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What is Good Nutrition for Healthy Eyes?

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April 3, 2012

We know you have been asking the question, “What is good nutrition for healthy eyes?”

What is healthy food for healthy VisionAn essential part of eye care is eating foods that contain the right nutrients to promote healthy eyes and good vision. Research suggests that antioxidants and other nutrients may reduce your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Omega-3 essential fatty acids can alleviate the symptoms of dry eye disease as well as protect against macular degeneration.

Antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Vitamin A help prevent age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and other eye diseases. Good sources for these nutrients are fruits and vegetables, with the highly pigmented ones having higher concentrations of antioxidants.

Vitamin A is an antioxidant that is essential for proper functioning of the retina. It may protect against night blindness and dry eyes. Good sources for Vitamin A are beef or chicken liver, cod liver oil, eggs, milk, carrots and spinach. Fruits such as mangoes, papayas, peaches and apricots are also good sources of Vitamin A.

Vitamin C may reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration in addition to keeping your immune system in good shape. You can get your daily allowance of Vitamin C by eating not only oranges and other citrus fruits, but also from red or green sweet peppers, strawberries, kale and broccoli.

Vitamin E has been associated with the prevention of cataracts and the delaying of cataract growth. When combined with carotenoids and Vitamin C it may reduce the risk of advanced macular degeneration. Food sources for Vitamin E are almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, and green leafy vegetables.

Omega-3 fatty acids should be part of your defense against dry eyes and macular degeneration. If you make fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring part of your diet or include flax seed, fish oil or walnuts  on your menu you will be on your way to protecting your vision.

Remember that the closer to raw state a food is, the better source of nutrients it is. Cooking, canning, drying and freezing all reduce the concentrations of nutrients. Fortified milk and cereals and vitamin supplements are also good options to increase the level of nutrients in your diet.

If you have any questions about specific nutrients that you should be focusing on for your eye health our doctors at Uptown Eye Care will be happy to help you get started on better nutrition for your eyes.
Just call us for an appointment or email us at uptown@uptowneyecare.com (uptown null@null uptowneyecare NULL.com) .

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How Many Pairs of Glasses Do I Need?

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April 2, 2012

Do you feel that having more than one pair of glasses is excessive or unnecessary? Perhaps you believe that since you have only one pair of eyes, you should only need one pair of glasses.

How many pairs of glasses do I need - designer sunglassesBut think about this: Do you own just one pair of shoes? I don’t know of anyone that wears the same pair of shoes everyday for all occasions or activities. The dress shoes you wear to the office would be a handicap on the volleyball court, uncomfortable on the beach and simply dangerous in the snow and ice of winter.

Just as you need the appropriate shoes depending on your activity, you need glasses designed to give you optimal vision for different activities. Your work week may call for long hours at a computer or you may need safety glasses to protect your eyes from harm. Your leisure activities could require impact resistant lenses or lenses to protect your eyes from the sun and UV rays. If you spend time doing very close visual tasks or participate in sports such as golf which demand good distance vision as well as the ability to see that scorecard you could also benefit from specialized lenses. And when it’s time to dress up and go out it’s fun to have a pair of glasses that complete the look.

Another very good reason to have a least a second pair of glasses: accidents happen. Could you go about your daily routine if you did not have your glasses? If not, what would you do if you lost or broke your glasses? Having a back-up pair could mean the difference between a comfortable wait while your first pair is repaired or replaced or having to become completely dependent on someone else until you can replace your glasses.

 The truth is, there are many aspects to your life and personality. And to complement your multi-dimensional lifestyle, you need more than one pair of eyeglasses.

Come on in today and let our friendly staff help you find that right pair for your needs and your personality.   Contact us if you have questions.

 

 

How Many Pairs of Glasses Do I Need?

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Why do so few Eye Clinics use Facebook and Social Media?

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March 21, 2012

I recently read an article from OptometricOffice.com (http://www NULL.optometricoffice NULL.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod NULL.asp?sid=&nm=Insight&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=83119E3068384619B4911014125BFBAE&AudID=1AC4CE93CB9C4BD0B8C7453C38B66F68) that addressed having a Facebook page for your clinic.

While the majority of optometric offices have or plan to have a Facebook page, I was very surprised that over 30% of the practices that responded do not intend to create a Facebook page for the clinic. What made this percentage especially unexpected was the fact that 91% of respondents indicated that they felt that social media was an important tool for our industry.

So why the discrepancy in statistics? One sentiment was that it takes too much time to maintain an up-to-date Facebook page. If, as the article indicated some do, the doctor/owner takes sole responsibility for all posts, then perhaps that feeling could be justified. However, that obstacle is easily overcome by delegating the responsibility to one or more staff members, or if no one is interested or capable in-house this can easily be managed by an external marketing company.

Then with a little communication about what content the doctor/owner would like to have on the page, as well as a clear understanding of the practice’s brand image, this should be an easy task to delegate. You just need to find an internal employee or an outside company that has the passion and the expertise to get the job done easily and efficiently. If you do opt to outsource, it is important to remember that with Social Media you should not just go with any remote entity that you have no interaction with and no control over; but rather seek a company that works with you as an extension of your team.

So why do so few Eye Clinics use Facebook and Social Media? Some offices did not have plans to create a Facebook page because they do not personally use Facebook or they felt it was unprofessional. The offices that do have Facebook expressed a realization that this is the way to connect with the younger generation. However it is becoming more and more apparent that Social Media Marketing is essential to remaining competitive in today’s marketplace. It’s time to jump on board. Go ahead and get started today!

Follow Uptown Eye Care on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/DrHappUptown (https://twitter NULL.com/#!/drhappuptown)

Like Uptown Eye Care on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/UptownEyeCareMN (http://www NULL.facebook NULL.com/UptownEyeCareMN)

 

Uptown Eye Care delegates their social media and online marketing to OxRun LLC (http://www NULL.oxrun NULL.com/).

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Annual Spring Sunglass Event

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March 20, 2012

Win a pair of Maui Jim Sunglasses!

Maui Jim Giveaway

Our annual spring sunglass event will be held on April 12th from 2-7pm. We will also be featuring the latest styles of some of our designer frames at 50% off regular pricing. Stop in to try on a pair of the best sunglasses available and register to win a free pair!

Uptown Eye Care
560 Cedar Street
Monticello, MN 55362

Phone: 763-271-2020

Find us on Google Maps (<http://maps NULL.google NULL.com/maps/place?cid=934498907954239871&q=uptown+eye+care&gl=us&hl=en&dtab=2&ie=UTF8&ll=45 NULL.307236,-93 NULL.805196&spn=0 NULL.000015,0 NULL.000021&t=m&z=16&vpsrc=0>)

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ADD ADHD or Vision Problem Workshop April 3 2012

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March 20, 2012

Dr Mary Gregory will be leading ADD ADHD or Vision Problem Workshop April 3 2012.

Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have been diagnosed with increasing frequency in recent years. ADD and ADHD are psychiatric disorders characterized by inattentiveness or hyperactivity and compulsiveness which interfere with a child’s academic and social performance. Ritalin, Adderall or similar stimulants are commonly used to treat ADD/ADHD because they help a child to “focus”. Unfortunately, there are also negative side effects affecting appetite, sleep and growth. Many parents and teachers have begun to wonder “Do all of these children really have ADD?”

Vision Problems Similar to ADD or ADHD

You may be surprised to learn that children with undetected vision problems can manifest symptoms similar to ADD. Studies show that approximately 20% of school-aged children suffer from eye teaming or focusing problems that make concentrating on a single task for long periods of time very difficult. Both children with vision related learning problems and children with ADD are easily distracted, have short attention spans, fail to complete assignments, and are often fidgety and off task.

If a child that truly has ADD also suffers from vision related learning problems it becomes very difficult to treat one problem if the other is not also addressed.

Dr. Mary Gregory is hosting a workshop on April 3, 2012 at 6:30PM at Omni Vision and Learning Center. This workshop is designed for both parents and teachers and professionals who interact with children whose behavior and learning problems suggest the possibility of ADD.

To reserve your seat please contact Kim @ 763-314-0664

 

ADD ADHD or Vision Problem

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A Vision Center for Dry Eye Therapy

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March 19, 2012

There are different causes of Dry Eye Disease, and, not surprisingly, there are different ways to treat Dry Eye Disease.

Individualized Treatment for Dry Eye Disease

Dr. Elaine Happ, OD owns a vision center center for Dry Eye Therapy.  Uptown Eye Care offers comprehensive treatment for dry eye disease. “I have developed a treatment protocol that takes into account that each individual will respond differently to treatment.”

On your initial visit for a dry eye evaluation we will do thorough testing to determine the severity of your condition. Based on your test results we will know if you have mild, moderate or severe dry eye disease. We will then discuss treatment options that will give you the best results. The options could include artificial tear therapy, Omega-3 supplements, punctal plugs, anti-inflammatory drops or prescription strength artificial tears.

We schedule a follow up visit approximately 30 days after we implement the original treatment plan where we can again use the TearLab to see if you are getting positive results with our chosen treatment plan. If necessary, we adjust the therapy to maximize your results.

If you suffer from red, burning or itching eyes or if you get a sandy or gritty feeling, excessive tearing and are sensitive to light you may have dry eye disease. If you have had refractive surgery, or spend long hours in front of a computer or suffer from allergies the symptoms of dry eye disease can be intensified.

Don’t put up with the discomfort of dry eyes. Call our vision center or Contact Us and schedule a dry eye evaluation with Dr. Happ.

A Vision Center for Dry Eye Therapy

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Great River Readers Choice Awards

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March 14, 2012

Uptown Eye Care voted best eye glass store by the Great River Readers Choice Awards

The results are in!

Once again Uptown Eye Care has been voted the best eye glass store by the Great River Readers Choice Awards and Dr. Mary Gregory received the award for best optometrist for the second year in a row! Thank you to all who took the time to vote for us. We are proud to provide for the needs of those in our community.

Thank you for demonstrating your trust and confidence by choosing us. We are committed to continuing to provide you with superior eye care and top quality products in order to maintain the wonderful relationship we have with you.

If you have not yet been in to our clinic we would love to have you. Uptown Eye Care is located at 560 Cedar Street, Monticello, MN, and is a unique experience in total eye care. Our practice welcomes you to browse the latest frame styles in a park-like setting, while children visit our rainforest play area where they can meet the friendliest alligator in town.

We use state-of-the-art technology to provide our patients with the most comprehensive eye health evaluation possible. Our skilled staff is always available to answer any questions you may have about your visit. Please Contact Us for more information on our eye care services.

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What is the difference between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist?

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March 12, 2012

We often get the question, what is the difference between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist? So today we will try our best to clear up this vexing question.

Two Main Types of Eye Doctors

There are two main types of eye doctors and it’s not surprising that many people aren’t sure which is which. Read on to find out what each eye health professional does and the difference between them.

Opthalmologist

Ophthalmologists are physicians that have completed 4 or more years of premedical education, then 4 more years of medical school to get their doctorate degrees. After they are licensed physicians they complete internship and residency requirements of 4 or more years where they receive medical and surgical specialty training specifically in eye care. If an eye care provider has the letters “M.D.” after his/her name that is a clue they are an ophthalmologist.

Some of the services provided by an ophthalmologist include medical eye care for things like glaucoma, iritis or chemical burns. They provide surgical eye care for trauma to the eye, cataracts or tumors. They diagnose and treat eye conditions related to diseases like diabetes (diabetic retinopathy). Some offer plastic surgery services for drooping eyelids, skin tumors or to cosmetically improve the appearance of the skin around the eyes.

Optometrist

An Optometrist is a health care provider that has completed an undergraduate degree, 4 years of schooling to receive an optometry degree and some complete postgraduate clinical residencies to gain specialist certification. If your eye care provider has the letters “O.D.” after their name they are an optometrist.

Doctors of optometry are independent primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions. They examine the internal and external structure of the eyes to diagnose eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts and retinal disorders; systemic diseases like hypertension and diabetes; and vision conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia.

Optometrists also do testing to determine the patient’s ability to focus and coordinate the eyes, and to judge depth and see colors accurately. They prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, low vision aids, vision therapy and medicines to treat eye diseases.

Optometrists also may take part in pre- and postoperative care for patients that have had eye surgery. Some clinics have both optometrists and ophthalmologists working in the same office to provide a complete scope of eye care services for their patients.

We at Uptown Eye Care have both Optometrists and an Ophthalmologist available in our office so we can handle all your eye care needs.  Contact Us with any of your questions or concerns and we will be happy to work with you and get them all answered.

 

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Does Your Vision Center Care?

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March 7, 2012

Does a visit to your vision care center leave you wondering if they really care about you? Does Your Vision Center Care?

At Uptown Eye Care we do care about what our patients want when they visit us. In fact, we routinely ask our patients how they feel about the care, services and products they receive from us. Then, we make changes to accommodate the desires of our patients. Here are some of the changes we have made in response to the requests of our patients.
Does your vision center offer convenient appointment hours? Our office offers both evening and weekend hours to accommodate those with busy schedules.

Does your vision center assist you with your insurance questions? We realize insurance benefits can be difficult to understand and our specialists will work diligently to answer all your questions and to make insurance billing go smoothly.
Do you hate filling out pages of forms every time you go to the doctor’s office? We offer online patient information forms so you can fill them out at your convenience, then just email them back to us. You can also make appointment requests on our website or from our FaceBook page. We also give you the option of having your appointment reminders emailed or sent by text message instead of reaching you by phone.

Does your vision center offer a maintenance benefit with your eye glass purchase? Our opticians know that glasses need periodic adjustments and minor repairs and we offer that service at no charge, even if you didn’t purchase your glasses from us!
Have you ever lost or torn a disposable contact lens? We understand that accidents happen. If you purchased your contacts from us and need a replacement lens we will gladly do all we can to provide that for you.

Our entire team is dedicated to providing you and your family with superior eye care in an environment where you feel that you matter.

Please contact us and let us know how we are doing.

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Computer Vision Syndrome Affecting 100 Million Americans

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March 2, 2012

Some 100 million American workers are affected by computer eyestrain, a symptom of Computer Vision Syndrome, according to Dr. Elaine Happ, Therapeutic Optometrist

“March is Eye Safety in the Workplace month, and as our nation has moved from a manufacturing society to an information society, Computer Vision Syndrome has become a workplace concern,” Dr. Happ said. “While prolonged computer use will not damage vision, it can make you uncomfortable and decrease productivity.”

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is caused by the eyes constantly focusing and refocusing on the characters on a computer screen. These characters don’t have the contrast or well-defined edges like printed words and the eyes’ focus cannot remain fixed. “Symptoms of CVS include headaches, loss of focus, burning or tired eyes, blurred vision and neck or shoulder pain,” Dr. Happ said.

March is Eye Safety in the Workplace monthDr. Happ added that CVS can be partially alleviated by changes in the ergonomics of the work area. “Proper lighting and monitor placement can go a long way toward reducing CVS, as can giving your eyes frequent “breaks” from the computer. But the underlying cause of CVS – the ability of the eyes to focus on the computer screen – may only be remedied by specialized computer glasses.”

A comprehensive eye exam, including questions about a person’s computer use habits is the first step. “If we determine that vision correction for computer use is required, we can prescribe computer lenses that are designed to improve your vision in the 18” – 28” range, the optimal distance between your eyes and the computer monitor, “ Dr. Happ added.

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 2,400 offices in all 50 states and in Canada.

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