The topic of today's blog is zeaxanthin, a very important antioxidative pigment found in the retina.  Many of you reading this have probably never heard of this nutrient, but you could be impacted by zeaxanthin at some point in your future. 

 

Zeaxanthin is found in high concentrations in the macula, and just like skin pigmentation protects our skin from the harmful rays of the sun, it protects our retinas from sun damage.  Because of these benefits, it has been found to be very important in the management of macular degeneration.  One recent study showed that increased levels of dietary zeaxanthin were directly correlated to decreased risk of early macular degeneration.  Another study of zeaxanthin in elderly patients with early macular degeneration showed improvement in night vision and recognition of fine detail. 

 

Zeaxanthin is a safe and well tolerated supplement that anyone can take with no side effects.  We recommend taking MacuHealth at Primary Eyecare Associates. This is a great supplement because it actually contains all three macular pigments (lutein, zeaxanthin, and mesozeaxanthin) and only has to be taken once a day.  We prescribe MacuHealth for everyone with macular degeneration and people at risk with a family history of macular degeneration.

 

 If you or family members are concerned about your eye health please call 271-3900 for an appointment.  You may need to be on Macuhealth. 

 

It has been a long time since there have been any truly revolutionary changes in glasses design.  Progressive lenses, which most people think of as new technology, were actually started almost 50 years ago.  With the invention of the emPower lens, that has all changed.  The emPower lens is a new lens that uses liquid crystals in the lenses to create an instant on/off bifocal.  Whenever you want to read, simply tap the side of the frame and the bifocal power will instantly appear.  After you turn off the near power, they look and function just like any single vision lens.  The big advantage of this is you don’t get the annoying blurry field of vision in the bottom of the lens like you do with standard bifocals and progressives.  These lenses are going to be great for people who have tried and tried and are still unable to adapt to bifocals or progressive.  We are very excited at being one of the few providers of the emPower glasses..  Please visit their website at www.lifeactivated.com to read about this new lens or call 334-271-3900. 

 

I just read an article about a new surgery that claims to turn brown eyes blue.  Sounds too good to be true right, and after reading the article it probably is.  The procedure, which is being investigated in California (no surprise there), claims to remove the brown surface pigment of the iris with a laser revealing the blue pigment underneath.  The price tag is supposed to be roughly $5,000, which is more than vision correcting LASIK surgery.  My concern would be the risk of a potentially blinding case of glaucoma caused by the removed pigment clogging up the fluid drainage system in the eye.  Another concern would be that there is no way to know for sure if there any underlying blue pigment in a person's iris until the procedure has already been done.  You could have the procedure done and still have blue eyes.  Sounds like this procedure, even if approved, will not turn out to be quite as good as it sounds. 

 

At Primary Eyecare Associates, we are committed to providing our patients the very latest in technology to ensure a lifetime of healthy vision.  One new addition we are very excited about is the Optovue SD-OCT.  Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive instrument that is able to map out the retinal layers as well as analyze the optic nerve and corneas.  This instrument replaced our older generation OCT, and operates at 2x greater resolution and 10x faster imaging speeds.  To put that in perspective, its like comparing an MRI scan with a plain X-ray image.  It gives us a much better analysis of the ocular structures, which can lead to earlier diagnosis of eye diseases.  This new instrument will be a sight saver for many with diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.  And as a kicker it usually can perform a scan without the pupils being dilated, which makes for much happier patients!  Below is an example of a health optic nerve.

 

 

 

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

CONTACT: Devin Yates

Phone: 334-271-3900

Fax: 334-271-3915

Email: dyates@pea1.net 

 

September 27, 2011

 

Primary Eyecare Associates Hosts 3^rd Annual Trunk Show!

 

Montgomery, Alabama - On Thursday October 20^th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Primary Eyecare Associates are partnering with representatives from high end frame lines to present the River Region with fantastic optical options for all ages.

                                                              

To celebrate National Family Health Month, Primary Eyecare Associates will host representatives from glasses lines such as Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Armani, Prada, Ray Ban, Cole Haan, Cazal, and more!  Guests will have the exciting opportunity to learn more about these exquisite lines.  The representatives will show the very latest and newest styles of ophthalmic and sunglass frames.  Not only will guests enjoy viewing and purchasing a new pair of glasses, door prizes will be awarded.  A relaxing atmosphere filled with hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be provided.

 

“At our annual trunk show, the citizens of the River Region will be delighted to know that there are more options to choose from at Primary Eyecare Associates.  The upcoming release of ophthalmic frames, prescription sunglasses as well as nonprescription sunglasses is very exciting for us to present to our patients. Glasses wearers and sunglass lovers alike will thoroughly enjoy this event.  We strive to bring Montgomery the best quality and latest styles the optical world has to offer.  I believe Primary Eyecare Associates, Drs. Jackson, Harris, and Marshall; and staff are top notch,” said Primary Eyecare Associates optician Devin Yates.

 

Existing and new patients are invited to join in this unique occasion.  Primary Eyecare Associate’s 3^rd annual trunk show will take place at 8436 Vaughn Road in East Montgomery, Alabama.  For more information, call Devin Yates at (334) 271-3900.

 

 

Today I'd like to talk about the emergence of 3D television.  This is becoming more and more popular and may replace regular tv in the future.  The basic way that we perceive depth with our eyes is that each eye sees a slightly different image and the brain merges them into a single 3D world.  This is caused binocular vision.  The way television manufacturers produce 3D is based on this.  The special glasses that are worn cause each eye to see a slightly different image on the screen and the brain perceives this as 3D.  The only catch is that not every person has good binocular vision.  Some people with poor eye muscle balance will experience eyestrain and headaches when viewing a 3D television.  Certain people can experience motion sickness and dizziness.  And finally, there are many people with vision problems that don't allow them to have binocular vision.  These people will quickly realize something is wrong because they won't be able to see their new tv in 3D!  Fortunately many of these issues can be addressed in a comprehensive eye examination.  I anticipate seeing many patients over the coming years who never would have had an eye exam if they didn't have a 3D television to tell them something is wrong.  Who would have thought that a television would help us detect vision problems.  The AOA recommends seeing a doctor of optometry for further evaluation if consumers answer yes to any of the following questions:

 

    * Is the 3D viewing experience not as vivid as it is for others watching the same picture?

    * Do you experience eyestrain or headaches during or after viewing?

    * Do you feel nauseous or dizzy during or after viewing?

    * Are you more comfortable viewing 2D TV or movies instead of 3D TV/movies?

    * Is it difficult for your eyes to adjust back to normal after watching 3D TV/movies?

    * Is the picture not in 3D?

 

While this technology is in its early stages now, odds are that you will be exposed to it at some point in the future.  If you plan on investing in one, make sure an eye examination is a part of your decision.

 

A while back I wrote about the Infantsee program and how important eye exams are for children.  Well, two weeks ago I learned firsthand how much impact eye exams can have on a child's future.  A 16 month old child was brought into our office because his mother thought his eyes were crossing.  It turns out that he has advanced retinoblastoma in one of his eyes.  Retinoblastoma is a rare childhood malignant tumor of the eye that we never want to see.  The incidence in children is only 1 in 20,000, but it can be deadly.  It is rapidly progressive and easily spreads into the brain and other parts of the body.  When retinoblastoma gets detected earlier, there is a better chance of saving the eye and vision.  That is where the Infantsee program is so important.  The doctors at Primary Eyecare Associates provide eye exams to infants 6 to 12 months of age at no cost to the parent.  If you have a child, please go to www.primaryicare.com for more information on this truly life changing program.

 

The Physicians at Primary Eyecare Associates would like to make sure everyone knows that we are not only available for your Eye Health Examinations, eye care supplies and LASIK eye surgery but we are also available to treat eye infections and injuries. Our 4 facilities are stocked with all the supplies and equipment needed to diagnose and treat all your ocular symptoms. Emergencies happen, and more than likely, they happen after regular business hours, or during the weekend instead of during regular office hours, and because of that, we are available after hours and weekends. We constantly see patients that went to a walk-in medical clinic for eye problems only to see us a few days later when things are not any better. Save your time and money and see an Eye Specialist for your Ocular emergencies. At Primary Eyecare Associates, we are a patient centered clinic; we believe in not only treating your eye diseases/emergencies, but also educating you on treatments and prevention. Our Physicians see you when it is convenient for you, not when it is convenient for us.
 

I can't wear contact lenses because of my astigmatism.  I hear this all the time from patients when I ask if they have ever worn contact lenses.  While this may have been true 20 years ago, technology has allowed us to fit many people who thought they couldn't wear them.  New contact lens materials and designs have made contact lenses for astigmatism almost the same as regular contacts; many times the only difference patients can notice is the different numbers on the box.  If you have ever been told you couldn't wear contacts because of astigmatism, just set up an appointment and we will see if one of these new lenses is right for you.

I can't wear contacts anymore because I have to wear bifocals now.  Wrong.  There are great options available that will give you good distance and reading vision.  One option is a multifocal contact lens that is worn the same way as a regular contact lens but acts as a pair of bifocals.  Another option is called monovision, where we make one eye good for distance and one eye good for reading; it sounds weird but your brain learns to switch eyes without you even noticing it.  With the right lenses, we can keep you in contacts for as long as you want to wear them.  At Primary Eyecare Associates, we will do everything we can to put your vision and needs first, no matter how long it takes to find the right solution.  Our goal is to use the best technology available to ensure that everyone who wants to wear contacts can.
 

Sunglasses. 

This is an area of eyecare that seems simple on the surface but is actually quite complex.  Most people think of sunglasses as something that makes them look cool in the summertime.  While this is true, it is not the only reason to wear sunglasses.  The number one reason to wear sunglasses is for UV radiation protection.  Ultraviolet light is a high wavelength high energy radiation that has an effect on several parts of the eye.  First, it can cause ocular irritation and exacerbate dry eyes.  UV light also causes cataracts;  however, this is a cumulative effect so the all the times you ran around outside in your youth adds up and eventually causes cataracts in your later years.  While not completely understood, there is also a link between UV and high energy blue light and macular degeneration.  

OK, those are the boring medical reasons to wear sunglasses.  Well, what kind should you wear?  I always tell people that with sunglasses, you typically get what you pay for.  A pair of high end polarized sunglasses will make everything sharper and reduce glare and eyestrain.  A pair of 5 dollar cheapos will make you see like you have cataracts.  The difference between the good lenses and the bad is the quality of the optics, since almost all sunglasses offer UV protection.  Many times a pair of cheap lenses will warp and cause induced astigmatism, which can distort your vision.  If you do any kind of outdoor activities, polarized lenses are a must.  Polarization is a way to reduce glare off reflecting surfaces, such as water, roads, and windshields.  Another great option for sunglasses is Transition lenses.  These are the lenses that darken outside and lighten inside.  They have the advantage of having your prescription in them so you can wear the same glasses for all activities.  If you want to know if your sunglasses are any good, just bring them by and ask one of our opticians.  Some of the expensive designer sunglasses popular with certain celebrities actually have poor quality lenses.  We are able to take those lenses out and put in a pair of optical quality sunglass lenses.  Now, go get a pair of sunglasses and enjoy your summer.