Shingles Vaccine

We posted in the spring that we treat the eye when there is a rash from shingles on the face. If you've had chickenpox, you can get shingles at any time. It is typically very painful. We have recently seen many patients in their 50's with shingles, and we don't want you to have to go through this. There is a vaccine for adults 50 and older to prevent shingles. We recommend pursuing the vaccine with your pharmacist or PCP.
zostavax.com

10 Years!

As of this month, both Vicki and Susan have been part of the practice for 10 years! They join Louise who passed the 10 year mark last year. Our patients have certainly benefited from their expertise and service.

Jimmy Choo

Our Vicki was very impressed with Jimmy Choo's latest line of eyewear, so we have added his collection to our showroom! Patients have been very enthusiastic as well. Please stop by to check them out.

Caffeine May Be Good for Dry Eye

A recent study found that caffeine appears to temporarily increase tear volume. The effect is small, however for those with dry eye who love their caffeine, this could be another excuse to indulge!

Ray-Ban and Prada

You voted, we listened!  We have added both Ray-Ban and Prada to our showroom.  Both brands are now available and in stock in our optical.  We invite you to come in and see the latest.

Thank You

A big thank you to everyone who voted for us.  We appreciate it!

Shingles Vaccine

We treat the eye when there is a shingles outbreak on the face. Shingles is absolutely no fun. There is a vaccine that is effective and well tolerated. The CDC recommends the vaccine for everyone 60 and older. If you are in this age group, please ask your primary care physician about this important vaccination.

CDC Shingles Vaccination

Spring Allergies

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

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

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

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.