Long days in the summer spent playing in the pool are fun, but the end results can leave you with blurry, red eyes. Whether you enjoy swimming in the water or soaking in the sun at the pool, you may have experienced having red, irritated “swimmer’s eyes” after being in the water for a few minutes. 

While chlorine is needed to keep the pool clean, it can be harsh on the eyes. 

We are quickly approaching one of the most celebrated holidays in our area. We commemorate July 4th and the Declaration of Independence in a number of ways. Your family may brave the heat and fire up the grill. Many will spend some time at their favorite lake or swimming hole. We will likely welcome thousands of visitors to our area from all over the state. At the same time, many Asheville locals will take the opportunity to go down to the Carolina coast. 

Western North Carolina is a great place to raise children. Families have access to so much more here than in many other places. Some of what sets us apart include:

• Some of the best doctors, hospitals, and healthcare you can find in a city our size. 
• Excellent public and private education at every level, including college. 
• Unique museums and historical sites to explore. 
• Multiple parks with accessible playgrounds, walking and biking paths, and picnic areas with mountain or river views. 
• Access to the Blue Ridge Parkway that winds around some of the tallest mountains east of the Mississippi River. 
• Thousands of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails for families to enjoy. 
• Rivers and creeks that beg to be paddled down in a raft, kayak, or tube. 
• Some of the best trout fishing waters in the country. 

With so much for children to see, many parents wonder when and how often they should schedule an exam.

Late spring through early summer is one of the most magical times to be in western North Carolina. It is a season of transition and growth, with the mountains and valleys springing to life. The ridges develop thick forest canopies while colorful wildflowers dance in the fields and meadows. This time beckons Asheville area residents to get outside and enjoy the natural surroundings. 

Athletics are an important part of life for children and adults. There are countless benefits to playing sports, and good to encourage children to participate in them even from a young age.

When it comes to protecting your vision, what you eat may affect the way you see. Certain vitamins and minerals found in food and supplements may play a role in preventing vision problems, including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Eating the right food can protect your vision and keep you healthy. Researchers say that foods rich in vitamin C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids are linked to lower risk for age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and even dry eye later in life. To get these nutrients, your best sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are organic, whole foods.

Sunglasses are usually associated with nothing more than a fashion accessory. There’s no doubt that they’re a part of your wardrobe; however, they also serve as an important function in protecting the health of your eyes, and wearing sunglasses have many benefits for your eyes. First of all, they cut down on glare, prevent problems with your eyes, and contribute to better vision. Here are the top six reasons why you should get high-quality shade and wear them regularly. 

Asheville Vision and Wellness has been western North Carolina’s trusted eye care doctors for thirty years. In that time, we have met thousands of Buncombe and Henderson County residents and helped put them on the path of practicing good eye health. We have also heard and corrected numerous myths about eye care and vision. Here are a few of the most common myths about your eyes:

There are a million ways to kill time these days. You can turn on your smart T.V. and choose from dozens of streaming services, each with thousands of shows and movies. You can unlock your phone and scroll social media or play one of the many available smartphone games. Otherwise, you can have your smart assistant of choice play your favorite tunes or podcasts. Nevertheless, many people continue to pass the time the way we always have, by reading our favorite books. If you enjoy reading, you may be discouraged when it seems like your eyes and vision is no longer working the way it once did. In this article, we want to give you some signs it is time to try reading glasses. 

We have had a long winter here in western North Carolina. There have been multiple rounds of snow and ice. Many residents of the area were excited to wake up to a White Christmas at the beginning of winter. However, at this point, we are ready for spring. Mild temperatures mean the mountains and valleys will come to life with color. Longer days mean more time outside with our families, which we desperately need while we are still practicing social distancing. Spring is the perfect time to get out and explore all of what makes western North Carolina so special.