Optometrist Mission Viejo, CA

As we move through different stages of life, our bodies change, and that includes our eyes. Maybe you had 20/20 vision as a kid, but over time, things can shift. Whether it’s from too much screen time or just the natural aging process, your vision might not stay the same forever.

We rely on our eyesight for pretty much everything—navigating daily life, driving, working, and even caring for those we love. When our vision isn’t at its best, it can throw off our whole routine and create stress not just for us, but for the people around us too.

That’s why regular eye exams for residents in Mission Viejo are a must, no matter how old you are. Even if you don’t wear glasses or haven’t noticed any changes, getting your eyes checked is a smart move. Catching any issues early can help keep your vision sharp and your life running smoothly. Plus, staying on top of your eye health now can make a big difference in the long run.

Kathleen Andersen, OD can help residents of Mission Viejo, CA see clearly. She is an optometrist near Mission Viejo, CA who uses the latest equipment in diagnostics and treatments for conditions and is extremely knowledgeable. She and the other eye doctors at our optometry practice serve Rancho Santa Margarita, Ladera Ranch, Mission Viejo, Coto De Caza, Dove Canyon, Trabuco Canyon, and the surrounding communities in Southern Orange County. Call (949) 990-5287 to schedule an appointment at our optometry center now.

Our Optical Services for Mission Viejo, CA Residents

Kathleen Andersen, OD offers the following services for South County eye care:

• Eye exams. Eye exams are necessary to prescribe proper corrective lenses or contacts, but can also serve a more specialized purpose, such as monitoring an eye condition. Regular vision exams are the key to preserving good vision for life.
• Glasses and Lenses. If your vision needs to be corrected, a stylish pair of glasses with designer frames can help. Choosing the perfect pair of glasses doesn’t have to be a daunting task. We offer a full spectrum of eyewear from many of today’s top designers. Our trained professionals can guide you toward the perfect pair of glasses for your personality, lifestyle, and budget for you or the entire family. We also offer exciting and stylish boutique glasses from premier brands such as Ray Ban, Gucci, Prada, and more! Looking to upgrade your style while improving your vision? Click here or call to ask about our glasses boutique for Mission Viejo residents and families. We also offer Zeiss lenses provided by our partners at Carl Zeiss.
• Contact lenses. If you’re self-conscious about glasses, contact lenses are a great alternative. A contact lens comes in a variety of forms and materials and is designed for different patterns of wear. 
• Dry Eye Treatment. If you’re struggling with dry eyes, we have multiple treatment options available to help you. If you’re looking for dry eye treatments in Mission Viejo, CA, or have questions about what your options are, call to schedule an appointment today! For more information on our dry eye treatments, click here.
• Eye emergency care. We understand that eye emergencies can happen unexpectedly and require immediate attention. Our team of experienced optometrists is equipped to handle a wide range of urgent eye care situations, including eye infections, foreign body removal, sudden vision changes, and eye injuries.
• Myopia control. Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a condition in which distant objects look out of focus. It can start from early childhood and worsen into adulthood. Our office provides myopia management programs with multifocal soft contact lenses or rigid ortho-k lenses.

Why Do I Need an Eye Exam?

Here are some key reasons why you should get regular eye exams if you live in Mission Viejo:

• Detect vision problems. Eye exams can identify vision issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Early detection can help correct these problems with glasses or contact lenses.
• Identify eye diseases. Many eye diseases, like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts, don’t have obvious symptoms in their early stages. Regular eye exams can detect these conditions early, making treatment more effective.
• Monitor changes in vision. As you age, your vision can change. Regular exams help ensure that your prescription for glasses or contact lenses is up to date, providing you with the best possible vision.
• Overall health check. The eyes can reveal signs of other health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and even certain cancers. An eye exam can be an important part of your overall health monitoring.
• Prevent eye strain. In today’s digital age, many people suffer from eye strain due to prolonged screen time. An eye exam can help determine if you need special glasses to reduce eye strain.

 How Vision Changes With Age

Here are some common ways vision can change with age:

• Presbyopia. This is a normal part of aging where the eye’s lens loses flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects. This typically becomes noticeable in the 40s and 50s and often requires reading glasses.
• Cataracts. Over time, the clear lens of the eye can become cloudy, leading to blurred vision. Cataracts are very common in older adults and can be treated with surgery.
• Dry eyes. Aging can reduce tear production, causing dry, irritated eyes. This condition can be uncomfortable and may affect vision.
• Glaucoma. This group of eye conditions can damage the optic nerve, often due to high eye pressure. Glaucoma can lead to vision loss if not detected and treated early.
• Age-related macular degeneration. This condition affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. It can cause central vision loss, making tasks like reading and recognizing faces difficult.
• Diabetic retinopathy. For those with diabetes, prolonged high blood sugar levels can damage the retina’s blood vessels, leading to vision problems and potentially blindness if not managed.
• Reduced peripheral vision. The field of view may decrease with age, affecting peripheral vision and increasing the risk of accidents.
• Decreased contrast sensitivity. Older adults may have difficulty distinguishing between different shades of colors, especially in low-light conditions.
• Floaters and flashers. Tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous, which is the clear gel-like substance filling the inside of the eye, can cast shadows on the retina, appearing as floaters. Sudden increases in floaters or flashes of light may indicate retinal detachment and require immediate medical attention.

Contact Us For Eye Care in Mission Viejo Today

What sets us apart from other optometry practices? We’re privately-owned, which means that you can receive the same great quality of care, but with more flexibility and choices compared to a big national practice. When you need an optometrist near Mission Viejo, CA, or other areas in Southern California, Kathleen Andersen, OD can assess your eye health and provide you with the quality of care that you deserve.  With more than 30 years of experience, we are dedicated to providing you with personalized care using highly qualified and experienced doctors. We offer many options and the latest technology to correct or enhance your vision to improve your quality of life. If you’re a resident of Mission Viejo, make an appointment today to see how we can help you see your best. Contact our office at (949) 990-5287 for your eye care needs.