Top 10 Reasons You Should Buy Your Contacts from Us!

1. You are guaranteed to get the correct lenses in the correct parameters

2. You are guaranteed to get unexpired lenses
3. If your lenses are not performing properly you don’t have to worry about exchanging your old lenses
4. You can exchange unopened, unexpired, unmarked boxes in new condition at your yearly eye exam
5. If you have a defective lens, we will replace it free of charge
6. We have the latest manufacturer’s rebates available to save you money
7. Competitive pricing (Don’t just assume because we offer the best service our prices are higher)
8. FREE shipping
9. You will be getting the lenses from an authorized distributor of the brand you wear
10. You will have the satisfaction of supporting a local business that cares about you and your eye

Have You Seen Your Retina Lately?

The retina is the back surface of the eye and contains all of the really important parts for our vision. A retina examination should be a part of any comprehensive eye examination. Even when vision seems fine, annual eye health evaluations are important for monitoring ocular health and detecting early signs of ocular conditions. Many of these conditions may only become noticeable to patients after significant damage has occurred. By this time, treatment becomes a complicated process. But annual eye exams can facilitate earlier diagnosis and earlier treatment.

So, here’s my retina, and I would be happy to show you yours.

Also, for extra-credit, here is a video of a segment from The Doctors featuring the instrument used to take this image. Pretty cool!

Polarized lenses...Not just for fishermen anymore!

As a follow-up to our last blog entry on lens options I wanted to explain how polarized lenses work and why they are so great! 

The Science (que Charlie Brown teacher voice)
Sunlight reflects off of surfaces like the road and windshields in a horizontal manner.  These combined horizontal reflects can be annoying and distracting.  Polarized lenses act like vertical blinds and block horizontal reflections.  This creates a clearer and more comfortable view.  Regular tinted sunglasses do not specifically target these bothersome horizontal reflections.

See it to believe it...


vision with non-polarized lenses



vision with polarized lenses


Interesting fact
Some digital screens that we come across in daily life are also polarized such those in some car dash displays, cell phones and gas pumps. If the screen is set up so that it only transmits horizontal waves of light and the polarized sunglasses block horizontal light...you guessed it...black screen!  As I said before though, I always wear polarized sunglasses and VERY rarely ever have to take them off for this reason.

Who Needs A Second Pair of Glasses?

First, stop and think about your closet. How many pairs of shoes do you have? I counted…32. And it makes sense, right? I would never go for a jog in my dress shoes. I would never work in my flip-flops. I would never go to the beach in my snow boots. Different shoes serve different purposes, and so do different pairs of glasses.

Back-up Glasses

First of all, if you only have one pair of glasses in your current prescription, could you survive for a few days without them if they broke? Could you read? Drive? Work? If you cannot imagine your life without your glasses on your face for even a day, you need a second pair.

Sunglasses

I wear polarized sunglasses, and I would never wear anything else. They are worth it. I almost never leave my house without them. A tinted lens shades our vision, but a polarized lens eliminates glare. Glare bounces off windshields, signs, water, and even the road! We would be happy to show you the difference, so you can see for yourself.

UV protection is like sun-block for our eyes! Did you know that 80% of UV damage to our eyes occurs before the age of 18? Do your kids have quality sunglasses to protect their eyes? We understand that it is an investment in something that will possibly end up lost or broken (or hidden in between the car seat cushions). But, undoubtedly they have had toys or games that met the same fate and those did nothing to protect their vision. Plus, we have the area’s only two year warranty against breakage!

 
Computer Glasses

How many hours a day do you spend at the computer? If you are the “average” American the answer is 6-8 hours (this might have been before the rise in popularity of Facebook). Do you have computer glasses? They can decrease glare, eyestrain and even headaches.

Also, if you wear a progressive “no-line” style of lens, you probably know that the part of that lens that you use to see the computer is pretty small. And, if you wear a lined bifocal, you know there is no area in that lens to comfortably view the computer screen. There are many styles of computer lenses that allow for a much wider area to view the computer and read with. Perfect for the office!

And just like shoes the options are almost endless! Golfing glasses, driving glasses, music glasses, work glasses, TV glasses, glasses to wear with black clothes, glasses to wear with brown clothes…

SNOW at LIFETIME EYE CARE

Halloween Eye Safety Tips

Keep your goblins safe this weekend and observe these tips when planning their costumes...

1. Avoid masks or costumes that obscure vision.
2. When using makeup, remember to:

Use only products approved for use on the skin.

Keep products away from eyes.

Use care in removing the product to avoid getting it into eyes.

3. Wear reflective clothing or attach reflective tape to costumes and Trick or Treat bags.

4. Carry a flashlight. NOTE: The "glow sticks" that are sold at Halloween are filled with a chemical that can cause eye irritation and they really don't illuminate very well.

5. Tie hats and scarves on securely to make certain they don't slip over eyes and obstruct vision.

A WORD ABOUT "DECORATIVE" CONTACT LENSES...

There are decorative contact lenses that feature wild designs and so-called "Circle Lenses" that make the eye appear larger. While generally safe if prescribed and worn under the supervision of an Optometrist, these decorative lenses can cause serious eye problems if worn improperly. Please remember, that contact lenses - whether decorative or not - are medical devices that must be prescribed by an eye doctor. DO NOT BUY LENSES from a flea market, hair salon, or online. Do NOT share lenses with anyone. Wear the lenses only for the time prescribed by your doctor.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Carrots and Spinach and Kale. Oh My!

Our parents always told us to eat our carrots so we would grow up and have "good eyes." We are asked occasionally if eating carrots can really improve eye sight? The answer...yes and no.

Eating carrots won't give a nearsighted person 20/20 vision. But carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A--a crucial nutrient for maintaining proper vision.

Those who are deficient in Vitamin A may notice difficulty with night driving. Extreme Vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of blindness in third world countries. However, if you are not deficient in Vitamin A, your vision won't improve no matter how many carrots or other beta-carotene-rich fruits or vegetables you eat.

Most multi-vitamins today contain beta-carotene so they are one easily available source. But, it is strongly recommended that getting your daily dose from dark, green leafy vegetables suce as kale and spinach and bright, orange-colored fruits and vegetables such as peaches, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and of course, carrots. Foods high in beta-carotene are preferable to a vitamin because of the other important nutrients that we won't necessarily get from a vitamin.

So head to your local farmers' market or supermarket produce aisle and fill your basket with good vision! We've included a shopping list...

The Top 10 Fruits and Vegetables for Eye Health



Carrots
Spinach
Kale
Collards
Tomatoes
Bell Peppers
Citrus
Squash
Avocado
Strawberries