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Uptown Eye Care Donates to Optometry Giving Sight | Transforming Lives

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May 6, 2013

Optometry Giving Sight - OGS

Uptown Eye Care Donates to Optometry Giving Sight
OGS Transforming Lives

Last month Uptown Eye Care launched a social media campaign, where we pledged to support the mission of Optometry Giving Sight by donating $50 for every 100 “likes” our Facebook page received. The response was overwhelming, as we received hundreds of likes and shares of our page. (like Uptown Eye Care on Facebook (https://www NULL.facebook NULL.com/UptownEyeCareMN))

In total, the campaign generated $750 for to help fund eye exams and glasses for those in need around the world! This is very exciting, as just $5 can provide an eye exam and a pair of glasses for a child in need!

OGS - Optometry Giving Sight

Dr. Mary Anne Murphy, Chair of Optometry Giving Sight; Dr. Elaine Happ; Melonie Carlson, CPOA; Clive Miller, CEO at Optometry Giving Sight

At Uptown Eye Care our mission statement says, in part, “Our entire team is dedicated to providing you and your family with superior eye care.” Our desire is that everyone has access to superior eye care. Sadly, in many parts of the world, those in need of vision care have no where to go and no one to provide for their needs.

In an effort to help meet the eye care needs of people around the world we have chosen to support Optometry Giving Sight (http://www NULL.givingsight NULL.org/), an organization dedicated to improving the quality-of-life of people who are needlessly blind or vision impaired. Optometry Giving Sight is the only global fundraising initiative that specifically targets the prevention of blindness and impaired vision due to uncorrected refractive error – simply the need for an eye exam and a pair of glasses.

Optometry Giving Sight Vision:

Optometry Giving Sight’s vision is a world where avoidable blindness and vision loss due simply to the lack of a pair of eye glasses no longer threaten the quality-of-life and future livelihood of children and

Optometry Giving Sight

Pamela Capaldi, director of fundraising and development USA; Dr Elaine Happ, owner of Uptown Eye Care; Alyssa Harvey global account executive; Melonie Carlson office manager UEC

adults because there is universal access to quality vision and eye care services for all those in need.

Optometry Giving Sight History:

Optometry Giving Sight was first launched in the UK in 2003, followed by Australia and the Netherlands in 2004, the United States and Canada in 2005, and Italy in 2006. In 2009, Optometry Giving Sight launched in Norway, Singapore and Ireland.

A full 85% of donations go to refractive error programs. Just $5 can provide an eye exam and a pair of glasses for a child in need.

Optometry Giving Sight Mission:

Sight is the most treasured of our five senses. We see the world and its myriad of colors and shapes through the windows of our eyes. We learn with them. We laugh with them. We communicate with them. We provide for our families with them. We see our loved ones with them.

Sight can make the difference between a life of poverty and a life of opportunity.

More than 600 million people are blind or vision impaired simply because they cannot get the glasses they need. Optometry Giving Sight funds the solution – an eye exam and a pair of glasses. Delivered through sustainable primary eye care programs, we can give sight to millions in need.

OGS – Transforming Lives:

Truong - Optometry Giving Sight

Ten year old Truong lives in southern Vietnam and was born with congenital cataracts.

Ten year old Truong is one of many to benefit from the opening of a new Refraction Clinic and Optical Workshop, funded by Optometry Giving Sight in conjunction with the International Centre for Eyecare Education, at the Ho Chi Minh City Eye Hospital in Vietnam. 

Vietnam, like many countries, suffers from a drastic shortage of experienced eye care practitioners. This is particularly the case in rural and mountainous areas (where 70 percent of Vietnam’s populations is based); while many of the optical shops in urban areas are operated by untrained personnel.

Truong is 10 years old and was born with congenital cataracts. He lives in Vinh Long province, which is around 200km from Ho Chi Minh City. Because of his eye problem, Truong has to come to the refraction clinic for vision examination every three months to have his spectacles changed accordingly.

Truong’s father said the Ho Chi Minh Eye Hospital is the best place for eye care, so even though it’s a long and costly journey from their province, he still wants his son to receive treatment there.

“Without glasses, he cannot write letters in a straight line and at class, he can only see big letters on the board,” said his father.
Despite his eye problem, Truong is still one of the best students in his class. He wants to become a doctor when he grows up, ‘because a doctor can help people’ Truong said with a shy smile.

Uptown Eye Care is a member of Vision Source, premier network of independent doctors of optometry with more than 3,000 doctors in over 1,500 practices across the United States and Canada. Vision Source is a Platinum National In-Kind Sponsor of Optometry Giving Sight. We are proud to do what we can to support the Optometry Giving Sight (http://www NULL.givingsight NULL.org/) organization by donating $50 for every 100 new likes on our Facebook page (https://www NULL.facebook NULL.com/UptownEyeCareMN).

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InfantSEE Program – Protect Your Child’s Changing Vision

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April 18, 2013

Protect Your Child’s Changing Vision

InfantSEE Program

Uptown Eye Care offers no cost comprehensive eye assessments as part of the InfantSEE Program

As a parent, you want the best for your child. From the moment they are born, we make every effort to ensure that they are healthy and happy. In addition to addressing your child’s changing physical and emotional needs, it is also important to help your child develop healthy vision and protect their eyesight against potential problems.

In many cases, your pediatrician may provide some insight on your child’s eye health by a conducting base-level screening to detect obvious abnormalities. However, to gain true peace of mind that your child’s vision is developing properly, you will want to explore a more detailed examination program.

Explore the Benefits of the InfantSEE Program

InfantSEE, is a public health program that is designed to ensure that eye and vision care becomes an integral part of infant wellness. Under the program, Dr Mary Gregory at Uptown Eye Care will provide a comprehensive infant eye assessment for your 6-12 month old child, at no cost.

The program is offered by Uptown Eye Care as a no-cost public service to encourage infant vision wellness and ongoing care.

The program offers many benefits to parents and infants, including:

Enhanced insight: While pediatricians may offer helpful information on your infant’s vision health, the tests they are able to conduct are limited in nature. The InfantSEE program provides enhanced insight into your child’s developing vision and any needs they may have. Because infants are not born knowing how to see they must develop this sense.  This examination ensures that their development is already progressing appropriately.

Early detection: The comprehensive testing involved in the InfantSEE program offers the best possible chance for early detection of serious conditions, including cancer, cataracts and glaucoma. This early detection makes treatment much more manageable and effective.

Education: Your child’s vision needs will change as they grow and develop. The InfantSEE program provides helpful education on how you can help to promote vision development and health as your child ages.

Wellness planning: Many eye problems arise from conditions that can be identified by an eye doctor in the infant’s first year of life. The InfantSEE program helps your optometrist diagnose any conditions that may exist, such as amblyopia or a lazy eye, and begin planning for their treatment to minimize their impact on the child’s vision.

Pain-free exams: The InfantSEE exam is a relatively simple procedure that involves simple instruments and no discomfort to your child. During the exam, you have the option of holding your baby on your lap or many times Dr Gregory will conduct much of her testing while your child is playing. Optometrists but will typically evaluate visual acuity, refraction, motility, alignment, binocularity and overall eye health.

 

Dr. Mary Gregory from Uptown Eye Clinic offers additional insight on the importance of the InfantSEE program and the benefits it provides.

“As your child’s vision is developing, we certainly want to step in and redirect it if it is moving in the wrong direction,” said Dr. Gregory. “If we don’t have that vision working correctly, it can cause a lot of problems for that child, including personal, social and academic issues.”

The InfantSEE (http://www NULL.infantsee NULL.org) program offers you the ability to take an active role in your child’s vision health, an important aspect of any child’s developmental process.

Please call Uptown Eye Care to schedule your baby’s no cost comprehensive eye assessment today at 763-271-2020.

Watch Uptown Eye Care’s Dr. Mary Gregory talk about the importance of infant eye exams on Kare 11 news.

InfantSEE Program featured on Kare 11

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How did Uptown Eye Care get it’s name? – Minneapolis to Monticello

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March 19, 2013

How did Uptown Eye Care get it’s name?

Uptown Eye Care Logo

The Uptown Eye Care Logo

When I was looking at colleges back in 1979 I had my sights set on the University of Minnesota (http://www NULL.umn NULL.edu/).  After growing up on a farm, I wanted to be right in the middle of the Twin Cities.  I wanted to live in a high rise and have an afghan dog.  So much for the dog, but I did live in Middlebrook dorm for my first 2 years at the U of M.  The dorm had 12 floors and that was high-rise enough for me.

Eventually some friends were moving out so I joined them, living in Dinkytown, Minneapolis for a year.  That was a fun area but eventually I moved on again, this time to 24th and Harriet, right near Uptown, Minneapolis.  It was so different from the Dinkytown area.  There were artists, unique shops, the lakes as well as orange and purple haired students… I certainly wasn’t on the farm anymore.  We enjoyed the live music at Famous Dave’s, the calamari at Filio’s restaurant and the martini’s at Chino Latino’s.  To me, Uptown seemed like such a unique gem of an area right in the middle of Minneapolis.

From Uptown Minneapolis to Monticello Minnesota

Calhoun Square Uptown Minneapolis

Famous Dave’s at Calhoun Square in Uptown, Minneapolis

Fast forward a decade to when I started my own eye care practice.  I wanted to have an upscale optical center, something just a little different in our rural town of Monticello (http://www NULL.ci NULL.monticello NULL.mn NULL.us/).  I wanted to bring that “Uptown” feel to our small town Minnesota.

In fact, when we were doing the faux painting on our optometrist office’s brick walls, I told the painters to go down to Famous Dave’s in Uptown, Minneapolis, look at the walls, then come back here and repeat it at Uptown Eye Care.  They did, and it turned out beautifully!

So the real reason I named our practice “Uptown Eye Care” is to remember how distinctly different the Uptown Minneapolis area was to me back then, and how it stood out as being above and beyond the normal city atmosphere.  That ambiance is what we are trying to re-create here at Uptown Eye Care. We hope you get a sense of that when you enter our Monticello, MN eye care office.

- Dr. Elaine Happ

(view a virtual tour of Uptown Eye Care’s Uptown Mpls-like office environment)

Uptown Eye Care is located at 560 Cedar Street, Monticello, MN 55362. Monticello is a city in Wright County, Minnesota, near Big Lake, Becker and Buffalo Minnesota. Uptown Eye Care is about 40 minutes north of downtown Minneapolis, MN.

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End the Discomfort of Dry Eye Syndrome | Treating Dry Eyes

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March 5, 2013

End the Discomfort of Dry Eye Syndrome

Long Minnesota winters and windy summer days can leave many residents suffering from dry eye syndrome, a condition that leads to irritation and discomfort. While dry eyes may seem like a minor inconvenience, and the symptoms may seem to come and go, treating dry eye syndrome with help from an accredited eye doctor is important to your overall eye health and vision.

At Uptown Eye Care, we know how uncomfortable chronic dry eyes can be. We also know how important it is to treat the underlying condition leading to your discomfort.

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry Eye Syndrome can cause irritation and discomfort.
{ photo credit: Bert Kaufmann (http://www NULL.flickr NULL.com/photos/22746515 null@null N02/3487433937/) }

According to Medical News Today, dry eye syndrome, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), or simply dry eyes, is an eye disease in which tear film evaporation is high or tear production is low.

Dry eye syndrome impacts the tear film that covers our eyes at all times. Designed to remain stable between each blink, this tear film prevents the eyes from drying out. Dry eye sufferers experience a break down in this tear film, which results in dry spots on the surface of the eye itself.

Dry eye sufferers can experience many symptoms, including:

  • Burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
  • Feeling of dryness, grittiness and soreness in the eyes
  • Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
  • Sensitivity to smoke or wind
  • Redness of the eyes
  • Eye fatigue
  • Photophobia – sensitivity to light
  • Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
  • Tearing
  • Blurred vision – usually worse towards the end of the day
  • Double vision
  • Eyelids stick together when waking up

Untreated, dry eye syndrome can lead to a degradation of vision, increased pain or ulceration of the cornea.

What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?

A number of factors can lead to dry eye syndrome, including age, eye fatigue caused by computer use or television viewing, reduced tear production and others. Knowing the cause of your unique symptoms is one of the most important steps in treating your discomfort.

Treating Dry Eyes

At Uptown Eye Care, Dr. Elaine Happ offers advice on a number of treatment options for dry eye syndrome. Dr. Happ measures tear osmolarity with the Tear Lab, an instrument that helps diagnose, treat, and monitor a patient’s dry eye symptoms. Using the information obtained with the Tear Lab, Dr. Happ offers advice on treatment options, including:

  • Artificial tears
  • Specialized contact lenses
  • Medications
  • Specialized glasses and eye wear

With the most recent technology, advanced knowledge of dry eye syndrome and a dedication to helping you end your discomfort, Uptown Eye Care works to offer the support you need to understand the cause of your dry eyes and how you seek relief.

Do you suffer from dry or itchy, inflamed eyes? If so, it is important to discuss your discomfort with an accredited dry eye syndrome doctor.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with Uptown Eye Care please fill out our Appointment Request Form.

Top

Dry Eye accreditation:  http://www.uptowneyecare.com/services/dry-eye-accreditation/

Source: National News Today:  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/170743.php (http://www NULL.medicalnewstoday NULL.com/articles/170743 NULL.php)

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What is a Lazy Eye? | Strabismus and Amblyopia Explained

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February 21, 2013

What is a Lazy Eye?

One of the most common questions I am routinely asked is, “What is a lazy eye”.  This is a commonly used term and people use it interchangeably for two different conditions.  The actual terminology is either amblyopia or strabismus.

Strabismus

Lazy Eye Strabismus AmblyopiaStrabismus, or a crossed eye, is a condition where both eye are not looking in the same direction at the same time.  Most commonly just one eye will be turned in or out, but sometimes the eyes will alternate between the right eye and the left eye turning in or out.  This is typically caused by either poor muscle control or a high amount of hyperopia, also known as farsightedness.

Our brains do not tolerate double vision very well so if the two eyes are seeing two different images at the same time it creates confusion and the brain will learn to ignore the images being transmitted by one of the eyes.  Unfortunately this may cause a permanent reduction of  vision in that eye.  It will also cause a reduction of depth perception or 3D vision.  Because we are not born knowing how to see  we must learn this skill. This process begins at birth and continues thru approximately 5 or 6 years old.  I’m sure you can understand how important it is that we learn to see the correct way!   Many times we can determine that a problem exists before a child reaches one year of age.

If a problem is detected, treatment options may include either glasses or vision therapy.  Occasionally surgical intervention is required, although this is a last resort and more often needed for a very young child.  If the eye turning becomes constant and is not treated, it can lead to permanent reduction of vision in one eye, a condition called amblyopia.  This leads us to the second condition that is often called lazy eye.

Amblyopia

Amblyopia is a condition where the brain learns to ignore the image and information from one eye.  This may occur because of strabismus and the brain actively ignores the double image, or it may occur because of another stress on the visual system.  Most commonly this condition develops because there is unequal vision between the two eyes. This could be caused by the existence of a high amount of farsightedness in one eye or  there could be something blocking the vision, like a cataract.

Essentially, if the work and demand of using two eyes to see is too high, then the brain will find an easier route.  Often this route is to favor the “easier” eye and ignore the problematic eye.  This will take place in the early years as vision is developing.  Unfortunately, when the brain is ignoring the images transmitted by one  eye, you will not always see that eye turn.  In fact, many times parents will not notice any problem at all!  The child uses one eye to see planes in the sky and small things in the carpet and it is assumed they are using both eyes.  The child doesn’t know a problem exists because they have no reference for what “normal” vision looks like.

Amblyopia is a condition that is preventable with early eye examinations. It is possible to determine if existing conditions  make the development of amblyopia a possibility as early as one year of age.  Certainly,  having an eye examination by the time a child is three years old will pick up on any problems. This is still early enough to treat the condition using glasses to balance out vision between the two eyes, making it easier for the brain to process images from both eyes.  Prevention is key with amblyopia!

Get Your Eyes Checked Today

If you have questions or concerns about “Lazy Eye” please contact our office at 763-271-2020 or via our Contact Form. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, we have an Online Appointment Request Form available as well.

Dr. Mary Gregory
Uptown Eye Care
560 Cedar Street
Monticello, MN 55362

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Winter in Minnesota | MN Winter Weather and Eye Wear Challenges

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February 12, 2013

Winter in Minnesota

Winter in Minnesota | MN Winter Weather and Eye Wear Challenges

Finally we have a winter with snow! Isn’t that why we choose to make our home in Minnesota? Many people cannot understand why anyone in their right mind would chose to endure subzero temperatures, icy sidewalks and roads, and the oppressive darkness of the winter months over the milder conditions of southern living. Those people have never experienced the beauty of waking up to a world covered in ice crystals reflecting the light of the rising sun or a soft, white blanket of snow that cushions the harsh sounds of the city and covers the browns and grays of the dormant flora.

They have also never experienced the thrill of traveling downhill on a highly polished pair of skis or a snowboard at speeds that would get you a hefty fine if you were traveling down the interstate. Nor have they driven their snowmobile or truck across a frozen lake to a tiny shed, drilled a hole through 18 inches of ice, dropped in a line and pulled out the catch of the day. Or bundled up the kids until they could barely move and help them build a massive snowman, or better yet, a snow fort where you stock pile snowballs for target practice.

While there are many good reasons we choose to stay in Minnesota in the winter, there are also some challenges that we face. One of those challenges is how to best care for our eyes and experience good vision when extreme temperatures cause humidity to drop, eyes to feel dry and glasses to fog up.

Uptown Eye Care - MN Winter

“Dr Happ” hangin’ loose on her official Uptown Eye Care snowboard

Dry Itchy Eyes in Winter

It is very common for eyes to feel scratchy and dry, or to tear excessively when consistently exposed to the drying heat we use to defrost ourselves after enjoying our time in the snow. Using a good quality, preservative-free artificial tear can provide immediate relief from the discomforts of dry eyes (see our post on Dry Eye Disease (DED)).

“These can be used as often as needed throughout the day” says optometrist Dr. Elaine Happ. “But if this doesn’t seem to eliminate your discomforts, then, as an accredited dry eye center, we can assist you in finding a therapy that will work for you.”

Anti Fog for Glasses

Keeping eye glasses from fogging up and impeding vision is another problem that the eye doctors at Uptown Eye Care can help you with. “We now have a new lens available made with a patented technology that prevents fog from forming on the lenses.” states Dr Happ. “ You just treat the lens with the antifog activator once a week. This new technology has been much more efficient and longer lasting than the old antifog liquids on the market.”

Daily Contact Lenses

Another fantastic option for keeping clear vision in the winter are daily contact lenses. Daily contact lenses are designed to be worn for one day, then disposed of at the end of the day. A fresh pair is put in each day resulting in the highest level of comfort possible.

“I have several patients that normally wear glasses, but will always get a supply of daily disposable contacts for use on snowmobile trips. It is much more comfortable when wearing helmets or other eye protection and has the added benefit of not fogging up” says Dr Happ. “And, with daily disposable contacts you don’t need to use contact lens solutions for overnight storage. You just throw them away and put in a new pair in the morning.”

Contact Uptown Eye Care

If you are experiencing challenges to maintaining clear and comfortable vision this winter, call or email us at Uptown Eye Care. We are ready to help you make the most of this beautiful Minnesota winter.

Uptown Eye Care
560 Cedar Street
Monticello, MN 55362
Directions (http://maps NULL.google NULL.com/maps/place?q=Uptown+Eyecare+Monticello,+MN&hl=en&cid=934498907954239871)

Phone: 763-271-2020
Fax: 763-271-2030
uptown@uptowneyecare.com (uptown null@null uptowneyecare NULL.com)

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Dyslexia or Visual Reversals? | February 5 Vision Problem Workshop

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January 27, 2013

Dyslexia or Visual Reversals? | February 5 Vision Problem Workshop

Dyslexia Visual ReversalsReversing words or letters when reading or writing. These signs are often labeled dyslexia. But the same signs may point to visual problems.

Reversing letters is common up to second grade, but this usually stops by third grade.  Several visual-perceptual problems make it hard for a child to distinguish differences between certain letters, such as “qp” and “db”.  All four are nearly identical except for the direction of the loops.

Many children’s eyes “jump” back or forward, scanning and processing words or letters in incorrect order.  Others have a restricted visual span and can grasp only a fraction of a word at a time.  In this workshop, you’ll learn to tell the difference between visual reversals and Dyslexia.

 Dyslexia or Reversals

Signs of vision problems:

If more than a few of these signs are present, a visual-perceptual evaluation can determine whether visual deficits may play a role.

Reversals continue beyond second grade

Skips or misreads short words

Misaligned columns in math or messy, up or down hill writing

Has trouble visually recalling a word just sounded out when it appears again in the next few sentences

Problem gets worse with fatigue or later in school day or during prolonged study periods

Poor concentration when reading

Poor posture when reading, slumps or “hunches down” so head is very near paper or book

Join Us!
Tuesday, February 5 6:00pm -7:30pm

Mary Gregory O.D.

Omni Vision & Learning Center - Dyslexia Workshop

9766 Fallon Ave Suite 105
Monticello, MN 55362
R.S.V.P. 763.314.0664
www.omnivisioncenter.com (http://www NULL.omnivisioncenter NULL.com/)

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Glaucoma, The Silent Thief of Sight. Are You at Risk?

Filed Under: news by Uptown Eye Care — 1 Comment
January 23, 2013

Glaucoma, The Silent Thief of Sight

Are You At Risk for The Silent Thief of Sight?

Glaucoma, The Silent Thief of Sight

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month

It can come with no warning and no noticeable symptoms. It is the second most common cause of blindness in the United States. “IT” is Glaucoma, the Silent Thief of Sight, according to Dr. Elaine Happ, Therapeutic Optometrist.

“January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month and we encourage all people, especially those at higher risk for this disease, to familiarize themselves with the potential symptoms and need for regular eye examinations” Dr. Happ said. “A regular eye examination is especially critical since a person with early-stage Glaucoma may not notice any symptoms at all.”

Dr. Happ added that while the early stage symptoms may not be noticeable, persons with more advanced Glaucoma may notice blurred vision, the presence of halos around lights, loss of peripheral vision and difficulty focusing on objects.

“Glaucoma affects an estimated 4 million Americans,” Dr. Happ said. Some people are more at risk than others. Those at higher risk include:

  • People over the age of 60
  • African-Americans over age 40
  • People with diabetes
  • Individuals that have experienced a serious eye injury
  • Anyone with a family history of glaucoma

“While there is no cure for Glaucoma, early detection and treatment can slow or prevent further vision loss,” Dr. Happ said. “First and foremost in the process is a comprehensive eye health exam by your family eye doctor.” If you are concerned about your risk for Glaucoma, The Silent Thief of Sight, please don’t hesitate to Schedule An Appointment with us.

Dr. Happ owns and practices at Uptown Eye Care located at 560 Cedar Street in Monticello, MN and is a member of Vision Source, the nation’s number one network of private practice optometrists. Founded in 1991, The Vision Source network includes more than 3,000 offices in all 50 states and in Canada.

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Varilux S Series Lenses – Achieving Limitless Vision

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January 21, 2013

Varilux S Series Lenses

Varilux S Series Lenses – Achieving Limitless Vision

Flawless vision should be simple, but for those who need to wear progressive lenses there can be some obstacles to achieving it.

Experiences with standard progressive lenses

  • “I feel wary when going down stairs.”
  • “When moving my head I feel that everything moves, yet nothing should move.”
  • “I see objects distorted. Straight lines look crooked.”
  • “I always have to adjust my head or posture to target what I am looking at.”
  • “It takes time to focus clearly from far to near and edge to edge.”

Those limits may appear when you try progressive lenses for the first time, in specific situations.
They can also appear when your prescription is changing.

If you are concerned that it may be difficult to adapt to progressive lenses, we would like to introduce you to the new Varilux S series progressive lenses. Varilux S series delivers much more than main premium progressive lenses on the market, it delivers unlimited vision.

Unlimited Vision with Varilux S Series Lenses

Varilux S Series are the solution to these concerns:

  • “I feel wary when going down stairs.” – Image rendering is getting perfect, you can trust what you see.
  • “When moving my head I feel that everything moves, yet nothing should move.” – The image is stabilized.
  • “I see objects distorted. Straight lines look crooked.” – Images are truer. Straight lines look straight.
  • “I always have to adjust my head or posture to target what I am looking at.” – You don’t need to adjust, you can see everything without systematically searching for the right position.
  • “It takes time to focus clearly from far to near and edge to edge.” – It provides you with reflex vision for the first time.

“We have had great feedback from our patients that have tried the new Varilux lenses” says LaRae, optical manager at Uptown Eye Care. “It is so satisfying to be able to offer these premium digital progressive lenses because they give those who wear them the vision they thought they would never again experience.”

“I find very few people want to compromise when it comes to their vision” according to Dr. Elaine Happ, optometrist/owner of Uptown Eye Care. “I am confident when prescribing the new Varilux S series lenses that they won’t have to settle.”

If you have questions or concerns about a need for progressive lenses please let us help you. Our opticians and optometrists are fully qualified to care for your needs. Contact Us today to request an appointment.

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National Glaucoma Awareness Month | Glaucoma Silent Thief of Sight

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January 18, 2013

Did you know that glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the U.S.?

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month and we at Uptown Eye Care want to remind you of the importance of getting your eyes checked on a regular basis to catch eye disorders early.

What is Glaucoma?

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, like an electric cable is made up of many wires. It is the optic nerve that sends signals from your retina to your brain, where these signals are interpreted as the images you see.

To maintain a healthy eye pressure, your eye continuously produces a small amount of aqueous humor, which circulates in the front part of your eye, and an equal amount flows out. If more aqueous humor is produced than flows out, an unhealthy eye pressure may develop and damage the optic nerve.

{ Video and above explanation courtesy of EyeSmart and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Learn more at www.geteyesmart.org (http://www NULL.geteyesmart NULL.org/eyesmart/diseases/glaucoma NULL.cfm). }

Who Does Glaucoma Affect?

Glaucoma can affect people over the age of 40, but individuals over age 60 are at increased risk for the disease (a congenital or infantile form of glaucoma can affect younger patients as well). Risk factors include age, race, family history of glaucoma, medical conditions, physical injuries to the eye, eye anatomy and corticosteroid use. For more on Glaucoma see the American Optometric Association’s Center for Healthy Vision > Eye & Vision Problems > Glossary of All Eye & Vision Conditions > Glaucoma: http://www.aoa.org/x4709.xml (http://www NULL.aoa NULL.org/x4709 NULL.xml)

The best way to detect early signs of glaucoma is to have regular eye exams performed by your eye doctor.  Glaucoma can’t be prevented, but it can be controlled if it is diagnosed and treated early. Contact Uptown Eye Care to schedule an eye exam appointment today!

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