Support Local Business: Rubber Duck HuntFamily Strengths Network (FSN) is inviting businesses and patrons to a Rubber Duck Hunt. We know many local businesses have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. In the past, local businesses have supported FSN’s Lucky Ducky Day Silent Auction, this year FSN is hosting an event to support the many amazing businessesContinue reading “LA Family Eyecare Participates in Rubber Duck Hunt!”
Author Archives: Lisa Shin
Normal Aging or Glaucoma?
As we get older, we lose 7000 retinal ganglion axons/year for 40% lost over a lifetime. This is .5% of your visual function lost every year! Thinning of retinal nerve fiber layer surrounding our optic nerve and in the macula/retina is like thinning hair and receding gums with age. In glaucoma, these ganglion cells areContinue reading “Normal Aging or Glaucoma?”
Eyedrops for Dry Eye
from Mayo Clinic: Dry Eyes Diagnosis and Treatment The attached photo shows the eye with a special dye, fluorescein, which is a test to determine the quality of your tears. The staining pattern indicates severe dry eye, which needs aggressive treatment. Prescription medications used to treat dry eyes include: Drugs to reduce eyelid inflammation. Inflammation alongContinue reading “Eyedrops for Dry Eye”
Benefits of Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses
While soft contact lenses dominate the market, there are many benefits of rigid gas permeable contact lenses! for more information: http://www.contactlenses.org Good vision: corrects most astigmatism; excellent optical quality, good surface wettability, available in bifocal designs Excellent eye health: 2-3 times more oxygen to the cornea than soft contacts, smaller size allows for tear exchange,Continue reading “Benefits of Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses”
It’s Back to School Time!
The summer is almost over and it’s back to school time! Like many of you, I have been reviewing the “school supply list” and making sure that my daughter has everything necessary for a successful year. At the pediatrician’s office, a vision screening showed that myopia (nearsightedness) had increased, yet again! Over the years, IContinue reading “It’s Back to School Time!”
VSP Premier Provider
We are proud to be a VSP Premier provider in Los Alamos, NM! As a VSP member, you will receive maximum benefits for your plan. Finding the right eye care provider is important to maintaining your eye health and overall wellness. All VSP® network eye doctors are well versed in vision care and meet national credentialing requirements.Continue reading “VSP Premier Provider”
What You Should Know if Your Child is Nearsighted
This might sound glib, but perhaps one of the best things to tell your child to reduce his or her risk of myopia is, “Go outside and play!” A number of recent studies have found that spending more time outdoors may help prevent or reduce the progression of nearsightedness in children. Among them: In the SydneyContinue reading “What You Should Know if Your Child is Nearsighted”
How to Treat an Eye Infection
If you wake up with your eyes stuck together, then you probably have a bacterial conjunctivitis, an eye infection caused by Symptoms include: Red eyes Eye pain Eye discharge Watery eyes Dry eyes Light sensitivity Swollen eyes Swelling around the eyes Itching Blurry vision This was treated successfully with antibiotic eye drops and ointment, asContinue reading “How to Treat an Eye Infection”
Contact Lens Evaluation: July 2021
1. A contact lens evaluation is required for the proper evaluation of contact lenses and for all contact lens prescriptions. This prescription is valid for 2 years, unless there is a medical reason for a shorter time period. 2. Davis Vision covers 1 contact lens evaluation visit only if Davis Formulary contact lenses are orderedContinue reading “Contact Lens Evaluation: July 2021”
MPOD and Macular Degeneration
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”
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”
