CooperVision's MyDay: Newest Contact Lens Technology

CooperVision's MyDay: 

Newest Contact Lens Technology

We are excited to be carrying the new CooperVision MyDay lens, and here's why:

AT A GLANCE:

• Convenient daily replacement schedule
• Supports excellent all-day comfort
• The healthier advantages of silicone hydrogel
• Our highest UVA/UVB filters
• Vision correction for nearsightedness and farsightedness
• Available now for patients with astigmatism

CooperVision^® MyDay lenses feature everything you need for an exceptional overall daily disposable experience: uncompromised all-day comfort, easy lens insertion and removal, and a highly breathable lens that helps provides a healthier¹ lens-wearing experience. That’s MyDay—lenses you’ll put in and forget about until you’re ready to call it a day. 

Smart Silicone is a revolutionary breakthrough in lens chemistry that enables MyDay lenses to provide uncompromised comfort throughout your day. Smart Silicone™ delivers oxygen to your eyes much more efficiently than other daily disposable brands—while using less silicone. Here’s why that’s important: less silicone means there’s more room for moisture, making it a naturally water-friendly lens material . Less silicone also makes the MyDay lens exceedingly soft—softer than other silicone hydrogel daily disposable lenses.

Call our office for a contact lens evaluation to see if you are a good candidate for the new CooperVision MyDay lens!

Source: coopervision.com

Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration

“I have a family history of macular degeneration.  Is there anything I can do to help keep this from happening to me?”

Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss, affecting more than 10 million Americans, and at present is considered an incurable eye disease.
Macular Degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina, the inside back layer of the eye that records the images we see and sends them via the optic nerve from the eye to the brain. The retina’s central portion, known as the macula, is responsible for focusing central vision in the eye, and it controls our ability to read, drive a car, recognize faces or colors, and see objects in fine detail.

Our diets include many processed foods that are lacking in the nutrients required to maximize macular pigment.  In addition, exposure to blue light from digital devices can contribute to macular disease and limit visual performance.

Recently a company has come out with a supplement that seems to be helping patients maintain a healthier macula.  Studies have shown that visual performance can be improved at any age following supplementation with a formulation that contains all three of macular pigment’s constituent nutrients.  MacuHealth with LMZ3 has been shown to appreciably improve visual performance and has also been shown to outperform alternative formulations.  We have started recommending this supplement to our at risk patients to help protect their macula from lifelong retinal injury, and reduce the risk of developing macular disease. 

We are now carrying this supplement in our office.  If you feel that you would like to try this, please call the office for an appointment with one of our eye doctors.

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Summer Heat and Your Sunglasses

Summer Heat and Your Sunglasses

Driving presents a challenge to eyeglass wearers, specifically the need to switch to prescription sunglasses on a sunny summer day.  Purchasing a high quality sunglass lens, with a high quality anti-reflective coating, is just as important as having a premium eyeglass lens.  While driving, you will need to move your head a lot and focus on both the near objects on the dashboard, as well as the distant objects while driving.  You will also need every tool possible to avoid the sun’s glare and the danger it causes.

Many people leave their sunglasses in the car all of the time, as that is where they are most likely to be used.  This presents a unique challenge in warm climates, because many lens coatings can sometimes crack or peel when exposed to the harsh temperatures inside your car on a hot summer day.  At Memphis Family Vision, we urge our patients to take advantage of the highest quality lens coatings we offer, as they are less likely to crack or peel when exposed to the high heat inside your “oven on wheels.”

Digital Eye Strain

Are You Suffering From Digital Eye Strain?

Addicted to facebook and Instagram? 

Can't get enough of cute cat videos?  

Work at the computer all day?  

Constantly playing video games?  

Permanently attached to your smart phone?  

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might be suffering from digital eye strain!

What is Digital Eye Strain?

According to a Vision Council report, digital eye strain is the physical discomfort felt after two or more hours in front of a digital screen and is associated with the close to mid-range distance of digital screens, including desktop and laptop computers, tablets, e-readers and smartphones.

What are the symptoms of Digital Eye Strain?

Dry eyes, eye strain, brain fatigue and neck pain are all symptoms associated with Digital Eye Strain.

Why does this happen?

Our eyes were never meant to look at millions of glowing pixels all day. Small type and pixelated images force our eyes to work harder in order to focus. 

Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum. It comes from the sun, as well as artificial light sources like digital screens and fluorescent lights. This type of light gets absorbed deep in the eye, making it one of the most intense forms of visible light to humans. While blue light can be beneficial in moderation by helping to regulate our body’s internal clock and improving alertness, it can also lead to the development of certain eye conditions and is believed to increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

What can be done to help me?

The optical industry has responded to the shift in digital habits by developing lens technology to alleviate vision problems and protect eyes from blue light, glare and other environmental stressors. Many of these "computer glasses" filter up to 20% of blue light and are available in both prescription and non-prescription eyewear. The lenses and filters are customized to reduce blurriness and pixilation, decrease brightness, block blue light, and minimize glare while working in front of a screen.

Ask you eye doctor if you would be a good candidate for any of the new lens materials and filters that help reduce Digital Eye Strain!

Protecting Your Eyes from Ultra-Violet Light

Protecting Your Eyes from Ultra-Violet Light

Everyone has been told to wear sunscreen to protect their skin from exposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet light, but did you know that you also need to protect your eyes as well?  

Sunglasses aren't just a fashion statement; they shield your eyes from ultraviolet radiation that comes from the sun, even on cloudy days.  Long term exposure can lead to eye diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.  

It is not clear how much exposure to solar radiation will cause damage, so the American Optometric Association recommends wearing quality sunglasses that offer  both UV-A and UV-B protection, and wearing a hat or cap with a wide brim whenever you spend time outside.  If you spend a lot of time outdoors in bright sunlight, wrap around frames (which are now available with prescription lenses) can provide additional protection from the sun's harmful rays.

It is also very important to remember to provide protection for your children and teenagers. They typically spend more time in the sun than adults.  

There are other opportunities to protect your eyes from UV radiation.  A clear coating can be applied to prescription eyeglasses that will also safeguard your eyes from the harmful rays.  In addition, many contact lenses now are available with UV protection.

Every year there are new advances in ultraviolet protection for your eyes.  When you come to our office for your eye exam, make sure you ask one of our doctors or opticians what would work best for your individual needs.

Hot off the Press: The Bausch + Lomb Ultra Contact Lens!

Hot off the Press: The Bausch + Lomb Ultra Contact Lens!

The newest silicone hydrogel contact lens available on the market has been rolled out by Bausch + Lomb and we have it at Memphis Family Vision and SEE Main Street! The Bausch + Lomb Ultra lens is a monthly replacement, super moist, high oxygen transmission contact lens. According to Bausch + Lomb, "the new lens technology, which has been studied and developed for seven years, combines a breakthrough material with new manufacturing processes to produce a contact lens that breaks the cycle of discomfort for unsurpassed comfort and vision all day."

Who might be a good candidate for the Bausch + Lomb Ultra contact lens?

Optometrists have noticed that many patients are spending more than 10 hours each day using digital devices. We know that it is critical to surpass current standards for comfort, vision, and eye health.  The B+L Ultra lens seems to fit the bill.

Dr. Greg Usdan notes, "This lens is a great option for patients with dry eyes, or patients who have dropped out of contact lens wear due to dryness.  The lens is super easy to handle and has a light blue visibility tint so it can be easily seen for insertion." It is currently available only for single vision patients powers from +2.00 to  -9.00, but will be available in extended powers within 90 days.  

This lens has the absolute highest oxygen transmission of any soft lens available today, and also has the new B&L MoistureSeal technology built in, giving it all day comfort and exceptional vision.  

Where can I get this new lens?

The doctors at the Memphis Family Vision Practice are the first office in town to have this lens and will be the only place to get this lens for the near future.  Dr. Usdan has already begun wearing the Bausch + Lomb Ultra contact lens and has been very pleased so far!

If you have been out of contacts due to dryness or handling issues, this may be the answer for you. To see if you're a good candidate for the B+L Ultra Lens, call one of the doctors at Memphis Family Vision or SEE Main Street for an evaluation.

Celebrating American Heart Month

Celebrating American Heart Month

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths is caused by heart disease. To help prevent heart disease and increase awareness of its effects, Memphis Family Vision & SEE Main Street are proudly participating in American Heart Month. 

This project is especially meaningful to our office this year.  In December of 2013 right before Christmas, Dr. Leonard Hampton discovered that he had serious heart disease and immediately had quadruple by-pass surgery.  After just 3 1/2 weeks of recuperation, Dr. Hampton made a joyful return to his practice, has slowly been gaining his strength through rehabilitation, and looks forward to seeing more patients as he builds up to his full schedule.  

The good news? Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions. Dr. Hampton advises, "Be aware of what's going on in your body and if you're having a problem to get it checked out.  It is very important to lead a heart healthy lifestyle, with lots of exercise, fruits and vegetables!"

You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease. Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have heart disease. To lower your risk:

• Watch your weight.
• Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
• Get active and eat healthy.

For more information, visit 

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Affiliate/Memphis/Tennessee/Home_UCM_GSA040_AffiliatePage.jsp

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