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.

Medical savings accounts

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

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

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

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

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

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.