Protect Your Vision This Summer

Here are 10 important summer safety tips to protect your vision:

1.      Always protect your eyes from the sun’s invisible harmful rays. Prolonged exposure to the sun without protection can cause cataracts, macular degeneration and a number of other eye problems; including sunburn on the surface of the eye and skin cancer around the eyes

2.      Select sunglasses that absorb 99-100% of UV-A and UV-B rays and provide 400 UV protection; 400 UV protection means the lenses block damaging UV-A and UV-B light rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers. Check the label to be sure!

3.      UV rays are strongest from 10 AM ─ 4 PM; so avoid exposure during this time of the day and wear sunglasses even in the shade!

4.      Don’t be deceived by color or cost ― the ability to block UV light is not dependent on the darkness of the lens or the price.

5.      Avoid blue tinted sunglasses; they may look cool, but blue tint actually emits ultraviolet light ― which should be blocked out.

6.      Opt for wraparound frames; or frames that fit closely to your face to prevent rays from entering your eyes from around or above your frames.

7.      Be extra careful on the beach and water because reflections from the sand and water intensify the sun’s rays. Pavement can also reflect more sun. Acute damage can even occur during a single outing on a very bright day.

8.      If you add a UV-blocking coating to your eyeglasses it will increase your protection. Ask your ophthalmologist or optometrist.

9.      Everyone, especially infants and seniors, should also wear wide-brimmed hats when in the sun.

10.  Ninety percent of a person’s total lifetime damage from UV rays occurs by the age of 18. Children’s eyes are more sensitive than adults. It is NEVER too early to protect your eyes for a lifetime!

Read the original article published on Lighthouse.org

To know more about protecting your eye in summer, drop in to any of our 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore.

Melbourne

20/20 Eyeglass Superstore

785 N. Wickham Rd. Suite

106 Melbourne, FL 32935

321-259-3935

Orange City

20/20 Eyeglass Superstore

 1270 Saxon Blvd,

Orange City, FL. 32763

386-774-5000

Winter Park/Orlando

20/20 Eyeglass Superstore Inc

1555 Semoran Blvd.

Winter Park , FL , 32792

407 767 5600

Why Have an Eye Exam?

Vision loss can happen to anyone, at any age, but many people aren’t aware that 75 per cent of vision loss can be prevented or treated. That’s why visiting Doctor of Optometry regularly is so important.
Your eyes are for life – and unless you take care of them, you could be at risk of losing a lifetime of sight and so much more.

What to expect during an eye exam?

Visit your Doctor of Optometry? Don’t be nervous – getting an eye exam is easy. Here's a step-by-step primer on what you can usually expect...

1. Pre-testing
   First, you’ll be pre-tested, likely by a technician or an assistant. This consists of a series of tests, which may include a “puff test” (a quick puff of air against the eyeball) to measure your internal eye pressure and detect glaucoma.
2. Meeting your doctor
   Next you'll be introduced to your Doctor of Optometry who will take a thorough case history.
3. Testing your eye power
   Your Doctor of Optometry will measure your prescription or the power of your eyes to determine if you require eyeglasses, and, if so, how strong they should be.
4. Looking closer
   You’ll be examined with a device called a slit lamp. This allows the doctor to examine the front of the eye including the eyelids, corneas and pupil reflexes.
5. Getting eye drops
   You may then have drops put in your eyes to dilate your pupils. They take about 15 minutes to take effect.
6. Further testing
   After your pupils have dilated, your Doctor of Optometry will continue to examine your eyes to check for any abnormalities or causes for concern, again using the slit lamp and a specially designed head lamp. The whole exam usually takes about 30 minutes.
7. Final recommendations
   After the exam is finished, your Doctor of Optometry will review the results and talk with you about their recommendations.

To read the original article published on visionhealthmonth.cnib.ca, click here.

Make an appointment – make a difference!

We hope this article has inspired you to visit your local optometrist. Your vision is priceless and a thirty minute appointment once a year is certainly something you should be able to commit too. Getting your eyes tested regularly will help you stay on top of your general health, eye diseases and even headaches!
Want to schedule an eye exam at 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore? You can schedule an eye exam online here, or call 407-767-5600

How UV Rays Damage the Eyes

Ultra Violet Rays May Cause Damage to the Eyes Today and Tomorrow

As the weather continues to warm, more Americans will be heading outdoors to enjoy the sunshine.  The public should know, however, that Ultra Violet (UV)-blocking sunglasses and hats are the ultimate sight-saving accessories to pair with their shorts, sandals, and short-sleeved shirts. While UV-A has lower energy, it penetrates deep into the eye and may injure the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sight in the center field of vision.  UV-B radiation is presumably more dangerous and is mainly absorbed by the cornea and lens of the eye and can damage those tissues.

Sunglasses without UV protection may shade the eyes but actually cause the pupils to dilate, allowing in even more harmful rays.  When going outside, both adults and children should always wear both a wide-brimmed hat or cap and the proper UV-rated sunglasses.  Wrap-around sunglasses are best as they protect the eyes and the skin around the eyes. Some contact lenses may offer UV protection but they cannot protect the entire eye and the skin around it.

Photokeratitis, or corneal sunburn, is a result of intense exposure to UV-B. It is most common among individuals who spend long hours on the beach, in the water or on ski slopes without proper eye protection. It can be extremely painful and can result in temporary loss of vision for 1-2 days.
UV damage is also cumulative and has been linked to eye problems later in life including tumors, cataracts and macular degeneration, an eye disease which currently has no cure.  Also, people who have had cataract surgery or other retinal disorders, and people who take certain medicines, such as tetracycline, sulfa drugs, birth control pills, diuretics and tranquilizers, are also at special risk.
Wear sunglasses that:

• reduce glare
• filter out 99-100 percent of UV rays
• protect the eyes
• are comfortable to wear
• do not distort colors

If at the beach or on the ski slopes, sunglasses should be worn that have a darker tint to block more light. The risk of eye damage from the sun is greater because of reflection off the water and snow.
To read the original article published on PreventBlindnessAmerica.com, click here

For more information on the dangers of UV exposure and how to choose the best UV protection, please visit 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore or drop in to our 20/20 Eyeglass Super Store at Orange City, Melbourne or Winter Park.

Four Ways to Beat Spring Allergies

The blooming season has begun, and your allergies have started to blossom too. You dread the idea of months of suffering; the sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, and general misery that comes with spring. How can you make this allergy season more tolerable? 

20/20 Eyeglass Superstore is a family owned and operated business with locations in Orlando, Melbourne and Orange City. This spring, the folks at 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore are sharing tips on how to keep your eyes healthy.  

1. Plan ahead
The best tactic in the war against allergy season is to plan ahead. If you need allergy medication, start taking it slightly before the season begins for the most effective treatment. This helps your body prevent the inflammatory response from typical allergens in the first place. Once your body starts to react, it can be hard, if not impossible, to get the inflammation under control.

2. Cleanliness
Washing your face after you’ve been outside, and showering before bedtime will rinse away pollen and dust on your skin and hair. Keep dogs and cats bathed and as clean as possible to prevent them from bringing allergens into your home. While impractical to bathe them daily, try a special allergy solution that is wiped on the animal, minimizing the effects of their dander. Consult your eye care or allergy professional for more details on these products. Vacuum carpets well and wipe down surfaces regularly to minimize the amount of pollutants inside your home.

3. Natural Help
Rather than using chemicals and medications, you can opt for homeopathic cures. Herbs and foods that naturally fight inflammation, saline as part of your eye care routine or in a method called nasal irrigation, and even acupuncture have been shown to help allergy sufferers immensely without the potentially dangerous side effects of allergy medications.

4. Using your HVAC
During allergy season (and really, any other time of year), it is critical to replace your HVAC system filter monthly. Be sure to purchase a filter designed to remove most allergens, and set a reminder that will let you know it’s time for replacement. Air filters cannot effectively remove pollutants if they are clogged and dirty. Keep your windows closed and use your cooling system rather than allow wind to blow dust and pollen into your house.

Rather than being in misery this spring, there are plenty of ways you can reduce the severity of your suffering. Talk to your eye care professional before the season begins to ensure that you are comfortable even though the world is in bloom.

Read the original article published on Pikespeakeyecare.com

For more information on how to keep your eyes healthy this spring, visit your local 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore or make an appointment with our in-house independent optometrist. We look forward to seeing you soon.

April is Women's Eye Health and Safety Month

Did you know that worldwide, two-thirds of people affected by vision loss are women?
This is likely because women live longer than men and, therefore, are more susceptible to age-related eye disease.

At 90 and older, there are five times as many women living as men. Recent studies have shown that more women than men suffer from age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, the four leading eye diseases in the United States. Women are also at higher risk to develop sight-threatening autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Following things you can do to help maintain good vision:

• Monitor your vision: Check it often, and check it one eye at a time. If you notice a change in your vision, please notify your eye doctor right away.

• Do not smoke: Smoking significantly increases the risk of complications with certain eye diseases, especially in women.

• Eat a well-balanced diet: Eat leafy green vegetables, oily fish, and fruits. Vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids are helpful in slowing down the progression of many eye diseases. If you choose to take vitamin supplements, please make sure to consult your doctor.

• Exercise: This will aid in maintaining a healthy weight and good cardiovascular health. Obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can lead to specific vision complications.

• Control your diabetes: If you have it-Uncontrolled diabetes can cause permanent damage to eye structures.

• Wear sunglasses with UV protection: This can slow down the progression rate of cataracts.

• Educate yourself: About the possibility of a family history of eye disease and about eye diseases associated with your general health issues.

• See your medical doctor regularly: Routine physicals can lead to early diagnosis of potentially sight threatening diseases.

To read the original article published on news-press.com written by Dr Tom Ghuman, click here
As april is considered women eye health and safety month, stop in at any 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore location for eye exam and get additional 10% off. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Melbourne
20/20 Eyeglass Superstore
785 N. Wickham Rd. Suite
106 Melbourne, FL 32935
321-259-3935

Orange City
20/20 Eyeglass Superstore
 1270 Saxon Blvd,
Orange City, FL. 32763
386-774-5000

Winter Park/Orlando
20/20 Eyeglass Superstore Inc
1555 Semoran Blvd.
Winter Park , FL , 32792
407 767 5600

Risk Factors for Cataract

Risk for Cataract Increases with Age, but Other Factors Also Contribute.

With age come new health challenges, especially for vision. Today, more than 22 million Americans age 40 and older have cataract, a clouding of the eye’s lens which blocks or changes the passage of light into the eye.  According to the National Eye Institute, by age 80, more than half of all Americans will either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.

The risk of developing a cataract increases with age. Other possible risk factors include:

• Intense heat or long-term exposure to UV rays from the sun
• Certain diseases, such as diabetes
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Inflammation in the eye
• Hereditary influences
• Long-term steroid use
• Eye injuries
• Other eye diseases
• Smoking

Early symptoms of cataract may include cloudy or blurry vision.  Lights may cause a glare, seem too dim or seem too bright.  Patients may also find it difficult to read or drive, especially at night, or may have to change his or her eyeglass prescription often.

Unfortunately, there are no medications or other treatment options besides surgery to correct cataract.  However, in the United States, cataract surgery has a 95 percent success rate, generally resulting with patient’s vision of 20/20 to 20/40.  And, it is the most frequently performed surgery, often performed as an outpatient procedure.

“By getting a complete, dilated eye exam, your doctor can discuss with you the best strategy to protect your vision well into the future,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. “We encourage everyone, especially those ages 40 and older, to make their vision a priority by scheduling an eye appointment today.”

Read the original article on preventblindness.com

 For more information on cataract contact us at any of our 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore.  We look forward to seeing you soon!

 Melbourne
20/20 Eyeglass Superstore
785 N. Wickham Rd. Suite
106 Melbourne, FL 32935
321-259-3935

Orange City
20/20 Eyeglass Superstore
 1270 Saxon Blvd,
Orange City, FL. 32763
386-774-5000

Winter Park/Orlando
20/20 Eyeglass Superstore Inc
1555 Semoran Blvd.
Winter Park , FL , 32792
407 767 5600

Protect your child from eye injuries

The world can be a dangerous place for young eyes. Accidents involving common household products cause 125,000 eye injuries each year.
Every 13 minutes, an emergency room treats a sports-related eye injury. And, 43 percent of sports-related eye injuries are to children ages 14 and younger.
The good news is that ninety percent of these eye injures can be prevented through understanding, safety practices and the use of proper eye protection.

You can reduce the risks of eye injuries to your child by taking the following steps:

1. Understand the dangers

2. Find and remove hazards

3. Watch your child closely 

Protect young children from eye injuries at home and at play

• Misuse of toys
• Falls from beds, against furniture, on stairs, and when playing with toys
• Misuse of everyday tools and objects (work and garden tools, knives and forks, pens and pencils)
• Contact with harmful household products (detergents, paints, glues, etc.)
• Automobile accidents.

Protect your child athlete from sports eye injuries.

Find out what you need to know to select and purchase the right safety eyewear for your child's sport.

Protect your older child or teen from eye injuries when doing yard work or home projects

Flying debris and chemical splashes are a common cause of eye injury.

Believe it or not, the average home is full of dangers that often go unnoticed. In fact, accidents involving common household products cause 125,000 eye injuries each year.

Ninety percent of these eye injures can be prevented through understanding, safety practices and the use of proper eye protection.

To read more click here, published on Preventblindness.org.

Protect your child from eye injuries. Drop in to one of our 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore locations for more information on eye injuries.

Don’t forget, we’re currently offering an exclusive online deal, as april is woman eye health and safety month, purchase and select frames and get an additional 10% off. Please click here for more details.