News | Kvitle Eyecare Associates

Glasses, contact lenses and accessories arranged beside a Snellen chart on a blue surface.

First Contact Lens Exam in Quincy, IL: What to Expect

If you are preparing for your first contact lens exam in Quincy, IL, it is completely normal for the appointment to feel a little unfamiliar. Contact lenses sit directly on the surface of your eyes, so finding the right lenses involves more than simply converting your eyeglass prescription. At Kvitle Eyecare Associates, our goal is to find contact lenses that give you clear vision, feel comfortable and support your long-term eye health. Your appointment may include an eye-health evaluation, vision testing, measurements, a contact lens fitting, trial lenses and guidance on safely inserting, removing and caring for your lenses. How Is a Contact Lens Exam Different From an Eye Exam? A routine eye exam evaluates your vision, prescription and overall

Three pairs of eyeglasses on a neutral surface in a range of colors and patterns.

Acetate vs Metal Eyeglass Frames: Quincy, IL Guide

Choosing new glasses involves more than deciding which color or shape looks best. Frame material affects how your eyewear feels, fits, holds your lenses and stands up to everyday use. When comparing acetate vs metal eyeglass frames, neither material is universally better. The right choice depends on your prescription, comfort preferences, lifestyle and personal style. At Kvitle Eye Care Associates in Quincy, we help patients consider the full picture so their glasses feel as good as they look. You can also explore our current selection of eyeglasses in Quincy, IL. What Are Acetate Eyeglass Frames? Acetate eyeglass frames are made from a cellulose-based material that is distinct from many standard molded plastics. Acetate is especially popular for its rich colors,

Man lifting his glasses while struggling to read his smartphone

What Is Presbyopia and Why Does It Happen with Age?

Have you caught yourself holding your phone farther away to read a text? Maybe a restaurant menu looks really small all of a sudden. You may even be increasing your phone’s font size or taking off your glasses to see up close. If this sounds familiar, you may be wondering is my eyesight suddenly getting worse? You might have heard your eye doctor mention presbyopia, a normal, gradual change in near vision that happens as the eyes age, but what is presbyopia? What Is Presbyopia and What Causes It? Presbyopia is an age-related focusing change that makes nearby objects harder to see clearly. When you are younger, the lens inside your eye changes shape easily, allowing your eyes to shift

Cyclists wearing helmets and sports sunglasses on a road

Could Performance Eyewear Improve Your Fall Sports?

A golfer loses sight of the ball as the light changes. A cyclist squints when the trail moves from sun to shade. A runner keeps pushing sunglasses back up their nose. On the sideline, a spectator shields their eyes from late-afternoon glare. These familiar frustrations are not always caused by sunlight alone. Sometimes, everyday eyewear simply was not designed for what you are asking your eyes to do outdoors. Performance eyewear is designed around the visual and physical demands of an activity, helping you see more clearly, stay comfortable and keep your attention where it belongs. What Is Performance Eyewear and How Is It Different from Regular Sunglasses? Performance eyewear is not one specific style of sunglasses. It is eyewear

A young boy adjusting his glasses at the eye doctor’s office, stood in front of a Snellen chart

Why Are So Many Kids Getting Glasses? The Nearsightedness Surge

More children are developing nearsightedness at younger ages, and the first signs often show up in everyday situations. You may notice your child squinting to see the board, sitting closer to the TV, or complaining of headaches after school. These symptoms can indicate nearsightedness, also known as myopia, which is becoming increasingly common among children. At Kvitle Eyecare Associates, Dr. Kvitle helps families understand why myopia is on the rise and what they can do about it. Although glasses can provide clearer vision, childhood myopia may continue to progress as a child grows. Understanding the condition and taking action early can help protect your child’s long-term eye health. Why Is Myopia in Children Becoming More Common? Myopia in children is becoming increasingly common worldwide. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that myopia is

Family wearing colourful sunglasses together in a swimming pool

Summer Eye Care Guide: Protect Your Family’s Vision in Quincy, IL

Summer in Quincy brings pool days, youth sports, picnics, road trips, and bright afternoons. A few simple habits can keep every family member comfortable and seeing clearly. This guide shares practical summer eye care tips for swimming, sports, sunshine, allergies, indoor cooling, and contact lens routines. What Is the Best Daily Summer Eye Care Routine? A helpful routine combines UV-blocking sunglasses, a brimmed hat, protective sports eyewear, clean contact lens habits, hydration, and regular eye exams. Keep sunglasses near the door, pack swim goggles with towels, and place protective eyewear beside sports equipment. These small cues make healthy choices easy. Families can also plan outdoor activities around comfort. Morning and late-afternoon outings often feel pleasant, while shaded areas offer added relief during sunny hours. Drinking

Eye Conditions a Comprehensive Eye Exam Can Detect

Your vision is one of your most valuable health assets, and many eye conditions can develop quietly, without obvious warning signs. Here at Kvitle Eye Care Associates in Quincy, Illinois, we understand how important it is to protect your family’s eyesight through proactive care. That’s why we emphasize the value of a comprehensive eye exam—far more than just a simple vision screening, these exams use advanced diagnostic technology to detect issues much earlier than you might notice them yourself. Many of our patients assume that if they can see clearly, their eyes must be healthy. However, some eye conditions show no obvious symptoms in their early stages. A comprehensive eye exam goes beyond reading letters on a chart. We evaluate

Dry Eyes in Summer: Is the Heat to Blame or Something More?

It’s mid-afternoon on a warm June day in Quincy, and your eyes feel tired, gritty, maybe even watery. You’ve been blinking more than usual, and that scratchy sensation just won’t go away. Most people brush it off as tiredness or seasonal allergies. But what is dry eye, and could those uncomfortable symptoms be telling you something more important about your eye health? Summer conditions can significantly worsen dry eyes, and many Quincy residents are experiencing symptoms without realizing the underlying cause. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about dry eye syndrome, why summer can be particularly challenging, how to recognize the signs of dry eye, and what you can do to find real relief. What Is Dry Eye? Dry eye occurs when your eyes aren’t producing enough tears, or

How Maui Jim Brings Hawaiian Sunshine to Quincy

Step outside on a bright summer day in Quincy, and glare can hit from every direction: car windshields, sidewalks, open roads, and even the Mississippi River. The right sunglasses should do more than make the day look darker. They should help you see clearly, protect your eyes, and make outdoor moments more comfortable. We proudly offer Maui Jim polarized sunglasses for patients who want premium style, sharp vision, and dependable eye protection. Born on the beaches of Hawaii, Maui Jim combines advanced lens technology with vibrant color enhancement, making it a trusted choice for people who spend time outdoors. The Hawaiian Story Behind Maui Jim Maui Jim began in 1980 as a small sunglasses company on Kaʻanapali Beach in Lahaina, Maui. The brand was created

Must-have Sunglasses For Your Spring Break Packing List

Spring break is calling, and your suitcase is almost ready. Swimsuits? Check. Sandals? Check. Sunscreen? Absolutely. But before you zip everything up and head toward sunshine, there’s one item that deserves a prime spot on your spring break packing list: a great pair of sunglasses. The right sunglasses do so much more than complete your vacation look. They protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, help reduce glare from bright sand and sparkling water, and make every outfit feel instantly more pulled together. Whether you’re lounging on a beach, sightseeing in a sunny city, road-tripping with friends, or heading somewhere warm for a little rest and relaxation, sunglasses are one of those spring break essentials you’ll reach for every single day. For spring break 2026, eyewear is all

Hay Fever Eyes This Spring? Let’s Clear Things Up

As spring arrives across the United States, millions of Americans find themselves dealing with itchy, watery eyes and relentless sneezing. If you’re among the more than 81 million people experiencing hay fever allergy eyes this season, you’re far from alone. From tree pollen in the Northeast to grass pollen in the Midwest, spring allergies affect different regions at different times — making outdoor activities and even your daily commute genuinely uncomfortable. At Kvitle Eye Care Associates in Quincy, we know how disruptive hay fever eyes can be, and we’re here to help you understand what’s going on and find some real relief. What Is Hay Fever and Why Does It Affect Your Eyes? Hay fever — medically known as allergic rhinitis — is an allergic reaction that occurs when your immune system overreacts to harmless airborne substances. When you breathe

Why Women’s Eye Health Deserves More Attention

Here’s a startling fact: nearly two-thirds of people living with sight loss are women. Despite this alarming statistic, women’s eye health often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. At Kvitle Eyecare in Quincy, we believe it’s time to change that conversation. Women face unique biological and lifestyle factors that put them at greater risk for vision problems throughout their lives, making proactive eye care more important than ever. Why Are Women More at Risk for Eye Problems? Women aren’t just slightly more vulnerable to eye conditions—they face significantly higher risks due to factors beyond their control. A longer life expectancy means more years of potential exposure to age-related eye diseases, while hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman’s lifetime can profoundly impact vision health. Research shows that women experience higher rates of cataracts,