Note to Self: Blink!

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Kim Heffner

I have a serious obsession with Post-it® notes. I have a stack of them handy at all times. When I have an important reminder, I write it on a Post-it® note and stick it on my computer screen.

Here’s what one of my precious sticky yellow squares says: “Blink!”

This reminds me of the importance of blinking my eyes while looking at my computer screen. Staring at your computer screen won’t cause permanent eye damage, but you can bet your eyes will feel dry or tired. The solution: blinking!

In addition to keeping your eyes moist, The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests the following:

  • Sit about 25 inches from the computer screen and position the screen so your eye gaze is slightly downward.
  • Reduce glare from the screen by lighting the area properly.
  • Every 20 minutes, shift your eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds. This is called the “20-20-20” rule.
  • Use artificial tears to refresh your eyes when they feel dry.
  • Take regular breaks from computer work, and try to get enough sleep at night.

Keep these tips in mind while gazing at your computer screen and your eyes will feel relaxed and refreshed!

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New Eyewear Collections Available

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Kim Heffner

Dr. Tavel is pleased to announce the addition of two new brands to our extensive frame collection. Both are European designed and manufactured fashion eyewear available at accessible price points.

Adrienne Vittadini Eyewear is for the casually elegant lady. It features embellishments, quality materials, textures and state of the art coloring technique. The collection offers diversity and style for today’s fashion conscious woman.

The Helium Paris collection features French craftsmanship combined with adventurous styling. These frames infuse intricate detailing with bold colorations providing a distinctive and trendsetting collection of fashion eyewear. The collection also features Swarovski crystal embellishments.

Hand made custom dies used in the designs set the collections apart from other designer brands. The temples feature laser precision detailing from high-tech German machinery. The high-quality optical plastic (called Mazzucchelii) makes each frame hypo-allergenic.

The meticulous detailing and high quality material used in the Adrienne Vittadini and Helium Paris collections set them high above the industry standard. Stop by your nearest Dr. Tavel location today to see for yourself!

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How To Prevent Contact Lens Contamination

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Kim Heffner

What’s the best way to prevent contact lens contamination? The answer: proper cleaning.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests the following tips for proper care of contact lenses:

  • Before handling contact lenses, wash your hands with soap and water, then rinse and dry them with a lint-free towel.
  • Contact lenses should not be rinsed with or stored in water (tap or sterile water).
  • Do not put your lenses in your mouth to wet them. Saliva is not a sterile solution!
  • Do not use saline solution and rewetting drops to disinfect lenses. Neither is an effective or approved disinfectant.
  • Wear and replace contact lenses according to the schedule prescribed by your Indiana eye care professional.
  • During cleaning, rub your contact lenses with your fingers, then rinse the lenses with solution before soaking them.
  • Rinse the contact lens case with fresh solution — not water. Then leave the empty case open to air dry.
  • Keep the contact lens case clean and replace it regularly, at least every three months.

Keeping your contacts clean is essential to good eye health! And don’t forget about your eye exam. You should see Dr. Tavel every year to ensure you have the most accurate prescription.

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Watch Out For the “Sneak Thief of Sight”

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Kim Heffner

More than 22 million Americans age 40 and older have open angle glaucoma, the most common form of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the world, second only to cataracts.

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the eye’s optic nerve. The optic nerve is connected to the retina (a layer of light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye) and is made up of many nerve fibers similar to an electric cable made up of many wires. The optic nerve sends signals from your retina to your brain, where these signals are interpreted as the images you see.

If left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness. The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that only about half of the estimated three million Americans who have glaucoma are even aware that they have the condition. That’s why it’s referred to as the “sneak thief of sight.”

It’s not cheap, either! According to research funded by Prevent Blindness America, glaucoma costs the U.S. economy $2.86 billion every year in direct medical costs for outpatient, inpatient and prescription drug services.

As part of January’s National Glaucoma Awareness Month, Dr. Tavel is joining Prevent Blindness America in encouraging everyone to educate themselves on the disease. To read more about glaucoma, click here.

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Too Much Time with Technology?

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Kim Heffner

How much time do your kids spend using electronic media every day?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting screen time for children to two hours per day, but recent studies are finding that children ages 8-18 are spending more than 7.5 hours a day consuming electronic media including computers, smartphones, e-readers and tablets.

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) includes various vision-related problems that can occur from computer use. Symptoms include blurry vision, difficulty focusing, dry and irritated eyes, headaches, and even neck and back pain.

So what can you do to help protect your kids from symptoms of CVS? Vision Service Plan (VSP®) has several suggestions:

  • Watch the time. To avoid fatigue and short-term CVS symptoms, your Indiana eye doctor recommend consistent breaks. Try the 20/20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes, stop and look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Also, set time limits for the maximum amount of “screen time.”
  • Be aware of working distance. The closer the eyes are to the object they’re looking at, the harder the eyes have to work. Use the Harmon Distance (the distance between the elbow and first knuckle) as a guide.
  • Get regular eye exams. Make sure you child gets an annual comprehensive eye exam, not just a school screening. Children should have their first eye exam at six months of age, then at three years of age, before starting kindergarten, and every year after that.

Did you know that outdoor play helps prevent the development of nearsightedness? Encourage your kids to get at least two hours of outdoor play per day…and don’t forget the sunglasses!

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