SOLAR ECLIPSE SAFETY - PART 2

SOLAR ECLIPSE - SAFE VIEWING TIPS ARE YOU READY FOR THE SOLAR ECLIPSE ACROSS AMERICA? On Monday, August 21, 2017, all of the United States will have a solar eclipse. The moon will cover at least part of the sun for 2 to 3 hours. Halfway through, anyone within a narrow path from Oregon to South Carolina will experience a brief total eclipse. The moon will completely block the sun's bright face for up to 2 minutes 40 seconds. Day will turn into night, and (weather permitting) one of nature's most awesome sights will become visible: the sun's shimmering outer atmosphere, or corona. The American Optometric Association, in partnership with the American Astronomical Society, is providing detailed information so that you can safely view the eclipse. Here are four ways to safely view a solar eclipse:   Use approved solar eclipse viewers. The only safe way to view a partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as "eclipse glasses" or viewers that meet international standard ISO 12312-2 for safe viewing. Sunglasses, smoked glass, unfiltered telescopes or magnifiers, and polarizing filters are unsafe. If you can't find eclipse viewers, build a pinhole projector to watch the eclipse. Technique of the pros. Before looking at the sun, cover your eyes with the eclipse viewers while standing still. Glance at the sun, turn away and then remove your filter. Do not remove the filter while looking at the sun. Totality awesome. Only within the path of totality-and once the moon completely blocks the sun-can eclipse viewers safely be removed to view totality. Once the sun begins reappearing, however, viewers must be replaced.  Visit your doctor of optometry. If you should experience discomfort or vision problems following the eclipse, visit your local doctor of optometry for a comprehensive eye examination.    As a service to our patients, Memphis Family Vision will be sharing several articles about safely viewing the eclipse.  These articles come directly from the American Optometric Association, the leading authority on quality care and an advocate for our nation's health, representing more than 44,000 doctors of optometry (O.D.), optometric professionals and optometry students. While the doctors at Memphis Family Vision recommend never looking directly at the sun, they realize the excitement surrounding the eclipse and want patients to take the utmost care and caution when attempting to view this phenomenon.

SOLAR ECLIPSE SAFETY - PART 1

SOLAR ECLIPSE SAFETY

American Optometric Association Encourages Safe and Fun Viewing of August Eclipse

Memphis Family Vision Wants to Help You Take in the Stellar Moment

On August 21, a total solar eclipse will touch the U.S. mainland for the first time since 1979, following a path that crosses the country from Salem, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina. Tens of millions of people who live within a 70-mile radius of its cross-country track will witness the eclipse in totality (the sun completely blocked by the moon) while millions of others outside of it will enjoy a partial eclipse. The American Optometric Association (AOA) is urging Americans to view the eclipse with proper eye protection to avoid any temporary or permanent eye damage from the sun.

“The eclipse is a rare moment that the whole country is able to share,” said THE DOCS. “As America’s primary eye health and vision care experts, doctors of optometry are excited to help everyone enjoy it safely by protecting their eyes.”

To ensure spectators won’t miss the remarkable sight, the AOA is sharing a few tips for safe viewing:

·       Get centered and enjoy the view. Within the path of totality, you can safely witness the two or more minutes when the moon completely covers the sun with the naked eye. Otherwise, your eyes should always be protected by verified viewing tools. Never look directly at the sun without eye protection, even briefly. Visit eclipse.aas.org to access eclipse duration charts.

·       Know your duration. Outside of the path of totality, always use solar filters. O.D.s want to reinforce that the only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters or other ISO-certified filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or handheld solar viewers. The AOA encourages ordering solar eclipse glasses in advance and recommends referring to the American Astronomical Society’s (AAS) site for a list of manufacturers.

·       Be aware of harmful solar exposure. If you stare at the sun without protection, you may experience damage to your retina (the tissue at the back of your eye) called “solar retinopathy.” This damage can occur without any sensation of pain, since the retina does not have pain receptors. The injury can be temporary or permanent. Visit your local doctor of optometry immediately if an accident occurs.

·       Visit your doctor of optometry. Check in with the Doctors at Memphis Family Vision for information about safely viewing the eclipse. If you experience any problems with your eyes or vision after the eclipse, our office will be able to provide you with the medical care you need.

To access additional information and educational materials on the solar eclipse, visit aoa.org/2017eclipse.

As a service to our patients, Memphis Family Vision will be sharing several articles about safely viewing the eclipse.  These articles come directly from the American Optometric Association, the leading authority on quality care and an advocate for our nation's health, representing more than 44,000 doctors of optometry (O.D.), optometric professionals and optometry students. While the doctors at Memphis Family Vision recommend never looking directly at the sun, they realize the excitement surrounding the eclipse and want patients to take the utmost care and caution when attempting to view this phenomenon.

Blue Light Protection

Blue Light Protection

The average person today spends over 10 hours per day looking at a screen*.  This can be a computer screen, a cell phone, a tablet, an e-reader or other digital device.  Blue light rays emitted from these devices may cause eye strain, headaches, and even sleep disorders. 

Eyeglass lens companies are now producing a variety of blue-blocking lenses and lens coatings. These are available in both prescription and non-prescription eyewear under a variety of names, and with a variety of purposes.

Parents are starting to realize the value of blue-blocking lenses for their school age children and have started asking for this feature in their children’s eyewear.  Many are purchasing special glasses to keep at the home computer so that it is readily available.

People who wear blue-blocking lenses have reported**:

·         98.2% have noticed significant sleep improvement

·         99.1% have noticed that their eyes feel more “relaxed” indoors

·         65.1% have noticed a significant reduction in headaches and migraines.

Remember to ask your eye doctor about which type of blue-blocking lens will best suit your needs for viewing your computer and other digital devices, and protecting your eyes from blue light.

Sources:  

*Nielson survery reported by CNN, July '16

**Blue Tech wearer survey. Bluetechlenses.com

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!

Hot Eyewear News from Vision Expo in Las Vegas!!!

Hot Eyewear News from Vision Expo in Las Vegas!!!

 We keep informed on trends we see emerge in eyewear fashion, and this year at Vision Expo in Las Vegas we noticed a lot of them!  Frames are continuing to get larger and rounder.  Crystal clear acetates are super hot and now are being shown with soft tints as well. Color is still big and being introduced in creative layering hand painting.  Mixed materials dominated many of the upscale lines, which fused together acetate and titanium, for unique looks and comfort.  Technology is growing by leaps and bounds, both on the frame side and the lens side. (Look for our upcoming blog on digital eye strain)

  

Here are a few of the favorite things we noticed this fall:

The new frames we ordered were larger,
rounder and very light-weight for maximum
comfort.  With their beautiful colors, multiple
quality materials, and modern designs,
these new "framed" Lindbergs
will make a great addition to our optical.

Some of our premier sunglass lines are
now offering new eyeglass lines.
These acetate/titanium combo frames
are one of the new styles offerecd by Costa.

Rounded frames are front and center
in the newest eyewear designs.  These
matte caramel colored beauties by
Barton Perreira were a group favorite.

Colorful layers, rounded shapes and
larger sizes were some of
 the design details we noticed
 in many lines. We loved these
new sunglasses by Lafont.

Larger, rounder frames are also being
show for sunglasses.  Many designs, like
 thesefrom Matsuda, are unisex.

These are NOT your grandfather's clip-on
sunglasses!  Several of our cutting edge
eyewear designers are creating custom
clip-on sunglasses to give you great flexibility
with your eyewear purchase.  These
Barton Perreira metal frames come
 with an acetate clip-on option
to give it great style and an
added layerof "coolness"!

Allied Metal Works is a new company that
we have added to our optical.  This company
 has state-of-the-art engineering for maximum
comfort and durability.  There are no hinge
pins to fall out, titanium makes them extra
light-weight, and they have unique layering
designs incorporating acetate and titanium.

Paris Eyewear Fashions

Paris Eyewear Fashions

Click here to see closer images from the collage above.

What eyeglasses are fashion forward people wearing in Paris?

When our eye doctors visit "fashionable" places on their vacations, they always enjoy seeing what the optical boutiques are showcasing.  This summer, one of "The Docs" went to Paris, France and really enjoyed studying the optiques to see how our optical measured up to the highest fashion capital of the world.  Here is what he noted are trends that every optique promoted:

• Heavy frames made from zyl (plastic)
• Round frames in all sizes
• Wood frames
• Matte tortoise
• Tortoise mixes with color, especially turquoise
• Visible pins on the front of the frames
• Classic 1950's looks
• Combinations of zyl, metal, wood combined together
• Lots of color with layers of color
• Fabric covered frames like denim and velvet

Some very notable brands that were showcased in their windows, that we also carry, included:

• Barton Perreira
• Oliver Peoples
• LaFont
• Alain Mikli
• Michael Kors
• Ray-Ban
• Oakley

When he got home and took stock of our optical to see how we could become more like the Parisian Optiques that he studied, The Doc discovered that our optical managers have stocked our Memphis optiques with the latest fashions and trends that are all over Paris!  So you don't have to hop on a plane to acquire stylish eyewear, just go to Memphis Family Vision or SEE Main Street and you will have plenty from which to chose!!