Blepharitis and Eye Health

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, usually caused by an excess growth of bacteria that is ordinarily found on the skin, blockage of the eyelid's oil glands, and occasionally allergies.
Blepharitis is a common eye condition, causing the eyelids to be reddened, itchy, and somewhat swollen and scaly-appearing at the base of the eyelashes. It is the most common cause of dry eyes. A dysfunction of the eyelid's oil glands that leads to blepharitis occurs because of a hormone imbalance.

What Are the Symptoms of Blepharitis?

The symptoms of blepharitis include:

• Feeling like something is in your eye
• Burning of the eye
• Sensitivity to light
• Red and swollen eyes or eyelids
• Blurry vision
• Dry eyes
• Crusting of the eyelashes

How Is Blepharitis Treated?

Blepharitis cannot be cured. However, it can be treated and controlled through proper eyelid hygiene. Left untreated, blepharitis can cause more serious conditions such as scarring or injury to the eye's tissue. If you have blepharitis, take the steps listed below to help treat and cleanse your eye:

• Take a clean washcloth and wet it in very warm water. Wring the washcloth and place it over the closed eyelids for five minutes. Re-wet as necessary to maintain desired temperature. This will help to soften crusts and loosen oily debris.
• Place the warm, wet washcloth over the index finger and apply a diluted solution of 50% baby shampoo or mild soap.
• Cleanse one eye at a time, closing the eye you are cleansing, and rubbing the washcloth or your finger over the eyelashes and lid margins several times using horizontal strokes.
• Rinse thoroughly with a clean, warm, wet washcloth. Pat dry.

If the blepharitis is related to a problem with the oil glands, treatment may involve applying testosterone eye cream to the eyelids. Your doctor may also suggest a procedure known as LipiFlow, a 12-minute procedure that gently heats the clogged glands and applies mild pressure to “milk out” the unhealthy gland oils.

How Do I Prevent Blepharitis?
There are many everyday steps that you can take to prevent blepharitis. This includes removing all eye makeup before bedtime and not applying eyeliner on the back edges of the eyelids behind the eyelashes.

If you are in the early stages of treating blepharitis, avoid the use of eye makeup to prevent further irritation. Once you begin using makeup again, replace your products used in or near the eyelids because they may be contaminated.

To read the original article click here

Do you have any interesting eye health tips to share? Please feel free to share them With Us 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore. We’d love to hear from you.

Don’t forget, if you’re on the market for new glasses, you should check out our Discount Page for great savings on Eyeglasses, Sunglasses and Contact Lenses. You can also drop in and meet with an on-site Optometrist with no appointment needed. All we ask is that you come in 15 minutes prior to your desired appointment time to fill out the required paperwork.

Tips for Eye Cosmetic Safety

Mascara and eye shadow may enhance your appearance, but eye cosmetics can easily harm your vision. Adopting these eye makeup safety tips will help keep your eyes pretty and healthy.

Mascara, eye shadow, and eyeliner can certainly do the trick. But if putting on eye cosmetics is part of your daily ritual, you should know about some potential dangers to your eyes. In fact, being just as diligent about removing eye makeup at night is more important than applying them each morning.
Eye cosmetics are generally safe materials — as long as you use them properly. Over time, all kinds of gunk can grow in those pretty little cosmetic packages. Bacteria and fungi can multiply, and if you continue to decorate your eyes with this makeup, you're transferring those germs directly to your eyes.

Dos and Don’ts of Using Eye Cosmetics

Here’s how you can make sure your eyes are pretty and healthy — these cosmetic safety tips will minimize your eyes' exposure to bacteria:

• Don't hold onto old makeup — throw it away after a few months.
• Don't use mascara that's dried out — and never attempt to moisten it with your saliva or water. It’s best to replace mascara every two to four months, or sooner if it’s dried.
• Keep eye cosmetics cool — always at 85° F or below (that means don't keep them in your car or in a steamy bathroom).
• Don't mix and match cosmetics. Use what's intended for your eyes on your eyes only — don't use the same pencil for both lips and eyes, as that can introduce bacteria.
• Avoid kohl eyeliners — they may contain dangerous levels of lead. And avoid permanent coloring and dyes for eyelashes, as they can cause irreversible eye damage if not used correctly.
• Never share your cosmetics with a friend.

Tips for Applying Eye Cosmetics Safely
It's also important to apply your eye makeup safely to help prevent injury. Getting anything that close to your eye can potentially cause damage — so when you're painstakingly drawing that perfect line, take care not to get the cosmetics in your eye.

• Never put your eye cosmetics on while you're driving or riding in a car. Y
• Skip eye cosmetics when you've got an irritated or infected ey
• Keep eye cosmetics outside of your eye
• Always wash your hands before you dig into your makeup bag and start applying eye cosmetics.
• Avoid eye cosmetics that are iridescent, glittery, or shiny
• Make sure that all eye cosmetic applicators are clean before you use them

reaf the original article on Everydayhealth.com

If you’re experiencing changes in your vision or visible changes to your eyes, these can be early warning signs of serious eye conditions.  No matter how busy you are, you must put aside some time for yourself to get your eyes looked at by a certified optometrist.
Click here to schedule an eye exam

Take A Moment To Blink Your Eyes

20/20 Eyeglass Superstore is a family owned and operated business with locations in Orlando, Melbourne and Orange City.

Drop into 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore for all your eye care needs. We have a frame for every face and a price for any budget. We also have Independent Optometrists located on site who will be happy to examine your vision. Walk-in’s are welcome but we ask that you come 15 minutes prior to your desired appointment time.

Corneal Blindness

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! Schedule an eye exam at 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore? You can schedule an eye exam online here, or call 407-767-5600

Our eye care tips will help you prepare your eyes for the warmer season. Keep your eye drops in the fridge, preparing for allergies, and visiting your optometrist for an eye examination.
Here at 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore, we help thousands of Orlando, Melbourne City and Orange City residents purchase eyeglasses, contact lenses and sunglasses every day. We know purchasing new eyeglasses can be a challenge. Today we’re discussing frequently asked questions.

Tips For Living Well with Low Vision

Glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that gradually reduces sight, often goes unnoticed for years, as damage to the optic nerve occurs. In fact, more than 2.7 million people in the United States have glaucoma. We’ve compiled the below tips to help support everyone in living well and independently despite any vision loss.

From time to time, 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore offers Orlando residents free glaucoma screening to encourage healthy vision and eye habits.

Ideas for Home:

1. Increase lighting – One of the simplest ways to boost your confidence at home is to increase lighting. Try using stronger light bulbs throughout your home.
2. Add color contrast – Adding contrasting colors to your daily routine can help ease confusion too.
3. Use nonskid decorative rugs – Whether in your bathroom or on any slippery surface, make sure that all rugs and mats are nonskid. Using items that contrast with floor colors can also help with visibility.

On-the-go Advice:

1. Easy payment options – Having low vision doesn’t mean you need to give up financial independence. Banks can provide large-print checks to assist with payment for groceries or bills.
2. Use smartphone technology – Assistive technologies have made great strides in the past few years. Use built-in zoom functions on your smartphone to increase the size of text or images for easier reading. Smartphone apps can also be used to convert your voice to text for easy entry in messages and e-mails.
3. Carry a portable magnifier – If you know that you’ll be in a situation requiring a lot of reading, take a portable magnifier with you for easy enlargement of text.

To read the original article click here.

Come down to any 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore location with your family and make sure everyone has an eye exam with one of our independent in-house optometrists. Make it a priority to have your eyes examined every year so that you don’t run the risk of losing your sight to Glaucoma.

20/20 Eyeglass Superstore is a family owned company that has been serving the Orange City, Melbourne and Winter Park areas for many years.  We look forward to becoming your number one source for all your eye care and eye fashion needs.  You can also follow us on Facebook or Twitter to stay up to date on eye trends and eye health.

Smoking Damages Your Eye Health

Here at 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore, we’re concerned with keeping our Orlando patients’ vision as clear as possible. We also want you and your family to have healthy eyes.

If you’re a smoker, now is the time to quit. Smoking has ties to macular degeneration and other eye diseases such as cataract formation. It also costs you a lot of money and can end up killing you in the long run. Do yourself a favor and stop this nasty habit.

When was the last time you and your family members had an eye examination? Drop by any 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore location and meet with an Independent Optometrist. Walk-in’s are welcome but we ask that you come at least 20 minutes to your desired appointment time to fill out the required paperwork.  Check out our previous post regarding interesting eye health information for more neat facts about eye care.

We look forward to assisting you regarding your eyeglasses, contact lenses and sunglasses needs.  Contact us with any questions you may have.

Nutrition For Healthy Eyes

20/20 Eyeglass Superstore Orlando – Winter Park has thousands of eyeglass frames to choose from, and with its own resident optometrist and in house lab, you can be in and out with your new customized glasses in as little as one hour. Family owned and operated, it’s a one stop shop for all your eye care needs. At 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore Orlando – Winter Park, rest assured that you will find a frame for every face and a price for every budget.

Eye Opening Facts and Myths

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 Eyes From Computer Radiation

Eye fatigue is often experienced by many people when they are using computers every day. Staring at a computer constantly can make eyes dry, especially in rooms with air conditioning.
Researchers have found an easy way to cope with tired eyes from too long looking at a computer, which they call a ‘20-20-20-20’ strategy, as reported by the Daily Mail.

The trick is to blink 20 times for 20 minutes. Then keep the view of the computer for 20 seconds and focus the view on an object that is 20 feet or about six feet.

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is characterized by dry eyes and fatigue, headache, stiff neck and muscle. This is usually a temporary problem, but it can be very annoying when it happens every day.
Those with the highest risk are people who spend more than three hours in front of a computer. CVS can be very annoying and painful, as well as making myopic eyes.

People who spend a lot of time in front of the computer are at risk. However, a higher risk is in employees, because currently most offices have air conditioning, which make the room dry and cold. Air conditioning that is comfortable for the body, has a negative effect on the eyes.
All the people who spend a lot of time in front of computers, especially employees sh
ould use these 20-20-20-20 strategies every day. Using eye drops before work is also recommended, but it’s better if you frequently look away from the computer.

Read the full Article on http://medicmagic.net/ published by Daniel.

Taking good care of your eyes is extremely important, so if you’re experiencing an eye problem  that lasts more than seven days, results in your eye being permanently shut, moves into your entire face, causes redness, contact your Optometrist right away.  Please feel free to contact our in-house 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore Optometrist who will be more than happy to see you as soon as possible.

20/20 Eyeglass Superstore launches newly designed customer-friendly website

You can read the original press release on PRBuzz.

March 6, 2013 Orlando - FL – With three convenient locations in Central Florida, 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore is proud to announce the launch of their newly designed website, www.2020eyeglass.com.  The goal of the remodeled website is to provide customers with a user experience that reflects the style and quality that has become synonymous with the 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore name.

20/20 Eyeglass Superstore online visitors can now:

●     Easily access vibrant photo galleries of designer and affordable eyeglasses and sunglasses available in stores

●     Book an appointment with an Independent Optometrist

●     View and print web-exclusive coupons for eyeglasses, sunglasses and contact lenses

●     Read blog posts about eye care, vision and the latest industry news

●     Connect socially with 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore via Facebook and Twitter

“Florida residents are looking online for their vision needs”, said Ed Ucci, Owner of 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore. “It was important to us to create a website that provides customers with everything they need to know regarding their vision health and the latest eyeglass and sunglass styles.”

Designed by SHIFT Digital Media, the 20/20 Eyeglass website boasts a fresh, vibrant design and is divided into five major sections: about, eye exams, frames, coupons and blog. Each page provides website viewers with detailed information.  Other features include social media links, contact information, newsletter signup and location information. The website’s easy-to-navigate nature provides customers with more efficient access to the information they are looking for and insures that the newly styled website will increase web traffic and maintain 20/20 as a leader in Central Florida’s eyeglass provider.

About 2020 Eyeglass Superstore

2020 Eyeglass Superstore has three retail locations in Orlando/Winter Park, Melbourne and Orange City that offer thousands of frames, at every price point, to choose from.  Each location has its own independent optometrist and in-house lab.  These features enable customers to have their own customized frames and lenses within one hour. Visit www.2020eyeglass.com for more information.

About SHIFT Digital

SHIFT digital specializes in web technology, content marketing, social media and brand strategy solutions. We help businesses maximize their exposure online, increase revenue, build their customer base and stand out against the competition using the latest in technology and marketing. SHIFT happens at www.SHIFTdigitalmedia.com.

Media Contacts

SHIFT Digital

Samantha Collier
Social Media Strategist

(407) 219-9113

samantha@shiftdigitalmedia.com

www.SHIFTdigitalmedia.com

Samantha Collier
Social Media Strategist

(407) 219-9113

samantha@shiftdigitalmedia.com

www.SHIFTdigitalmedia.com

Bill Webster
CEO
(407) 219-9113
bill@shiftdigitalmedia.com
www.SHIFTdigitalmedia.com