Should You Buy Contact Lenses Directly From Your Optician’s Office?

Posted on May 17, 2012 by admin

contact lenses Should You Buy Contact Lenses Directly From Your Optician’s Office?

Shopping online is convenient. Many times, you can even buy something cheaper online than you could at a local store. But as we discussed in a previous post, some things are just too important to buy through the computer. Last time, we talked about the risks of busying glasses online. Today, we’ll explore the main reasons why buying contact lenses from your trusted eye care professional is so important.

Like prescription eyeglasses, your contacts perform one of the most important functions that you rely on every day. They help you see! If you’re torn between buying your contacts over the internet to save a few bucks versus purchasing them at your optician’s office, here are a few reasons why buying them at the same place where you receive your vision exam might make sense:

1. You are guaranteed to get the correct lenses with the correct prescription
2. Your lenses will not be expired or close to expiration
3. You’ll receive competitive pricing
4. No shipping costs
5. You will be supporting a local business that cares about you and your eyes

When it comes to your vision, you want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to ensure you get the right product to help you see clearly.

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Harvey & Lewis Opticians In The News!

Posted on May 17, 2012 by admin

Business owners want economy to bounce back: wtnh.com

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May Is Healthy Vision Month: Are You Due For A Visit To Your Optician?

Posted on May 10, 2012 by admin

glasses on calendar1 May Is Healthy Vision Month: Are You Due For A Visit To Your Optician?

The month of May is known for blooming flowers, beautiful spring weather, and Memorial Day picnics. But May is also Healthy Vision Month, which serves as a good reminder to all of us to schedule that appointment with our eye care professional that we may have been putting off. If you haven’t seen your optician in a while, now is the perfect time to get your vision checked.

Millions of people in the United States have undetected vision problems that could be found during routine eye exams. Early detection is key to preventing vision problems from getting worse. During a comprehensive eye exam, eye care professionals can detect common vision problems and eye diseases, many of which have no early warning signs. Unfortunately, many people do not pay attention to their vision health until they notice a problem.

Having regular eye exams to make sure your eyes are healthy and seeing their best is important for everyone. But the risk of vision loss and blindness is higher for some people based on race, ethnicity, and other demographic factors. You might be at higher risk for eye disease if you have a family history of eye disease, have diabetes, are over 50 years old, or are African American, Hispanic or American Indian.

It’s worth repeating that having a comprehensive eye exam is the best thing you can do to protect your vision. In addition to having regular eye exams, you can also help protect your sight in between visits to your optician by wearing sunglasses outside, eating a healthy diet, using eye drops as needed for dry eyes, and wearing protective eyewear during impact sports and activities where debris could get into your eyes- like trimming lawns and construction projects.

We should all get regular eye exams and take precautions to keep our eyes healthy year round, but there’s no better time than during Healthy Vision Month to get a comprehensive vision screening if it’s been a while since you last saw your eye care professional. And as always, if you ever notice any changes in your vision including blind spots or flashes of light, get checked out right away.

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Can High Definition Lenses Really Improve Your Vision?

Posted on April 30, 2012 by admin

Night Driving Glare2 Can High Definition Lenses Really Improve Your Vision?

Do you have great vision when you wear your glasses but still feel like some environmental conditions create too much blurriness or glare? If so, you might benefit from new, high definition lenses. These lenses are often referred to as free form, or digitally surfaced.

Recent advances in eyeglass lens manufacturing have made possible high definition eyeglass lenses that can give you sharper vision than what is possible with conventional eyeglasses. These lenses are designed to provide sharper vision in all lighting conditions, better peripheral vision, and reduced glare for night driving and other low light tasks.

The fabrication of the lenses is optimized with advanced surfacing equipment that is much more precise than conventional tools, so these lenses offer an unparalleled degree of customization. The precisely made surfaces of high definition lenses may help reduce conditions that limit field of vision and cause starbursts, halos and other distortions of lights at night.

Virtually anyone who wears eyeglasses is a good candidate for free form, high definition lenses, but individuals with higher eyeglass prescriptions may notice greater benefits than people with only mild prescriptions. Though costs are somewhat higher, some eye care practitioners say people with presbyopia particularly can benefit from high-definition progressive lenses, which may provide sharper, more comfortable vision compared to conventional lenses.

Harvey & Lewis Opticians manufactures these digital lenses at our lab in Hartford. Stop in to any of our locations or call us and ask how free form lenses can improve your vision.

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A Comprehensive Eye Exam Can Help Diagnose More Than Just Vision Problems

Posted on April 25, 2012 by admin

eye examiner A Comprehensive Eye Exam Can Help Diagnose More Than Just Vision Problems

Most people know that routine eye exams are important to help maintain proper eye health and to diagnose vision-related problems, but did you know that eye exams can also help diagnose a wide variety of other health problems in your body? In a recent report by ABC News, doctors say dozens of diseases, from high blood pressure to certain cancers, can show symptoms in the eye.

Researchers in the United States and Scotland are also studying how simple eye tests can diagnose other serious illnesses like heart disease. Diabetes and advanced hypertension can also be caught early on by looking at the eye. It’s not just the inner eye that can reveal disease either. In a condition known as xanthelasma, fatty deposits appear on the eyelids. This condition usually does not pose serious health risks, but it could suggest a blood vessel blockage in some cases.

Even a condition like sickle cell anemia can be visible during an eye exam. Jaundice can sometimes be noticed by looking at changes in the coloring of the whites of a person’s eyes, and this color change can often indicate liver disease. Some doctors are also starting to identify links between certain cancers and visual indicators that can appear during eye examinations.

Eye doctors always emphasize that regular exams are important to maintain healthy vision, but now more health care specialists and researchers are also touting the many benefits of regular eye exams to help diagnose other health conditions. Thoroughly examining a person’s eyes can provide a great deal of information regarding overall health, so regular visits to your eye care professional are equally important as visits to your primary care physician as part of a complete annual health analysis. Your eyes help you see the world around you, but there’s also a lot we can learn about a person by taking a closer look at their eyes.

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How To Keep Spring Allergies In Check

Posted on April 17, 2012 by admin

Spring tree How To Keep Spring Allergies In Check

Spring in New England is here, and with the warm weather and budding trees comes something not quite as pleasant- seasonal allergies. For people that suffer with spring allergies, this beautiful time of year can be pretty uncomfortable. Knowing what causes spring allergies and how to relieve eye and nasal symptoms can help you enjoy the beauty of spring without constant sneezing, a runny nose, or itchy, watery eyes.

Spring allergies are often triggered by pollen being released into the air by trees, grasses and weeds as they grow. When pollen gets into the nasal passages or eyes of someone who’s allergic, the human immune system reacts by releasing antibodies to attack the pollen grains. This defense mechanism causes the allergens to release histamines, which cause the allergic reactions people suffering with spring allergies know all too well.

When pollen counts are high, allergies get worse. Allergy symptoms can be particularly high on breezy days when the wind picks up pollen and circulates it through the air. But rainy days cause a drop in pollen counts because the rain washes away these allergens, providing some relief.

The symptoms of spring allergies include a runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, and sometimes coughing. Spring allergies can also trigger asthma attacks. If you’ve never been diagnosed with spring allergies but you notice that your eyes and nose are itchy and uncomfortable during the spring months, a visit to your doctor can help confirm your condition. You may be referred to an allergist for additional testing to determine exactly what you are allergic to. This information will help your medical team develop a plan to fight back against your allergies. Spring allergies can be treated with antihistamines, decongestants, eye drops and nasal sprays, depending on each person’s unique symptoms.

It’s nearly impossible to completely avoid seasonal allergies if you live in an area with high pollen activity in the spring, but symptoms can be managed effectively in most cases. Try to stay indoors whenever the pollen count is high. Pollen counts usually peak in the morning. Keep doors and windows closed whenever possible to keep spring allergens out. An air purifier may also help. If you have air filters in your home, clean them often along with shelves, windowsills and other places where pollen can collect. Vacuuming more often in the spring can also help remove allergens from your home.

Allergies can take the enjoyment of being outdoors during this beautiful time of year away for spring allergy sufferers, but with the right knowledge and game plan in place, you can fight back.

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Google Announces Augmented Reality Glasses

Posted on April 11, 2012 by admin

google glasses Google Announces Augmented Reality Glassesphoto source: Google

Google recently unveiled brand new eye wear technology to enhance the way we interact digitally with the real world, and it goes by the name of Project Glass. These glasses have a small screen above the right eye attached to sleek, wrap-around frames, which have no actual lenses. The glasses operate using a tiny computer in the frame, which is powered by artificial intelligence (AI) software. AI refers to computer systems that accommodate human-like behaviors through features such as speech and gesture recognition to mimic human thinking.

Google’s new glasses operate mainly on voice commands, which means your hands are free to explore the world around you, or stay in your pockets, as the AI glasses present relevant information to you right before your eyes in response to your voice.

The makers of Project Glass said the hardware is designed to help you “explore and share your world, putting you back in the moment,” according to a post on Google Plus. These glasses could provide information about your surroundings as you walk through a city or a shopping center. The computer built into these new glasses can inform the wearer when their friends are nearby, present public transportation alerts, information about road closures, and a even display details about physical products on the shelves as a person walks through a store.

These wearable screens could also help eye doctors make diagnoses in the future by capturing important information about how a person’s eyes move and react during different situations and in various environments. This technology is still very new, but experts say they sky is the limit in terms of how these high-tech glasses might be able to help us view the world and make decisions without ever having to pull out a smartphone, or outdated travel items like printed maps and guidebooks.

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Keeping Your Eyes Healthy In A Digital World

Posted on March 29, 2012 by admin

Digital Eye Keeping Your Eyes Healthy In A Digital WorldThe amount of time we spend connected to digital devices seems to increase every year. Just a few years ago, desktop computers and cell phones were the two main devices being used by most people. Now, we have smart phones, tablets, laptops, eReaders and other mobile devices that go everywhere with us. And because we spend so much time staring at these amazing gadgets, more people are experiencing eye strain and dry eyes than ever before. Technology is great at keeping us connected and helping us get more work done when we’re away from the office, but we also need to be aware of the impact these devices are having on our vision. Here are five tips for keeping your eyes healthy is a world full of screens.

  1. Get comfortable. You can adjust your environment when using digital devices to promote healthy eyes. If possible, use a large computer monitor to reduce eye strain. When seated at your desk, make sure your chair is close to your computer and you are using a chair with proper lower back support. Position your chair so that you are comfortable to decrease the amount of stress you put on your eyes trying to find the best viewing angle.
  2. Consider your room lighting. Good lighting is good for your eyes. Bright lights irritate the eyes, while dim lighting causes the eyes to strain. Keep desk lamps shining on your desk, not on your screen or near your face. Try to keep window light off to the side, rather than in front or behind you. Use blinds or a glare-reducing monitor attachment to reduce window glare or move your screen away from direct window light if possible.
  3. Adjust your screen angle. When seated, adjust your screen so you look at it slightly downward and are about 24 inches away. The center of the screen should ideally be about 4 to 6 inches below your eyes, so using a desktop monitor that moves up and down can be helpful. Also, make sure the brightness and contrast settings are adjusted so you’re not straining to see text or images clearly. Many mobile devices allow you to adjust the backlight settings if you are staring at them for prolonged periods of time.
  4. Adjust text size. For those with already reduced vision, magnifying the text and images on your device will help you avoid squinting. Almost every device can be adjusted to display larger text, which can make reading much easier for those with existing vision problems.
  5. Take a break. Your computer is a machine, but you’re not. Your eyes need to take a break periodically when looking at computer screens, so learn to use the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. And don’t forget to blink! Blinking washes your eyes in tears to keep your eyes hydrated and relaxed. If you regularly wear glasses, make sure you have proper lenses for computer work.

By following these tips, you’ll help your eyes stay healthy when using digital devices. And don’t forget to contact your eye care professional if you notice any changes in your vision. Computer screens can cause a variety of problems including dry eyes, eye strain, and headaches, so you may need to adjust your lenses, modify the amount of time you spend using these devices, or start using eye drops to provide relief. Your eye care professional will help you develop the right game plan for you and your eyes.

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Polarized Lenses Help Protect Your Eyes From Dangerous Sun Glare

Posted on March 21, 2012 by admin

Sunglasses woman beach Polarized Lenses Help Protect Your Eyes From Dangerous Sun GlareWith so many different types of sunglasses on the market today, it can be a daunting task to find the right pair to fit your unique style. Selecting stylish frames is good for your image, but picking the right lenses is crucial for your eye health.

Let’s assume you’ve already tried on a bunch of different styles of sunglasses and you finally found that perfect pair. They look good and feel good on your face, so you’re ready to purchase. Not so fast. When it comes to protecting your vision on bright, sunny days, the lenses you choose make all the difference.

Most sunglass lenses available today offer good protection from Ultraviolet (UV) rays. Long-term exposure to UV rays can be damaging to the eyes and have been linked to several eye diseases including cataracts, macular degeneration and cancer. There are two types of UV rays- UVA and UVB. UVB rays are the most dangerous to skin and eyes, however UVA rays that are absorbed into the eye can also contribute to vision problems. Since there is no easy way to tell what types of rays you are being exposed to outside, it’s important to choose sunglass lenses that offer both UVA and UVB protection.

UV coatings are pretty common, but there are other lens coatings available that you should know about. Lenses can be tinted with different colors like yellow, brown or rose that can brighten or darken the outdoor environment. Mirror coatings that completely hide the wearer’s eyes are also an option. But of all these choices, polarized lenses offer the best protection for preventing exposure to UV rays and damaging sun glare.

Polarization is a great feature if you enjoy water or snow sports or have sensitive eyes. When light reflects off of flat surfaces, such as water or snow, the light waves align in horizontal patterns, creating intense glare. The filters in polarized lenses block these horizontal light waves, substantially reducing blinding glare and eyestrain.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology advocates wearing sunglasses anytime you’re outdoors, especially when it’s summer, you’re near water or snow on sunny days, or you’re outside at high elevations. In addition, if you have an eye disease, have had cataract surgery, or take photosensitizing drugs, you should wear sunglasses whenever you go outside.

Polarized lenses do cost a bit more than regular UV lenses, but the protection they offer more than makes up for the additional cost. A cheap pair of sunglasses with UV protection can be used on days when the sun isn’t very strong, but for regular outdoor activity, especially when you’re around open water or snow on sunny days, polarized lenses are well worth the investment to protect your vision.

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Prescription Sunglasses Combine Fashion And Function

Posted on March 15, 2012 by admin

sunglasses turtle frames Prescription Sunglasses Combine Fashion And Function
It sure doesn’t feel like March in New England this year. You probably won’t find too many people complaining about the above average temperatures and long, sunny days we’ve been seeing across the Northeast this month, especially after last winter’s record-breaking snowfall. But as much as we enjoy these bright, warm days, it’s important to remember that as we start spending more time outside, we need to think more about protecting our eyes as we enjoy our fun in the sun.

For many people that wear eyeglasses, sunny weather often creates a challenge. Do you wear your regular glasses so you can see more clearly, or do you swap them out for sunglasses to protect your eyes and look more stylish? The good news is you no longer have to sacrifice one for the other. Prescription sunglasses are now available in a wide variety of styles and many name brands have started offering a much better selection of prescription shades. If you’ve been holding off on buying a pair of prescription sunglasses because you didn’t think you’d be able to find something to fit your style or your unique prescription, it’s time to take a second look at the designer sunglasses available today.

Enjoying outdoor activities on sunny days should not have to mean choosing between having clear vision or protecting your eyes. Prescription sunglasses allow you to do both, and you’ll be looking good at the same time. Next time you’re at your eye care professionals office, ask to view their selection of prescription sunglasses. You’ll likely be amazed at the different styles available.

Even though it won’t be summer for a few more months, prescription sunglasses should be a part of your year-round vision protection plan. Whether it’s a sunny weekend in March, a bright winter day with sun glare reflecting off the snow, or a hot summer day at the beach, a good pair of prescription sunglasses will serve you well.

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