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October is a big month for sight

Courtesy of Sight: The Story of Vision

Image courtesy of Sight: The Story of Vision

October is a big month for vision awareness and advocacy. On October 13, many organizations will recognize World Sight Day, a day that focuses on the prevention of blindness and vision loss around the globe. More than 285 million people in the world are blind or visually impaired, and 90 percent of those live in developing countries with limited or no access to treatment. International organizations involved in World Sight Day are making a difference by connecting underserved populations with services that will help address their eye health needs.

Even those of us with great vision and healthy eyes can benefit from knowing more about our sight. We encourage our patients to check out Sight: The Story of Vision, a documentary narrated by Sir Elton John on the science, technology and medical advancements that help us understand sight, correction vision problems and cure eye diseases. It will air on WYCC, Channel 20, on October 16 at 4 p.m., and on October 17 at 7 p.m. Make sure to watch!

October is also Eye Injury Prevention Month. It is estimated that 90 percent of eye injuries can be prevented with the use of protective eyewear and taking precautions. Think about the risks you may be taking on the job or during activities such as sports, working on home improvement projects or even participating in leisure activities like paintball. Learn about corneal abrasions, one of the most common types of eye injuries by clicking here.

If you are in need of protective eyewear for any reason, please consult us. We offer a wide range of safety goggles for many situations. As always, we are here to help you address any of your vision and eye health needs.

Three things to consider for your student’s eye health

As learning becomes more digital, taking care of kids' eyes is important than ever.

As learning becomes more digital, taking care of kids’ eyes is important than ever.

You’ve heard us before — 80 percent of what students learn in a classroom is processed visually — so back-to-school time is an important one for healthy eyes. For students of any age, here are three things to consider when school begins again.

Digital device use. Parents may have spent much of the summer trying to get their children off their devices, but digital learning has become a reality in many schools. Unfortunately there seems to be a gap in how long parents believe their kids use digital devices each day and what kids report themselves. According to a recent study from the American Optometric Association, 83 percent of children say they use their devices three hours or more a day, while only 40 percent of parents believe their children are on their devices that long.

One possible reason is that parents may not be taking classroom use of devices into account. If you aren’t aware of how much time your students spend on devices, ask their teachers. Older students who spend more time at the computer may need glasses to help reduce strain, much in the same way adults who use computers on the job do.

Participation in sports. Back-to-school time means that more kids will be hitting the fields and courts. The top five sports for the most eye injuries include two of Chicago’s favorites — football and basketball. Unfortunately awareness of sports eye injuries is still low among sports programs. If you have a student-athlete — or participate yourself — click here for more information on eye protection for sports.

Study habits. Some research supports the idea that the close work of reading and other study activities can have an impact on eyesight. Other studies have shown that more time spent outdoors decreases the incidence and degree of myopia.

While more research is necessary for conclusive recommendations, it’s a good idea for parents to be conscious of their children’s study habits. Make sure the student in your life is supported with the right eyewear and make time for breaks away from the books by being active outdoors whenever possible.

If eyewear is on your back-to-school list this year, we have many fashionable and functional options. We recently added a new collection of Tom Ford eyewear to our practice and are now offering 30% off all Gucci frames through the end of the year.

As always, if you have any questions about your eyes, please get in touch.

Eyewear to relieve digital eye strain

programmer-1-1534401-1280x960Digital eye strain is a rapidly growing eye health concern. Research has shown that increased use of digital devices across the generations has long-term and short-term implications for eye health and vision.

One of the ways to address digital eye strain is by choosing the right eyewear. While some patients use reading glasses to improve their vision when working on computers and other digital devices, others will benefit from lenses specifically designed to address digital eye strain. Some of the features to consider include:

  • Single-vision lenses designed for computer use. Computers are mid-vision objects, which means that the correction one needs for near vision, such as reading glasses, or distance vision isn’t adequate. Patients who use their computers frequently and for long periods of time often find this type of correction helpful in reducing eye strain.
  • Computer progressive lenses. Like other progressives, these lenses have a smooth transition between different focal lengths. In this case, these offer correction for viewing a computer screen and up-close objects.
  • Anti-reflective coating. This reduces glare from indoor and outdoor light sources.
  • Blue Light filters. These customized filters block out harmful blue light while allowing other beneficial light to pass through.

Patients sometimes choose combinations of features for a custom pair that makes digital work (and play) easier on the eyes. If you are experiencing digital eye strain or spend a good amount of time on devices, talk to us about ways we can help you keep your eyes healthy.

 

Photo courtesy of freeimages.com/Yakimov

New doctor at Northcenter Eye Care

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There’s still time for back-to-school exams!

Welcome Dr. Laura Blodgett!

With Dr. Vandana Gandhi on maternity leave, Dr. Blodgett is filling in, and we’ve already received great feedback on her care.

A graduate of State University of New York College of Optometry, Dr. Blodgett has five years of experience as an optometrist and comes to us from the East Coast.

Just a reminder, we have a special going on through the end of the year — 30% off Gucci frames. This is an ideal opportunity to add a fashionable pair of glasses to your wardrobe as a second pair or to replace your primary pair with an updated look or prescription.

With back-to-school time quickly approaching, we want to let patients know that we still have spots open for appointments. Give us a call or schedule online to book your exam.

 

Photo courtesy of freeimages.com/igoghost

Schedule your exam for back-to-school

Eyecare blogWeekends at the beach and plans for end-of-the-summer vacations may still be on your mind, but don’t wait until the thick of the back-to-school season to get annual eye exams on the calendar. The closer we get to the return to school the busier we get, so it’s smart to schedule early.

Back-to-school is an ideal time for children and teachers to have their exams for many reasons:

  • It is estimated that 80 percent of what children learn is processed through their vision. A comprehensive exam will identify any vision problems and correction needs your child might have.
  • Teaching is a demanding profession, and those first months of the year are very busy. Get ahead of the rush with an eye exam in August. This is especially important for teachers who need to address vision problems.
  • School work puts more demands on children’s vision than typical summertime activities. Talk to us about any concerns regarding study habits and digital device use so we can address potential issues sooner versus later.

If it turns out that any of the adults in the family need new glasses or a second pair, we are offering 30 percent off Gucci frames through the end of 2016.

In addition, we now carry Tom Ford sunglasses and frames, a line of fashion-forward eyewear featuring high-quality construction and materials from one of today’s hottest designers.

Please give us a call or schedule online to book an appointment.

Know the Effects of UV Exposure to the Eyes

suns-pathwayWhile exposure to UV rays from the sun happens year-round, summer is the time when most people ramp up their UV protection. While a majority of people are concerned about UV exposure to the eyes (75 percent, according to a survey from The Vision Council), fewer understand the specific short- and long-term risks to their eye health.

Short-term effects of UV exposure

Photokeratosis, or sunburn of the cornea. Only 31 percent of those surveyed know unprotected UV exposure can lead to sunburned eyes. The symptoms — itching, redness, pain, and blurred vision — are temporary, but the condition can be so debilitating as to last for up to three days.

Pterygium. This condition is sometimes called “surfer’s eye,” as it is linked to time spent in sunny, windy and sandy environments like the beach. Characterized by a growth on the surface of the eye often near the nose, it is usually benign. If it is large enough, though, it can affect the shape of the cornea and lead to astigmatism.

Long-term effects of UV exposure

Cataracts. One of the most common eye health issues, cataracts are a leading cause of vision loss in people over age 40. According to Prevent Blindness America, more than 20 million people in the U.S. have cataracts. Unfortunately, only 26 percent of those surveyed by The Vision Council are aware of the link between UV exposure and developing cataracts.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Slightly fewer of those surveyed (21%) know that UV exposure increases the risk for AMD. In fact, research shows that exposure earlier in life contributes more significantly than in later years. Early detection and treatment can slow the progression of this disease, which is the leading cause of blindness in people age 60 and older. Studies support the idea that protecting your eyes from UV exposure can help.

Cancer of the eye, eyelid or surrounding skin. Cancer of the eyeball is rare, but skin cancer around the eye is not. In fact, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 10 percent of all skin cancers are on the eyelid. Though most are the malignant basal cell carcinoma, surgery for removal is required.

As you think about your own plan for protecting your eyes from UV exposure, keep in mind that we can help select the best sunglasses to suit your needs. Through June 30, we are offering 20% off sunglasses, which should make finding the right pair easier.

Eye exam misconceptions explained

Eyecare blog

We rely heavily on our sense of sight and need to keep our eyes healthy and fully functioning. Comprehensive eye exams are the foundation of eye care, but some people don’t have the complete story on why. The following addresses three common misconceptions about visits to the optometrist to take care of your eyes.

Vision screenings are not substitutes for comprehensive eye exams.

Vision screenings can help identify individuals who are at risk for a vision problem, but they are far more limited than a comprehensive eye exam. Screenings can be performed by anyone trained to do so, regardless of their experience with eye health. A comprehensive eye exam is done by an optometrist.

While a screening can detect potential vision problems, it cannot address the presence or risk of eye disease and other aspects of eye health. One of the best ways to take care of your eyes is to have yearly comprehensive exams, even if you’ve gone through vision screening that gives you the “all clear.”

Patients who wear contact lenses will have a longer exam.

Occasionally we get questions from our contact lens patients about the extra time and expense of their appointments. Working with patients who wear contacts requires additional testing to make sure their lenses not only correct their vision, but also fit properly and are comfortable. After all, contact lenses are applied directly to the eyes which results in increased risk of injury and infection if the fit isn’t right.

While eyeglass prescriptions are valid for up to two years, contact lens prescriptions expire after one year. This is a federal law designed to optimize contact lens safety.

Even people with “perfect” vision need to have their eyes examined each year.

Comprehensive exams include more than just vision testing, so those who skip them are missing out on tracking other aspects of their eye health, including additional measures of visual performance and the early detection of eye diseases. This is as important for children as it is for adults.

Changes in vision are not always easily detected, especially by children who aren’t aware of what “perfect” vision means. Even adults have a hard time recognizing more subtle vision changes for what they are.

We make it easy to schedule your comprehensive eye exam. Call us or click on the scheduling button to the right.

Classic features for this season’s trendy sunglasses

ID-100152793Eyewear on the runway at Spring 2016 Fashion Week in New York may have been big, bold and colorful, but here in Chicago form and function are important when choosing a pair of sunglasses. We love our warm weather and spend plenty of time outdoors once it has arrived. Here are some tips on what classic features to look for when purchasing a new pair of shades for the season.

  • Look for sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays. Some will be labeled “UV 400,” which means they block all light rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers. All of the sunglasses we sell offer full protection for your eyes.
  • Blue-blockers and sunglasses with yellow lenses heighten color contrast for a distinct image. These are popular for activities like skiing and boating, where sharp vision is critical. Though they are called blue-blockers, these sunglasses typically have amber lenses.
  • If you are serious about a particular sport or activity, performance sunglasses offer various lens color options that address specific needs. For example, brown lenses provide nice contrast on green golf courses. Because they are constructed of polycarbonate, they are also lightweight, non-slip and impact-resistant.
  • Gradient lenses that are darker at the top of the lens and gradually become lighter at the bottom are a good choice for driving, as sunlight is strongest coming from the top of your lenses.
  • Don’t forget the kids! As with your skin, UV damage to your eyes is cumulative, which means that starting young with sunglasses can have an impact on future eye health issues.

Early detection is the best defense against AMD

Macular degeneration, or AMD, is the leading cause of severe vision loss in the U.S. for people 50 and older. In fact, given the size of the aging Baby Boomer population, experts predict that AMD will reach epidemic proportions in less than 15 years.

Unfortunately there is no cure for AMD, so knowing risk factors and sharing them with your eye care professionals is critical, especially as you approach your fifties and beyond. For patients with AMD, early detection has a significant impact on disease progression and vision loss.

Following are some of the risk factors for AMD. As you can see some are genetic, but others are environmental and within your control.

Age. People 55 years and older are at greater risk.
Race. Caucasians develop the disease at a higher rate than other races.
Genetics. People with a family history of AMD have greater risk than those without.
Smoking. Research shows the more people smoke, the more likely they are to develop AMD.
UV exposure. UV light, and blue light, can damage the retina, the part of the eye effected by AMD.
Unchecked cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure. Research indicates a correlation between cardiovascular disease and AMD. The two share common risk factors, such as smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise.

Because symptoms in the early stages of AMD often go unnoticed, regular comprehensive eye exams are the best defense for addressing the disease. Make sure we are aware of your risk factors, especially family history.

Digital devices at bedtime can reduce sleep

Over the past few years the optometry community has been paying more attention to the growing concern of digital eye strain, its short-term symptoms and the possible long-term effects of blue light. But this kind of light also has an immediate impact — on your sleep.

ID-100308658Because we use digital devices for many of our daily activities, they are often at our bedside for things like checking the next day’s weather, checking messages, reading and for use an alarm clock. We can’t deny the convenience, but we need to be aware of the risks. A growing number of studies are finding that having a digital device on at bedtime has a negative impact on sleep patterns.

  • A University of Texas-Austin study found that college students lose an average of 46 minutes of sleep by using their digital devices to answer phone calls and check messages in bed.
  • Research published in Photochemistry and Photobiology found that a week of blue light exposure at bedtime results in 14 fewer minutes of sleep.
  • Multiple studies have shown that exposure to blue light at bedtime alters our melatonin levels and delays our circadian clocks.

Another big clue that blue light exposure should be taken seriously is the response of the companies who make digital devices. Recently both amazon.com and Apple announced changes to their products that alter the light from screen readers when clocks indicate evening or night hours, or in low-light conditions. Read more about these features in this article from the American Optometric Association.

One concerning statistic from all this research on digital eye strain is that 90 percent of patients do not talk with their eye doctors about their digital device use. There are several ways we can help alleviate symptoms of eye strain as well as protect your eyes in the longer term, including special lenses for patients who spend a significant amount of time in front of screens.

Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net/Tuomas_Lehitnen