Eyeland Optical Centers

Seeing Spots? Be Careful

eyelandoptical — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:01:46 +0000

Most of us occasionally see semi-transparent spots floating in our peripheral vision. Sometimes they’re round; other times they look like threads or cobwebs. They move as your eyes move, and disappear when you try to look at them directly.

These spots may be nothing to worry about. They’re often caused by tiny, harmless bits of protein that were trapped in your eye fluid before birth.

Frequent spots, however, can be cause for concern. Aging can deteriorate your eye fluid, and certain eye diseases/injuries—which may not have other symptoms—can make spots an annoying or even dangerous fixture in your life.

If you notice a sudden change in eyespots, see your doctor immediately. An exam will quickly diagnose any problems and save you from possible vision loss.

What Contact Lenses Are Best For You

eyelandoptical — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:55:07 +0000

Contacts lenses provide a safe and reliable way for individuals to correct their vision without compromising an active lifestyle. In fact, one of the most common reasons for younger patients to switch over to lenses is because of sports and physical activity. No matter what your reason may be, it is important that you know what factors to consider when choosing the right contact lenses for your lifestyle.

Here are some other factors that patients should consider:

Astigmatism: Astigmatism is a common refractive error that causes vision to be blurry because the cornea is abnormally shaped. If you have astigmatism, contacts lenses known as toric lenses may be recommended.
Modality: Contact lenses are generally categorized by how long a lens can be worn before it needs to be replaced – this is known as modality. Currently, there are three modalities to choose from: (1) One day; or daily disposable contacts. These lenses are worn in the morning by the patient and discarded at night. (2) The second modality patients can choose from is known as 2 week contacts. Some patients prefer this modality because it is a more cost-effective option. (3) The final modality is the monthly wear contact lens, and is the most cost-effective lens. These lenses are great for patients who regularly care for their lenses and remain compliant with their eye care practitioner’s advice.
Special Lifestyle Needs: Do you suffer from dry eyes? Allergies? Do you prefer contact lenses that will remain comfortable from extended wear? Do you prefer to sleep with your contact lenses still in your eyes? All these lifestyle questions are important when it comes to selecting the proper contact lens for you.

For more information on contact lenses, make sure to talk to an eye care practitioner near you.

Eyewear Trends for 2012

eyelandoptical — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 02:30:39 +0000

2012 is offering up some new, fun trends in eyewear for both women and men. Below are the 5 top wearable trends of the year, so that you, too, can update your eye fashion.

1. RETRO LOOK

A lot of eyewear today is inspired by retro eras. These nostalgic glasses are intelligent and sexy, and offer an iconic silhouette that achieves a timeless look.

2. CAT EYES

Cat- eyes styles are ultra-feminine and flattering to both oval and heart-shaped visages. These playful styles are inspired by classic screen sirens, and offer a fun and spirited way to express your unique sense of style.

3. COLOR

Blue, in all shades, is overtaking eyewear stores. Whether you opt for a steely blue metal frame or funky turquoise rims, bring some color to your eyes!

4. MILITARY FASHION

This trend offers something for the men. Military style is all the rage this year, and it’s extending to eyewear as well. Guys can choose anything from understated tortoiseshell camo frames to bold green rims with bright yellow stripes.

5. PRINTS AND PATTERNS

Prints on frames are increasingly popular, especially those with an organic, natural feel. Whether you’re drawn to a subtle abstract pattern or a striking floral, there is something out there for every trendsetter.

CIBA Vision Discontinues Specialty Contact Lenses

eyelandoptical — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:56:00 +0000

In June 2011 CIBA Vision discontinued manufacturing most of its specialty contact lenses. This isn’t a reflection on the quality or safety of the products, and it’s not in response to customer complaints; after reviewing its business, the company simply decided to focus their efforts elsewhere in the market. If you wear CIBA Vision specialty contacts, check the list of replacement options below for a brand that will suit your needs. Additionally, check CIBA Vision’s website [link] for an upcoming CIBA Vision Re-fit Rebate, which will defer the cost of a new contact lens fitting.

Discontinued Lenses: Replacement Lenses:

Cibasoft® contact lenses (SoftColors® and Visitint®)	AIR OPTIX® AQUA contact lenses AIR OPTIX® NIGHT & DAY® AQUA contact lenses DAILIES® AQUACOMFORT PLUS® contact lenses FreshLook Dimensions® contact lenses Focus® Monthly SoftColors® contact lenses

Cibasoft® Progressive Toric	AIR OPTIX® AQUA Multifocal contact lenses DAILIES® Progressives contact lenses AIR OPTIX® for ASTIGMATISM contact lenses as monovision DAILIES® Toric contact lenses as monovision

CSI® Daily Wear Locator Tint	AIR OPTIX® AQUA contact lenses AIR OPTIX® NIGHT & DAY® AQUA contact lenses DAILIES® AQUACOMFORT PLUS® contact lenses

CSI® Flexible Wear	AIR OPTIX® AQUA contact lenses AIR OPTIX® NIGHT & DAY® AQUA contact lenses

CSI® Toric	AIR OPTIX® for ASTIGMATISM contact lenses DAILIES® Toric contact lenses

Durasoft® 2 LiteTint®	AIR OPTIX® AQUA contact lenses AIR OPTIX® NIGHT & DAY® AQUA contact lenses DAILIES® AQUACOMFORT PLUS® contact lenses

Durasoft® 2 Colors	FreshLook Colors® contact lenses

Durasoft® 2 Colors for Light Eyes	FreshLook Dimensions® contact lenses

Durasoft® 2 ColorBlends®	FreshLook ColorBlends® contact lenses

Durasoft® 2 Optifit® Toric Handling Tint	AIR OPTIX® for ASTIGMATISM contact lenses DAILIES® Toric contact lenses

Durasoft® 2 Optifit® Toric Colors	FreshLook Colors® contact lenses

Durasoft® 2 Optifit® Toric Colors for Light Eyes®	FreshLook® Toric ColorBlends® contact lenses

Durasoft® 3 LiteTint®	AIR OPTIX® AQUA contact lenses AIR OPTIX® NIGHT & DAY® AQUA contact lenses DAILIES® AQUACOMFORT PLUS® contact lenses
Durasoft® 3 ColorBlends®	FreshLook ColorBlends® contact lenses

Durasoft® 3 Colors	FreshLook Colors® contact lenses

Durasoft® 3 Colors Complements®	FreshLook ColorBlends® contact lenses

Durasoft® 3 Optifit® Toric Handling Tint	AIR OPTIX® for ASTIGMATISM contact lenses DAILIES® Toric contact lenses

Durasoft® 3 Optifit® Toric ColorBlends®	FreshLook® Toric ColorBlends® contact lenses

Durasoft® 3 Optifit® Toric Colors	FreshLook® Toric ColorBlends® contact lenses

Durasoft® 3 Optifit® Toric Colors Complements®	FreshLook® Toric ColorBlends® contact lenses

Hydrocurve® II	AIR OPTIX® AQUA contact lenses AIR OPTIX® NIGHT & DAY® AQUA contact lenses

Hydrocurve® 3 Toric	AIR OPTIX® for ASTIGMATISM contact lenses DAILIES® Toric contact lenses

Illusions®	DAILIES® Toric contact lenses

O2OPTIX® Custom	AIR OPTIX® AQUA contact lenses AIR OPTIX® NIGHT & DAY® AQUA contact lenses DAILIES® AQUACOMFORT PLUS® contact lenses

SoftMate® B	AIR OPTIX® AQUA contact lenses AIR OPTIX® NIGHT & DAY® AQUA contact lenses DAILIES® AQUACOMFORT PLUS® contact lenses

Torisoft®	AIR OPTIX® for ASTIGMATISM contact lenses DAILIES® Toric contact lenses

WildEyes®	None

What to Do in an Eye Emergency

eyelandoptical — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:11:54 +0000

Always seek prompt medical attention following an eye injury, especially if you

experience pain, blurred vision or vision loss. Not all damage creates immediate

effects, so it’s essential to let a doctor make sure your eyes are healthy.

Perform simple first aid until you can obtain medical assistance. Quick action can

often prevent more serious injury.

Foreign objects in the eye

• Try lifting the eyelid outward and down to create tears. This may wash the

object out. Alternatively, try irrigating the eye with an artificial tear.

• Don’t rub the eye.

• If the particle does not wash out, keep the eye closed, bandage it lightly and

seek medical care.

Chemicals in the eye

• Flush the eye with water for at least 15 minutes. Place the eye under a

faucet or shower, use a garden hose, or pour water into the eye from a clean

container.

• If you wear contact lenses, don’t stop to remove them. Begin flushing the eye

immediately. This may wash the lens out of the eye.

• Do not try to neutralize the chemical with other substances.

• Do not bandage the eye.

• Seek immediate medical attention after flushing.

Blows to the eye

• Gently apply a cold compress without putting pressure on the eye. This will

reduce pain and swelling.

• In cases of severe pain or reduced vision, seek immediate medical care.

Cuts/punctures to the eye or eyelid

• Do not wash out the eye.

• Do not attempt to remove an object that is stuck in the eye.

• Shield the eye with a rigid object, like the bottom half of a paper cup.

• Seek immediate medical care.

What to Do in an Eye Emergency

eyelandoptical — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:11:43 +0000

Always seek prompt medical attention following an eye injury, especially if you

experience pain, blurred vision or vision loss. Not all damage creates immediate

effects, so it’s essential to let a doctor make sure your eyes are healthy.

Perform simple first aid until you can obtain medical assistance. Quick action can

often prevent more serious injury.

Foreign objects in the eye

• Try lifting the eyelid outward and down to create tears. This may wash the

object out. Alternatively, try irrigating the eye with an artificial tear.

• Don’t rub the eye.

• If the particle does not wash out, keep the eye closed, bandage it lightly and

seek medical care.

Chemicals in the eye

• Flush the eye with water for at least 15 minutes. Place the eye under a

faucet or shower, use a garden hose, or pour water into the eye from a clean

container.

• If you wear contact lenses, don’t stop to remove them. Begin flushing the eye

immediately. This may wash the lens out of the eye.

• Do not try to neutralize the chemical with other substances.

• Do not bandage the eye.

• Seek immediate medical attention after flushing.

Blows to the eye

• Gently apply a cold compress without putting pressure on the eye. This will

reduce pain and swelling.

• In cases of severe pain or reduced vision, seek immediate medical care.

Cuts/punctures to the eye or eyelid

• Do not wash out the eye.

• Do not attempt to remove an object that is stuck in the eye.

• Shield the eye with a rigid object, like the bottom half of a paper cup.

• Seek immediate medical care.

What is Corneal Molding?

eyelandoptical — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 07:23:25 +0000

In use since the 1960s, corneal molding, also known as Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is a safe and reliable alternative to laser eye surgery. Ortho-K is a non-surgical process that uses special contact lenses (molds) to shape the cornea, the clear casing of the

eye. Where surgery removes corneal imperfections, Ortho-K fixes them through more natural means. Most patients achieve clear, unaided vision the first day after overnight wear, but patients with strong prescriptions may need to wear temporary soft contact lenses for a brief period until clarity is achieved. Once this happens, molds must be worn every night while sleeping to maintain the effect.

Ortho-K is a good option for most patients—especially children who aren’t ready for surgery. It’s even been shown to slow the progression of myopia in kids. Visit your eye doctor to find out more about Ortho-K and permanent vision correction.

UV-Blocking Sunglasses: More Than Just Shade

eyelandoptical — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:14:54 +0000

Most of us put on sunscreen at the beach. But do you consider how the sun can damage your eyes?

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation adds up over time, so childhood full of sunny beach days can cause eye problems later in life.

Simply put, the sun overwhelms your eyes. No matter where you look, your eye takes in UV radiation from above, below and both sides. It all ends up in one spot: the lens. Too much UV radiation can change the lens tissue, resulting in cataracts (cloudy vision) or other disturbances.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends sunglasses that block 99-100% of UV-A and UV-B rays. However, many sunglasses don’t guard against solar radiation entering from the sides. Additional protection is offered by some contact

lenses, which UV absorb radiation on all sides.

Ask your eye doctor about FDA standards for sunglasses and contact lenses, and what protection level is right for your lifestyle.

What is Conjunctivitis?

eyelandoptical — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 02:46:05 +0000

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the thin lining of the inner eyelid that covers the white part of the eye. Often called “pink eye,” it’s a common and generally mild eye disorder. Some forms are highly contagious and are easily spread in schools, workplaces and the home, which makes it especially common among children. With treatment it usually goes away quickly, but untreated cases can become a serious problem.

Conjunctivitis may be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It can also result from an allergic reaction to pollen, smoke, cosmetics, chlorine or other eye irritants. In rare cases, sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia or gonorrhea can also cause conjunctivitis.

People with conjunctivitis may experience the following eye symptoms:

- Itching/burning

- A “gritty” feeling

- Excessive tearing or discharge

- Swollen eyelids

- Pink discoloration

- Increased sensitivity to light

Conjunctivitis resulting from direct chemical contact requires immediate eye flushing and medical attention. Otherwise, treatment is varied. Antibiotic eye drops usually cure bacterial conjunctivitis, while anti-inflammatory drugs relieve allergic conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis must be allowed to run its course, but symptoms are treatable. To protect your vision and avoid the chance of infecting others, see your doctor at the first sign of conjunctivitis.

Will Contact Lenses Protect My Eyes on the Job?

eyelandoptical — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 02:10:49 +0000

Crystal clear vision keeps you safe on the job, and contact lenses certainly help you achieve that. Studies show that contact lens wearers have larger vision fields and less visual distortion than people who wear eyeglasses. Contacts can also be easier to wear than frames, especially if your job requires you to use devices like face masks or respirators. This comfort leaves you to concentrate on your work.

But contact lenses don’t physically protect your eyes from foreign bodies or other work-related hazards. The American Optometric Association says it’s safe to wear contact lenses in most eye-hazardous work environments, but if your job requires eye protection (goggles, etc.) it must be worn over your contact lenses in the manner prescribed by your employer.

In rare cases, such as when hazardous chemical fumes are present, the determination of contact lens wear must be made on a case-by-case bases. Check with your employer or safety officer to determine the contact lens policy at your workplace, and consult your eye doctor for more information.