurs because the lens inside the eye becomes less flexible, making it difficult to adjust focus from distant to near objects.
Presbyopia is a normal aging process — not a disease or refractive error caused by external factors.
At Vision & Beyond, we assess for presbyopia through:
Unfortunately, presbyopia is an inevitable part of aging and cannot be prevented. However, early diagnosis and appropriate correction can significantly improve quality of life and reduce eye strain.
Innovations like pharmacological eye drops (pilocarpine-based drops) are now being explored to temporarily improve near vision without glasses. These emerging treatments are promising, but glasses and surgical options remain the mainstay.
Presbyopia is a universal and natural part of aging, but that doesn’t mean you need to live with visual discomfort. With the right corrective solutions — whether it’s glasses, contacts, or advanced surgical options — you can continue to enjoy a comfortable and active lifestyle.
At Vision & Beyond, we offer personalized presbyopia management plans to ensure you see better and live brighter at every stage of life.
Clear vision is no longer just about correcting refractive errors — it’s about comfort, style, technology, and even eye health enhancement. Whether you’re a loyal glasses wearer or prefer the freedom of contact lenses, the optical world has evolved dramatically in recent years. Let’s explore what’s trending in spectacles and contact lenses, and how you can choose what works best for you.
With digital screens being a constant in our lives, blue-light filtering lenses have become a must. Modern lenses not only block harmful blue light but also come with anti-fatigue technology that helps reduce eye strain from prolonged screen time, especially for students, professionals, and gamers.
Today’s photochromic (transition) lenses are smarter and faster. They adjust to varying light conditions almost instantly and are available in stylish color tints. They offer UV protection while being a chic alternative to switching between spectacles and sunglasses.
For presbyopia (age-related near vision difficulty), next-generation progressive lenses now have wider clear zones and reduced distortion. Custom-designed lenses, like Hoya’s MyStyle or Essilor’s Varilux X series, are digitally crafted based on your visual habits, offering unmatched comfort.
With rising cases of childhood myopia, special spectacle lenses like Hoya MiyoSmart and Essilor Stellest are designed to slow down myopia progression using defocus technology — a revolutionary shift in pediatric eye care.
From titanium rimless frames to eco-friendly acetate designs, eyewear today is as much about fashion as function. Brands are focusing on ultra-lightweight materials, flexible hinges, and hypoallergenic coatings for sensitive skin wearers.
Contact lenses offer an incredible convenience and freedom compared to glasses, but wearing them comes with the responsibility of proper care to maintain eye health. Neglecting hygiene or care practices can lead to discomfort, infections, and even long-term damage to your eyes. Here are top tips to ensure your contact lenses remain safe and comfortable, while helping you avoid eye infections.
The first step in any contact lens care routine is washing your hands thoroughly. Always use soap and water, and make sure to dry your hands with a lint-free towel before touching your lenses. Dirty hands can transfer bacteria, oils, and debris to your lenses, increasing the risk of eye infections such as bacterial conjunctivitis or keratitis.
Never use tap water, saliva, or any homemade solutions to clean your lenses. Contact lens solutions are specially formulated to disinfect and clean your lenses without damaging them. Always use fresh solution each time you store your lenses, and avoid reusing the old solution from your case. Stick to the brand recommended by your eye doctor, as some solutions are more compatible with certain types of lenses.
Your lens case can harbor bacteria if not cleaned properly. After each use, empty the case, rinse it with fresh contact lens solution (not tap water), and leave it open to air dry. Replace your case at least once every three months. A dirty or old lens case can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of eye infections.
Even if your contacts are labeled for extended or overnight wear, it’s generally safer to avoid sleeping in them unless specifically instructed by your eye doctor. When you sleep with contacts, your eyes don’t get the oxygen they need, which can lead to a condition called hypoxia. Lack of oxygen makes the cornea more susceptible to infection.
Each type of contact lens has a specific replacement schedule, whether daily, bi-weekly, or monthly. Wearing your lenses beyond their recommended time frame can result in a buildup of deposits, debris, and proteins, which not only make your lenses uncomfortable but also increase the risk of infection. Always follow the replacement schedule set by your eye care professional.
Keep your lenses away from water—this includes tap water, swimming pools, and hot tubs. Water can carry microorganisms that can stick to your lenses, leading to severe eye infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis, which is difficult to treat and may even cause vision loss. If you’re planning to swim, consider wearing prescription goggles or removing your lenses before entering the water.
Sharing contact lenses, even for a short period, is a surefire way to spread bacteria, germs, and other harmful pathogens. Each person’s eyes have different microbiomes, and sharing lenses can lead to cross-contamination, increasing the risk of infection. Lenses should always be treated as a personal medical device.
Dry eyes can cause irritation, and wearing contact lenses may exacerbate the issue. To keep your eyes well-lubricated, make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Additionally, remember to blink frequently—especially when working on a computer or watching TV. You can also use rewetting drops approved for use with contacts to maintain moisture levels throughout the day.
Regular check-ups with your eye doctor are crucial, even if you feel like your lenses are comfortable and you don’t have any issues. During an eye exam, your optometrist will check the health of your eyes, ensure that your prescription is up-to-date, and catch any early signs of infection or discomfort.
Knowing the early signs of an eye infection is key to preventing more severe issues. Symptoms may include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, remove your lenses immediately and contact your eye care professional. Do not try to “wait it out,” as eye infections can worsen quickly if left untreated.
Contact lenses are an excellent alternative to glasses, but they require diligent care. Following these tips will help you protect your eyes, avoid infections, and ensure that your lenses remain comfortable. Remember, your eye health is a priority, and a good contact lens care routine is essential for maintaining clear, infection-free vision.
By sticking to these best practices, you’ll not only extend the life of your lenses but also safeguard your overall eye health.
Do you have any questions or need further information on a specific aspect of lens care? Feel free to ask!
When it comes to buying new spectacles, most people focus on choosing the right frame style and lens power. However, one crucial factor that often gets overlooked is lens coatings. These coatings are invisible protectors that enhance your visual experience, protect your eyes, and increase the lifespan of your glasses.
In this blog, we’ll break down the most popular lens coatings available, their benefits, and how to choose the right ones for your lifestyle.
Lens coatings improve both functionality and comfort by:
What it does: Eliminates reflections and glare from the front and back surfaces of lenses.
Ideal for: Driving at night, working on computers, and professional settings where appearance matters.
Benefits:
What it does: Filters high-energy blue light emitted from digital screens like smartphones, computers, and LED lights.
Ideal for: People who spend long hours on digital devices before bed.
Benefits:
What it does: Blocks 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun.
Ideal for: Everyone, especially those who spend time outdoors.
Benefits:
What it does: Adds a durable hard layer on the lens surface to protect against scratches.
Ideal for: Kids, active individuals, and everyday spectacles.
Benefits:
What it does: Lenses automatically darken in bright sunlight and return to clear indoors.
Ideal for: People who move frequently between indoors and outdoors.
Benefits:
What it does: Prevents lenses from fogging up due to temperature changes, masks, or humidity.
Ideal for: Surgeons, healthcare workers, athletes, and people wearing masks.
Benefits:
What it does: Repels water, oil, smudges, and dust, making lenses easier to clean.
Ideal for: Anyone who wants low-maintenance glasses.
Benefits:
It depends on your lifestyle and visual needs. Here’s a simple guide:
Often, multiple coatings can be combined to give you an “all-in-one” lens solution.
Lens coatings are not just optional add-ons; they are essential investments in your visual comfort and eye health. While they may increase the upfront cost of your spectacles, they significantly enhance durability, performance, and overall satisfaction.
At Vision & Beyond, we help you choose the right lens coatings tailored to your lifestyle and vision requirements. Visit us for expert guidance and ensure your glasses don’t just help you see better but also live brighter.