Saturday, July 30, 2011

What can a parent do to keep their child's eye safe??



Are you aware that annual statistics show that sports-related eye injuries account for 40,000 trips to the hospital? That's one injury every 13 minutes! Eye Care professionals report that most of the injuries would have been easily prevented by wearing protective eyewear. More often than not eye damaging accidents take place when playing recreational activities or doing work around the house. Kids are especially vulnerable to accidents involving eye damage, which often happen during active play.So the remedy is safety glasses and they don't have to be some dreaded ugly glasses that make your child look like they are from another planet. Safety glasses come in school colors, all clear, can also include fashion sun wear with the correct protective lens material and tint. Don't forget the age old accessory the sport band that keeps the glasses attached and in place in contact sports. A popular brand of sport elastic band is Croakies offering the original band to color cords and floating cord options. Every household should have plano safety goggles available if outdoor work is done to protect the eyes from projectiles that can result from activities that may seem benign such as simple grass clipping to the more dangerous weed whacking. This summer don't forget the swim goggles either and if you have a swimmer in the family swim goggles can be made in prescription too.

Being strong about ensuring your kids use protective glasses during contact sports will protect them from potential eye damage. A good idea is to lead by example by purchasing a pair of new wraparound safety glasses for yourself that you use when involved in contact sports or working with power tools. Insist your children follow your example. In addition, let your kids select safety glasses in the style they prefer. Safety also involves consideration of sun protection when outdoors to prevent not only damaging UV rays from harming the eyes and creating eye sun burns but also enhances performance by promoting a higher degrees of clarity and less hesitation that is produced with glare.

To ensure you choose a pair with the right fit and the proper amount of safety, ask an experienced eye care professional for recommendations. Our professionals can help you in purchasing the right pair of glasses for your child, based on your child's particular needs. If your child has glasses, safety glasses can be customized with prescription lenses from your eye care center. Trivex or polylcarbonate lenses are recommended for a child that plays contact sports such as football. They are not only more shatter-proof, they are also lighter than plastic lenses, offering greater comfort.

Don't skimp when purchasing safety eyewear. It's a simple step to guard your child's eyes!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Photoker-what?

Photokeratitis. This is the “sunburn” of the cornea. During the past 4th of July holiday were you out playing yard games with the family? Boating on the lake? Sunbathing on a beach? More importantly, were you wearing eye protection?

Sunbathing and Sunglasses

Sunglasses are beneficial to help prevent Photokeratitis. Symptoms may include discomfort, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. Many times the sunburn is not usually noticed until several hours after exposure. The temporary vision loss that may result from Photokeratitis is called “snow blindness.” Ultraviolet (UV) rays and excessive sunlight, especially the type of rays which bounce off of snow and ice may lead to this painful sunburn. Being knowledgeable in regards to UV light is important to protect your eyes.

Outdoor risk factors including geographic location, altitude, the time of day, setting, and medications all determine the risk of damage. UV levels are greater when the sun is high in the sky, typically from 10am to 2pm. Also UV levels are greater in wide open spaces, especially when highly reflective surfaces are present such as sand. Always be aware of your medications, birth control pills, sulfa drugs, and tranquilizers are a few of the medications that may increase your body’s sensitivity to UV radiation.

This “sunburn” of the eye is preventable by understanding what Photokeratitis is, how UV rays are harmful, and wearing sun protection. Sunglasses or eye protection that transmits 5-10% of visible light and absorbs almost all UV rays are most beneficial. Look for sun protection that has large lenses and side shields to avoid incidental exposure from light as well. Call your optician in Lenscrafters at (815) 332-3233 to discuss more options.

If you feel that you or a family member may have symptoms of Photokeratitis, please call Dr. Facchiano and Associates at (815) 332-2223 to schedule an appointment.

Please read more information here: http://www.allaboutvision.com/parents/protective.htm#ixzz1RRvNN8SN

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Can I sleep in my contacts?

Yes.. and no.

Sleep
There are two different types of contact lenses available daily wear (you remove them before sleeping) and extended wear (you leave them in overnight). The extended wear lenses allow for more oxygen to reach your cornea, thus making it more acceptable to be slept in. These lenses are typically allowed to be left in without removal for up to seven days.

The latest technology in contact lens material called silicone hydrogel, are approved by the FDA for up to 30 days of wear without removal. If interested, please consult your doctor about these lenses. “Continuous wear” lenses, also known as gas permeable lenses may also be worn for up to a month at a time. “After recent improvements in design and materials, these lenses now can be worn safely for the full 30 days for those who can tolerate them. Your optometrist will advise you about how your eyes are responding to extended wear and how frequently you should remove your lenses.”

So you’ve heard the “You’ll be more prone to eye infections if you leave your contacts in!” Well its true, researchers found that eye infections are greater among people who sleep with their contacts in. FDA has approved the maximum extended wear period to just seven days.

Our doctor’s still do not recommend leaving them in for a full seven-day period. Taking them out before you go to sleep will help decrease the chance of getting an eye infection significantly. Extended wear lenses are a concern for dangerous little organisms that start on your finger, may get on your contact, and then in your eye! These bacteria may lead to infections such as pink eye and in very serious conditions even blindness! If you feel you are having any problems with your contacts from extended wear, please consult with your Optometrist.

Sleeping in your contacts is possible with new silicone hydrogel lenses as they provide more oxygen to the eye than previous soft lenses. Although these materials make overnight wear safer, keep in mind the possibility for infections!

If you are interested in extended wear type contacts, please consult with your Optometrist at Dr. Facchiano and Associates. Call (815) 332-2223

Read more here: http://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/extended.htm#ixzz1QbZ0NkfY

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July from Dr. Facchiano and Associates!
Fireworks

Our office will be open on Monday, July 4th. Please call (815) 332-2223 to schedule an appointment.