FRAME SHOW featuring BEVEL - SAVE THE DATE!

Uptown Eyecare & Optical invites you to an exclusive trunk show & styling event featuring BEVEL,  on Saturday May 3rd, 2014!

More details about the trunk show:
* Saturday May 3rd, 2014,  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 Bevel frames purchases
* Multiple pair discounts: 35% off a complete pair of glasses
* Outside valid prescriptions are welcome and appreciated

What is a trunk show?
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 wearing BEVEL 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 BEVEL frames and lenses! RSVP by April 25th 2014  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 BEVEL.. 
Based out of Kansas City, Bevel brings a clean, classic sophistication to our wide collection of eyewear. This line offers phenomenal spectacles that fit people with petite faces, as well as those who need a bigger frame.

Bevel is committed to maintaining a classic but minimalist esthetic, using truly high-quality materials. Form, function and quality are the bedrock of this stunning collection & they are constantly seeking innovation so Bevel glasses look, fit, and perform better.

As one of the very few USA based high end optical companies, Bevel continues to forge it’s own path to success both in the United States and internationally through it’s collection of bold and beautiful eyewear designs.

http://www.bevelspecs.com/

New Transitions Lenses are here!

Transitions Optical developed Transitions® Signature™ VII lenses to be more responsive in more situations by testing them in over 200 real-life conditions representing more than a thousand scenarios combining various temperatures, weather conditions and geographies. Read here to know more about the new and improved Transition VII lenses: 

 

What is Transitions® Signature™ VII and how is it different/better?

Transitions® Signature™ VII is the latest and most balanced photochromic lens from Transitions Optical. Transitions® Signature™ VII is more responsive in more situations, being more reactive to indirect light and darker especially in warmer conditions – while at the same keeping excellent clarity indoors and fast to fade back.

How are Transitions® Signature™ VII lenses different to Transitions® XTRActive™?

Both are clear lens replacements. Transitions® Signature™ VII is our most balanced lens to date having a high degree of indoor clarity and with improved outdoor darkness and responsiveness on hot days. It is available in a broad range of lens designs and materials in Grey and Brown. XTRActive™ goes darker outdoors, darkens moderately behind a car windscreen and has a slight residual tint indoors. It is available in Grey.

What’s new and different about the darkness of Transitions® Signature™ VII lenses?

Transitions® Signature™ VII lenses are darker than Transitions® VI™ lenses in average and hotter temperatures. When measured over 1000 times in 200 different situations Transitions® Signature™ VII Brown lenses were shown to be on average 21% darker than Transitions VI and Grey 15% darker. As the most balanced Transitions lens to date, Transitions® Signature™ VII lenses will provide even more visual comfort, glare reduction and enhanced contrast than any Transitions lens previously available. They are also darker in situations when the wearer is not directly facing the sun, which is key as wearers avoid looking into the sun.

Are Transitions® Signature™ VII lenses compatible with premium anti-reflective coatings?

Absolutely. Transitions® Signature™ VII lenses are compatible with all premium AR coatings and hardcoats.
In fact, Transitions® Signature™ VII lenses are even clearer than regular clear lenses when a premium
AR coating is applied. For added flexibility, if necessary, the hardcoat on Transitions® Signature™ VII l
lenses is easily removed in a laboratory prior to AR or proprietary hardcoat application.

Can Transitions® Signature™ VII lenses be tinted?

Yes, but we do not recommend it as tinting will compromise the clarity of Transitions® Signature™ VII
lenses which are virtually as clear as regular clear lenses indoors and at night. If a pre-tint is required
your patient might choose to consider Transitions Performance Sunwear and Transitions adaptive
sunwear lenses as they are specifically designed for outdoor activities.

Are Transitions® Signature™ VII lenses limited to any particular spectacle frames? 

Absolutely not. That’s one of the benefits of Transitions lenses – they are suitable for virtually any
frame designed for mounting prescription lenses.

In what colours are Transitions® Signature™ VII lenses offered?

Transitions® Signature™ VII lenses are available in Grey or Brown tints. Both tints have been optimised
for better color consistency, providing further improved aesthetics and enhanced vision.

 

February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Low Vision Awareness Month

Age-Related Macular Degeneration / Low Vision Awareness Month is sponsored by Prevent Blindness America.

What is Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD)? 
ARMD is a disorder of the macula. The macula is the part of your retina where your central and color vision comes from. ARMD is a complex disorder where degenerative protein/lipids (called “drusen”) deposit under the retina. These deposits are seen in early macular degeneration. As the disease progresses, the structural support system of the retina breaks down and can allow abnormal blood vessels to grow, or leak fluid and further disrupt the retinal cells. If these blood vessels grow in the macula then you will lose your central. (There are other types of macular degeneration and drusen deposits that are not related to ARMD so a complete eye exam by an eye doctor for diagnosis is recommended.)

ARMD is the leading cause of central vision loss in Americans over 50 years old.
There are three main types of age-related macular degeneration:

1. Dry or Nonexudative – drusen and pigment deposits only
2. Wet or Exudative – abnormal growth/leakage of blood vessels +/- drusen deposits
3. Geographic atrophy – retinal support system breaks down with loss of vision without blood vessels or drusen usually

What are the risk factors?

1. Age: Affects more than 2 million Americans over 50 years old. Prevalence of ARMD in the USA is around 6% when 65 and almost 20% when 75 years old.
2. Genetics: Family history (many genes being studied)
3. Smoking: Increases your risk for progression
4. Other eye conditions: hyperopia and light colored iris
5. Systemic diseases associated: hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, cardiovascular disease
6. Gender: women are more likely to be affected than men
7. Race: Caucasian
8. UV light – no significant proven risk but caution and sunglasses advised.

What is the treatment? 
One of the mainstays of treatment of dry AMD are: 1) quitting smoking and 2) taking lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin supplements.

Depending on your type and severity of macular degeneration, there are many new and exciting treatment options that can not only prevent further vision loss but they can help you regain vision, sometimes even back to 20/20. Discuss your options with your eye doctor.

More information about AMD can be found here: http://www.preventblindness.org/age-related-macular-degeneration-amd

What is Low Vision?
Low vision is defined as 20/60 or worse or a visual field less than 10 degrees.

What is Legal Blindness?
Legal blindness is 20/200 or worse or a visual field less than 20 degrees.

Why is Low Vision Awareness Important?
The most common causes of low vision in the USA are macular degeneration, followed by glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Identifying patients with low vision enables physicians to prescribe visual aids such as single vision reading glasses, high power magnifiers, and closed circuit TV monitors to assist with activities of daily living.

Where can I get help if I have Low Vision?
Talk to your eye physician.
Vision Aware - National Braille Literacy Month is January
Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired
Prevent Blindness America
American Foundation for the Blind
Foundation Fighting Blindness

Glaucoma: The 'silent thief' begins to tell its secrets

January 21, 2014

Glaucoma is sometimes called the "silent thief of sight" because it slowly damages the eyes and can cause irreparable harm before there is any vision loss. But this disease is stealthy in more ways than one. Glaucoma has been known at least since antiquity, and yet, researchers today still do not know what causes it in most cases. There are treatments to delay vision loss, but no cure, making it a leading cause of blindness all over the world.

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve, a cable at the back of each eye that connects it to the brain. It affects more than 2.7 million people in the United States and more than 60 million worldwide. There are many forms of the disease, but primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form and the most mysterious.

Since January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, it's a good time to ask: Are researchers making progress in solving this mystery?

"Primary open-angle glaucoma remains a black box, but researchers are pursuing many avenues to investigate the underlying causes. As we develop a better understanding of the disease process, we hope this will lead to new, more effective treatments and possibly even preventive therapies for it," said Hemin Chin, Ph.D., director of the Glaucoma and Optic Neuropathies program at the National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health.

High-pressure research
If you've ever had an air-puff test, also known as tonometry, then you may have heard that glaucoma is linked to an increase in eye pressure, or intraocular pressure. The unique anatomy of the eye, when combined with other factors, can cause a rise in eye pressure that can in turn cause some types of glaucoma.

The eye is filled with fluid that drains through a gap between the cornea and iris. A build-up of fluid and eye pressure can damage the optic nerve.

 

The front of the eye, between the cornea (the eye's front window) and the iris (the colored part of the eye), is filled with a clear fluid. This fluid leaves the eye and enters the blood by passing through a gap at the angle where the cornea and iris meet. The gap is filled with a sponge-like tissue called the trabecular meshwork, which helps regulate fluid passage. Sometimes, eye infections, injuries, or certain medications can narrow the gap and compress this spongy tissue, producing a rapid buildup of fluid and eye pressure. This is called angle-closure glaucoma.

In the United States, open-angle glaucoma is more common than angle-closure glaucoma, affecting about three times as many people. It has a more gradual course and there are no clear signs of blockage within the eye's drainage system. Yet, researchers estimate that 50 to 80 percent of people with open-angle glaucoma have eye pressure that is higher than average. Others have normal pressure or even low pressure. On the flip side, many people have high eye pressure but never develop glaucoma.

Dr. Robert Weinreb. Credit: UCSD

 

"Elevated intraocular pressure is a leading risk factor for primary open-angle glaucoma," said Robert N. Weinreb, M.D., chair and distinguished professor of ophthalmology, and director of the Hamilton Glaucoma Center at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). "The higher the intraocular pressure, the more likely the person is to develop glaucoma and the more likely it is to progress."
Because of these data, medications that lower eye pressure are a mainstay of glaucoma treatment. In some cases, a doctor may recommend surgery to increase fluid drainage from the eye. Drugs, surgery, or both approaches together are often successful at slowing the course of open-angle glaucoma. The NEI-funded Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study also found that pressure-lowering eye drops can delay the onset of glaucoma in people with high eye pressure. But even with medication or surgery, open-angle glaucoma usually continues to attack the optic nerve and cause gradual vision loss.

Other clues to glaucoma
There are other risk factors for open-angle glaucoma besides high eye pressure, and they may provide some clues about what causes it. For example, age is a clear risk factor. Open-angle glaucoma is rare among Americans under age 50, but affects nearly eight percent of Americans over 80.

Other risks come into play long before we grow old and even before we're born, including our ancestry. Open-angle glaucoma is about five times more common among African Americans and Mexican Americans compared to whites, and it has an earlier, more rapid course in African Americans. Family history also has a strong influence. A person's risk of developing open-angle glaucoma is about 10 times higher if a parent or sibling has it, and the risk is higher still if an identical twin has it.

These data from family and twin studies have prompted researchers to dig more deeply into the genetics of open-angle glaucoma. It turns out that sometimes open-angle glaucoma is passed from parent to child due to defects within a single gene. Eight such genes have been identified so far, and they tend to cause glaucoma with an early onset, before age 50. Thanks to these discoveries, there are now genetic tests that can help people with early-onset glaucoma determine the risk that their children will inherit the disease.

Unfortunately, it's rare that primary open-angle glaucoma can be traced to a single cause. In the vast majority of cases, experts theorize that the risk of the disease is influenced by many small genetic differences that vary from person to person. Alone, a single gene probably has a small impact on glaucoma risk.

Dr. Janey Wiggs.
Credit: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.

 

"It's like tossing little pebbles into a pool," said Janey Wiggs, M.D., Ph.D., associate director of the Ocular Genomics Institute at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, part of Harvard Medical School in Boston. "They only have a big impact when a bunch of them are thrown in together."

The search for glaucoma genes
Dr. Wiggs and other researchers are conducting ambitious studies to compare the full genetic makeup—or genome—of people who have open-angle glaucoma to people who are free from the disease. They hope to sort out all of the suspected genetic differences that put people at risk.
This research began more than 20 years ago. Two of Dr. Wiggs' colleagues at Harvard—Susan Hankinson, Sc.D., and Louis Pasquale, M.D.—had begun monitoring for open-angle glaucoma cases and collecting genetic samples from participants in two large public health studies. Dr. Wiggs began another genetic study of open-angle glaucoma in 1996, based on patients seen through the glaucoma service at Massachusetts Eye and Ear. But progress in these studies was painstakingly slow.

The pace accelerated dramatically with the completion of the NIH-led Human Genome Project in 2003, and the advent of technology to rapidly and cheaply decode each person's unique genome. Soon, Dr. Wiggs and her Harvard colleagues merged their efforts, and began working with researchers at other sites. In 2012, with funding and additional guidance from NEI, Dr. Wiggs began leading the NEI Glaucoma Human Genetics Collaboration (NEIGHBOR). This consortium includes 12 institutions across the U.S., and has collected genetic samples from about 4,500 patients and about 20,000 (control) individuals without the disease. Recently, it has been expanded to include a number of other ongoing studies, and to build a database of genetic and clinical information on glaucoma cases and controls, called the NEIGHBOR Heritable Overall Operational Database (NEIGHBORHOOD). There are also major genetic studies of glaucoma based in the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, and Iceland.

So far, these efforts have uncovered five regions of the genome that are strongly associated with primary open-angle glaucoma, Dr. Wiggs said. Within each region, investigators have found specific genes that, together, form a line-up of suspects believed to contribute to the disease. "Every gene has its own story, but most of them divide neatly into two groups," she said. "There are some that impact eye pressure and others that impact the optic nerve."

Remember the trabecular meshwork, the spongy tissue that regulates fluid flow out of the eye? At least two of the genes linked to higher eye pressure and higher glaucoma risk appear to affect the function of this tissue, Dr. Wiggs said.

Genes affecting the cornea may also have an effect on glaucoma risk, she said. Many past studies have found that people with thin corneas are more likely to develop open-angle glaucoma. The NEIGHBOR consortium has found genetic factors that are associated with both a decrease in corneal thickness and an increase in the risk of open-angle glaucoma.

Linking genes with other risk factors
Another effort that is yielding data on glaucoma risk is the African Descent and Glaucoma Evaluation Study (ADAGES). This NEI-funded study was launched in 2002, in order to seek explanations for the high prevalence and rapid course of primary open-angle glaucoma in African Americans. Dr. Weinreb is leading it in collaboration with his UCSD colleague Linda Zangwill, Ph.D., and with Jeffrey Liebmann, M.D., at New York University Langone Medical Center, and Christopher Girkin, M.D., at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Soon after the study began, the researchers found that, compared to whites, African Americans have thinner corneas and subtle abnormalities in the visual field that aren't detected with standard diagnostic tests. (The visual field is the area of space a person can see at a given instant without moving the eyes.) These abnormalities may be an early sign of disease. Recently, the study has expanded to include a search for genetic factors that put African Americans at risk for open-angle glaucoma.

"By identifying genetic and non-genetic factors associated with glaucoma in this high-risk population, we hope to develop better means to diagnose it and detect progression, and improved drug targets that could benefit all patients," Dr. Weinreb said.

There is likely much more to glaucoma risk than a person's genes. Lifestyle, environment, and other factors are also believed to play a role, experts say. Various studies have examined the potential role of smoking, alcohol, caffeine, fat intake, and exercise in open-angle glaucoma, but so far, none of these has shown a strong relationship with the disease. In women, earlier age at menopause has been linked to a higher risk of the disease. In collaboration with Dr. Pasquale at Harvard, Dr. Wiggs has found that in women, but not men, open-angle glaucoma is associated with small variations in genes that regulate the reproductive hormone estrogen. These findings have led to speculation that estrogen replacement therapy may help protect older women from glaucoma, but research on this topic is inconclusive.

"As a community, there's still a lot we don't know about glaucoma," Dr. Wiggs said. "However, we've been able to achieve some success by pooling resources and ideas. I think we will see more rapid progress in the next few years."

Protecting yourself against glaucoma
Even though the risks of glaucoma aren't fully understood, remembering these tips can help you protect yourself and your family against it:

• People at higher risk include African Americans age 40 and older, everyone over age 60, especially Mexican Americans, and those with a family history of the disease.
• Because glaucoma often has no symptoms in its early stages, people at higher risk should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam every one to two years.
• With early detection and treatment, it is possible to slow progression of the disease and preserve vision.

NEI has more information about how to reduce your risk of vision loss from glaucoma, including this fact sheet and video. The NEIGHBORHOOD study is funded by NEI grant EY022305 and ADAGES is funded by NEI grant EY023704.

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

Glaucoma, the “Sneak Thief of Sight,” May Strike Without Pain or Other Symptoms

The Oregon Optometric Physicians Association Offers Advice to Help Protect Against Vision Loss - Washington, DC (12/31/13)

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month and the American Optometric Association (AOA) is urging people of all ages to take control of their eye health through early detection to help minimize the risk of developing glaucoma. Glaucoma leads to progressive damage to the optic nerve and a loss of nerve tissue resulting in loss of vision.

Currently, 2.7 million people in the United States over age 40 have glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S., yet understanding and awareness of the disease is still relatively low. According to data from the AOA’s 2013 American EyeQ® consumer survey, Americans do not fully understand glaucoma:

● 72 percent think glaucoma has early warning signs—it does not –only a comprehensive eye exam administered by an eye doctor can detect the disease

● 86 percent don’t know what part of vision glaucoma affects— progressive deterioration to peripheral vision making it hard to see

● 47 percent think glaucoma is preventable—it is not preventable but it may be treated and progression can be slowed if it is detected and treated early

“Yearly, comprehensive eye exams play a critical role in detection and treatment of glaucoma,” said Robert Bittel, O.D., Chair of the AOA’s Health Promotion Committee. “Dilated eye exams allow eye doctors to thoroughly examine the pressure and nerves inside the eyes for potential signs of the disease. Early detection, prompt treatment and regular monitoring can help control glaucoma, and therefore, reduce the chances of progressive vision loss.”

Americans are also unaware if they are at risk for developing glaucoma: only 13 percent of Americans know that a person’s race could place them at a higher risk of developing glaucoma. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, glaucoma is six to eight times more common in African Americans than Caucasians. Additional factors that can increase the risk of developing glaucoma include those who have a family history of glaucoma, hypothyroidism, are over age 60 or individuals who have had severe eye trauma.

Treatment for glaucoma includes prescription eye drops and medicines to lower pressure in the eyes. In some cases, laser treatment or surgery may be effective in reducing pressure.

In addition to regular, comprehensive eye exams, the AOA recommends incorporating a few tips to help maintain overall eye health and clear, comfortable vision:

● Eat green, leafy vegetables and foods rich in nutrients like beta carotene, vitamin C and zinc to protect eyes from disease.

● Stop smoking and cut down on alcohol and caffeine when possible. .

● If you work in front of a computer, practice the 20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break to help avoid eye strain and computer vision syndrome.

● Wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection year round.

● See your optometrist if you are experiencing stinging, itchy, or scratchy eyes, excessive tearing, or any eye discomfort or reduced vision; he or she may recommend artificial tears or tear substitutes, or prescribe medication.

New Year’s Resolutions - 2014!

1. New Year’s Resolutions #2: Maintaining Proper Eye Care

Now that the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is behind us, it is time to start packing up the Christmas decorations and preparing yourself and your family for the start of another year. Whether you are planning on ringing in 2013 with a festive party that counts down to midnight, or you prefer a quiet night at home to reflect on the past year, there is one common New Year's routine that is a tradition for people all over the world: RESOLUTIONS.

New Year’s resolutions are a chance for us to look back on what we wish we could have improved on in the past and finally pledge to change our bad habits going into a fresh new year. However, while many people typically create their resolutions around health and fitness goals―an improved diet, a regular fitness routine, becoming more active, etc.―why not spend this year focusing on improving the health and well-being of your vision?

Many people often assume that because their vision is stable, their eyes are healthy. However, this is not always the case. Regular eye examinations cannot only help to protect your vision and help prevent future problems, but it can also help to uncover evidence of many different diseases, including diabetes and hypertension.

However, eye exams are not the only way in which you should be taking care of your vision in the upcoming new year. We have put together several simple steps that will help to ensure that your eyes and your vision health stays strong in 2014, and beyond.

Contact Care
If you are a daily wearer of contact lenses, it is important that you follow necessary steps when it comes to cleaning and maintaining your contacts. For instance, you should always take out your contact lenses when you go to sleep at night and follow the FDA recommended replacement schedule when it comes time to change them out. You should also make a resolution to use only the recommended disinfection solution, and to change your contact case every three months to make sure that you are keeping your lenses clean.

Vision and Electronics
The amount of time that we spend in front of television and computer screens may not be able to permanently damage our vision, but it still can take a significant toll on your productivity and work performance. Eyes can become dry, irritated and red when they are in front of a screen for too long. Therefore, be sure to follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This will help to make sure that your eyes stay healthy and hydrated.

Sun Protection
It is no secret that UV rays can be very damaging to our vision and eye health. Therefore, why not invest in a protective pair of prescription sunglasses  this year so that you can prevent exposure to the dangerous sunlight when you are outside. If you are outside a lot, you may also wish to purchase a hat or any other kind of protective clothing that will give you an extra layer of protection against UV rays.

When it comes to our vision, preventative maintenance and regular eye exams can go a long way towards keeping your eyes healthy all year long. Therefore, be sure to follow these three simple steps to ensure that 2014 will be a year for healthy vision!

2. New Year's Resolutions #1: How to save money but not sacrifice the quality of your eyecare. 

 

Maintain a regular schedule for eye exams.
Many people feel that they are saving money by skipping their recommended eye exams.  Did you know that eye exams are primarily about eye health, not just clarity of sight?  There are some blinding conditions with no symptoms that can only be detected with a thorough eye exam. If caught early, they can often be treated early with much simpler treatments. This can save hundreds or thousands of dollars of complicated treatment, including ocular surgery. This doesn’t even factor in the lost income and quality of life that can come from the loss of vision.

Get the exam that you pay for.
This may seem very obvious, but you should be sure that you are getting a complete and thorough eye exam. After all, if you are paying for something, you should get it.  Sometimes people are reluctant to have their pupils dilated during an exam, but if they don’t, the doctor cannot look for signs of disease in the back of the eye. Find out if there is a charge to come back and finish the exam at a later date. If you bring your child to eye doctor because you have concerns that vision may be affecting school performance, ask beforehand what type of tests are included.  Not all vision plans will cover this specialized testing, so you should find out how much it costs.

Utilize InfantSEE.
As with all health issues, prevention is more cost effective than treatment. This is particularly true for infants. An eye early eye exam can detect potential problems such as extreme nearsightedness and farsightedness as well as strabismus and amblyopia. To assist in this, the American Optometric Association created the public health initiative called InfantSEE. Our office provides one visual and eye health exam to infants between six and twelve months old at no charge.

Understand your Vision Plan, Medical Insurance, Flex and HSAs.
Some medical plans have coverage for eye exams. Some plans specifically cover medical problems such as eye infections and glaucoma. Other plans are specifically for vision and will have coverage for a vision exam, glasses, or contacts, but not medical visits. If you or your employer pays for these benefits, use them wisely. Find out what the annual benefits are. Ask the doctor’s staff to help you maximize your benefits. For example, you are getting both glasses and contact lenses and your plan only covers one of these, you may save more money applying the benefits to the glasses.  Also know that you cannot ask that the vision plan be billed on a different date than you actually received the service.  However, you CAN use your Flex and HSA accounts for eyecare and optical purchases.

Select your eyewear carefully.
When you are picking out eyewear, try on the styles and brands that you like. But keep in mind the purpose of each pair of glasses you buy. You might love the Dior frames with crystals, but if you work or play hard, it might make more sense to get some less expensive frames that are built to be durable. RayBan sunglasses are durable, but if you are prone to losing them (or dropping them in the gulf!) spend a extra few dollars on a glasses strap. And when shopping  around, be sure you compare apples to apples. A discount store or online retailer may be cheaper,  but consider material quality and customer service when making your choice.  Will your optical service remake lenses in the case of an error?  What happens if the coating flakes off within a few months? Our office prides itself on personalized frame and lens selection and high quality products with generous warranties!

Get the right lens materials and coatings.
Find out what the doctor or optician recommends for lens options, but don’t just assume that more expensive is better. Some lens options are worth a little extra: The newer anti-reflective coatings will improve the clarity of your lenses, reduce glare, and resist scratches.  Some fabulously high-tech lens materials are essential for someone with a very high prescription but may be a waste of money if you have a low prescription. We always recommend UV protection for all general purpose glasses, but if you only use glasses for reading indoors, then it may not be needed.  On the other hand the anti-reflective coatings are a necessity for computer use.  If the optical staff do not explain your options to your satisfaction – ask. They may be able to help you save money when they understand how the glasses are to be used.

Try multipurpose lenses.
Do you own just one pair of shoes? Not likely, because most people have different shoes for different purposes. Your eyes also have different needs and no one single pair of glasses will meet all those needs.  But you don’t need to own a baker’s dozen pairs of glasses either. If you have a different prescription for reading and distance (like most people over 45), save money with just one pair of bifocals or progressives. It is best to have a dedicated pair of prescription sunglasses.  But eyewear with clip-on sunglasses or Transitions (that darken in the sun) are a cost-effective and protect your eyes from UV and bright sun.

Make use of your warranties.
If you are spending hard-earned money on glasses, you expect them to work well for you. Always inquire about what warranty is included in your purchase. At Uptown EyeCare, most of our eyewear frames come with a 2-year breakage warranty. If you get premium anti-reflective coating, it also includes a 2-year scratch warranty.

Learn about your contacts.
Talking to your optometrist about your contact lens options.  Monthly lenses may be a cost-saving option for full-time wearers;  daily lenses are a good deal for occasional contact wearers, especially when you factor in the solution costs.  RGP (hard) contacts frequently outperform their soft counterparts and can be up to half as expensive.

Consider financing options or just planning ahead.
Many offices, including ours, accept cash, checks and multiple credit cards.  This is helpful for spreading the cost around so you do not have to pay it all at once for extra pairs or spare pairs of glasses.  We also have many patients pick out two pair of glasses and order one pair of glasses now and get the second pair in a month and take advantage of our multiple pairs discounts.

3. New Year Resolutions for Parents and Teachers! 

**Parents – I resolve:

To play catch with my child and help strengthen his/her visual skills.

To make sure my child doesn’t use a smart phone, iPad or laptop with poor posture.

To realize that signs of dyslexia could also be the signs of a vision problem.

To make sure my child uses the Harmon Distance (the distance from the big knuckle on the middle finger to the tip of the elbow) when doing near work.

To schedule next year’s vision test before school starts.

To use these summer activities to give my child meaningful visual experiences.

To realize that school screenings don’t provide the complete picture on a child’s vision, as they don’t test functional vision.

To make sure that my child, when using a computer screen, is sitting on a chair with his/her feet flat on the floor and legs at a ninety-degree angle.

To take action if I get bad news at a parent-teacher conference.

To understand why my gifted child hates school.

To understand the difference between crossed eye and lazy eye.

To watch my child for headaches, excessive eye-rubbing and a short attention span – telltale signs of a vision problem.

To consider vision as a reason your child says, “I hate school.”


Teachers – I resolve:

To ensure my classroom has proper lighting for computer use.

To have my children take vision breaks when they are using computers.  Every 15 minutes, they should look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

To have my students use a slant board or a three-ring binder as a slant board.

To understand the impact vision has on standardized testing.

To improve my understanding of how vision relates to math.

To make parents aware of the connection between vision and learning.

To learn how vision impacts spelling.

To use visualization to help struggling readers.

To modify my classroom for children with vision problems.

To understand that a child can have 20/20 eyesight but still have a vision problem.

A big list, we know.  Try and shoot for 1 or 2 (or 3 or 4).  It will be a big difference in a child’s life and learning. Happy New Year from all of us at Uptown EyeCare!

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.