Georgia Optometric Association

Back to school time means new notebooks, new looks and new studies. Improve the chances for academic success by ensuring your young learner's vision and eye health is on track. A common screening often misses major issues. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with a Georgia Optometric Association doctor of optometry today. Find one near you at GOAeyes.com.

Consumer Alert. See article for full list of items by name.

FDA Recalls 12 Million Over-the-Counter Eye Drops Nationwide Check your medicine cabinet for these products.

Georgia's doctors of optometry join with the nation in celebrating our 250th anniversary!
Members of the Georgia Optometric Association remind you, while it may be tempting to celebrate by setting off fireworks, and leave it to the pros! Even sparklers burn at 1,200°F to 3,000°F.
A moment of joy can lead to long-term damage to your eye. If you need assistance, find an optometrist near you at GOAeyes.com.

It’s swimming pool season! Don’t let an imbalance of chemicals in the water put your vision and eye health at risk.
Symptoms like eye redness, a severe burning or stinging sensation, and excessive tearing are associated with chemical conjunctivitis.
Blurriness or haloes around lights means the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) may be involved, which is called chemical keratitis.
To prevent chemical conjunctivitis, experts suggest testing a home pool’s pH level more frequently. A pH level between 7.2 and 7.8 is the ideal range for eye comfort and for pool disinfection.
Goggles and swim masks are a great way to protect against eye irritation. They provide a barrier between the eyes and the potentially irritating chemical in pool water.
If you experience severe eye irritation for more than a few hours after swimming you should be evaluated by an eye care professional. Find a doctor of optometry near you at GOAeyes.com.

Myopia is becoming more common in kids and adults with rates nearly doubling over the past few decades, jumping from roughly 25% in the 1970s to about 42% today. Myopia Awareness Week is a great time to be alert for warning signs like blurred distance vision, squinting, eye strain or headaches. and put down the cell phone (reduce near work), go spend some time outside (it helps!)…and schedule a comprehensive eye exam to safeguard your overall health. GOAeyes.com

May is Healthy Vision Month! What can you do to make sure your vision and eyes are healthy?
+ Get regular dilated eye examinations from an eye care professional.
+ Live a healthy lifestyle by maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutritious foods, abstaining from smoking and managing chronic conditions.
+ Know your family history, because many eye diseases are hereditary.
+ Use protective eyewear to prevent injuries on the job, while playing sports or doing simple chores around the home.
+ Wear sunglasses to protect eyes from the sun's ultraviolet rays.
Most importantly, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your local doctor of optometry to keep track of your vision and eye health. Find a Georgia Optometric Association member near you at GOAeyes.com.

Georgia's doctors of are sharing a Consumer Alert:
More than 3.1 million bottles of eye drops sold at major retailers, including Walgreens and CVS, are being recalled due to concerns about their sterility, according to a notice from the Food and Drug Administration.
The eyedrops have been recalled by their manufacturer, K.C. Pharmaceuticals, according to the March 3 alert. The products were sold under a number of brand names, including Dry Eye Relief Eye Drops and Artificial Tears Sterile Lubricant Eye Drops.
Health officials are advising people to stop using the recalled eye drops immediately. Consumers should check product labels and lot numbers, particularly codes beginning with AC, AR, LT, SU, RG, RL, SY or AT with 2026 expiration dates.

3.1 million bottles of eye drops sold at Walgreens, CVS and more are recalled. Here's what to know. The eye drops — sold under multiple brands — have been recalled over concerns about sterility, according to the FDA.