from Eyepromise: Did you know that 78 percent of the U.S. population has less than optimal macular pigment? Significant increases in macular pigment can be achieved through nutritional intake and supplements containing zeaxanthin and lutein. Macular pigment is comprised of zeaxanthin and lutein, which are found in the center of the macula (fovea) at aContinue reading “MPOD and Macular Degeneration”
Author Archives: Lisa Shin
What is Demodex?
From The Eye Depot Demodex blepharitis is a common source of eyelid inflammation and ocular irritation. It is caused by the demodex mite. The presence of demodex increases with age making them present in the vast majority of people over 70 years of age. While most people have demodex living on their eyelid skin andContinue reading “What is Demodex?”
Corneal Edema After Cataract Surgery
It is very common to see corneal edema (swelling) after cataract surgery. This can cause blurry vision and discomfort, but usually resolves in 1 week, without additional medications or intervention. It is important to stay on prescribed eye drops! If the cornea does not clear up, then you may need Muro 128 eye drops orContinue reading “Corneal Edema After Cataract Surgery”
How to Prevent Macular Degeneration
Dear Friends: In our practice, we focus on early prevention and screening for glaucoma. But did you know that macular degeneration is much more prevalent than glaucoma? We have advanced diagnostic technology, such as fundus photography and OCT testing, as well as MPOD testing to assess your risk for and presence of macular degenerationContinue reading “How to Prevent Macular Degeneration”
Posterior Vitreous Detachment
From All About Vision In most cases, posterior vitreous detachment is caused by normal aging changes in the eye. With time, the vitreous contracts or shrinks, and also becomes less like a gel and more like a liquid (a process called vitreous syneresis). When this occurs, the vitreous and collagen fibers within it, pull away fromContinue reading “Posterior Vitreous Detachment”
Happy Father’s Day!
Dear Friends: Happy Father’s Day! A shoutout to all the Dads out there who do so much to enrich and bless our lives! Recently, I received a vase of flowers and a kind note from a patient: “I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful service you have provided me. I am pleased with my glassesContinue reading “Happy Father’s Day!”
Why Test MPOD?
What is MPOD? Good news! We can measure your macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in our office! This is just one metric in many tests to assess your eye health, but we have seen a high correlation between poor diet/health and low MPOD scores. from Eyepromise: Unfortunately, 78% of the general population in the U.S.Continue reading “Why Test MPOD?”
Help! My Child’s Eyes are Getting Worse!
Dear Friends: Now that school is out and summer is here, it’s definitely time to get your kids off of their digital devices and encourage outdoor play! Did you know that pediatric ophthalmologists are actually prescribing less digital screen time to slow down myopia progression? That’s because the prevalence of childhood myopia has surged recently,Continue reading “Help! My Child’s Eyes are Getting Worse!”
Protect Against Macular Degeneration
From Eyepromise: Age-related eye health issues destroys central vision and is the leading cause of severe vision loss in adults over age 55, affecting millions of Americans each year. While there is currently no cure for age-related eye health issues and its effects are irreversible, there are risks that can be mitigated. Age-Related Eye HealthContinue reading “Protect Against Macular Degeneration”
How to Treat Small Corneal Abrasions
Patient presented with eye watering, pain, and burning, which occurred after taking out contact lens. Small corneal abrasions without significant loss of epithelial tissue generally heal quickly. A bandage contact lens is more effective with pain management than opioids and dilation. Topical antibiotics every 4 hours. Ocuflox, moxifloxacin, Polytrim are good choices. Artificial tears everyContinue reading “How to Treat Small Corneal Abrasions”
Sources of Blue Light
Digital devices and modern lighting such as LED lights and compact fluorescent lamps (CFL’s) emit a high level of blue light. CFL’s contain about 25% of harmful blue light and LED contain about 35% of harmful blue light. The highest level of UV exposure is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the summer andContinue reading “Sources of Blue Light”
Why Measure Corneal Thickness?
Corneal thickness measurements are necessary when monitoring for corneal diseases, such as keratoconus and hereditary conditions such as Fuch’s Dystrophy. If you are interested in Lasik refractive surgery, we have to make sure your corneas are thick enough for a successful outcome. We also use this advanced technology to properly fit specialty contact lenses. CornealContinue reading “Why Measure Corneal Thickness?”
How to Prescribe Vertical and Horizontal Prism
I saw a patient who went the local ophthalmologist’s office for eyeglasses. Unfortunately, they were remade a few times, but were never right with complaints of double vision. This prescription was complex, which took extra time, care, and attention that we were able to provide. This patient is “very happy” with our glasses! 3 keysContinue reading “How to Prescribe Vertical and Horizontal Prism”
Prescribing Horizontal and Vertical Prism
These prescriptions take special time, care, and attention! The ability to accurately prescribe prism also differentiates an optical assistant from a true optician. We recently saw a patient who had glasses remade several times at a local optical shop, with no success! from Review of Optometry: Prism can be very useful when treating patients withContinue reading “Prescribing Horizontal and Vertical Prism”
Los Alamos Chamberfest Virtual Street Fair
SHOP, SNAP & SHARE Tuesday, June 1 through Saturday, June 5 SHOP – @ Chamber businesses or restaurant or shop online SNAP – a selfie showing the business or the logo while there SHARE – post your photos with the hashtag #LosAlamosChamberFest
7 Facts about Blue Light
It’s everywhere, from sunlight to digital display screens. Your eyes are not very good at blocking it. It contributes to digital eye strain. Some exposure to it is essential for good health. The sky looks blue because of it. It may increase the risk of macular degeneration and permanent vision loss. If you’ve had cataractContinue reading “7 Facts about Blue Light”
What Happens During Cataract Surgery?
If you have a cataract that is negatively impacting your vision and ability to do your daily activities such as driving and reading, you will be referred out for cataract surgery. Most of the time is spent in preparation: you eyes will be dilated a few times and local anesthesia applied. The procedure itself takesContinue reading “What Happens During Cataract Surgery?”
Blue Light Protection Lens Options
With both children and adults spending 8+ hours/day at the computer monitor, blue light protection is more important than ever! We offer a wide range of options, depending on your budget and insurance!lens options: % of blue light filteredBlutech: 46%Essential Blue 20%Eyezen 20%Kodak Total Blue 80%Anti-glare coat 10%
Eyelid Bumps: What To Do?
I have found that heat applied to an eyelid bump is the most effective treatment! You can do this at home with an Ocusoft dry heat mask. Put this in the microwave for 30 seconds, then apply to closed eyelids for 10 minutes. You must do this consistently 3-4x/day. We also offer in office ThermalContinue reading “Eyelid Bumps: What To Do?”
Advantages of Trial Frame Refraction
“The last place kept remaking my glasses, but never got it right.” This is my first clue that it’s time to pull out my trial frame that I got in optometry school. It is used for eyeglass prescriptions that require more time, care, & attention than traditional or automated tests. It is also closer toContinue reading “Advantages of Trial Frame Refraction”
At Home Eyelid Hygiene
HOME CARE: Did you know that eyelid hygiene can help with tear production and with eyelid inflammation? It can make a big difference with dry eye and preventing styes, infections. ___Warm compresses: apply warm washcloth to the closed eyelids 10 minutes, 2x/day ___Ocusoft Dry Eye Mask: microwave for 20 seconds and apply to clean eyelidsContinue reading “At Home Eyelid Hygiene”
Trivex vs Polycarbonate
Trivex is a lens option worth paying extra for! LANL Davis offers trivex for $55. Why? from Lens Materials are Changing: They have a fun history. Trivex was originally used in helicopter windshields for the military. They have an incredible ABBE value. 45! Especially when you consider polycarbonate has an ABBE value of 32. Translation:Continue reading “Trivex vs Polycarbonate”
Causes of Optic Nerve Edema
Papilledema is a true medical emergency indicated by bilateral swelling of the optic nerve due to increased intracranial pressure…Causes of papilledema in the pediatric population may include, but are not limited to, Guillain-Barré syndrome, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, intracranial mass, trauma/subdural hemorrhage, meningitis, subdural venous thrombosis, arteriovenous malformation and idiopathic increase in intracranial pressure. However, inContinue reading “Causes of Optic Nerve Edema”
Healthy Body, Healthy Eyes
In our practice, we focus on early prevention and screening for glaucoma. But did you know that macular degeneration is much more prevalent than glaucoma? We have advanced diagnostic technology, such as fundus photography and OCT testing, as well as MPOD testing to assess your risk for and presence of macular degeneration (AMD). Family historyContinue reading “Healthy Body, Healthy Eyes”
Infuse Daily Disposable Contacts!
We are super excited about our new Infuse contact lens fitting set! If you have tried contacts lenses before, and couldn’t wear them due to dryness and discomfort, this could be the lens for you! “This lens balances exceptional moisture, modulus, and breathability to help minimize the impact on the ocular surface and provide excellentContinue reading “Infuse Daily Disposable Contacts!”
At Home Eyelid Expression
Did you know that daily eyelid hygiene at home can make a big difference when it comes to dry, red eyes? Microwave our Ocusoft Dry Eye Mask for 20 seconds and put over your eyes for 10 minutes. Make sure your make-up is removed and your eyelids are clean. With a slightly damp Q-tip, gentlyContinue reading “At Home Eyelid Expression”
What is the White Spot on my Eye?
Rarely, after lasik, a white spot on the eye forms, causing light sensitivity and discomfort. This represents inflammation which is associated with gram-positive bacteria, most likely Staphylococcus. It resolves within 1 week, with steroid and antibiotic eye drops, with minimal impact on vision.
Myopia Control
Myopia Control: Are you worried about your kids’ nearsightedness getting worse & worse? When I was a teenager, my optometrist never presented this as an option! Now, I make sure all my parents and kids can make informed choices. Myopia has surged in prevalence over the past five decades. In 1971, 25% of Americans wereContinue reading “Myopia Control”
LANL Safety and Computer Glasses
We are proud to offer a great selection and outstanding customer service with our safety and computer glasses program! We provide occupational and work glasses for LANL, Los Alamos County, Centerra Group, N3b, and other contractors. Our Wiley X frames are the most popular! $375 includes safety frame, clear polycarbonate lenses (single vision, bifocal, orContinue reading “LANL Safety and Computer Glasses”
Your Eyelids Can Cause Dry Eyes
Did you know that eyelids are the cause of almost 86% of dry eye conditions? That’s because you have tiny oil glands that line the margin of your eyelids, essential for proper tear production and function. When these glands don’t work, it causes decreased or poor quality tears. This results in the irritation, redness, andContinue reading “Your Eyelids Can Cause Dry Eyes”
Signs of Hypertension in the Eye
Did you know that high blood pressure can show up in the eye? In acute, malignant cases, patients may experience eye pain, headaches, or reduced visual acuity[2]. In chronic cases, there may not be any symptoms. However, the complications of arteriosclerotic hypertensive changes will cause patients to present with the typical symptoms of vascular occlusionsContinue reading “Signs of Hypertension in the Eye”
When an Eyelash Pokes Your Eye
When an eyelash grows inward toward your cornea, it can cause irritation, pain, and the sensation that something is in your eye. Thankfully, an eyelash like this can easily be plucked out! Then we recommend artificial tears, such as RETAINE MGD every few hours to help with the healing process. If more than 1 eyelashContinue reading “When an Eyelash Pokes Your Eye”
What is asteroid hyalosis?
What is asteroid hyalosis? Asteroid hyalosis (AH) is a degenerative eye condition marked by a buildup of calcium and lipids, or fats, in the fluid between your eye’s retina and lens, called the vitreous humor. These usually don’t affect your vision!
OCT Wellness
Los Alamos Family Eyecare is proud to offer patients the Wellness Exam, the latest advancement in eye care technology that aids in early detection of eye diseases. The Wellness Exam uses state-of-the-art optical coherence tomography (OCT) to produce high definition images of the layers of the retina (sensitive area of the back of the eye).Continue reading “OCT Wellness”
Benefits and Risks of Corneal Incisions for Cataract Surgery
There are 2 ways to created the incision during cataract surgery. Many surgeons, use sutureless clear corneal cataract incisions, because it offers advantages over the traditional sutured scleral tunnels and limbal incisions. Some of these benefits include lack of conjunctival trauma, less discomfort and bleeding, absence of suture-induced astigmatism, and faster visual rehabilitation. However, anContinue reading “Benefits and Risks of Corneal Incisions for Cataract Surgery”
