Why do newborns sleep just fine with the lights on?!
Your baby's eyes are not very sensitive to light in the first month of life. In fact, the amount of light required for a 1-month-old infant to be aware that light is present (called the light detection threshold) is 50 times higher than that of an adult. So it's okay to leave some lights on in the nursery! It won't affect their ability to sleep, and it may help keep you from running into walls when you go in to check on them!
I know you're ready for summer. But are your eyes ready?
Summer is soon approaching! The kiddos are now out of school and pool/hiking season is about to commence! Just like your skin can burn when exposed to the sun's harmful rays, your eyes can suffer as well. Luckily, we offer a wide range of options for sun protection. The most popular option is for us to make you a separate pair of prescription sunglasses. Most vision insurance companies will give you a nice discount on this additional pair of Rx sunglasses, since protecting the eyes from harmful UV light is so important. The brands we carry include Rayban, Oakley, Coach, Kate Spade, Oliver Peoples, and Bebe, though actually any ophthalmic frame can be converted into a prescription sunglass. We recommend going with polarized sun lenses when possible, as the polarization will provide you with extra protection from sun and glare, which is especially important with such sports as fly fishing.
Don't like the idea of having a separate pair of glasses just for the outdoors? Sure. There are 2 other options available to you. First, there is the option to have your clear ophthalmic lenses made into "transitions" lenses, which makes the lenses turn into sunglasses as soon as you step outdoors. The second option is to have us make you a pair of magnetic sun clips, which are custom-designed to snap onto your new glasses. If you are wondering what the best option is for you, feel free to stop in and talk to us! Based on your daily activities, sporting activities, and visual needs, we would be happen to recommend what we feel is the best choice for you.
The TOP FIVE foods for EYE health!
It is a well known fact that carrots are good for the eyes. However, are there other foods that may be even better? In recent years, there has been more research done on the relationship between nutrition and eye health. Here, I hope to provide you with a brief summary of some of the most powerful foods that you can eat to protect your baby blues through the years.
1) Leafy Green Vegetables
Greens such as spinach, kale, collard greens, and Brussels sprouts are packed full of lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that greatly reduce your risk of macular degeneration, an eye disease that can lead to blindness. Many Americans are low in these antioxidants, which are only obtained through diet. Can’t stand the taste of uncooked kale or spinach? Try adding them to a smoothie with your favorite fruits, for a nutrient-packed breakfast.
2) Bell peppers
Just one yellow or orange pepper gives you about 4 times more Vitamin C than an orange! Vitamin C has been shown to reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration as well as slow the onset of cataracts. Other great sources of Vitamin C include broccoli, cauliflower, strawberries, and kiwi. Next time you make a salad, why not put some chopped bell peppers and strawberries on top? Delicious!
3) Nuts and seeds
Almonds make a delicious mid-day snack and are rich in Vitamin E and zinc, both of which can protect your eyes from free radical damage. Other great sources of Vitamin E and Zinc include sunflower seeds and peanuts.
4) Salmon
Those who eat fish rich in Omega-3s such as salmon, tuna, and halibut 2-3 times a week are at a lower risk for developing macular degeneration down the road. Additionally, these foods help provide relief from dry eyes. For the vegetarians out there, other great sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids include flax seeds, soybeans, and walnuts.
5) Sweet potatoes
Providing even more Vitamin A than carrots, sweet potatoes help protect against dry eyes and night blindness. Other great sources of Vitamin A include mangoes, peaches, and yellow squash.
Though most eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration occur in the later years of life, the processes that lead to their development begin much earlier. A lifetime of good health will yield its benefits down the road, and it is never too late to take the first step into a healthy lifestyle. A multivitamin can provide you with some of the vitamins I mentioned, but the best source is through diet. So, fill your plate with variety and color. Here’s to years of great health!
Your sunglasses may be your future credit card?!
Just this week, Visa revealed a prototype pair of sunglasses that can be used like a credit card. A small chip resides in one of the arms and would be linked to your Visa account. So, rather than swiping a card, you would simply tap the payment terminal to complete the transaction. Visa's brand/marketing officer stated that it "ties back to our tagline of everywhere you want to be." These sunglasses aren't available for sale yet, as Visa is still testing the waters to get a feel for demand. Now the pressure is REALLY on to NOT lose your sunglasses! ;)
"I see just fine. I don't need an eye exam."
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!
