pop quiz! kids and eye exams the best of both worlds it ......the phoropter lenses. by repeating...

VOLUME TWO

FOR YOUR OPTICAL NEEDS

PoP Quiz! Kids and

EyE Exams

ThE BEsT of BoTh Worlds

iT all sTarTs WiTh ThE EyE Exam

PoP Quiz! Kids and

EyE Exams

ThE BEsT of BoTh Worlds

iT all sTarTs WiTh ThE EyE Exam

COURTESY OF CARECREDIT & YOUR EYE CARE PROFESSIONALCOURTESY OF CARECREDIT & YOUR EYE CARE PROFESSIONAL

insidE eyelines Welcome to eyelines, the magazine dedicated to the vision care needs of you and your family. We hope that you will find the stories, articles and information valu-able so you can enjoy the healthiest vision possible.

As you turn the pages of eyelines, keep your eyes out for a few of the need-to-know articles, including:

Page 4 — It Starts with the Eye Exam…your eye exam is the first step toward good vision health.

Page 7 — Pop Quiz! Kids and Eye Exams — take the quiz.

Page 14 — What’s the Deal with Drugstore Reading Glasses? Are drugstore “readers” for you?

Page 16 — Told You Can’t Wear Contact Lenses? Ask Again! The top 10 reasons why scleral lenses may be for you.

Like eyelines, CareCredit is committed to helping you get the vision care you want and need. For more details on CareCredit, just ask your vision care pro-vider while you’re in the office today.

Best regards,

3 | Your Eyewear Wardrobe

4 | It Starts with the Eye Exam

6 | Throwing Some Shade

6 | Never Fully Dressed without a Smile… and Sunglasses!

7 | Pop Quiz! Kids and Eye Exams

8 | NUTRITION For Your Eyes

9 | You Are What You Eat!

10 | Contact Lens Care and Hygiene Habits

10 | Contact Lens Dos and Don’ts

11 | Lenses—Overlooked or Looked Right Through?

12 | You’ve Been Framed

14 | Coming to Terms with Vision Terms

14 | What’s the Deal with Drugstore Reading Glasses?

15 | Lengthy Lashes Complete the Come Hither Look

15 | You’re Just too Good to Be True, Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You

16 | The Best of Both Worlds

16 | Told You Can’t Wear Contact Lenses? Ask Again!

17 | Consider the Risks of Online Eyeglass Shopping

17 | Should I Reuse My Old Frames?

18 | Eye Opening Fun Facts

eyelines is published by First Vision Media Group, Inc. This content is subject to change without notice and offered for informational use only. You are urged to consult with your individual business, financial, legal, tax and/or other advisors and/or medical providers with respect to any informa-tion presented. CareCredit, Synchrony Financial and any of its affiliates (collectively, “Synchrony”) make no representations or warranties regarding this content and accept no liability for any loss or harm arising from the use of the information provided. All statements and opinions in eyelines are the sole opinions of First Vision Media Group, Inc. Your receipt of this material constitutes your acceptance of these terms and conditions.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the vision care information provided herein, only a qualified medical professional can provide you with precise information about your specific hearing needs. Your receipt of this material constitutes your acceptance of these terms and conditions. Copyright © 2017 First Vision Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

All trademarks are owned by their respective companies and are denoted by the use of proper capitalization of the company and/or brand.

InsIde

iStockphoto.com Photo Credits: Cover, izusek; p3 MStudioImage (woman in hat), BeylaBalla (sneakers), AJ_Watt (woman), PeopleImages (man), blyjak (runner), Kontrec (couple), guenterguni (heels), NadiaCruzova (boots), alekleks (men’s accessories), Floortje (sunglasses); p5 gilaxia (eye exam); p6 m-imagephotography (woman wearing sunglasses), ampak (woman), AnthonyRosenberg (mirrored sunglasses), lleerogers (tortoise shell sunglasses); p7 monkeybusinessimages (girl at eye exam), ClarkandCompany (boy at eye exam), karelnoppe (girl at eye chart); p8 gbh007 (salmon), robynmac (greens), hudiemm (vitamins); p9 IgorDutina (pumpkin seeds), margouillatphotos (bowls of nuts); p10 nicolas_ (hand washer), powerofforever (lens and cleaner), ilbusca (expiration label), PhotoBeaM (eye and lens); p11 nicoletaionescu (woman), caracterdesign (man), Creaktiva (lenses); p12 SolStock (grandfather), deimagine (woman); p14 laflor (man), Maica (optician); p15 DenisZbukarev (eyelashes), Eva-Katalin (woman); p16 serts (eyeglasses), AJ_Watt (woman); p17 Eva-Katalin (couple), kevinmayer (boy); p18 FrankRamspott (camera), stock_shoppe (eye anatomy), FatCamera (boy), CobraCZ (iris), shopplaywood (brain), marabird (eye), MuchMania (travellers), Maxiphoto (digital image).

carecredit.com VOLUME TWO • 3

PeoPle see your face before they see your feet.

So why do we spend so much time and money on shoes and ignore

the most obvious wardrobe essential? Put your best foot forward with eyewear

designed for different occasions and activities. With the exception of flip flops

on a beach vacation, a single pair of shoes does not satisfy every need.

The same holds true for your glasses! Start building your eyewear wardrobe

to look absolutely fabulous from head to toe for any occasion!

your eyewearwardrobe

4 • VOLUME TWO carecredit.com

It Starts with the EYE EXAM

The first step toward good vision health is your eye exam—and it

involves much more than correcting your vision with glasses or

contacts. If this is your first appointment with your eye doctor, then

you’re in luck. In a short time, you’re going to learn more about

your vision and eye health then you probably ever have, and your

doctor will learn more about your general health condition. Oh,

and you may wind up with a very cool pair of glasses as well!

EF PT O ZL P C DR T L O Z

A n eye exam can actually be a lifesaver in that seri-ous and pervasive eye diseases may be detected and treated early on. In fact, a comprehensive eye

exam is less about your eyeglass prescription and more about your overall health.

Here are some of the components of a typical eye exam and some tips to make the experience more pleasant (please note: your eye doctor may choose to follow a some-what different regimen than outlined).

Don’t Be Nervous!A comprehensive eye exam doesn’t hurt, but it does in-volve a series of important tests to evaluate your vision and check for eye diseases. Your eye doctor has some highly technical equipment to allow him or her to see into your eye, check your peripheral vision as well as intraocu-lar pressure. And there’s an extensive collection of lenses for you to look through to measure for vision correction. Each test evaluates a different aspect of your vision and eye health.

The whole process usually starts with your doctor or a technician taking a detailed medical history. Then, your eye doctor makes a quick check of your eyes using a light

to make sure the exterior parts are functioning correctly. Lastly, your doctor measures your visual acuity, assesses your need for glasses and examines your eyes for signs of disease.

Following your initial exam, here are several of the tests that may be performed:

VISUAL ACUITY TEST This is the “eye chart” test that most people are familiar with. You’re positioned 20 feet away, and the eye doctor will ask you to identify differ-ent alphabet letters printed on a chart (commonly called a Snellen Chart). The lines of type get smaller as you move down the chart. You cover one eye and read aloud, then cover the other eye and read aloud.

VISUAL REFRACTION Refraction refers to how light waves are bent as they pass through your cornea and lens. A refraction assessment helps your doctor determine a corrective lens prescription that will give you the sharpest, clearest vision.

Your doctor will very likely begin by using a device called a phoropter, which allows her or him to subjectively de-termine your refractive error. This exam is performed in a

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dark room to enable you to better see the images through the phoropter lenses. By repeating this step several times, your doctor finds the lenses that give you the greatest pos-sible vision. Afterward, the doctor may use a computerized refractor to measure your eyes and reaffirm the prescription determined during the subjective refraction.

VISUAL FIELD TEST This is used to determine the visual width of the area right in front of you, in which you can see without moving your eyes, and also checks your peripheral vision. While there are a few different types of visual field tests, the most common procedure is performed with a de-vice called an autoperimeter. Simply, your doctor uses a computer program that flashes small lights as you look into the bowl-shaped autoperimeter. You press a button when you see the lights.

SLIT-LAMP EXAMINATION A slit lamp is a microscope that enables your doctor to use intense light to enhance the view of your eye, in order to examine the cornea, iris, lens and anterior chamber. When examining your cornea, your doctor may use eye drops containing fluorescein (flooh-RES-ene) dye. This orange dye allows your eye doctor to

look for small cuts, scrapes, tears, foreign objects, or infec-tions on your cornea. As you blink, your natural tears will rinse it away.

GLAUCOMA TEST This exam measures the pressure inside your eye, referred to as intraocular pressure. It helps your eye doctor detect glaucoma, a disease that causes pressure to build up inside your eyes and can cause blind-ness. Glaucoma can be treated if it’s caught early. The most common test for eye pressure today is called non-contact tonometry. The device called a tonomoter ejects a puff of air into your eye to test the pressure.

Another commonly used glaucoma detection method is called pachymetry, which measures the thickness of your cornea, an important factor in evaluating your intraocular pressure measurement. Those are just some of the basics of your eye exam. DON’T be afraid to ask questions and DO be sure to make a return appointment per your doctor’s recommendation.

Your eye doctor is among a group of vision care profession-als who pride themselves on offering excellent care. Be sure to let him or her know whatever questions you may have.

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S h a d e Throwing Some

Whether you’re pumpkin picking in October, jet-skiing in July, or ice-fishing in February, all outdoor activities— regardless of climate or season—have something in common: sunglasses are a must. The sun can cause damage to more than your skin; those harmful rays can lead to a host of vision problems, including cataracts and corneal burns. The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends the use of protective eyewear with anti-reflective, polarized lenses that block 100% of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Look for:n Lenses that block 99% to 100% of both UV-A and UV-B rays.n Lenses that screen 75% to 90% of visible light.n Frames that fit close to your eyes and contour to your face to prevent exposure.


Never Fully Dressed without a Smile… Sunglasses!and In the classic Broadway musical, Annie, a gaggle of tough-but-tender chil-dren belt out a heart-warming tune that suggests, “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.” Well, if the Vision Council’s most recent consumer survey is any indication, the same could

be said of sunglasses:approximately 212 million Americans wear non-prescription sunglasses, and more than half of all Americans typically own two or more pairs of sunglasses.

Sunglasses have clearly eclipsed their one-dimensional moniker—they can do so much more than simply shade one’s eyes from the sun! They’re the perfect solution to a mascaraless-Monday-morning aka late-for-work-no-time-for-make-up. Just slip on an oversized pair of tortoiseshell shades and voila! you’re “Jackie-O” on the go. Similarly, bad hair days are routinely saved by a snazzy pair of sunglasses set jauntily atop one’s head. They keep the offending tresses away from the face, while suggesting a nonchalant ele gance á la Audrey Hepburn. But it’s not just a female thing: a mirrored pair

of wayfarers, such as those sported by Tom Cruise in Top Gun, can effectively mask what you’d rather not reveal, while suggesting a cool and collected attitude.

From retro cat eye acrylic frames to sleek, urbane titanium, sunglasses in-variably add a pinch of panache to any look, while simultaneously providing that all-important protection from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Raise your hand if you think that it’s not necessary to have your child’s eyes examined by a doctor because “that’s taken care of at school.”If you’re one of the many well-meaning, but misinformed parents with a hand in the air, listen up: It’s often incorrectly assumed that if a child passes a school screening, then there is no vision problem. However, many school vision screenings only test for clear

distance vision—but that’s only a small part of the puzzle. More complex vision skills are needed for successful reading and learning, and these skills are tested for in a comprehensive eye and vision examination, by an eyecare professional.


Pop Quiz!

Kids &Eye Exams

For children who are free of risk factors, eye exams are recommended at 6 months old, 3 years old, before first grade, and then every two years thereafter. Children who are at risk for vision disorders may need to be tested more often depending on the recommendation of the health care provider. Risk factors include:• Prematurity and low birth weight. • Family history of retinoblastoma and congenital cataracts. • If the mother has an infection during pregnancy—such as toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus.• Difficult labor, which may be associated with fetal distress or low Apgar scores• Crossed eyes or “lazy eye.” • Developmental delay, cerebral palsy, or seizures.


NutritioN for Your EYEs

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AreYOU eATINg enough eye-healthy foods such as seafood and leafy greens? You may want to consider taking eye nutrition supplements to keep your eyes fit, reduce the risk of macular degeneration and other vision related problems.

Jeffrey Anshel, OD, FAAO, is president of the Ocular Nutri-tion Society and author of Smart Medicine for Your eyes: A guide to Natural, effective and Safe relief of Common eye Disorders (available on Amazon). For more informa-tion, visit ocularnutritionsociety.org.

In our office, we accept the CareCredit healthcare credit card. Ask us for more details during today’s visit.

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The CareCredit healthcare credit card is like a gas station’s “gas card” or a shopping location’s “store card.” CareCredit is available at over 200,000 providers nationwide for vision, dental, veterinary, and more — for you and your whole family.

Plus, for purchases of $200 or more, special financing is available*. Seven million people already have the CareCredit credit card.

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• Two teaspoons of cod liver oil each week. The best natural source of EPA, DHA and natural forms of vitamins A and D

• 10 mg/day of lutein with zeaxanthin

• 500 mg/day Vitamin C complex with added bioflavonoids such as rose hips. Best taken in two daily doses of 250 mg.

• 200 IU/day Vitamin E complex

• 10-20 mg/day Zinc (zinc monomethionine is best)

Party Nut MixMakes 3.5 Cups for a Party-Size Bowl

IngredIents:• 1 cup chopped almonds• ½ cup chopped walnuts• 1 cup chopped cashews• 1 cup pumpkin seeds

dIrectIons:1) Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.

2) Pour the contents of the bowl into a serving dish for entertaining.

Tip: Store any remaining mix in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 weeks in a glass jar or storage container.

Note: Scientific research has identified a growing list of nutrients that are associated with eye health, including omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, beta-carotene, vitamin D, and fiber. The ingredients used in the recipe (shown above) are an excellent example of an “eye-friendly” party treat or late-night snack.

Almonds and cashews are high in vitamin E. research suggests that vitamin e might help prevent cataracts, and it might also be helpful in preventing age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Walnuts and pumpkin seeds are among the best sources of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. research suggests that omega-3s may help protect adult eyes from macular degeneration and dry eye syndrome.


You Are What

You Eat!check out thIs

eye-healthy

recIpe


ContaCt Lens Care and Hygiene Habits

Contact lenses are among the safest forms of vision correction if you follow the proper care and wearing instructions provided by your eye doctor. Test your knowledge of proper contact lens hygiene habits by circling true or false below:

True or False: It doesn’t really matter if you wash and dry your hands before handling contact lenses. (Hint: Clean and safe handling of contact lenses is one of the most important ways for contact lens wearers to protect their sight.)

True or False: It’s important to clean and replace your case once a month. (Hint: Bacteria can grow in contact lens cases.)

True or False: Be thrifty—buy and use whatever contact lens solution is on sale! (Hint: Use only products recommended by your eye doctor.)

True or False: Swimmers may wear contact lenses in the pool as long as they wear water-tight goggles. (Hint: Well-fitting goggles can keep out small organisms that cause eye infections.)

True or False: Always follow the recommended contact lens replacement schedule prescribed by your eye doctor. (Hint: Serious complications may occur, including vision loss, if contact lenses are worn beyond the prescribed schedule.)1

2

4

3

5

Answers: False, True, False, True, TrueContact Lens Dos and Don’ts

u uDO

Inspect your lens before putting it in your eye. (Lenses should be moist,

clean, clear, and free of nicks/tears.)

use fresh lens care products and lenses before expiration dates.

Change solution according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

(Never re-use!)

remove your contact lenses if you have discomfort, tearing, vision changes, or

redness and call your eye doctor.

DON’T

use a lens if it is damaged or if the sterile blister package it comes in

is open or damaged.

use saliva to wet your lenses. (Never put your lenses in your mouth!)

Expose contact lenses to water—this may increase the risk of

vision-threatening infection. (Remove contact lenses before showering.)

T he material used in your eyeglass lenses affects their clarity, dura-bility, weight, and cost. Here are

the main advantages/disadvantages:

Plastic/Cr-39®: Consisting of good optical quality, this material is light-weight and more shatter resistant than glass and accepts tints eas-ily. Disadvantages—it’s thicker than polycarbonate or high-index plastic lenses. You’ll want to add a scratch-resistant lens treatment for added durability and a special treatment for 100% ultraviolet (UV) protection.

Polycarbonate: This material is 10 times more impact-resistant than plastic, thinner than plastic/glass, and lighter than plastic, and it blocks 100%

of UV rays. Disadvantages—you’ll want to add a scratch-resistant lens treat-ment for durability and an anti-reflec-tive (Ar) treatment, too.

Trivex: This material offers top-notch impact resistance, making it an ide-al choice for safety glasses, sports goggles, and children’s eyewear. It’s the lightest lens material available, it blocks 100% of UV rays, and it may produce sharper central vision than polycarbonate lenses. Disadvan-tage—you’ll want to add an Ar lens treatment.

NXT: This material offers superior impact resistance and excellent optical clarity, even for higher pow-ers. It’s flexible and ultra-lightweight

and blocks 100% of UV rays, without needing a special lens treatment. Dis-advantage—it’s more expensive.

Mid-to-High Index: These materials weigh up to 50% less and are up to 60% thinner than traditional plastic lenses—great for high prescriptions! Disadvantages—you’ll want to add a scratch-resistant lens treatment for durability and an Ar treatment to reduce reflections.

Lenses—overlooked or Looked right through?

Eyeglasses are essentially a relationship between lenses and frames. The frames are the fashionable part of the duo, so they get most of the fanfare, while the lenses do most of the “heavy-lifting” but attract little attention. It’s time to put lenses in the spotlight so that they can be seen for their awesome capabilities instead of being seen right through like they’re not even there.



You’ve Been

Plastic Frame Materials

Zyl/Zylonite, great for colorful frames, these materials are cost- Cellulose Acetate effective and lightweight.

Nylon Blended nylon materials (polyamides, co-polyamides, and gliamides) are strong, lightweight, and flexible—great for wraparound sports frames.

Cellulose Acetate This nylon-based plastic is hypoallergenic. Propionate is very lightweight and has more transparency and gloss than other plastics.

Metal Frame Materials

Monel This is a mixture of a broad range of metals. Most— but not all—monel frames are hypoallergenic. Benefits include malleability/corrosion resistance.

Titanium and This silver-gray metal can be produced in a variety of Beta-Titanium colors. It is lightweight, durable, strong, corrosion-

resistant, and hypoallergenic.

Beryllium A lower-cost alternative to titanium, beryllium resists corrosion/tarnish—great for people who have high skin acidity or spend time around salt water.

Flexon Originally developed by the eyeglass manufacturer Marchon, Flexon comes back into shape even after twisting or bending. Flexon frames are lightweight, hypoallergenic, and corrosion-resistant.

Aluminum Frames made from aluminum are lightweight and highly corrosion-resistant. Aluminum is used primarily by high-end eyewear designers. Pure aluminum is soft/weak, but commercial aluminum includes small amounts of silicon and iron, which make it hard and strong.

F R A M E D

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If you’ve ever been told by an eye care professional that you need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, odds are that your particular vision problem was explained. How-ever, medical terms can seem complicated, and it’s not un-usual to arrive home after the eye exam feeling confused. Need a little clarity? Check out this mini-glossary for some insight about sight! • Refractive errors are vision conditions that are correct-ed by eyeglasses and contact lenses, including nearsighted-ness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.• Nearsightedness, aka myopia, is a condition where objects up close appear clear, while objects far away appear blurry.

• Farsightedness, aka hyperopia, is a common type of r efractive error where distant objects may be seen more clearly than objects that are near. However, people experience far-sightedness differently. For people with significant farsight-edness, vision can be blurry for objects at any distance.• Astigmatism is a condition in which the eye does not focus light evenly onto the retina, resulting in images appearing blurry and stretched. • Presbyopia is an age-related condition that affects most adults over age 35, making it difficult to read small print and focus up close.

IF YOU FIND yourself squinting at a text message or wondering why the entrée options on a menu appear blurry, it might be tempting to con-sidering buying an inexpensive pair of reading glasses from the neighbor-hood drugstore. These “readers,” as they’re called, work fine for some peo-ple but not for everyone. So if you find yourself unable to clearly make out the tiny directions on a medicine bot-tle, make an appointment with your eye care provider for an eye exam, then decide whether “readers” or pre-scription eyeglasses are right for you. Consider this:

• One-size-fits-all reading glasses do not work well for people who have a dif-ferent prescription in each eye.

• For people who don’t normally need vision correction but on rare occa-sions need help focusing, readers are adequate.

• If you require strong vision correction, prescription glasses are the best choice to meet your vision-care needs.

• If you wear readers every day, pre-scription strength glasses are probably a better choice for the long term, be-cause they last longer and provide bet-ter vision that’s tailored to your needs.

Coming to Termswith Vision Terms

The signs and symptoms of refractive errors include:

• Double vision • Headaches• Haziness • Eye strain• Squinting • Glare around bright lights

What’s the Deal with Drugstore Reading Glasses?


Eyelashes are highly functional—they protect the eye from debris—but eyelashes are mostly seen as a mechanism with which to flirt: subtly batting your eyelashes is essentially the international symbol for, “I’m noticing you, and I’d like you to notice me, too.”

There’s nothing quite as lovely as long, lush lashes framing those baby blues (or browns), but not everyone is naturally blessed with lots of lashes, which is why mascara is as integral

to the typical beauty regimen as stretching is to the daily workout. Just as the hair on your head can thin with age, so can your lashes. Some common causes for thinning lashes are trauma, such as pulling too hard when removing makeup, some medications, and certain health conditions including underactive thyroid. regardless of the cause, thinning lashes can cause a lot of frustration.

For those who long for longer, fuller lashes without the artifice of gluing on falsies or the messiness of mascara, there are several effective options:

Latisse: This is a prescription drug that is effective for growing eyelashes longer, fuller, and darker. The solution works gradually. As the treatment progresses, you’ll first begin to see

changes in length. Then, gradually, you’ll notice more thickness and darkness in your lashes. You can expect full results by week 16.

RevitaLash: This product reportedly restores youthful fullness to lashes. revitaLash uses natural botanicals and peptides to nourish and strengthen fragile, thinning lashes, helping them regain their fullness.

Spectral.LASH Eyelash Extender: This treatment from DS Laboratories reportedly grows eyelashes 25% longer in 4 weeks. The formula, which is com prised of peptides composed of structural amino acids, works by stimulating the expression of keratin genes and by improving overall eyelid health.

lengthy lashes complete the come hither look

Could you give up your smart phone for one day? If you’re like most people, just the thought of parting ways with that trusty little gadget for a measly 24 hours has you in a cold sweat. It’s no secret that as a society we are more and more disconnected from each other and more and more en-thralled with our devices. On average, we look at our mobile phones more than 100 times a day! Not only is this taking its toll on eye contact with each other, it’s taking a toll on eye health among everyone.

Digital eye-strain is one of the consequences of this love affair with our phones, tablets, and computers. Symptoms of digital eye-strain include redness, irritation, dry eyes, blurred vision, eye fatigue, back and neck pain, and headaches.

You’re Just too Good to be true, Can’t take MY eYes off of You

one of the easiest ways to reduce digital eye-strain is to remember the 20/20/20 rule:

every 20 minutes take a 20-second break from the screen and look at something 20 feet away.


DECISIonS, DECISIonS! When an eye exam reveals that a r efractive error is hindering your ability to see well, deciding between eyeglasses and contact lenses can seem daunt-ing. The good news is that you don’t have to choose—you can opt for both and enjoy their unique benefits.

If you’ve had problems wearing contact lenses in the past and have been told by an eyecare professional that you’re not a good candi-

date for contact lenses, it’s time to ask again. This time, ask about scleral lenses. Here are the top 7 reasons why scleral lenses may be for you:

• Scleral lenses are actually larger diameter gas-permeable (GP) lenses that are custom-made to the exact specifications prescribed by your eye doctor.• The larger size of scleral lenses makes them more stable on the eye and less likely to accidentally dislodge, which can make them more comfortable.• Like GP lenses, scleral lenses offer these advantages: sharper vision, greater durability, easier handling and less risk of complications.• Special automated measuring tools and imaging devices often are used to fit scleral lenses, which amps up the customization of the lens’s fit and comfort. • Many patients who wear scleral lenses are able to wear them com-fortably for 12 to 14 hours daily.• If your eyes cannot be comfortably fitted with conventional GP lenses or the shape of your eye causes the lenses to dislodge too easily (dur-ing sports, for example), scleral lenses can be comfortable and secure.• If your eyes are too dry for conventional contact lenses, scleral lenses can help.

The Best of Both Worlds

n Contact Lenses •Theydon’tfogup •Youretainyourperipheralvision. •Theywon’tslipoffduetosweat. •Youcanwearthemwithfashion

sunglasses and sports goggles.

n Eyeglasses •Easyon/easyoff! •It’sconvenienttokeepanextrapairattheofficeorinyourcarorgymlocker. •They’reportable,convenient,andeasytotakealongwhentraveling. •Nospecialcleaningordisinfectingsolutionsareneeded. •They’reafashionableaccessoryandaddadashofstyle.

n Contact Lenses •Thiscombinationoffersoptions! and Glasses • Perhaps: Contact lenses for active sports, sweaty yard work, or dressy

parties;glassesforoffice/computerwork,classroomactivities,drivinglongdistances, or anytime you’d like to give your eyes a rest from contact lenses.

•Accesstobothtypesofvisioncorrectionmeansthechoiceisyours.

Told You Can’t Wear Contact Lenses? Ask AgAin!

Buying eyeglasses online sounds like a savvy way to save some bucks, but this attempt at frugality could end up beingpenny-wiseandpound-foolish.Eyeglassesaremedi-cal devices that are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. If that sounds serious, that’s because it is—your vision is precious and should only be trusted to a licensed eye care professional. Optometrists participate in several years of very specific training following college in order to earn their doctor of optometry (OD) license. It’s hard to know exactly who is responsible for dispensing eye-

glasses from internet eyeglass sites or whether they have any medical training.

The American Optometric Association points out that “an experienced optometrist or optician can judge if a particular frame works well with your lenses and can recommend thin-ner, lighter lenses to improve comfort and the look, especially if you have a special need for a stronger prescription. An experienced optometrist or optician will also be able to rec-ommend the proper prescription sunglasses, safety glasses, and even non-prescription sunglasses for those times you choose to wear contact lenses.” That knowledge and exper-tise is not part of the online eyeglass ordering experience.

If you are considering ordering eyeglasses online, remem-ber to check each online retailer’s policies concerning:Returns: What is the website’s return policy if you are not satis-fied because the frames, lens treatments, or lenses are wrong?Warrantees: Does the online retailer offer protection against lens scratching? How long is the frame warranty? Shipping: Who pays for shipping returns?Pricing: Are protective eyeglass cases and cleaning cloths included? What about scratch-resistant and anti-reflective treatments? These “extra” charges add up quickly.Insurance: Does the online retailer accept vision insurance? Many of them do not.

Reusing your old frames with an updated prescription is another way that people sometimes consider saving some pennies, but there are several reasons why out-with-the-old-and-in-with-the-new is a better way to go.

1. As you age, your face changes shape, and a frame from a few years ago might not fit as well now. Ill-fitting frames can prevent you from seeing as well as you should.

2. An outdated frame style will make you look outdated and older. Is that what you really want?

3. Someone less fortunate than you needs your old frames. When you get a new prescription, invest in new frames and donate your old ones. Donating eyeglasses is easy—take your old glasses to a Lions Club eyeglass donation bin in your town or mail them to Lions Clubs International Headquarters Attention: Receiving Department, 300 W. 22nd Street, Oak Brook, IL 60523.

Consider the risks of online Eyeglass Shopping


Should I Reuse My Old Frames?

Eye- pening fun facts Did You Know…

Eyesworkalotlikeasinglereflexcamera.Thelightraysfromanobjectpass through the lens of the camera and get recorded on film or a computer chip. Similarly, light passes through the lens of your eye and is “recorded” on the retina. Then your eye sends the picture to your brain.

l An eye is composed of more than 2 million working parts. Only one-sixth of the human eyeball is exposed.

l Eyes are able to process 36,000 bits of information every hour.

l The entire length of all eyelashes shed by a human in his or her life is over 98 feet, with each eyelash having a life span of about 5 months.

l Eyes are approximately

1 inch in diameter. Pads of fat

and the surrounding bones

of the skull protect them.

l Of all of the muscles in your body, the muscles that control your eyes are the most active.

l Corneas are the only tissues that don’t have blood.

l The human eye weighs just under an ounce and is about an inch across.

l A blink lasts about a tenth of a second, and most people blink about every 4 seconds.

l “Red eye” occurs in photos

because light from the flash

bounces off the back of the eye.

l Eyes are the second most complex organ after the brain.

l Eighty percent of our memories are determined by what we see.

l A fingerprint has 40 unique characteristics, but an iris has 256, a reason retina scans are increasingly being used for security purposes.


From regular exams to elective procedures, getting the care you want and need shouldn’t stress your budget.

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special financing on purchases of $200 or more — without

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Get peace of mind and apply for your CareCredit card today in our office. Upon approval, you’ll immediately enjoy the full benefits of being a cardholder at over 200,000 enrolled providers.Ask us today for more details. You can get started in just minutes.

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pop quiz! kids and eye exams the best of both worlds it ......the phoropter lenses. by repeating...

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