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Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to vision loss if not detected early. Learn about the importance of routine eye exams, especially during Diabetes Awareness Month, and how early detection of diabetic eye diseases can help protect your vision.

Explore why contact lenses are a great choice for teens heading back to school. Learn about the benefits, comfort, and care tips with guidance from our expert optometrists.

Contact lenses offer significant benefits for kids, from increased safety in sports to improved self-confidence and vision correction. Understanding the right time and proper care can help ensure a smooth transition for your child.

UV protection in contact lenses is essential for shielding your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause serious eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. By choosing contact lenses with built-in UV protection, you ensure comprehensive eye safety and comfort, especially during outdoor activities.

Eyecare in Olathe introduces the Optos Daytona, an advanced retinal imaging instrument that enhances eye care with its patient-friendly design and advanced capabilities.

Did you know that your eyes are often the first line of defense when it comes to detecting and treating many common systemic diseases and conditions? It's true!

Blurry vision over age 40? Skip the reading glasses. Find out why multifocal contact lenses are ideal for presbyopia.

Here are 5 eye symptoms that you should never ignore. Call Galbrecht Eyecare without delay if you or a loved one experiences any of these eye or vision problems.

Adjustable eyeglasses are an affordable non-prescription alternative to prescription eyeglasses or for the correction of minor refractive errors such as presbyopia, hyperopia (farsightedness) and myopia (nearsightedness).

Cataract surgery not only improves vision. Research suggests that cataract surgery may also prevent cognitive decline.

A piece of “common wisdom” that seems to be making the rounds these days is that you shouldn’t wear contact lenses at bonfires, barbecues or similar settings where fire may be present. The claim is that the extreme heat from the fire can cause the contact lenses to melt or...

If you wear contact lenses, you should keep these tips in mind when planning your summer activities - whether at home in Olathe, Kansas, or if you are on vacation: Air conditioning and fans can dry out your eyes. This is even truer if you often suffer from dry eye...

Working at home has many benefits, but it can also trigger computer-related eye strain. Here are some proven ways to reduce digital eye strain, whether at home or in the office.

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is about more than just poor eyesight. It can also pose a long-term threat to your kid’s vision and eye health.

At some point in our lives, we've all had our eyes examined using an eye chart – whether during a school screening or at the optometrist's office. But what exactly is the chart and what does it measure? Read on to find out!

Bloodshot eyes can be harmless, but may also be a sign of an underlying eye condition.

Macular degeneration is a major cause of vision loss. Here are 6 ways to help lower your risk of developing this sight-threatening condition.

Presbyopia is a condition that occurs as a person ages, which causes the lens of the eye to become less elastic. This results in issues with near vision for people 40 years old and over, which can cause difficulties with simple everyday tasks like reading, writing, or working on a...

If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts, your optometrist will monitor its progression and manage your symptoms. Once you need surgery, your optometrist can direct you to an eye surgeon.

Your eyes are among the most important organs in the body when it comes to discovering and interacting with the world around you. Unfortunately, they are also among the most exposed, and vulnerable to damage. That’s why it’s so important to ensure that proper protective gear is worn in places...

This March, in honor of National Save Your Vision Month, we’ve compiled a list of 5 essential ways to help you keep your eyes healthy and strong.

There are many reasons why your eyes may feel itchy and sore. However, new research suggests that these symptoms can also be linked to COVID-19.

An eyelid twitch can develop for a number of reasons, and most of the time it’s not a cause for concern. Find out what may be causing your eye to twitch and what can relieve it.

Too much sleep or a lack of sleep can increase the risks of developing glaucoma. It is important to be aware of risk factors and symptoms of glaucoma and to get regular eye exams.

Your children's vision is their primary window into the world around them. Keeping their eyesight healthy is an important part of allowing them to experience life to the fullest. Read these 5 tips!

Did you know that pregnancy hormones can affect your vision? Read on to learn about the possible visual changes that some women may experience while expecting, and what warning signs to look out for.

If you wear contact lenses (other than daily disposable lenses), remember to rinse, disinfect and replace them regularly to prevent eye infections. Schedule a contact lens exam and fitting to ensure your lenses are right for you.

If you've noticed that your vision turns hazy after enjoying a meal, you may have an early stage of diabetes mellitus. Here's how your optometrist can help.

Do your eyes become irritated and itchy when you wear contact lenses? Could be dry eye syndrome, allergies or the contact lenses themselves. Read on to find out what to do if you experience contact lens discomfort.

Eye drops are a great way to give your itchy, red, dry eyes relief. But if you use them too much you may be covering up a more serious eye condition. Learn the risks of overusing eye drops and what eye conditions you may have.

The last thing you want your child to experience while playing sports is an eye injury.  Save their vision with protective eyewear.

If you wear contact lenses, you likely appreciate the freedom it provides. But did you know that wearing contact lenses in water or while sleeping can damage your eyes?

During summer heatwaves, it is more important than ever to protect yourself. Too much exposure to the sun can cause sunburns and can be exhausting in general. If you get dehydrated, the lack of moisture makes it hard for your eyes to produce tears, which can cause dry eye. Consider...

Since blue eyes contain very little melanin — a pigment that helps block out light, including the sun’s harmful UV rays and blue light — they often feel more sensitive to bright light. Find out more.

Multifocal contact lenses can help people with presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) see clearly, whether focusing on close or distant objects.

Diabetic retinopathy is a potentially sight-threatening condition caused by high blood sugar levels in diabetics. Fortunately, your eye doctor can advise on how to manage and reduce the risk of developing it.

If you wear glasses and a face mask, you’ve probably struggled with “mask fog.”  Your lenses get all misty, requiring you to wipe your eyewear throughout the day. Below are a few strategies to help you prevent your eyeglasses from fogging up when wearing a mask. But First, Why Do...

To get maximal eye protection from your sunglasses, consider replacing them every two years, according to a study conducted in Brazil. Over time, protective UV coatings become less effective.

How to prevent conjunctivitis and protect your eyes When you have a virus, especially one that causes a hacking cough, runny nose, and other symptoms of a common cold or flu, it’s typical for your eyes to also get puffy and red. You may be suffering from viral conjunctivitis, also...

Countless people around the world wear daily disposable contact lenses or dailies. These popular single-use lenses are removed and discarded at the end of each day, and a new, fresh pair is inserted the next morning. Used properly, dailies promoteeye health, and they’re comfortable and convenient. Despite the many advantages...

COVID-19’s rapid sweep across the country has forced optical practices to make rapid clinical management decisions. Some optometrists temporarily shuttered their businesses due to the pandemic, while others began to offer emergency appointment services and telehealth. As mandatory restrictions begin to lift in many locations, optometrists are beginning to open...

As coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads around the world, health professionals are demanding that people limit their personal risk of contracting the virus by thoroughly washing their hands, practicing social distancing, and not touching their nose, mouth, or eyes. In fact, it may surprise you to learn that the eyes play an...

Everyone seems to be staring at a screen these days, whether their computer, their smartphone or another digital device. The stress it puts on your eyes can cause a condition called "digital eye strain" (DES) or "computer vision syndrome" (CVS). Symptoms include eye fatigue, dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, neck...

Before our eye doctor answers the question about whether or not contacts can help you achieve 20/20 vision, let’s discuss what those numbers mean. Everyone talks about 20/20 vision all the time, but what is it exactly? Our optometrist at your nearby eye care center in Olathe can answer any...

Emergency Eye Care Services Near You in Olathe First of all, don’t panic! Styes may cause pain, yet they are generally harmless and very rarely have any effects on your vision or eyeball. In addition, they’re pretty common. Most people experience at least one or two styes at some point...

At this time of year when the sun sets earlier, many people are affected by night blindness. Night blindness or nyctalopia refers to difficulty seeing at night or in poor or dim lighting situations. It can be caused by a number of underlying conditions, sometimes completely benign and sometimes as...

Eye health tips for students from our Olathe eye doctor The start of fall means back-to-school for kids of all ages – and our team at Galbrecht Eyecare wishes everyone a smooth and successful return to the classroom! When your child enters school after a summer of outdoor fun, many...

You know how you feel when you don’t get enough sleep – cranky, foggy, dragging through the day? And your eyes may be red and puffy with black bags underneath. But not only does lack of sleep affect the appearance of your eyes, it can also interfere with your eye...

Eye allergy relief near you Spring is a season of new beginnings, when the cold harsh winter months are behind us, flowers bloom, and people begin spending more time outdoors. For people with allergies, spring means one more thing: suffering. Spring may be in the air, but for allergy sufferers,...

It’s February and that means we’re smack in the middle of winter, which is also the middle of the school year. It’s the season when kids fervently hope for snow days and parents hope they don’t happen. As we head towards the second half of the school year, you’ve probably...

Nerf Guns: Popular, Projectile... Safe? With the newest Nerf guns and blasters reigning at the top of lists for the most popular toys this holiday season, many parents are excited to surprise their kids (or their spouses) with these coveted toy weapons. There is, in fact a whole culture behind these...

Getting old doesn’t have to be synonymous with vision loss. There is a lot you can do to keep your eyes and vision healthy and prevent age related eye disease and vision loss, especially if you start early. Keeping your eyes healthy and strong may require some lifestyle changes, but...

What Is Progressive Myopia? Nearsightedness or myopia is one of the most prevalent eye disorders worldwide and its incidence is increasing. In fact by 2050, myopia is projected to affect half of the world’s population! Many children diagnosed with nearsightedness (myopia) experience a consistent worsening of their vision as they...

Migraine Awareness Month: An ocular migraine is any migraine headache that involves a visual disturbance such as flashes of light, seeing stars or zigzags or the appearance of blind spots in the visual field. Ocular migraines can interfere with your ability to go about your daily tasks such as driving,...

While we all know that regular eye exams can help detect warning signs of disease and prevent vision loss, many people fail to seek medical attention when there is an acute problem with the eye. In fact, only about half of Americans that are at risk for serious vision loss...

If you want strong, healthy eyes and clear vision for life, a major step you can take is to protect your eyes from UV radiation.  Wearing proper eye protection from the sun reduces the risk of a number of eye diseases and other conditions that are caused or worsened by...

What Exactly Is a Black Eye? A black eye, also known as a periorbital hematoma, is usually not an injury of the actual eye (which is why it is called “periorbital”- around the eye). It typically occurs when there is an injury to the face or the eye socket which...

Age-related macular degeneration is a serious condition that can threaten your vision and general well-being. Characterized by the deterioration of the central area of the retina called the macula which is responsible for focused vision, the disease gradually reduces your central vision. This affects the ability to see fine details,...

1. Why is it important for children to have their eyes examined?It is important for children to have the eyes examined by an optometrist in order to evaluate and manage any eye conditions a child may have with or without the parent noticing so that they may develop and grow...

This year, make healthy eyes and vision your resolution. Find out if you or a loved one is at risk for glaucoma, and take steps for prevention. Glaucoma is a leading cause of preventable vision loss and blindness in adults in the United States and Canada and the second leading...

Babies learn to see over a period of time, much like they learn to walk and talk. They are not born with all the visual abilities they need in life. The ability to focus their eyes, move them accurately, and use them together as a team must be learned. Also,...

Sometimes it's a challenge to choose toys that will not be harmful for our children's eyes. Children don't have an entirely developed visual system at birth, but it becomes more refined over time. Nothing stimulates a child's visual development more efficiently than toys that involve hand-eye coordination and learning about...

We've all experienced this; you get all ready for bed, and you turn the lights off, but you just can't seem to doze off. You open your eyes and find yourself enveloped in darkness. After a few moments you are able to distinguish between the objects in the room and...

Did you know that your dietary choices have an impact on your eye health and vision? Opting for appetizing food that at the same time provides you with all the nutrients that are essential for preserving your vision, is taking a major step towards minimizing the risk of eye disease...

It’s that time of year again…coughs, sneezing, running noses and itchy, red eyes.  How do you know when an eye irritation is something that needs medical attention? First of all, any time an eye infection is accompanied by fever, excessive discharge or pain, you should see your eye doctor immediately....

In a world of instant gratification where people can just hop in the car and everything is at their fingertips, the loss of America's primary mobility tool can be devastating.  Many people are unable to drive to work or continue living in an area without public transportation.  People who have...

February is age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and low vision awareness month. AMD is the number one cause of visual impairment for seniors. Macular degeneration is one of the causes of low vision, a phrase eye doctors use to describe major visual impairment that cannot be corrected by typical measures such...

Every experience a preschooler has is an opportunity for growth and development. They use their vision to guide other learning experiences. From ages 2 to 5, a child will be fine-tuning the visual abilities gained during infancy and developing new ones. Stacking building blocks, rolling a ball back and forth,...

A child needs many abilities to succeed in school. Good vision is a key. It has been estimated that as much as 80% of the learning a child does occurs through his or her eyes. Reading, writing, chalkboard work, and using computers are among the visual tasks students perform daily....

It's a fact of life that vision changes occur as you get older. But these changes don't have to compromise your lifestyle. Knowing what to expect and when to seek professional care are important steps to safeguarding your vision. As you reach your 60s and beyond, you need to be...

Even though it is common to refer to winter as the rainy time of year because of the rain and snow, the air is really more dry during the winter, which often causes your eyes to be more sensitive. Our staff is available to help you find the most effective...

Individuals who have regrettably gotten sunblock in their eyes are aware how much it can sting. A real strong rub in the eye can even result in stinging that lasts for hours. It can take a long time until the victim can feel comfortable enough to open his eyes, particularly...

In honor of Home and Sports Eye Safety Month, we're going to highlight ways to keep your house eye safe particularly in selecting toys that are safe for your child's eyes. Don't wait until it's too late to guarantee your home environment is an eye-safe zone. Naturally, kids enter the...

  Ever ask why 20/20 is the benchmark for ''perfect'' eyesight and what it really represents? 20/20 vision is a phrase used to express normal visual acuity or clarity of vision. In other words someone with such visual acuity can clearly see an object from 20 feet away which is...

Call our Olathe, KS Optometrist for a consultation

Great news for anyone in the market for dependable variable tint lenses: Transitions® Optical has just put out the newest addition to their comprehensive range. Introducing the Transitions® Vantage™ lens. The company has increased the features of their impressive light adapting lens with the addition of groundbreaking variable polarization. Light...

Spring is right around the corner, as the winter begins to wind down and the fresh, warmer air begins to rear its head. Unfortunately for many, it's often hard to enjoy nature's blooming beauty as the warmer weather also brings about the onset of itchy, watery eyes that come with...

The use of technology has become commonplace in the classroom. So much so that today’s generation of students, from kindergarten to university, navigates computers, smartphones and tablets all the time.  Many schools have even implemented the use of smart boards and bring your own device (BOYD) programs. However, as amazing...

Diabetes affects people of all ages, races and genders.  An estimated 25.8 million Americans or 8.3 percent of the population suffer from the disease, according to data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2011. In fact, diabetic eye disease is the leading cause of new cases...

October is 'Eye Injury Prevention Month' in the USA and 'Eye Health Month' in Canada. There are about 285 million people living with blindness and low vision all around the world. Children account for some 19 million of them. The vast majority of visual impairment is readily treatable and/or preventable....

Congratulations to our very own Dr. Galbrecht!

There is a lot more that goes into finding the right pair of sunglasses than just fit and fashion.  While it’s important to look and feel great in your shades, sunglasses also have the very important job of properly protecting your eyes from the sun. Here are a few facts...

What is Amblyopia? In most children, the brain processes images coming in from the eyes without any problems. However, in some children the brain can't interpret the messages from one or both of the eyes -- which is one way to define amblyopia. Also known as "lazy eye," amblyopia basically...