Los Gatos Eye Care-Optometry Blog

Beer Goggles Are Real, Research Reveals

2010-10-22T13:17:00.000-07:00

Beer Goggles Are Real, Research Reveals

INEBRIATION REALLY DOES ALTER FACIAL APPEARANCE

■ Pablo Picasso once said, "Doesn't everyone look at himself in his own particular way? Deformations simply do not exist." The soused would agree.

The reason: Acute alcohol consumption appears to reduce one's ability to detect asymmetry in faces and, thus, decreases one's preference for symmetrical faces vs. asymmetrical faces, says a study in June's Alcohol, an international journal devoted solely to biomedical research on alcohol and alcoholism.

Study participants were shown 20 images of a pair of faces and then 20 images of a single face, one at a time. They were asked to state which face of each of the pairs was attractive and then whether the single face was symmetrical. Those participants who were sober had a greater preference for symmetrical faces than inebriated participants and were better at identifying whether a face was symmetrical or otherwise. Further, male subjects made fewer mistakes than female subjects in identifying asymmetry.

Researchers collected data from 64 self-selecting students at bars near Roehampton University in London. Students were identified as either sober or drunk via a breathalyzer test.

Due to the study's results, the researchers conclude that the decreased ability of the inebriated to perceive asymmetry may be an important mechanism underlying the high ratings of facial attractiveness they give for members of the opposite sex and, therefore, their increased frequency of mate choice during intoxication.

Vision and intoxication

In explaining the effects of intoxication on vision, optometrist Paul Karpecki, who practices in Lexington, KY and is also a first level sommelier, says that alcohol consumption causes central nervous system (CNS) depression, which can slow down accommodation "and other focusing mechanisms."

"Further consumption eventually affects the cerebrum, resulting in enough of an effect on the muscles of the eye that diplopia can even occur," he says. "Other theories suggest that since cell membranes are permeable to alcohol, it can affect any membrane from blood vessels to ocular structures. But I believe the primary effect is on the CNS."

VID00024

2010-10-05T08:33:00.000-07:00

What is Meibomean Gland Dysfunction

2010-09-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

How to Use Clear Care Contact Lens Solution

2010-09-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

Eyeglasses delivery from Los Gatos Eye Care

2010-09-27T17:20:00.000-07:00

Vision with eye disease

2010-08-24T09:02:00.000-07:00

Adjusting Glasses

2010-08-23T17:03:00.000-07:00

VSP - Vision Service Plan

2010-08-23T14:27:00.000-07:00

Your Kid's Vision

2010-08-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

Your Kid's Vision

Eyeball Flash Mob Times Square NYC | Think About Your Eyes 5-25-10

2010-08-23T10:42:00.000-07:00

Contact Lens Case

2010-08-03T16:41:00.000-07:00

Air Optix Aqua Multifocal

2010-08-03T11:54:00.000-07:00

Testimonial: patient P.W. could not wear contact lenses in the past. Her eyes were always dry, uncomfortable, plus she could not read with the contact lenses at all. Dr. Bell convinced P.W. to try again this year as contact lens materials and designs are so much better ...now than in the past. Today, at the completion of our contact lens fitting, P.W. said: " I can not feel these lenses at all...I wear them comfortably all day long and can not only see distance, but I can also read books, magazines and see everything at work. I look forward to putting these lenses on."

Pencil Push Up

2010-08-03T10:30:00.000-07:00

Mini Health Expo from Los Gatos

2010-08-02T17:39:00.000-07:00

Myth-busting with Heather O'Reilly

2010-07-29T13:41:00.001-07:00

The Buzz about iHealth

2010-07-29T13:41:00.000-07:00

2010-07-27T19:40:00.000-07:00

Mini Health Expo

2010-07-27T11:58:00.000-07:00

MINI HEALTH FAIR

2010-07-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

ASTI - what???? Astigmatism 101.

2010-07-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

When we diagnose patients with ocular disease or refractive error, we take great care explaining the condition to our patients. Astigmatism is one of the diagnoses we discuss with patient on daily basis.

Astigmatism occurs because the cornea is curved more in one direction than the other direction, so that it is shaped like the back of a teaspoon. With astigmatism, images at all distances will be blurry. A person's eye is naturally spherical in shape. Under normal circumstances, when light enters the eye, it refracts evenly, creating a clear view of the object. However, the eye of a person with astigmatism is shaped more like a football or the back of a spoon. For this person, when light enters the eye it is refracted more in one direction than the other, allowing only part of the object to be in focus at one time. Objects at any distance can appear blurry and wavy.

Astigmatism can be hereditary and is often present at birth. It can also result from pressure from the eyelids on the cornea, incorrect posture, or an increased use of the eyes for close work.

Patients do not have to worry about astigmatism too much. Just as other refractive errors, astigmatism can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Additionally, LASIK can also correct most types of low to moderate astigmatism.

Circle Contact Lenses

2010-07-08T17:19:00.000-07:00

The other night I was watching a show about lifeguards in Hawaii. One clip showed a middle-aged man trying to body surf on a beach on which the waves broke dangerously close to the shore. The lifeguards repeatedly warned him to get out of the water and advised him over and over not to try to body surf there. They were very patient and I kept thinking, "If a lifeguard came up to me and advised me that something I was doing is dangerous, I'd listen" (or at least I hope that I would).

Doctors everywhere are warning people about "Circle Lenses" which are made overseas and are being shipped by the ton to teenagers in the U.S. Wearing contact lenses without a prescription is not a new phenomenon. Flea markets everywhere have been illegally selling contacts for many years. And the complications from people wearing these lenses are everywhere!! We see them almost on a daily basis. And the flea market lenses are FDA APPROVED!!! The "circle lenses" coming from Asia are manufactured and sold not only without FDA approval but without any diffuse public knowledge of the manufacturing process.

The thousands of doctors who are speaking out about this (me included) have no financial gain in taking the time to advise against these lenses. They, basically, are just worried about people's safety.

Don't be like that body-surfing guy (of course he ended up going to the hospital at the end of the show)....take the warnings seriously and please be careful with your eyes. You only have 2....for life.

I think Lady Gaga should step up and start talking about the risks of these lenses. She seems to have created this fad, now she needs to help advise young people about the risks....Lady Gaga??

VSP EyeFiles Episode #4: Can Eating Carrots Really Improve Your Vision?

2010-07-07T14:53:00.000-07:00

2010-07-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

VSP members are now eligible for a "risk-free" way to try Transitions lenses!! VSP is so confident its members will love the enhanced performance of new Transitions lenses, it's offering to refund any fees paid by the member for Transitions AND allow for a new pair of lenses as a replacement IF the patient is not 100%... satisfied!! GREAT TIME to try them out!!! Come in NOW!!!

http://www.transitions.com/VSP/

Today's World (from "Learning to Learn" by Thea van Eijk-Looijmans)

2010-07-05T14:46:00.000-07:00

In today's world, many skills people had in the past have disappeared. We have become used to machines and computers taking over...We live in an environment where we teach our children how to push the right buttons, and make life as easy as possible. Much of the real visible handwork is gone. When we look at this from a child's perspective, we can begin to learn to understand what is really happening in their own and their parent's world. This means that children are frequently deprived of sufficient meaningful experiences and activities, activities that are the foundation for understanding what is later taught in school.
We seem to have forgotten that children need to play and move in order to learn and to develop motor skills, vision and reasoning skills. Planning, structuring, sequencing, concentration, being able to focus and be persistent, being creative and being able to experiment and learn from it are very important skills to develop.
These skills are needed for learning in school and later for becoming successful. Many children have become very passive and do not know how to get their bodies and brains to work together so they can do what they want to, or do what is expected of them.
Many children with learning problems have difficulties focusing and concentrating. Television screens change images every few seconds...This, however, causes children to become used to changes every few seconds.
We forget to think about what children really need in order to develop basic life skills. We forget to teach and allow them to learn on their own, to think for themselves and solve problems appropriate to their age. We, as adults, are responsible for the world our children live in, and we should provide them with plenty of useful opportunities to develop to the full extent of their capabilities.

MINI HEALTH FAIR!!!

2010-06-28T14:18:00.000-07:00

Mini Health Expo!
Jul 28, 2010
5:00 pm until 7:00 pm
Visit with health care practitioners and information providers in a beautiful park-like setting. Listen to brief presentations by each exhibitor, and ask your questions one-on-one. Some participants will be offering demonstrations in their booths, including chair massages!
Exhibitors include:
Oak Meadow Dental Center (Drs. Robert Dyer and Christina Fantino, DDS)
Dr. Sandra Kamiak
Los Gatos Eye Care (Drs. Barbora Bell and Ilene Polhemus)
Los Gatos Laser Therapy (Dr. Charles Goodman, DC)
Plane Tree Health Library
The Whole Pet Vet (Dr. Hillary Wheeler, DVM)
Location:
Oak Meadow Dental Center
210 Oak Meadow Drive
Los Gatos, CA

Hope to see you there!!!!!

Review of Optometry > Having It All

2010-06-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

Review of Optometry > Having It All

Success!! Patient's patience pays properly!!

2010-06-16T17:37:00.000-07:00

We have been working with a long-term patient who was having "issues" with her glasses. After a few try's, she's got a cool pair of glasses and is getting lots of compliments!! Her email is below:

Hi there,

I know I was a pain this time around with my glasses selection. I am happy to report that after changing out the frame (note my record) that these glasses are much better with the brown/green temples. The Black frame that I had selected with the clear and black temples let in too much light from the side and that was what was bothering me. Lesson learned!

Thanks for working with me to get a good solution. I have referred a friend to your office xxxxx don’t know when she will come but she wanted to know where I got my glasses and so I told her!

Thanks again have a great summer – see you next year!

Ocular Allergies

2010-06-15T20:19:00.001-07:00

Characteristic signs and symptoms of ocular allergies include: itching, watery eyes, redness and swelling of the eyes or eye lids. Ocular allergies are often very uncomfortable when untreated. At Los Gatos Eye Care, our doctors can relief your allergy symptoms. Come in and let us help you.

2010-06-14T15:50:00.000-07:00

Step into Spring: Keeping an ‘Eye’ on Seasonal Allergies (from American Optometric Association)

For most Americans, the start of spring is welcomed by thoughts of warmer weather, beautiful flowers and picnics in the park. But, for the 50 million Americans who suffer from allergies, the early signs of spring more closely resemble sneezing, coughing and itchy, watery eyes.

Eye allergies, also called “allergic conjunctivitis,” are a reaction to indoor and outdoor allergens – pollen, mold, dust mites and pet dander – that get in the eyes and cause inflammation of the tissue that lines the inner eyelid.

While eye allergies can affect anyone, the spring can be particularly hard on contact lens wearers. Extended wear time and infrequent lens replacement are two of the main reasons contact lens wearers face more severe symptoms. Contact lens wearers should consider the following to make the spring season more comfortable:

* Reduce contact lens wearing time when possible.
* Talk to your optometrist about changing your cleaning method or using daily disposable contact lenses.
* Use eye drops as prescribed by a doctor of optometry.

When it comes to treating symptoms of allergies, the American Eye-Q®, a recent nationwide survey conducted by the American Optometric Association (AOA), found more than one-third (36 percent) of allergy suffers use antihistamines or other medications to treat their symptoms. While antihistamines can help with typical symptoms like runny noses and sneezing, the medication can make ocular symptoms worse by reducing tear quality and quantity.
To effectively treat and relieve the symptoms caused by eye allergies, patients should see their optometrist. In most cases, we can soothe allergy-related conjunctivitis with prescription or over-the-counter eye drops depending on the patient and his or her medical history.”

While eye allergies can be a nuisance and affect job performance, leisure and sporting activities, symptoms of allergies can be curtailed and prevented by following these recommendations from the AOA:

* Don’t touch or rub your eyes.
* Wash hands often with soap and water.
* Wash bed linens and pillowcases in hot water and detergent to reduce allergens.
* Avoid sharing, and in some cases, wearing eye makeup.
* Never share contact lenses or contact lens cases with someone else.

Children's Eye Health

2010-06-14T09:21:00.000-07:00

The New Smith Pivlock V90

2010-06-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

What is Sight and Vision?

2010-06-07T14:34:00.000-07:00

We have come across this wonderful definition of sight and vision in "The Suddenly Successful Student" publication.

Sight is the ability to see, to look at an object and have it in focus.
Vision is the ability to understand what is seen. Vision is how we form our perception of the world and what is happening around us. When we use our vision, the brain organizes the information seen and gives it meaning, often by relating it to our other senses and past experiences.
Vision develops in a sequence of predictable stages during the first 12 years of life. It is shaped by genetics, health, your experiences and environment.

Review of Optometry > The Slippery Facts about Fish Oil

2010-06-04T14:38:00.000-07:00

Review of Optometry > The Slippery Facts about Fish Oil

Ocular Neutraceuticals

2010-06-01T13:15:00.000-07:00

At Los Gatos Eye Care, our patients deserve only the best. That is why we always offer the best service and choose superior products of outstanding quality for our patients. That is why we have chosen Nordic Naturals Neutraceuticals as the vitamins of choice for our patients.

In this second, and last in series about eye nutrition, we will focus on Essential Fatty Acids (Omega 3's) and their importance for ocular health. We will explain the advantages of Nordic Naturals vitamins, what products we carry and why the type of vitamin matters.

Review – What are Essentail Fatty Acids?

Fats are a necessary part of the human diet. They maintain the integrity of the nervous system, fuel cells and boost the immune system. Two Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, have been shown to be important for proper visual development and retinal function.

Why do we need are EPA and DHA?

These Omega-3's cannot be produced by the body in sufficient amounts, and therefore must be obtained daily through the diet or supplementation. Most people do not regularly consume enough cold water fish. Even those who do eat fish are often not getting enough Omega-3's because much of the fish consumed today is farm - raised and lacks significant amounts of EPA and DHA.

How does EPA and DHA promote Ocular Health?

Protect eyes from age-related and oxidative damage
Support the production of natural anti-inflammatory molecules
Maintain fluid and flexible ocular cell membranes
Support healthy tissue moisture and tear production

Why Quality and Potency Matter?

If poorly manufactured, fish oil will easily rancify causing “fish repeat. These rancid oils that are produced are a source of free radicals. Free radicals are harmful by-products produced by our bodies that cause damage to the cells in our bodies. Free radicals are associated with many chronic diseases. Effective distillation of fish oil is critical to removing these impurities.Nordic Naturals fish oils are produced from the highest quality raw materials and processed with innovative, multi-patented technologies, allowing us to deliver levels of freshness, purity, and taste unheard of only a few years ago. A great way to compare fish oil is by doing a side by side test. Most over-the-counter fish oil is poorly processed, and you may experience a fishy smell or taste if you were to bite down or puncture the capsule. Fresh fish shouldn’t be smelly, slimy or fishy. When that occurs, it usually means that it’s been oxidized and has gone rancid. If you were to bite down on a Nordic Naturals fish oil capsule, you’ll be able to taste the difference, and not experience any “fishy burps,” a common complaint that keeps people away from fish oil.
When shopping for a potent fish oil, comparing the labels is always a good idea. The capsule size may say 1000mg of fish oil, but does it really reveal what the contents are? What we want to look for on the label is how much EPA and DHA is in the product. The American Heart Association recommends a minimum of 1000mg of combined EPA and DHA to promote heart health.

What are the Advantages of Nordic Naturals Brand?

Pure: free of mercury, lead, PCBs, dioxins, and other contaminants.
Fresh: processed immediately after harvesting in an oxygen-free environment, preventing decomposition and ensuring exceptional freshness levels.
Pleasant Tasting: having no fishy taste or aftertaste .

Natural Triglyceride Form: ensuring optimal absorption and utilization, delivering maximum benefits to your body. High levels of EPA and DHA.
Independently Tested: surpassing international pharmaceutical standards
Sustainably harvested fish.

What Nordic Natural Supplements can you find at LGEC?

ProOmega

ProOmega is rich in EPA and DHA from fish oil. EPA and DHA provide nutritional support for the heart, brain, and nervous system, and are essential for proper memory and learning. ProOmega is designed for higher dosage applications. ProOmega has natural lemon oil and antioxidants.

ProDHA Eye

Reasearch shows that SHA from fish oil is essential for brain development, memory, and learning. Nordic Naturals ProDHA is doctor recommended for pregnant and nursing women. Also suitable for children ages 7 years and up.

Omega-3 Gummies

Rich in the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, Nordic Omega-3 Gummies support development of the brain, eyes, and nervous and immune systems.* Nordic Omega-3 Gummies have a delicious tangerine taste, and they make an ideal companion to our Nordic Berries multivitamin. This vitamin is best for children two to five years old.

Omega-3 Fishies

Omega-3 Fishies were developed after a direct request from physicians and parents

who wanted Omega-3 supplement with higher amounts of EPA and DHA

Rich in the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, Nordic Omega-3 Gummies support development of the brain, eyes, and nervous and immune systems.*

Nordic Omega-3 Gummies

This supplement has a delicious tangerine taste, and they make an ideal companion to our Nordic Berries multivitamin.

One serving size of Omega-3 Fishies is equivalent to three and one third serving

sizes of Omega-3 Gummies. This vitamin is best for children three to seven years old.

Nordic Berries

Nordic Naturals has captured the taste and many of the benefits found in cloudberries to support good nutrition and wellness. This multivitamin makes an ideal companion to any of our fruit-flavored fish oil products.
Nordic Berries are pectin based, with no gelatin or added coloring. This vitamin is best for children two years and older.

If you need any DHA/EPA Nordic Naturals supplement, please call Yadira at 408-377-2020 to place your order.

Converse Eyewear at Los Gatos Eye Care

2010-05-26T17:22:00.000-07:00

Los Gatos Eye Care - Tommy Bahama Spring Collection

2010-05-25T19:14:00.000-07:00

Tommy Bahama Spring Collection 2010

2010-05-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

Tommy Bahama Eyeweare, reimagined.

The Spring collection is inspired by a destination aesthetic that blends luxurious materials and rich colorations. Retro-styling and two-toned acetates are reminiscent of colors found during a day at the beach. Whethere you are on a beautiful island or dreaming of one, this collection provides the perfect touch of paradise.
Refresh your frame inventory with these exclusive styles at Los Gatos Eyecare.

EyeXam iPhone app

2010-05-22T10:43:00.000-07:00

Los Gatos Eye Care-Reaching New Heights!

2010-05-22T08:13:00.000-07:00

Another first for Los Gatos Eye Care...a new appointment made from 30,000 feet!! A patient in pain Googled, "Eye Care in Los Gatos" from his flight back in to San Jose; he emailed us asking if he could be seen the same day, Maggie emailed him back and he was seen shortly after touching down in San Jose! Turns out he wasn't just "faking it"... a 2-3 mm corneal abrasion is VERY painful!! We took a picture; emailed it to his cell phone; and now he can prove to his wife that he had a legitimate excuse for some TLC!! All in a day's work...

Visual Fatigue | Think About Your Eyes Commercial

2010-05-21T14:19:00.000-07:00

Think About This: Eyeglass Lens Technology

2010-05-21T13:59:00.000-07:00

Los Gatos Eye Care-Maggie offers a friendly greeting to our patients and...

2010-05-19T22:20:00.000-07:00

Los Gatos Eye Care-Nathan discusses the benefits of UV protection for ch...

2010-05-19T21:59:00.000-07:00

Protecting Eyes from Ultraviolet Radiation.

2010-05-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

During our staff meetings, we discuss various aspects of eye health. With the sunshine finally in the forecast, we talked about protecting our eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV light can be damaging to numerous ocular structures, including the cornea, the lens and the macula. The longer the exposure the more serious the damage.

The best way to protect your eyes from UV light is to wear sunglasses.

At our office, we have many designer sunglasses. From trendy, fashionable frames, to sporty styles to oversized designs, we surely have some to please everyone.

Also, most of our frames have the ability to have our patient's prescriptions within the sunglasses themselves. Now prescription sunglasses! That is something to be excited about for sure!

Maui Jim
Coach
Nike Suns
Nautica
Michael Kors
Kate Spade
Juicy Couture
Christian Dior
Tommy Bahama
Smith

If you wish to know more about how solar radiation effects the health of your eyes, please visit American Optometric Association website at

www.aoa.org/uv-protection.xml

Welcome to our Blog!

2010-05-11T19:11:00.000-07:00

"Do something every day that scares you" Well, as Dr. Bell and I sit at our desks at 7:12pm, both of us peering at the computer screen saying, "How do we start a Blog?" we feel like we're in first grade again. Actually, first graders would probably know how to do this... We feel nervous, but excited to be starting our blog for our practice. Hopefully, it will inform, entertain and educate you.

Our office began with a dream to create an optometry practice where each patient is treated like a good friend and the patient's needs are the highest priority. We spend extra time getting to know our patients in a professional, relaxing and positive environment. By utilizing the latest techniques, education and instrumentation, our goal is to protect eye health as well as enhance quality of life.