Prevent Loss of Sight From AMD

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Kim Heffner

AMD, or age-related macular degeneration, is a leading cause of vision loss for Americans age 65 and older. That’s why Prevent Blindness America focuses on creating awareness on the topic during the month of February.

As you age, your risk for AMD increases. But you can take steps to help prevent loss of sight from AMD. If you are 65 or older, you should:

  • Visit your Indiana eye doctor regularly – If you are 65 or older, you should get a complete (dilated) eye exam every one or two years, even if you have no problem seeing well.
  • Learn and watch for the signs and symptoms of AMD – If you have AMD you may notice straight lines appear wavy, type appears blurry, and dark or empty spaces block your vision.
  • Take care of yourself – Good health is important! Make sure you avoid smoking, eat healthy, and stay active.

Stay tuned all month as we learn more about the signs, symptoms and treatment of AMD.

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5 Tips to Save Your Vision

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Kim Heffner

Don’t be one of the 20 million Americans who suffer from severe vision loss! Try these simple tips from The American Academy of Ophthalmology to keep your eyes healthy and prevent future vision loss.

  1. Wear sunglasses – Sunglasses help delay the development of cataracts and prevent retinal damage. They also protect the skin around the eyes. Make sure your sunglasses block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.
  2. Don’t smoke – Studies show that current smokers and ex-smokers are more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD) than people who have never smoked. Smokers are also at increased risk for developing cataracts.
  3. Eat right – A variety of vegetables should be an important part of your diet. Researchers have found people on diets with higher levels of vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids are less likely to develop AMD.
  4. Get an eye exam – Your Indiana eye doctor can detect over 40 systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, MS and lung diseases. Plus, nearly 60% of Americans need some form of vision correction, most of which can be detected and corrected during an eye exam.
  5. Wear eye protection – An estimated 2.5 million eye injuries occur in the U.S. each year. Most of them occur during sports, gardening, home repairs and cleaning. Ask your Indianapolis Optometrists which form of eye protection is right for your favorite activity.

These simple tips will keep your family’s eyes safe and protect their vision for years to come.

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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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