H.M. Calvert MD & Associates Franklin

04/07/2025

🎆🇺🇸 Happy 4th of July, everyone from your friends at Calvert & Associates! Today, we celebrate freedom, family, and the stars and stripes that unite us all. Let’s enjoy the fireworks, delicious BBQ, and the great company of friends! 🎇🥳

How are you celebrating today? Share your festive moments with us!

03/07/2025

🇺🇸 As we celebrate Independence Day, it's crucial to prioritize our safety. Did you know that July 4th is recognized as the number one day for eye injuries? Fireworks, sparklers, and other festive activities can pose significant risks to our eyesight. Always wear protective eyewear and maintain a safe distance from firework displays. Let’s enjoy the festivities responsibly. Stay safe and keep your vision clear! 👀✨ A friendly tip from your doctors at H.M. Calvert M.D. & Associates

20/11/2024

Photophobia refers to an extreme sensitivity to light. Despite its name, which translates to "fear of light," it is not actually a phobia. Instead, photophobia is a symptom caused by various medical conditions or medications that affect the eyes or the nervous system. In some cases, such as eye trauma or injury, it may affect only one eye rather than both.

People with photophobia often experience discomfort when exposed to bright lights. Symptoms can include squinting, tearing, and the sensation that the light is too intense. In more severe cases, individuals may even experience eye pain. While photophobia is most commonly triggered by bright sunlight, it can also occur in response to more moderate levels of artificial light.

Treatment for photophobia typically focuses on addressing the underlying condition or adjusting medications that may be contributing to the sensitivity. It’s important for individuals experiencing persistent light sensitivity to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the cause and explore possible treatments.

19/11/2024

Did you know that daily contact lenses can actually cost about the same as monthly contacts over time?

While the upfront cost of daily lenses may be higher, when you factor in the price of cleaning solution and storage cases for monthly lenses, the cost per day can add up. On average, daily lenses can cost around $1 per day, while monthly lenses, which are made of thicker material, typically cost between $0.50 and $0.90 per day.

However, if you only wear daily contacts 3–4 times per week, the overall cost ends up being quite similar to monthly lenses. Plus, monthly lenses require the additional expense of cleaning solutions and cases, which can increase your overall cost.

So, the choice between daily and monthly lenses might not be as big a price difference as you think!

16/11/2024

Do you struggle with your contacts? Trouble taking them out or even putting them in?

at our office we sit with you and give you all the tips and tricks BEFORE you even leave!

At CooperVision, we're committed to helping you enjoy the healthiest, most enjoyable contact lens wearing experience possible. And that includes helping you ...

13/11/2024

Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging blood vessels in the retina. This damage can lead to symptoms like blurry vision, floating dark spots, or vision loss. It's crucial for diabetics to consult their eye doctor if they notice changes in vision. Armstrong Optometry offers diabetic eye exams to detect signs of Diabetic Retinopathy early.

12/11/2024

Did you know that if you have Diabetes you have an increased risk of Primary Open angle Glaucoma?

--Multiple studies have found that people with diabetes risk developing glaucoma more than the general population. Adults with diabetes are twice as likely to get glaucoma. The risk increases with the amount of time someone has had diabetes. The link appears to be the strongest for open-angle glaucoma, the most common form. People with diabetes are 48% more likely to develop open-angle glaucoma over 20 years than non-diabetics.

11/11/2024

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious sight-threatening complication of diabetes that can lead to blindness. This ocular disease is caused by high levels of sugar in the bloodstream and results in progressive damage to the light detecting retina responsible for sending visual signals to the brain.

There are multiples types of Diabetic Retinopathy.

1. Non-Proliferative Retinopathy - which is also called background retinopathy, this is the earliest stage of the disease. In this stage, high blood sugar concentration in the retina causes micro-aneurysms, in which damage to the walls of the tiny retinal capillaries occurs. Micro-aneurysms eventually rupture and bleed and due the shape, are called “dot-and-blot” hemorrhages.

2. Proliferative Retinopathy - This is the more severe form of the disease. In this stage, abnormal blood vessels begin to grow in the retina. If these new blood vessels break, it can trigger bleeding into the vitreous, gelatinous matter that fills the eye causing retinal scarring, severe vision difficulties, and even blindness.

3. Diabetic macular edema - This is a complication of diabetic retinopathy. DME occurs when damaged blood vessels leak fluid into the macula— the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision that allows you to see fine details. Diabetic macular edema may cause blurry or wavy vision, blind spots, and cause colors to appear dull. These symptoms can impact reading, writing, driving, and facial recognition.

08/11/2024

November is Diabetic Awareness Month.

Did you know there are many signs/ symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?!

1. Changes in Night Vision- One of the first symptoms of diabetic retinopathy is often a decline in night vision. Struggling to see clearly while driving at night, noticing halos around lights, or having difficulty distinguishing objects in low light conditions may warrant a professional eye examination. These changes can be indicative of underlying eye issues.

2. Eye Dis Charge or Infection- While occasional eye discharge can be normal, persistent or recurring discharge, accompanied by redness, itching, or discomfort, may signal an infection or other eye problem. Diabetes can weaken the immune functioning, making individuals more susceptible to infections. It's essential to consult an eye care specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

3. Frequent Headaches-Although headaches can have various causes, including stress or muscle tension, they can also be a symptom of underlying eye issues. If you experience an increase in headache frequency or severity, especially accompanied by changes in vision, it's advisable to schedule an eye exam.

4. Vision Disturbances-Experiencing visual disturbances such as auras, black spots, or floating objects can be alarming. These symptoms may alarm you for a serious eye condition, including retinal detachment or retinal holes. If these disturbances occur suddenly or persistently, seek immediate medical attention from an eye specialist.