Branch retinal vein occlusions (BRVOs) occur when there is an occlusion in the retinal veins, and are more common in those with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Sometimes, when this occurs, there may actually be no symptoms. Therefore, yearly eye exams are EXTREMELY important for those with cardiovascular disease.
Join us for our BIGGEST eyeglass sale of the year!
During the month of February ONLY, we are offering $100 off all Lafont Eyewear. Yes, we must be crazy! These gorgeous eyeglasses are unique pieces of art, as each pair is individually handcrafted in Paris. It is hard to find eyewear like this anymore! Please note that supplies are limited, and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. This offer CAN be combined with insurance.
An eye exam might be the first indicator of high cholesterol
Do you see the white arcs on the superior and inferior portion of this person's cornea? This is called "arcus," and is very common over age 50. However, under age 50, it can indicate high cholesterol. Often, arcus is not visible with the naked eye, and is usually only visible with a biomicroscope that an eye doctor would use during a routine exam. A lot of underlying systemic problems (including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and Diabetes) can actually first be discovered by way of a proper eye exam. Don't neglect the importance of your yearly eye exams!
Dr. Neka's TOP FIVE EYE HEALTH RESOLUTIONS for 2017!
1) Get an eye exam! A routine eye exam is recommended every single year. I'm not talking about the basic vision screening done at your child's school or at your work. I'm talking about a comprehensive eye exam done at an eye doctor's office. Comprehensive eye exams can unveil early glaucoma, retinal tears, and even high blood pressure/high cholesterol/diabetes. Remember: Perfect 20/20 vision discovered at a vision screening doesn't necessarily mean your eyes are healthy! I've seen glaucoma in a 30-year old with no symptoms, and I've seen a retinal tear in a 20-year old with no symptoms!
2) Eat healthy! A diet high in lutein and vitamins A, C, and E may help prevent the onset of macular degeneration, according to recent studies. Try adding kale, spinach, eggs, berries, bell peppers, carrots, sweet potatoes, and almonds to your shopping list! A multivitamin doesn't hurt either.
3) Invest in a good pair of sunglasses! Long-term exposure to UV light has been shown to be a contributing factor to early-onset cataracts and macular degeneration. This is especially important in Colorado! To save you some money, we can instead make you a pair of polarized sun clips custom-made to clip onto your glasses.
4) Drink more water! Drinking a full 8 glasses of water a day (more if you're exercising) can help reduce symptoms/signs of eye dryness, which is very common here in Colorado. This is especially important in the wintertime, when the heater is on more, and we often forget about our H2O!
5) Quit smoking! Smoking has also been shown to be a contributing factor to macular degeneration. Easier said that done, right? Consider a smoking cessation class, offered at Longmont United Hospital and a few other clinics right here in Boulder County.
The human eye vs an iphone 7 camera!
If the human eye was a digital camera, it would have a resolution of 576 megapixels. That's 48 times the resolution you get from the iPhone 7 camera! It'll be interesting to see how long it'll take innovators to create a camera with even half the amount of resolution as the human eye. It's very possible that this is something we won't see in our time.
What are "Christmas Tree" Cataracts?!?!
There are different types of cataracts, and some are associated with certain systemic conditions. The cataract pictured below is called a "Christmas Tree Cataract." I'm sure by looking at it, you can figure out how it got it's name! Christmas Tree Cataracts are commonly associated with Myotonic Dystrophy, a disorder that can cause progressive weakness in the muscles.
We're donating 30% of proceeds today to Meals on Wheels!
Today is 'Colorado Gives Day!' In honor of Colorado Gives Day, Sight Eyecare will be donating 30% of all proceeds today to the Longmont chapter of Meals on Wheels. Thank you so much for all that you do for our community, Meals on Wheels! Remember: We are open late on Tuesdays each and every week, including today (until 7:00 PM)!
Did you know that close to 70% of people with vision insurance let their insurance go to waste every year?
Did you know that a lot of VSP plans allow you to get glasses/contacts NOW, and then AGAIN in January 2017? Did you know that you can use your FSA dollars at our office for your yearly eye exam, contact lenses, and/or glasses? Don't let your insurance or your FSA dollars go to waste! For more information on how to get the most out of your benefits, give us a call! We'd be happy to go over the details of your plan with you. We recommend scheduling your exam now, to avoid the end-of-year rush, when availability will be more limited.
