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HealthDay (12/29, Preidt) reports,(12/29, Preidt) reports, “Disease-causing strains of the fungus Fusarium are present in bathroom sink drains, which may be a common source of infection in humans,” according to a study published in the December issue of the Journal of Clinical Microbiology. Some species of Fusarium may cause infections in humans that can become dangerous or even deadly, and the problem is made worse by the fact that the fungus is resistant to many anti-fungal medications. A little over five years ago, “Fusarium was the cause of an outbreak of fungal keratitis…among contact lens wearers in the United States.” After testing “samples taken from nearly 500 sink drains in 131 businesses, homes, university dormitories and public facilities in” eight states, researchers found “at least one Fusarium isolate…in 66 percent of the drains and in 82 percent of the buildings.”
Presenting the Giorgio Armani Precious Materials Collection, the new 2011/2012 collection from the luxury brand featuring exotic leather finishes.
Specifics: One ophthalmic style, two sun styles and one exclusive sun style.
Features: The Giorgio Armani Precious Materials Collection features unique, one-of-a-kind eyewear that has a refined and unmistakable style that is skilfully hand finished by expert craftsmen. The GA 902/S is a minimal metal sunglass that is ultra-feminine and lightweight made precious by the leather finishes on the slender temples and double bridge. The GA 905/S sun and GA 931 ophthalmic styles features precious galuchat finishes. The GA 769/G/V/S combines the handcrafting of two natural and precious materials; gold and natural Indian water buffalo horn. The new exclusive aviator sunglasses feature a frame plated in 5 micron thick 22-carat gold, further embellished with a natural horn bridge and temple tips. The lenses are polarized glass and carry the “GA” logo on the right-hand lens and photo-engraved and lacquered on the inside of the temple tips. The GA 769/G/V/S style is available exclusively in a champagne color with dark green lenses.
  
 
Fine Eyewear & Eyecare is a full service eye care facility. We offers Giorgio Armani and other unique collections. We offer one of the largest collections of unique eyewear in Central Texas. Our eye care facility is staffed by eye doctors who care about your vision requirements. We’re located in the Heb shopping center at Parmer and 1431, located at the three corners of Cedar Park, Austin and Round Rock, TX and a short drive from Georgetown, TX , Teravista and Avery Ranch.
You can find more information at www.FineEyewear.Net
The New York Times (11/8, D7, Brody) reports in “Personal Health” that “when blood flow through the retina is blocked or when the retina pulls away from the wall of the eye, getting the problem properly diagnosed can be an emergency. Modern treatments can do wonders if they are begun before the damage is irreversible. But a delay in getting to a retinal specialist can diminish the ability of even the best therapy to preserve or restore normal vision.” The piece goes on to describe symptoms of, and treatments for, retinal-vein occlusion and retinal detachment.
In a related feature in the New York Times (11/8, D7, Subscription Publication), Denise Grady describes her experience with a vitreous hemorrhage. Patients who experience symptoms of a “mini-avalanche of the spots that doctors call floaters” along with “lightning-bolt” flashes are advised to seek medical attention promptly. In some cases, a detached retina may present with “blind spots or…black curtains,” and laser surgery is necessary to save sight. In Grady’s case, however, “the vitreous gel that fills the center of the eyeball had shrunk — a normal part of aging — and had pulled away from the retina. The flashes of light were symptoms of its tugging on the retina.” The problem will resolve itself in a couple of weeks.
Make no mistake, Glasses are not TV’s or Cell phones or other things you might order online. When you receive your glasses in the mail, you can’t just turn it on to verify if the prescription is working and accurate. Glasses are medical device’s used to help organ’s in your body function better. A good pair of glasses help your visual/brain and hand eye coordination perform better. A bad Rx or cheap lenses can cause headaches and other problems. A cheap pair of Sunglasses may cause even more harmful UV rays to enter into and cause permanent to damage your eyes. Manufacturing a great pair of glasses to specific tolerances is a difficult thing to do and requires highly experienced, trained personal. We don’t take your vision lightly and neither should you – FE.
ST. LOUIS—Consumers who order prescription eyeglasses online often receive glasses that fail to comply with optical tolerance and impact resistance requirements, according to a newly released study conducted by the American Optometric Association in conjunction with the Optical Laboratories Association and The Vision Council.
The study, which was published in the September issue of Optometry: Journal of the American Optometric Association, found that nearly half of the prescription eyewear ordered online in the U.S.—44.8 percent—had incorrect prescriptions or did not meet physical parameters to provide sufficient protection to the wearer.
Over a two-month period in 2010, 10 individuals from across the U.S. ordered two pairs of glasses, including pairs for both adults and children, from each of 10 of the most visited online optical vendors, for a total of 200 pairs of glasses. Frame styles were chosen from the mid-range options offered by each vendor, in varying frame materials, lens styles and prescriptions. The AOA’s published article did not identify the online optical vendors/retailers selected for the study.
Of the eyeglasses ordered, 154 pairs were received. After they were received, lens analysis included measurement of sphere power, cylinder power and axis, add power (if specified), separation of distance optical centers and center thickness.
Several pairs were provided incorrectly such as single vision instead of bifocals, or lens treatments that were added or omitted, the AOA reported. In 29 percent of glasses received, at least one lens was not within the parameters of the prescription. Nearly 23 percent of the lenses failed impact testing, based on center thickness and lens treatment. Of the children’s glasses tested, 29 percent failed impact testing.
Karl Citek, OD, PhD, a lead study author from Pacific University College of Optometry, noted that patients who purchase eyewear without the assistance of a trained professional may not receive a product of equal performance, value or safety. “Patients do not receive the benefit of ensuring an accurate prescription and a proper fit,” he wrote.
Sam Pierce, OD, trustee for the AOA, said consumers should be cautious when ordering any medical devices online. “Although online retailers may effectively market cost savings associated with online purchase of eyewear, consumers should beware, as this study points out, that the lack of oversight and quality control can lead to inferior products that could be harmful,” Pierce said.
The Boston Globe (10/13, DeMarco) reports, “Car windows — and those in your home — are good at filtering out ultraviolet B rays, which cause sunburns. But car and home windows generally don’t filter out ultraviolet A rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin” and “can interfere with your body’s ability to protect against skin cancer,” explained dermatologist Paul Lizzul, MD, PhD, MPH, MBA, associate director of clinical research in dermatology at Tufts Medical Center. According to the American Academy of Dermatology’s website , sunscreen (AND SUNGLASSES) should be worn “on exposed areas whenever we go outside,” and that includes inside the car.
HealthDay (9/30, Mann) reports, “The US Food and Drug Administration is once again cracking down on eye care professionals who make false safety claims and promises about the popular LASIK eye surgery.” In its Letter to Eye Care Professionals, which it issued this week, the FDA “is now giving eye doctors 90 days to get in line and update any advertising or promotional materials that make false claims. After this time, the agency will take regulatory action, said FDA spokeswoman Erica Jefferson.”
Questions to research when considering LASIK:
1. What are the risks of LASIK. (dry-eye, star/halo night vision, ability to properly heal after surgery)
2. Will LASIK make the need for eye glasses go away 100%? (in many cases no)
3. Will LASIK make the need for reading glasses come at an earlier age (in many cases yes)
4. Is there an age window to get LASIK?
5. Does my eyeball structure make me a good LASIK candidate?
6. Ask your surgeon if he/she has had LASIK performed on their own eyes.
Further reading can be found by clicking this FDA website: MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/SurgeryandLifeSupport/LASIK
Dry eye is one of the least understood ocular diseases and yet one of the most common complaints we hear from patients.
Women are more frequently affected than men. Dry Eye Disease is often caused by hormonal changes due to aging, menopause, and other medical conditions or their treatments.
Your eyes need a constant layer of healthy, balanced tears called the “tear film” to stay nourished and protected. A change in the quality or the quantity of your tears can result in an un-balanced tear film.
Dry Eye Symptoms
Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease may include:
Stinging
Burning
Scratchy Sensation
Sensitivity to Light
Tearing
Tired Eyes
Contact Lens Discomfort
Blurred Vision
These dry eye disease symptoms often worsen at the end of the day or after visually focusing for a prolonged period on a nearby task.
Often dry eye symptoms are mistaken for allergies, climatic conditions or just “eyestrain”. While all of these may aggravate Dry Eye Disease, they are not the cause.
Dry Eye Causes
Environmental Causes:
Hot, dry and/or windy climates, high altitudes, excessive sun exposure, central heating, air conditioning, cigarette smoke, air pollution, air travel.
Refractive eye surgeries:
Dry eye is the most common complaint following LASIK. Your doctor should test your eyes prior to surgery to ensure the best outcome.
Contact Lens Wear:
Two million people a year give up on wearing contact lenses. 50% of these contact lens “dropouts” say its due to dryness or discomfort. If you have Dry Eye Disease, your doctor can prescribe a specific lens for your condition or prescribe treatment to allow you to wear your lenses more comfortably.
Low blink rate:
Blinking is critical in stimulating tear production, as well as spreading the tears across the eye’s surface. The three common culprits responsible for reducing your blink rate are computer use, reading, and watching TV. Sometimes just remembering to blink can improve how your eyes feel.
Medications:
It is important that your eye doctor know all of the medications that you take. Some medications known to aggravate dry eye disease are; allergy medications, decongestants, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, birth control pills, diuretics, and pain medications just to name a few.
Diseases:
Some diseases associated with dry eye disease are; Diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Sjögren’s syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Lacrimal Gland Deficiency, Blepharitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and Rosacea.
Hormonal deficiencies or changes:
Thyroid conditions, hormonal changes during menopause, decreased production of androgen, estrogen supplementation can all affect ocular health. Be sure to let your doctor know if you are taking hormone replacement therapy or have a thyroid condition.
Treatment
Many treatments for dry eyes are available without a prescription. However, it’s wise to see an optometrists to evaluate the cause of the condition and to create the best treatment plan for you.
Treatments for dry eyes may include:
- Changes in diet
- Supplementation
- Artificial Tears: There are many artificial tears available over the counter. Ask an Accredited Dry Eye Center which drop is best for your specific condition.
- Ointments. If your eyes dry out while you sleep, you can use a thicker lubricant, such as an ointment, at night.
- Plugs (temporary and permanent punctual occlusion). Sometimes it is necessary to close the ducts that drain tears out of the eye. Temporary or permanent plugs can be inserted to hold tears around the eyes longer. Many patients find that plugs improve comfort and reduce the need for artificial tears.
- Restasis®. For the treatment of chronic dry eye, Restasis is currently the only prescription eye drop that helps your eyes increase their own tear production with continued use.
- Other medications. Other medications, including topical steroids, may also be beneficial in some cases.
- Surgery. If needed, the ducts that drain tears into the nose can be permanently closed to allow more tears to remain around the eye. This is done with local anesthetic on an outpatient basis. There are no limitations in activity after having this surgery.
Our doctors at Fine Eyewear & Eye care in Cedar Park treat patients who suffer from dry eye every day. Fine Eyewear is located at the three corners of Cedar Park, Austin and Round Rock, TX and a short drive from Georgetown, TX . Some of the local neighborhoods served by Fine Eyewear include Forest Oaks, Silver Oaks, Teravista, Avery Ranch, Stone Canyon, Mayfield Ranch, The Ranch at Brushy Creek, Vista Oaks and Wood Glen – we have an eye doctor close by for you! Come and See us! Visit our main website at www.FineEyewear.net
In the syndicated Parent to Parent column appearing in the Charlotte (NC) Observer (8/16), Betsy Flagler asks, “Is your child headed back to school with an inability to pay attention? Have his eyes, ears and teeth checked by specialists to rule out any health-related links to behavior problems” or difficulties learning in the classroom? While children “generally don’t complain about their eyes…parents need to be aware of symptoms that may indicate a vision problem, experts say.” According to the American Optometric Association, “even though a child may have 20/20 vision, the following habits also can signal less obvious vision problems: loses place while reading, avoids close work,” and “holds reading material closer than normal.”
AOA Survey: Most Teachers Say Vision, Learning Are Interdependent. The News Record (8/15) reported, “A visit to the eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam is an important part of overall health,” and is especially important for youngsters about to return to school. In fact, “according to an American Optometric Association survey of K-12 teachers, 81 percent believe vision and learning are interdependent.”
In “Medicine Matters,” Medscape (7/21, Fryhofer) posted a video and transcript of Dr. Sandra Fryhofer discusses “six tanning and sunscreen myths.” Fryhofer recommended that everyone wear sunscreen as much as possible, along with UV-protective sunglasses and a hat. She also pointed out that even inside cars, people need to wear sunscreen, since “a study in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology found that people who spend a lot of time in the car are more likely to get skin cancers on the side exposed to sunlight during driving.”
HealthDay (7/21, Gardner) reports that, according to a study published in Optometry and Vision Science, “people reading text messages or browsing the Internet on their smartphones tend to hold the devices closer than they would a book or newspaper.” Some suggest increasing font size on smartphones, e-readers, and using “Verdana 12-point font, the only font designed specifically for computers.
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