Uptown EyeCare's WINTER NEWSLETTER is here!

1) Meet the newest addition to our optical collection...BEVEL!

 

2) Tired of going elsewhere for extra tests? With the recent purchase of our Zeiss Cirrus OCT & Camera - OCTs can now be done in-house!  

 

3) Revolutionary daily disposable contact lenses are here!

4) La LOOP - the chicest way to keep your eyewear in sight!

5) What is Corneal Refractive Therapy and what are the benefits? 

 

6) Use your HSA / FSA benefits before it’s too late!

7) Save 25% off a complete pair of glasses (Download our Holiday Coupon)

Click Here to read our Winter Newsletter! 

Volunteering with 141

A few weekends ago Tina had the pleasure of volunteering with 141 Eyewear to give back to Oregon kids in need. For those of you who don’t know, 141 is a Portland based eyewear company that donates one frame to a child in need, for every frame purchased. We carry 141 in our optical, and love their altruistic message and their beautiful high quality frames.

On Saturday October 28th, Tina joined 141 Eyewear at the Boys & Girls Club in Salem to participate in an EyeCare Event. The goal was to protect sight by increasing community awareness, uniting eyecare professionals and eliminating the lack of access to visual healthcare in underserved communities. Doctors, Opticians, and Optometric Techs volunteered from all over Oregon to help give these children comprehensive eye exams and free 141 frames with prescription lenses for those who needed them. Tina spent her day doing what she loves, fitting people with incredible glasses. She had the pleasure of working with children spanning in age from 4 to 19.

 “I always derive joy from finding the perfect pair of glasses for someone. Today that joy was multiplied exponentially! These kids were so excited to have the opportunity to get a good looking, great fitting, stylish pair of glasses. Knowing that the eyewear we are creating for these children will help them to see more clearly, help them do better in school, and increase their confidence made the experience so much more meaningful to me. I feel so lucky to have been involved in such a wonderful event, and so proud that at Uptown EyeCare & Optical we help support 141, who is responsible for making this all happen.” -Tina Arroyo, ABOC 

All of us at Uptown believe in supporting local businesses, and especially those who look out for our community. If you want to help local kids in need get new glasses, consider purchasing 141 frames for your next pair of specs. You can check them out at www.141eyewear.com or come by and let our opticians show you what they are all about!

What Every Contact Lens Wearer Needs To Know (But Is Afraid To Ask)

If you're one of the 36 million contact lens wearers in the U.S., chances are you went through a mini-course in hygiene when you first got your prescription. You know the drill: First wash your hands with soap and water before drying them with a clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel. Then, carefully take the contact lens out of your eye before gently "massaging" it in your hand with some solution to get the debris off. Pop the contact in a case that's filled with fresh solution before screwing the lid on. 

But if you're being honest, how often do you actually follow all of these steps every single time you remove your contacts (which are technically medical devices)? And how often do you do things your optometrist or ophthalmologist warns you against -- like sleeping or swimming in your contacts, or wearing your monthlies for longer than a month -- figuring, "Eh, nothing bad has happened to me yet"?

Two eye-care experts -- Andrea Thau, O.D., an associate clinical professor at the SUNY College of Optometry and a spokesperson for the American Optometric Association, as well as Rebecca Taylor, M.D., an ophthalmologist in private practice in Nashville, Tenn., and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology -- will guide you through the common mistakes soft contact lens wearers make, what should be done instead, and the worst that can happen with poor hygiene. You might be convinced to change your bad habits for good. 



1. What you're doing: You let tap water come into contact with your contact lenses.
Why you should stop: Seems harmless enough, right? Wrong. That's because tap water isn't salty like tears are, so contact lenses tend to absorb the water and swell. The contact lens will then "hold" it, which is a problem because water -- even water safe to drink -- isn't sterile and contains microorganisms. "If your lens swells, it changes how the lens fits on your eye and it will often make the lens tighten on the eye," Thau says. This can then create microscopic breaks in your cornea that microorganisms can get into, potentially causing infection. That's why it's important not to shower or swim with your contact lenses in, she says (plus swimming in your contact lenses ups the chances of them coming out of your eye). In addition, you should never use water in place of solution for storing your contact lenses.

2. What you're doing: Your contact lenses are bothering you but you don't have solution with you, so you use water or your own saliva as "emergency" solution to wash them before popping them back in your eye.
Why you should stop: Two words: bad idea. For the same explanation above, exposing your contact lenses to water isn't smart, and your saliva is ridden with bacteria that belong in your mouth and not your eye. Putting contacts in your mouth is "like putting them in a petri dish -- you just don't want to do that," Taylor says.
If you do catch yourself in a situation where your contact lenses are bothering you but you don't have access to solution and a contact lens case, Thau says your best bet is to just throw them away. Another option is to use lubricating drops made for contact lens wearers (not the kinds to combat red eye) to try to relieve any discomfort. And of course, it's always wise to carry some emergency and a contact lens case with you at all times for moments like this.

3. What you're doing: You re-use your solution.
Why you should stop: Recycling solution is like begging for an eye infection. All the debris and bacteria that are in your eyes and are on your contact lenses, come off into the solution. So if you're re-using the same solution time and again, that means you're letting your contact lenses stew in a bacteria-ridden pool of liquid -- and then putting those same contacts right back into your eye. If you have any microscopic breaks in your cornea, those bacteria can then infect the cornea. Instead, take care to use fresh solution every single time you need to store your contacts. Or, if you hate dealing with solution and cases, consider daily disposable lenses.



4. What you're doing: You've been using the same contact lens case for as long as you can remember.
Why you should stop: First things first: Go to your bathroom and throw that old case away. Contact lens cases should only be used for three months tops before you replace with a new one, Thau says.

5. What you're doing: You wash your contact lens case with water, and then close it up before letting it dry completely.
Why you should stop: The best way to keep your contact lens case clean is to wash it with solution, not water, since (as you know by now) water shouldn't come into contact with your contact lenses, Taylor says. Then wipe the case dry with a clean towel or let it air dry completely before putting the lids back on. It's better to just get a brand new, clean case than try to disinfect it yourself by running it through the dishwasher or boiling it, Taylor adds.



6. What you're doing: You use the off-brand solution.
Why you should stop:When you opt for generic contact solution, you're playing roulette, Thau says. That's because stores that sell their own brands actually purchase the solution from other companies, so you don't know what kind you're getting. Thau says her best advice is to talk to your doctor about the best solution for your own eyes, and then stick to that brand. "It's not a good idea to switch solutions without having that discussion," with your eye doctor, she says, since you can develop "allergies, sensitivities and dry eye by switching."

7. What you're doing: You're using contact lenses you got from your eye doctor five years ago.
Why you should stop: Maybe you took a few years' break from contacts, or maybe you're just really bad about throwing away your monthlies after just a month (thereby creating a surplus of yet-to-be-used lenses). But any way you look at it, you shouldn't use contact lenses that are several years old. For starters, the prescription might just not be right anymore. But another thing to consider is that the solution the lenses are stored in has an expiration date. "So the lens, when the solution expires, can cause infection and become very uncomfortable because of the pH [level] change," Thau explains.

On that note, solution you buy at a store also goes bad, so if you're one of those people who stocks up on everyday-use items, make sure to check those expiration dates, too. "Solution can over time break down, especially if exposed to sun or heat," Thau says, which can be bad considering its two main functions are to not bring infectious material into your eye and to prevent infection.

8. What you're doing: You have a prescription for two-week lenses, but only wear contacts once a week for flag football games -- so you use the same lenses once a week for 14 weeks.
Why you should stop: Sorry, penny-pinchers: If contacts are approved to be used for 14 days, "it's two weeks from the time you open that lens package, it's not 14 days of wear," Taylor says. After that time period is "when the lens starts to break down; the surface starts to break down and take on your protein, [and] mucus and bacteria that normally hangs out with us on our eyelids can lead to infection."

9. What you're doing: Your vision is just a little blurry, or your eyes hurt just a little bit, but you wear your contact lenses anyway.
Why you should stop: Make this your mantra: When in doubt, take them out. If your contact lenses are causing you any discomfort, or your eyes look just the slightest bit red, it's better to listen to your body than suffer through the discomfort and potentially develop an infection. "You should make sure your eyes look good, feel good and see good," Thau says. "By looking good, I mean your eyes should look clear and white. Your eyes should not look red or irritated. And by see good, I mean you can see well and clearly ... If you're not seeing well, that's a sign that theres a problem. And then your eyes should feel good, with no physical pain or discomfort."

Thau says the first line of defense should be to apply lubricating drops made for contact lens wearers. But if that isn't enough, just take the lenses out. "Inspect the lens, make sure it's not torn or cut. If it looks like Cookie Monster took a bite out of it, don't use it," she says. "You can get a scratched cornea, called a corneal abrasion ... You can always replace your contact lenses, but you can never replace your eyes."



10. What you're doing: You put your contact lenses in after putting your makeup on.
Why you should stop: Believe it or not, there is a correct order of operations for people who wear both makeup and contacts. To avoid getting makeup on your contact lenses, Thau recommends putting contact lenses in your eyes before applying makeup, and then taking them out before removing eye makeup. On that same note, she also advises against putting creams or lotions on your hands before handling. "Your hands should be clean; put your lenses in first before you handle any products," she says.

11. What you're doing: You use waterproof makeup.
Why you should stop: Thau warns contact lens wearers to not use waterproof makeup because if the makeup gets on the lens, it will bind to it. And because waterproof makeup requires an oil-based remover, it will "grease up the eyes and the lenses," she says.

12. What you're doing: You wear your dailies for longer than a day, your monthlies for longer than a month, etc.
Why you should stop: Your contact lenses are made of plastic, but they actually have pores to help keep them moist in your eyes. However, these pores can then get dirty and trap debris and dirt in the lens, Thau says. If you use your contact lenses for longer than recommended, you're setting yourself up for trouble, including eye irritation, dry eye, an infection or overall discomfort. An analogy Thau uses: "You probably don't wash your saran wrap from a tuna fish sandwich and reuse it over and over again."

13. What you're doing: You sleep in your contact lenses.
Why you should stop: "It's sort of like sleeping with a plastic bag over your head," Taylor says. That's because sleeping with contacts in your eyes severely limits oxygen transmission. When you are awake, your cornea receives oxygen from the air and from your tears. But when you're asleep, the cornea receives less nourishment, lubrication and oxygen because your eyes are closed and you are not blinking. Therefore, when you put a piece of plastic -- i.e., your contact lens -- over the cornea overnight, you are further depriving your cornea of oxygen. Thau explains that this can lead to your contact lens tightening in your eye, causing microscopic rips to the cornea -- and if there's a microorganism also in your eye, that could also lead to infection. Now, some contact lenses are approved by the Food and Administration for overnight and extended wear. If you're dead-set on being able to sleep in your contact lenses, Thau advises you to talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for one of these types of lenses.

Note: If you experience any pain or discomfort from your contact lenses, remove them and contact your eye doctor. Eye infections, if left untreated, can lead to temporary or permanent blindness.

Back-To-School Checklist

From AOA News, V52, August 2013

According to the AOA’s 2013 American Eye-Q® survey, 85 percent of parents indicate their children use an electronic device up to four hours per day. This is no surprise as the survey also indicates 41 percent of children have their own smartphone or tablet and 32 percent use both e-books and textbooks at school. Additionally, 66 percent of children use a computer or tablet to do homework or study. With the consistent use of electronic devices throughout the day and evening, children of all ages can face a number of visual challenges.

“When children stare at screens for hours each day, it may cause visual discomfort that can interfere with their ability to focus and learn,” said Kimberly Friedman, O.D., AOA spokesperson. “As a mom and an eye doctor, I know first-hand just how important it is for school-age children to receive comprehensive eye examinations prior to heading back into a classroom.”

Despite the increase in technology use, only one-third (31 percent) of parents have strong concerns that their children may damage their eyes as a result of prolonged exposure. Although ongoing use won’t damage vision, regular, lengthy use of technology at school or for homework can lead to a temporary vision condition called computer vision syndrome.

The AOA urges students to rest their eyes by following the 20-20-20 rule. When using technology or doing near work, take a 20-second break, every 20 minutes and view something 20 feet away. As children of all ages become more frequent users of technology, eye doctors may warn parents about the potential signs or symptoms of CVS (Computer Vision Syndrome) or undiagnosed vision problems that may arise and indicate the need for an eye exam:

• Preschool and Kindergarten: At home, little ones may begin to play games on a tablet or smartphone, while at school they tend to learn early lessons about how to use a computer. The AOA suggests limiting tech time to two hours or less each day and increasing the font size of the text on the screen in order to make it easier on eyes. During this stage, parents should be aware of physical signs that may flag a potential vision problem.
• Elementary School: At this age, children continue to use smartphones, play with portable gaming devices, and spend hours on computers at school and at home. Encourage kids to use cell phones only for quick tasks such as texting, and to position all devices half an arm’s length away from the eyes and slightly below eye level. Children should also take frequent breaks and move around or change positions often while working on a computer.
• Middle and High School: With computers becoming a staple at school and for homework, along with increased smartphone usage, middle and high schoolers should be reminded that computers should be positioned 20 to 28 inches away from their eyes, and the top of the screen should be at eye level, allowing them to look down at the screen. When at home, kids should use ergonomic desk areas or gaming chairs and to prevent glare on screens, incorporate low-wattage light bulbs or drapes in the room. As for digital devices, brightness or background color settings should be adjusted to keep vision comfortable. 

The AOA also warns that one in four children has an undiagnosed vision problem simply because they may not recognize that their eyesight isn’t optimal or is changing.

“Comprehensive eye exams are one of the most important investments a parent can make to help maximize their child’s education and contribute to overall health and well-being, especially since some vision problems may not have warning signs,” added Dr. Friedman. “Unfortunately, parents and educators often incorrectly assume that if a child passes a school screening, their vision is fine.”

Beginning in 2014, pediatric vision care will be one of the Affordable Care Act’s Essential Health Benefits. This means millions of children will gain direct access to local optometrists for comprehensive eye exams and treatment, including medical eye care, through health insurance.

The AOA recommends a child’s first eye exam take place at six months of age. Unless problems are detected, exams should then be given at age 3, again before a child enters kindergarten and yearly thereafter.

Are computers bad for my child’s eyes?

This is a question that patients often ask me. Sometimes parents hint that they want me to tell their kids to stay off the computer/tablet/smartphone and others just really want to know how much is too much.  The fact of the matter is this: technology is not going to go away. It is everywhere. We do want our kids to be tech savvy and take advantage of all of the great learning experiences that technology offers, don’t we? We just need to be smart about it.

Using too much technology at a near point can have several negative effects on the body and on the visual system.  Kids who spend a lot of time in front of their devices, are less active physically and can have difficulty with posture.  We know that childhood obesity and diabetes is on the rise. One way to combat these diseases is to keep our children active, which means less time in front of the computer.

Computer vision syndrome is not a term that only applies to adults.  Symptoms such as eye fatigue, blurry vision, red eyes, headache and difficulty shifting focus to objects at a distance after computer use can also affect kids.  When focusing is fixed at a certain object in space for a long time, a child’s developing visual system does not get the benefit of practicing how to focus at different distances. This can cause persistent  problems with clarity of vision and possibly reading problems.

So how much is too much? A rule of thumb I usually give my patients is if school-aged children use the computer for schoolwork or for recreation, they should be on it for no more than 40 minutes without a break. By break, I mean at least 5 minutes away from the desk – getting up, looking outside, getting a drink of water and moving around.  For younger kids, try no more than 20 minutes per day. In fact, keep younger kids off electronic devices as much as possible. Encourage more free play, book reading and imagination. Try to use the technology only as needed or as a reward, not as a given or expected everyday activity. There will be plenty of time to use technology as they get older. As I said, it is not going to go away!

In the meantime, do what you can to make computer use safe. Make sure children have annual comprehensive eye examinations to make sure their eyes are not being adversely affected by computer use.  Make sure the computer station is set up ergonomically for your child. The monitor should be slightly below eye level and a foot stool should be used to prevent dangling feet. Minimize glare on the computer by using glare filters and by positioning the computer away from windows as much as possible. These suggestions will help with healthy computer use for our children.

~Lisa Weiss, OD, 8/22/2013, COA VISION

About these ad

Lafont Frame Show Gallery (8/24/2013)

Thank you everyone for attending our Lafont frame show on August 24th, 2013!

We had a great time seeing all of our clients who came to see the entire 2013 Lafont collection! On behalf of the entire Uptown EyeCare crew, thank you Michael, our Lafont rep, for your generous help to make this day a success! As a side note, the berry madeleines were delicious - thank you St. Honore!

Here are some photos from the big day:

 

 

 

FRAME SHOW featuring LAFONT - SAVE THE DATE!

Uptown Eyecare & Optical invites you to an exclusive trunk show & styling event featuring the renowned French eyewear company, Lafont, on Saturday August 24^th!

 

More details about the trunk show:
* Saturday August 24th,  from 9am - 3pm
* Our ABO-certified opticians will help you with your frame and lens selection
* RSVP for the event on our website
* 25% off a complete pair of glasses on Lafont frames purchases
* Multiple pair discounts: 35% off a complete pair of glasses
* Outside valid prescriptions are welcome and appreciated

What is a trunk show you ask?
Generally speaking, a trunk show is a giant sale. Frame representatives carry their full line of frames in the trunks of their cars as they travel from optical shop to optical shop. The frame purchaser at a particular shop only selects the frames they want to carry in their store.

During a designer trunk show, or frame show,  we invite one or two of the most interesting frame vendors to show their entire line of frames in all colors, sizes and shapes. This is the time of the year we offer our best discounts and our patients have a much larger than normal selection of frames.

We will be serving light refreshments and the whole Uptown EyeCare staff will be all dressed up and wearing Lafont frames! We look forward to seeing you there!

How do I RSVP? 
To RSVP, please go to our website and send us your name and email address as your confirmation that you will be attending the frame show. We will have a special drawing one week prior to the event for those who RSVP for a chance to win 50% off a new pair of Kilsgaard frames and lenses! RSVP by August 16th, 2013 if you would like to be included in the drawing. The winner must have a valid prescription, be present & purchase on the date of the frame show.

Tell me more about Lafont...
As a family, the Lafonts have been Opticians & frame makers in France since 1923.  Lafont eyewear focuses on extraordinary craftsmanship and timeless eye-catching design that aims to capture the heart and spirit of Paris. They have a well deserved reputation as one of the world’s finest designers of high quality eyewear.  With spectacles for men, women, and children, there is truly a frame from Lafont for every member of the family.

Did you know...? (Part 2 trivia about our staff)

Cody, our Optometric Assistant, began wearing glasses at…

       A.)  5 months old

       B.)  5 years old

       C.)  10 years old

       D.)  15 years old

 

Cody, our Optometric Assistant, is the youngest sibling of…

       A.)  4 children

       B.)  7 children

       C.)  2 children

 D.)  5 children

** Find answers to the above questions on our Facebook page! ***

Did you know...

... that David helped his high school golf team, the Saugus Sachems, win a state championship in his junior year?  Sachem Pride!

Which of the following statements about our ABO Certified Optician Tina is complete FICTION?

1- Loving every chance to get dressed up in a cute outfit (the more sparkle the better), Tina spent a good portion of her childhood as gymnast, a baton twirler & a cheerleader.  She was involved in competitions, parades and cheered for many basketball games with a huge smile on her face and as much glitter as she could get away with wearing.

2-As a teenager Tina discovered that she had a talent for playing the harmonica.  It took everyone by surprise, but she fell in love with the mouth harp! She practiced night and day, and drove her family crazy with her near obsessive commitment.  She even performed in a talent contest with her rendition of Madonna’s “Borderline”, complete with a Madonna costume. She totally brought the house down!

3-As a child Tina & her two sisters used to choreograph, fully light & create costumes for  dancing and singing performances in their home at least once a week.  The music was perfectly cued, lighting changed to evoke mood, and the dancing and singing was always spot on.  The entire family, including extended family were treated to these spectacular showcases every week for years (for free…what a deal!).

*** Check out the correct answer on our Facebook page! ***

Did you know...

...that Tina has her bachelors degree with honors in Fine Art Photography?  She graduated from the School of Visual Arts in New York City, and worked as a freelance photographer for many years.  Her work has hung in galleries in New York, Washington DC & San Francisco.  Learning about the mechanics of optics while in school sparked Tina’s love for all things optical.  With a love of the design of glasses, and a passion for helping people see their best, Tina brings her artist’s perspective to help our patients find the frames that work best for them. 

Did you know...? (Part 1 Trivia about our doctors)

This month we have decided to collect and publish little tid-bits about our doctors and staff. Hope you find them interesting as well as entertaining.

  Did you know...

…that Dr. Friberg used to dance in a folklore dance ensemble during most of her childhood and teenage years? She has performed in countries such as Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, former Yugoslavia and Italy. She even embroidered some of her folklore costumes!

Learn more about Slovak folklore here:

http://www.slovak-republic.org/folk/dance/

Did you know...

… that you can taste Slovakia’s national food dish (Dr. Friberg’s birthplace) here in Portland? “Halusky” are potato spaetzels with soft sheep cheese, caramelized smoked bacon, chives, and/or sauerkraut. You can try this dish at Tabor, a food cart at SW 5^th and Stark in downtown Portland!





Make Halusky at home: 

http://www.slovakcooking.com/2009/recipes/halusky/

Little more information about Halusky: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halu%C5%A1ky

Tabor's Facebook page: 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/T%C3%A1bor-Czech-Food-of-Portland-Home-of-The-Original-Schnitzelwich/284688674888389

Did you know?

…that Dr. Friberg has fraternal twin girls? Almost three, Abby and Ada love to play dress-up and wear glasses. Who knows, maybe they will be the perfect helpers to our opticians at Uptown EyeCare when they grow up!

Introducing the world’s first and only Water Gradient Contact Lens – Dailies Total 1 by Alcon!

Uptown EyeCare & Optical is proud to announce that we are one of a few selected clinics in the Portland area that are able to fit this revolutionary contact lens! 

* 6x more breathable than the leading daily disposable lens

* Features a different water content at the core and the surface

* Exceptional comfort throughout the entire wearing day

* 10 years in making & million man-hours in the development

* Incredible advancement for contact lens wearers.  

 

... If you have ever asked or thought:

"Is there a way to make my lenses as comfortable at the end of the day as they were earlier in the day?"  or

"Why do my eyes look red after my lenses have been in for several hours, and how can I make that go away?" or

"I had to give up wearing contacts, but wish there was a way to be able to wear lenses comfortably."

... then these new lenses may be the answer to those issues!  

Dailies Total 1 is the first water gradient lens ever developed. The central core of the lens is silicone hydrogel material (33% water) which delivers superior breathability. The outer portion of the lens is a hydrophilic (water loving) ultra-soft surface gel designed to provide exceptional comfort. This outer layer is 80% water which approaches 100% water at the surface of the lens.  What this means to you is a lens that virtually melts into your natural tear film.  90% of patients report that they don't even feel the lens on their eye, and that even includes at the end of the day.

Technology is always developing, giving us better lenses with increased comfort, better vision, and healthier eyes.  Often, a new lens will give some of the above benefits, but can't satisfy all of the things to make it ideal.  This new lens seems to have tackled it all. Unsurpassed comfort, high oxygen transmissibilty for healthy lens wear, and extremely crisp optics for excellent vision.

Be sure to call our office and ask about these new lenses. Currently, they are only available in nearsighted corrections (up to a -10.00). If you would like to try them for yourself, set up your fitting appointment with our doctors! 

We are extremely excited to be one of the first offices in the U.S. with access to this incredible contact lens! 
 

New Study Results from Age Related Macular Degeneration Study II (AREDS II)

Based on the recently released AREDS 2 data, Omega-3 fatty acids and beta-carotene do not reduce the risk of progression to advanced AMD (age-related macular degeneration); however, adding lutein and zeaxanthin in place of beta-carotene may further improve the formulation.

Our optometrists now recommend that patients with macular degeneration no longer take beta-carotene, but look for a vitamin with: 

10 mg Lutein

2 mg zeaxanthin

80mg zinc

2mg copper

500mg vitamin C

400 IU vitamin E

Normal Vision

             Vision with AMD

Click here for more detailed articles:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130513152403.htm

http://www.medpagetoday.com/Ophthalmology/GeneralOphthalmology/38884

http://www.nei.nih.gov/news/pressreleases/050513.asp

Scientists discover new layer of the human cornea

June 11, 2013; Science Daily — Scientists at The University of Nottingham have discovered a previously undetected layer in the cornea, the clear window at the front of the human eye.

---

The breakthrough, announced in a study published in the academic journal Ophthalmology, could help surgeons to dramatically improve outcomes for patients undergoing corneal grafts and transplants. The new layer has been dubbed the Dua's Layer after the academic Professor Harminder Dua who discovered it.

Professor Dua, Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, said: "This is a major discovery that will mean that ophthalmology textbooks will literally need to be re-written. Having identified this new and distinct layer deep in the tissue of the cornea, we can now exploit its presence to make operations much safer and simpler for patients. "From a clinical perspective, there are many diseases that affect the back of the cornea which clinicians across the world are already beginning to relate to the presence, absence or tear in this layer."

The human cornea is the clear protective lens on the front of the eye through which light enters the eye. Scientists previously believed the cornea to be composed of five layers, from front to back, the corneal epithelium, Bowman's layer, the corneal stroma, Descemet's membrane and the corneal endothelium. The new layer that has been discovered is located at the back of the cornea between the corneal stroma and Descemet's membrane. Although it is just 15 microns thick -- the entire cornea is around 550 microns thick or 0.5mm -- it is incredibly tough and is strong enough to be able to withstand one and a half to two bars of pressure.

The scientists proved the existence of the layer by simulating human corneal transplants and grafts on eyes donated for research purposes to eye banks located in Bristol and Manchester. During this surgery, tiny bubbles of air were injected into the cornea to gently separate the different layers. The scientists then subjected the separated layers to electron microscopy, allowing them to study them at many thousand times their actual size.

Understanding the properties and location of the new Dua's layer could help surgeons to better identify where in the cornea these bubbles are occurring and take appropriate measures during the operation. If they are able to inject a bubble next to the Dua's layer, its strength means that it is less prone to tearing, meaning a better outcome for the patient. The discovery will have an impact on advancing understanding of a number of diseases of the cornea, including acute hydrops, Descematocele and pre-Descemet's dystrophies.

The scientists now believe that corneal hydrops, a bulging of the cornea caused by fluid build up that occurs in patients with keratoconus (conical deformity of the cornea), is caused by a tear in the Dua layer, through which water from inside the eye rushes in and causes waterlogging.

Hello Portlanders, it's feeling like summer out there..

Don't forget to wear your polarized eyewear!

Polarized lenses have become essential for us, Oregonians. Outdoor enthusiasts will begin to enjoy the beauty of nature in the Northwest even more with polarized lenses, which are known to provide clearer vision, comfort by reducing glare, and increasing contrast. Standard tints on most sunglasses only provide shade from sun, while polarized lenses protect our eyes from harmful UV rays that can cause cataracts, macular degeneration, and temporary vision loss.

How Do Polarized Lenses Work?
Light reflected from surfaces such as a flat road or smooth water generally is horizontally polarized. This means that, instead of light being scattered in all directions in more usual ways, reflected light generally travels in a more horizontally oriented direction. This creates an annoying and sometimes dangerous intensity of light that we experience as glare.

Polarized sunglasses cut glare and haze so your eyes are more comfortable and you can see better. Polarized lenses contain a special filter that blocks this type of intense reflected light, reducing glare. Though polarized sunglasses improve comfort and visibility, you will encounter some instances when these lenses may not be advisable. One example is downhill skiing, where you don't want to block light reflecting off icy patches because this alerts skiers to hazards they are approaching. Light reflected from surfaces such as a flat road or smooth water generally is horizontally polarized.

Polarized lenses may reduce the visibility of images produced by liquid crystal displays (LCDs) or light-emitting diode displays (LEDs) found on the dashboards of some cars or in other places such as the digital screens on automatic teller machines and self-service gas pumps. You also may be unable to see your cell phone or GPS device. Boaters and pilots also have reported similar problems when viewing LCD displays on instrument panels, which can be a crucial issue when it comes to making split-second decisions based strictly on information displayed on a panel. (Some manufacturers of these devices have changed their products to solve the problem, but many have not yet done so.)

However, for most other sports and activities, polarized sunglasses offer great advantages. And today, many polarized lenses are available in combination with other features that can enhance outdoor experiences. Polarized bifocal sunglasses or progressive lenses are examples of options for the presbyope who also likes outdoor sports; plarized photochromic lenses, which change from dark outside to light inside, may be right for the light-sensitive person who frequently is in and out of the sun on any given day.

Whether you spend your time waterskiing or boating, in-line skating or mountain biking, driving or jogging, polarized sunglasses may be the right choice to help you enjoy your life outdoors!

Make sure to stop by and get your new summer shades, and help protect the health of your eyes with polarized lenses!

Happy June 1st, Portland!

So far, we have been focusing on some amazing eyewear that we proudly display in our optical: 141 and L.a. Eyeworks. Our goal was to share some information about these unique brands to let their new owners know the history of the line they are wearing every day. In the month of June, we will be focusing on Sun Wear and Sun Protection, as the amazing Portland summer is about to start. Cheers to sunshine and all the fun that it brings!

Eyeglasses do much more than correct your sight.  Even if you don’t need a prescription, having glasses that protect your eyes from UV rays is vital.  All lenses, clear or sunglasses, can block UV light from harming your eyes.  Here is some information from the American Optometric Association. 

http://www.aoa.org/uv-protection.xml

HOW DOES UV LIGHT AFFECT A CHILD'S EYES, you might ask?

UVA- is visible and causes tanning and contributes to aging
UVB- is invisible, but more damaging, and causes sunburn and skin cancer

* 80% of a lifetime sun exposure is obtained before age 18
* Children from the ages of birth to adolescence are at greatest risk to accrue eye damage from UV light
* Immediately after birth, nearly all UV light is transmitted through the lens to the retina if the infant's eye because an infant's lenses have not begun the critical development necessary to block UV light
* During childhood, the lens transmittance decreases as the child's eyes further develop and by the age of 25, the lens absorbs almost all UV light
* UV exposure contributes to the development of many eye disorders such as photokeratitis (a reversible sun burn of the cornea), cataracts (a clouding of the eye's natural lens which reduces vision) and skin cancer (on eyelids and surrounding skin)

We carry infant and child sunglasses at the office, called Baby Bands. We are also able to make polarized non-prescription, or prescription sunglasses for your little ones, as well as for teenergs and adults!

Stop by our office and let us keep your eyes healthy and happy! Let our ABO Certified Opticians help you find your next pair of Sunglasses so you’ll be ready for all that FUN IN THE SUN!

Let's get to know L.A. Eyeworks a little better!

From Tina, Dave and Cody - Our Fabulous Optical Staff. 

Here at Uptown EyeCare & Optical we are simply in love with L.A. Eyeworks!

Started in 1979 by two women from California, their ground breaking frames have changed the way people think about eyewear.  L.A. Eyeworks aims to find perfectly tailored fits by creating frames that are individually suited for each unique magnificent face. As they say in their famous ad campaign….”A face is like a work of art. It deserves a great frame.”

You wear it well… and so do Gai Gheradi and Barbara McReynolds, co-founders of L.A. Eyeworks.  Proving that eyewear can be bold, fun and beautiful. You never know until you give it a try, so stop by our office today and see how you look! 

 

L.A. Eyeworks has mastered the art of hand-made frames that evoke personality & identity.  Stop by and let one of our ABO-certified opticians show you some of their favorites!

Patterned stainless steel perfection!  These L.A. Eyeworks frames are incredibly lightweight, resilient & comfortable, not to mention distinctive.  We love the “Pally”! 

Did you know that L.A. Eyeworks has one of the most iconic ad campaigns in eyewear history? Started in 1981, photographer Greg Gorman has photographed over 200 faces for the “A face is like a great work of art.  It deserves a great frame” campaign.  Stop by our optical to look at “Framed” - a photo book by Greg Gorman which chronicles the 32 year campaign!

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