Towne Lake Eye Associates

Spring Allergies

2012-02-25T16:14:00.000-08:00

The calendar still says February, but we are starting to see patients with spring allergies. The eyedrop ketotifin was one of our favorite prescription medications for eye allergies and is now available OTC. Brand names include Alaway, Zaditor, Claritin Eye and Zyrtec Eye. If you try one of these and still have itchy eyes, call our office and we can help with a prescription eyedrop.

Online Eyeglasses

2012-02-08T17:01:00.000-08:00

A recent study led by Pacific University and State University of New York investigated the safety and compliance of prescription eyeglasses ordered by the public online. Two hundred pairs of eyeglasses were ordered by the investigators. Nearly half of the prescription eyeglasses delivered directly by online vendors did not meet either the optical or safety requirements.

full article

Airsoft Guns

2012-01-18T05:16:00.000-08:00

We are seeing more traumatic eye injuries from Airsoft guns. These guns are similar to BB or pellet guns and are typically used by young men for paintball style gaming. We just cared for a young boy who was struck in the eye while "sniping" his friend from a deer stand. The injury is significant and caused a bleed inside the eye. Another young man was hit in the eye while simply walking home from the bus. Airsoft guns should be treated as real firearms and if used by minors, eye protection and adult supervision are mandatory.

Macular Degneration

2012-01-11T18:56:00.000-08:00

The macula is the tissue inside the eye responsible for central vision. If that area breaks down and becomes wrinkled, it is called macular degeneration. Smoking is the biggest risk factor, and family history plays a role as well. Green leafy vegetables help keep the macula healthy. For those with risk factors that don't eat their veggies, adding a vitamin can be helpful. This new one from Centrum contains the recommended amounts of lutein (10 mg) and zeaxanthin (2 mg). We have samples at the office if you are interested.

Medical savings accounts

2011-12-26T19:26:00.001-08:00

Do you have money left in your medical savings account or flex spending account for 2011? Purchases from your optometrist are eligible. Patients have enjoyed using these accounts at year end for sunglasses or an extra set of eyeglasses. Our opticians are available all week, you can stop by at your convenience.

Year End Planning

2011-12-04T18:27:00.000-08:00

If you have a flex/medical savings account or vision insurance benefits that you want to use in 2011, this is a great time to schedule an appointment. We have many appointments available now, however they will fill up by the end of the month.

3-D Smartphones

2011-11-16T15:49:00.000-08:00

Interested in a 3-D Smartphone? They are more likely to cause visual discomfort, fatigue and headaches. According to a new Journal of Vision study, these phones place extra demand on the eyes to focus on the screen while simultaneously adjusting to the distance of the content.

Outdoor Time May Reduce Nearsightedness in Children

2011-11-09T15:49:00.000-08:00

Having a family history of nearsightedness, myopia, is still the biggest predictor of a child being myopic, however some evidence is suggesting that spending more time outside helps.

Link to full article

Facebook contest winners

2011-10-27T16:31:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our Facebook "Ugly Glasses" contest winners. Susie Franke is wearing her new Cole Haan eyeglasses and Ken Mai sports his new Revo sunglasses. They were voted most deserving of a free glasses makeover.

Contact lens solution

2011-10-19T16:36:00.000-07:00

We are seeing more store brands of contact lens solution coming from overseas. This is a concern because we try to buy U.S. made products when possible, and the uncertainty about the quality of the foreign solutions. Patients have had the most success with Bausch & Lomb's latest solution Biotrue and Alcon's Optifree. Biotrue is made in South Carolina and Optifree in Texas.

Fall eye allergies

2011-09-28T17:25:00.000-07:00

We are beginning to see fall eye allergies. The eyedrop ketotifin was one of our favorite prescription medications for eye allergies and is now available OTC. Brand names include Alaway, Zaditor, Claritin Eye and Zyrtec Eye. If you try one of these and still have itchy eyes, call our office and we can help with a prescription eyedrop.

Contact lens advice

2011-09-05T17:28:00.000-07:00

Two recent studies of current contact lens wearers found habits that put the eye at risk. Nearly half of contact lens wearers in the study groups admitted to not washing their hands before touching the lens, and 25% do not empty the contact lens case in the morning and store the case wet. This gives bacteria a big advantage. Need a quick review? Check out this page written for new contact lens wearers.

Link to full advice

Green laser pointers

2011-08-24T17:35:00.000-07:00

Green laser pointers grab attention because unlike a red laser pointer, the green beam itself can be seen in mid-air in dark conditions. They are very bright and very powerful. They can also be dangerous.

NY Times article

Green laser video

Illegal contact lenses

2011-08-10T17:33:00.000-07:00

Contact lenses with colors can be fun, but there are reports of expired and even recycled lenses being sold without a prescription. A colleague recently treated a young woman who was injured by such a lens. He was interviewed by WSB TV.

Link to WSB Atlanta news story

Electronic eyeglasses

2011-07-20T17:49:00.000-07:00

A new electronic progressive lens will be available soon. Progressive lenses are variable focus lenses that provide clear vision far and near, typically worn by those of us over 40. The lens begins as a low strength progressive, and has liquid crystals embedded that when charged add even more reading strength. The prototype is impressive, we are looking forward to the finished product.

Link to NY Times article

Bryce Harper

2011-07-06T17:46:00.000-07:00

I was watching ESPN and this story caught my attention. Bryce Harper is 18 years old and Major League Baseball's top overall draft pick signing with the Washington Nationals for nearly 10 million dollars. Amazing that he achieved this with poor natural vision! He is now wearing contact lenses and is crushing the ball in the minor leagues.

Link to Washington Post article