Bifocals help you use your cell phone

Optometrists discuss difficulty reading displays on cell phones, PDAs.
In the Boston Globe (4/24) Voices column, Alex Beam writes that, according to optometrist Jeffrey Anshel, OD, "who consults in the field of visual ergonomics," human "vision is engineered for about 30 years of use." Because "nobody was texting in prehistoric times," humans "are outliving our focusing ability," thus encountering difficulty reading displays on cell phones and PDAs. Jeffrey Weaver, OD, "clinical care director for the American Optometric Association," pointed out the "huge difference between typing...on a regular computer keyboard and thumbing out messages on a PDA." People "can type on a computer with crummy vision, as bad as 20/2100," Dr. Weaver said, but the "BlackBerry or cellphone keypad requires greater concentration and much better vision -- or glasses." Even "the dean of American visual researchers," James Sheedy, OD, PhD, of Pacific University, must use multifocals to read the display on his Apple iPhone. (courtesy AOA)

Tips for ithcy eyes

California's San Fernando Valley Sun (4/23) reports that, "according to the California Optometric Association (COA), 20 percent of adults and children suffer from allergies." Many "who endure red, itchy, watery eyes usually try over-the-counter drops that promise immediate relief," but "find short-lived or little-to-no relief," and so "continue to rub their eyes throughout the day." A number of "COA members report seeing an increase in patient complaints during April and May, and offer tips on relief, as well as a warning that symptoms may indicate a more serious condition." COA president Hilary Hawthorne, OD, said that "increased amounts of swelling, redness, and pain should lead to a visit to the optometrist." That's because "self-diagnosis and treatment can potentially make the condition worse, because allergies and bacterial or viral infections can exhibit the same symptoms." Meanwhile, "ways to temporarily relieve discomfort until you see your eye doctor" include cold compresses, chilled sterile saline solution rinses, and "preservative-free over-the-counter eye drops," but not the kind that "get the red out." (courtesy AOA)

Tips for Dry Eyes

With Utah being the second dryest state in the nation dry eyes are virtually ubiquitous. Dry eyes can cause symptoms of burning, decreased vision, and tearing. Our hot summers, wind, and long hours at the computer can make these symptoms worse. The following are tips for dealing with dry eyes.

1. Use artificial tears (eg., Optive, Systane, Refresh Tears). Use them four times per day.
2. Lower your computer screen. Having your computer screen below your line of sight will expose your eyes less.
3. Blink. People forget to blink when doing computer work. Make a consious effort to blink every ten seconds.
4. Lid scrubs. There are multiple components to tears. The tear glands can get plugged. Use a warm wash cloth to clean the margins of your lids.
5. Protection. Keep your eyes out of the wind with a good pair of sunglasses.

Relief from dry, irritated eyes will come by simply taking these measures. If these suggestions are not enough to relieve your dry eyes we can help you with more aggressive treatment.

Taking care of dry eyes is part of clear, comfortable, healthy vision.

Six tips for Red, itchy, watery eyes

Six tips for
Red, itchy, watery eyes

More than 22 million Americans suffer from allergies. Most of these people also have allergic conjunctivitis (allergies in the eyes). This can cause itchy, red, watery eyes. Though many people simply endure these symptoms there is much that can be done to relieve your allergies.

1. Avoid the allergan. If you know what causes your eyes to itch then avoid it, if you can. This cannot always be done but is the most effective when possible. Unfortunately, people with allergies are often allergic to many things and cannot avoid them.
2. Don’t rub. Rubbing your eyes induces and increases the allergy response. When you rub your eyes it releases histamine, a chemical that induces itching.
3. Cool compresses. A cold wash cloth will help settle the cascade that causes the inflammation and itchiness.
4. Drops. Eye drops such as Elestat, Pataday, and Zatidor can relieve itchy eyes and will reduce allergies when used regularly
5. No Visine. This may get the redness out but can lead to a rebound effect where your eyes are worse than when you started.
6. Artificial Tears. These can be useful in rinsing out your eye. A clean eye will have less to react with.

Taking one or more of these measures can often relieve those itchy, red, watery eyes. You do not have to suffer from ocular allergies. If the tips above do not relieve your symptoms, talk with us about more aggressive treatments.

New promotion

We are not offering half off a second pair of glasses. This is to help those who need more than one pair of glasses in their lives. This is good for a second pair of reading glasses, sunglasses, a spare pair for the car or just a different look. This offer is good for the same patient ordering on the same day.