Blog list

July is a busy month for outdoor plans in Bristol, Wise, and the surrounding Southwest Virginia region. From pool days and road trips to hiking trails, lake weekends, and summer sports, your vision needs to keep up with your lifestyle. If glasses feel limiting or standard contacts have not worked well for you, a custom contact lens fitting at Highlands Optometry can help you find a more comfortable and reliable option for summer adventures.

Summer in Bristol and Wise brings longer days, brighter skies, and more time outdoors. While most people remember sunscreen for their skin, many forget that UV exposure can also affect the eyes. At Highlands Optometry, we help patients understand how summer sun protection supports long-term eye health and why a retinal Optos scan can be an important part of detecting concerns early.

When you have concerns about your eye health, it can be confusing to know whether you should see an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. At Highlands Optometry, we help patients in Bristol and Wise, VA understand their options and get the right level of care for their needs.

Presbyopia is the gradual loss of near vision that most adults notice as they get older. It usually becomes more obvious in the early to mid-40s, when reading small print, using a phone, or doing close-up work starts to feel more difficult. At Highlands Optometry, we help patients in Wise and Bristol, VA understand that presbyopia is a normal age-related change, not a sign that something is wrong with the eyes.

Choosing new sunglasses often comes down to more than frame style. One of the most important decisions is whether polarized or non-polarized lenses make more sense for your daily life.

If you’re tired of depending on glasses or contact lenses every day, you may be considering LASIK or another vision correction procedure. With several effective options available, the key to making the right decision is understanding how each solution fits your eyes, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals.

From daily commutes to outdoor recreation, your eyes are exposed to sunlight more often than you may realize. Quality sunglasses provide essential protection against ultraviolet (UV) rays while improving comfort and visual clarity in bright conditions.

From smartphones and laptops to tablets and desktop monitors, digital screens are a constant part of modern life. While technology has improved the way we work, communicate, and relax, it has also introduced a common and growing problem: digital eye strain.

Switching from glasses to contact lenses can feel like a big step - but with the right guidance, it’s an easy and comfortable transition. Whether you’re looking for a change in appearance, added convenience, or freedom during sports and outdoor activities, contact lenses offer an excellent alternative to traditional eyewear.

Routine vision exams, however, play a vital role in maintaining not only clear sight but also overall eye health. At Highlands Optometry, we believe prevention is key - early detection and consistent care can help protect your vision for life.