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.

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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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Debunking Eye Myths

Burning Question: Does reading in dim light hurt your eyes?

By HEIDI MITCHELL - The Wall Street Journal - 4/8/2013

Mom always told us we'd go blind if we read in the dark. Does science back her up? Jim Sheedy, a doctor of vision science and director of the Vision Performance Institute at Oregon's Pacific University, sets his sights on the truth. 

Dark Matter

Turns out, our parents were wrong. "There is no reason to believe nor evidence to support that any long-term damage to the eyes or change in the physiology to the eyes can be caused by reading in the dark," Dr. Sheedy says. That is not to say that nocturnal page-turning won't lead to discomfort or fatigue. The lack of light will cause the pupils to dilate, resulting in a smaller depth of field—the distance between the nearest and farthest object that the eye considers to be in focus. Dr. Sheedy says the added effort to change focus (called the eye's accommodative system) and the effort to change the angle of the lines of sight between the two eyes (called the vergent system) will likely make your eyes feel tired and your body spent. But, of course, that's often the object of reading under the covers.

Seeing Clearly

Dr. Sheedy says he assures his students that there isn't enough evidence to argue that what you do with your eyes leads to myopia (nearsightedness): "The predominant determinant of myopia is genetics." No link to long-term damage has ever been conclusively shown, says Dr. Sheedy. "It's an old tale, a ploy used by moms to get kids to go to sleep when they wanted them to," he says.

Electronic Age

Reading on a tablet device won't damage your eyes, Dr. Sheedy says. His team has studied various fonts, computer displays and pixel resolutions, and found the difference in effect on the eye between reading e-ink and the printed word to be negligible.  He adds that pixel density and screen resolution have reached the point at which the eye doesn't know which it is seeing. So if reading a printed book in dim light is fine, so is reading a Kindle or iPad.

Moving from Dark to Light

The eyes adapt quickly when going to the light—emerging from a tunnel into the sun, say—but going to the dark "requires the regeneration of photo pigments, and that takes some time to reach full dark-adaptation," says Dr. Sheedy. Adjusting to the dim light next to your bed should only take seconds. But when going from bright light to maximum darkness, studies have shown, eye sensitivity continues to change for up to 25 minutes, he says. Just ask a pirate. "Ever wonder why a pirate wears patches? It's not because he was wounded in a sword fight," says Dr. Sheedy. Seamen must constantly move between the pitch black of below decks and the bright sunshine above. Smart pirates "wore a patch over one eye to keep it dark-adapted outside." Should a battle break out and the pirate had to shimmy below, he would simply switch the patch to the outdoor eye and he could see in the dark right away—saving him 25 minutes of flailing his cutlass about in near blindness.

Kilsgaard Frame Show Photo Gallery

Thank you everyone for attending our first Kilsgaard frame show on March 23rd, 2013!

We had a great time seeing all of you who came to see these stunning yet simple aluminum spectacles! On behalf of the entire Uptown EyeCare crew, thank you Brett, our Kilsgaard rep, for your generous help to make this day a success!

Here are some photos from the big day: