My Blog

COACH, COACH, COACH

04/09/2012 18:02:00

When is the COACH eye wear sale? When is the COACH eye wear sale? When is the COACH eye wear sale?

Okay, here it is. On APRIL 18th, 2012 - ONE DAY ONLY! All COACH eyeglass frames will be 50% off, and all COACH sunglass frames will be 40% off.

Sale price cannot be combined with insurances or other discounts.

Latisse Eyelash Enhancement

04/09/2012 17:58:00

What is Latisse?

LATISSE® is a prostaglandin analog, indicated to treat hypotrichosis of the eyelashes by increasing their growth including length, thickness and darkness. It is applied to the upper eyelash line nightly. Lash lengthening, darkening and thickening should occur after about 16 weeks of use. Side effects include ocular irritation, darkening of eyelid skin and iris. This is not normally covered by insurance plans and costs about $116 per month.

Who can prescribe Latisse?

You should see an eye doctor for prescription of Latisse; optometrist or ophthalmologist. Latisse is actually a glaucoma medication and can change your eye pressure - so your eye pressure and ocular health need to be monitored while you are on this medication.

Golfing and Glasses

03/25/2012 17:35:00

What glasses should I use when I go golfing?

There are 2 great lenses for golfing.

Callaway golf makes a NEOX Transition lens - this lens has a greenish brown light tint to it all the time, and darkens as the sun gets brighter. This change in tint allows you to see the golf ball in rain, shine and dusk! The patented tint makes the golf ball really stand out on the fairway. Callaway lenses are prescription and non-prescription HD digital for incredibly sharp vision - for those of you who lose sight of your golf balls! Dr. Russell uses these when she golfs (if only they could improve her golf swing!). She does say that the roll of the green is easier to see with the Callaway lens.

Oakley also makes their patented golf lenses. They are prescription and non-prescription HD digital and available in most Oakley sun frames. The tint is stable (non-changing), so use is limited to sunny or brighter times of the day.

Dry Eyes

03/25/2012 17:19:00

My eyes feel dry and gritty - What can I do?

There is more than one way to treat dry eyes.

Option#1 Artificial Tears come in liquid, gel and ointment formulation. They need to be used at least 2-4 times daily to be effective. The key to artificial tears is to use them regularly. Our office currently recommends Systane Balance, dose frequency is related to severity.

Option#2 Omega-3 supplements are available in fish oil or flaxseed derivatives. You need to take 1000mg per day for at least 2 months to see results. Be aware of allergic reactions with fish and flaxseed. Also, flaxseed can cause gastric upset and diarrhea. Our office currently recommends Nordic Naturals Omega-3 fish oil.

Option#3 Restasis is a prescription eye drop available from your eye doctor that may increase your own tears. It is taken twice per day and needs at least 3 months to feel an improvement. While on Restasis you are more susceptible to ocular infection. Restasis costs $100-$150 per month and is not covered by many insurances.

Option#4 Punctal Plug insertion is a simple, safe procedure completed at your optometrist or ophthalmologist's office. These soft medical grade silicone plugs are gently inserted into the tear drainage duct (in your eyelid). This allows your own natural tears to stay on the eye longer. Insertion takes about 60 seconds per eye and is painless. Results are immediate. Many insurances cover this procedure.

Oakley Eyeglass Question

03/17/2012 18:40:00

Does Oakley make eyeglasses?

Yes! Besides making optically superior sunglasses, Oakley has a great line of eyeglasses. They design men and women's frames in retro to fashion forward styles. They also make a men's line geared towards rugged men, for those who are tough on their glasses.

What vitamins and supplements are good for my eyes?

03/17/2012 18:36:00

What vitamins and supplements are good for my eyes?

I am asked this question frequently by my patients. There are multiple supplements that can benefit your eyes, but you need to be careful not to overdose on certain ones. Vitamins A (beta-carotene), B-Complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, lutein, zeaxanthin, bilberry, Omega-3 and bioflavonoids - just to name a few that have been researched to provide ocular health support. Many of the following multivitamins provide these supplements: ICaps, Ocuvite, Oculaire, Macutrition and PreserVision.

Do NOT combined these with other multivitamins, as you may overdose and damage certain organ systems. Always tell your doctor if you are taking a high dose vitamin or supplements - many interact with prescription medications!

Caution should also be used if pregnant, nursing, taking blood thinners or if you are a smoker. For example, taking high doses of Vitamin A (beta-carotene) can increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers or previous smokers. Vitamin E in large doses can cause increase the risk of serious bleeds in patients on blood thinners (Warfarin/Coumadin/etc.).

These same vitamins and supplements are found naturally in many foods. Green, leafy veggies - blueberries - acai - cranberries - tomato- strawberries - corn - are all great (natural) sources of the vitamins and sups listed above.

COACH is here!

02/27/2012 17:34:00

The new COACH frames have arrived! They are the same quality and style that you have come to expect with the COACH name. Stop in and take a look!

Can smoking damage my eyes?

02/08/2012 09:03:00

Can smoking damage my eyes?

Yes, it can increase your risk of developing blinding eye diseases!

#1 Smokers are 4 times more likely to develop macular degeneration. If you already have macular degeneration, smoking can make it progress more quickly. Vitamin A is one of the treatment modalities for macular degeneration, but if it is taken by a smoker, vitamin A can increase the risk of lung cancer.

#2 Smokers develop cataracts earlier! They are 3 times more likely to develop cataracts in their late 40's and early 50's - smoking causes a yellowing of the lens inside the eye, making it more vulnerable to cataract development.

#3 Dry eyes are much more severe in smokers vs. non-smokers. The carcinogens in the exhaled smoke damage the tear layer and cells that produce the tear layers.

#4 There is a strong link between smoking, high blood pressure, cataracts and diabetic eye damage - which are all risk factors for glaucoma.

Optical update

01/30/2012 11:52:00

Coach update: The new COACH line has just started shipping out and should be arriving within the next few weeks!!

Tiffany & Co. update: There has been a lot of questions about the Tiffany line lately. Our stock was a little low in November and December due to a remake of the line. Tiffany & Co. has redesigned their line to be more stylish and younger. They added a significant amount of plastic frames to mimic their jewelry lines. The new style just arrived a little over a week ago - come in and try them on!

Oakley update: Oakley is converting their prescription lenses to HD (high def digital) for even better clarity and precision!

What is Macular Degeneration?

01/30/2012 11:46:00

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that gradually destroys the macula (the area in the back of your eye that is responsible for central 20/20 vision). AMD comes in 2 forms: wet and dry.

Dry AMD is when the tissue has degenerated and there is only atrophy (cell death), as opposed to Wet AMD that has blood and fluid leakage in the tissue. Dry and Wet macular degeneration are treated with a combination of vitamins and minerals to fortify the tissue - slowing the progression. ICaps are a good source of these (Vitamin A, C, E, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Omega-3, Zinc, Manganese, etc.). Caution needs to be used if you are on blood thinners or have a history of smoking. The large amounts of Vitamin A may increase your risk of lung cancer if you have a history of smoking. Smoking also increases the progression of both forms of AMD - so look into quitting if you are a current smoker. UV light also increases progression of both forms of AMD, so always wear protective sun wear outside.

If you develop Wet AMD, there are additions treatments available. Laser and ocular injections may be options to discuss with your retinal specialist to help preserve your vision.

Stop in or email if you have further questions about macular degeneration.