Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley: Catchword is Cataract

June is almost over, and whether you are off from school, going on vacation, or working during these warm months, the staff of Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley truly hopes that summer is treating you well. (It goes without saying, but we also hope that you are treating your eyes well.) Are your sunglasses and eyeglasses clean and up-to-date (prescription-wise)? Do you have enough saline solution for your contact lenses? We hope so.

As we are in the eye care business, we must honestly and responsibly address a serious issue – particularly before June finishes up after Sunday. You see, this month has been officially named by Prevent Blindness America as Cataract Awareness Month. You have probably heard the word “cataract,” but do you know what it means? Generally, a cataract is a clouding of the lens, which blocks or changes the passage of light into the eye. Having been around since Ancient Rome (yes, that long ago) cataract is the most common cause of blindness.

For our readers over the age of 40, that is when the risk of getting cataract begins, and there are over 24 million Americans who suffer from the condition. Genetics can also play into one’s chances of getting cataract. Has anyone in your family had cataract? If so, be on guard. Lifestyle is also a factor; do you smoke? If so – quit (or try to cut down). Radiation and exposure to ultraviolet light is also a cause of cataract, so wear your sunglasses when necessary.

Symptoms of cataract include: blurred or double vision, having trouble adjusting to lighting in a room (it will seem either too bright or too dark), or actually noticing a milky, yellowish spot in the pupil of your eye when you look in a mirror.

Another symptom of cataract is the need to change eyeglass prescriptions – often. But one can only notice this if they make regular appointments with an optometrist…

It goes without saying: keep tabs on your eyes. Schedule a check-up for your vision. We know…we've said it before…but it bears repeating (and repeating). Scheduling (and keeping) those yearly appointments are not a cure for anything, but any possible vision problems can be pinpointed and addressed – sooner than later.

Remember, as the saying goes “knowledge is power.” We hope some of the knowledge in this blog gives you the power (and wisdom) to take care of your eyes.

Thanks for reading. Be safe…and keep your sites on healthy vision.

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley helps you keep an EYE on your Health

When most people decide to lose weight and eat healthier, they don’t consider the impact that these changes have on the health of their eyes. Research has shown, however, that maintaining a healthy weight is essential to long-term eye health. According to Dr. Rachel J. Bishop of the National Eye Institute, being overweight increases your risk of developing diabetes and other systemic conditions, which can lead to vision-threatening complications such as diabetic eye disease.

As we begin to get in shape for swimsuit season, Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley wishes to remind you that when you keep up with a healthy lifestyle, you are not only modifying your physical appearance, but doing what is essential for optimal long-term eyesight.

Summer is the perfect time to begin incorporating healthy snacks into your daily diet, as fruits and vegetables become more readily available. While carrots are known as the best food for your eyes, dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale actually promote healthy eyes, too! Eating out in Berkeley at a seafood restaurant, like Skates on the Bay?  Try their smoked salmon or wild halibut, which has been found to benefit our eyes from the omega-3 fatty acids.

In addition to exercising and eating healthy foods, the optometrists at Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley recommend:

1. Always wear your sunglasses – even when it is overcast, the ultraviolet rays of the sun are still harmful.
2. Scheduling your annual eye exam. Because many eye problems have no obvious signs or symptoms, early diagnosis and treatment are important for maintaining eye health and preventing vision loss.

Most vision problems are preventable; if you begin making these adjustments into your daily routine, it’s likely that you will enjoy great vision throughout your lifetime.

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley celebrates Father’s Day

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley celebrates Father’s Day

With only a few days left before Father’s Day, the time to search for that perfect Father’s Day gift is quickly dwindling. Don’t have the ‘vision’ of a perfect present yet? No need to look farther than Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley, because we have some suggestions for you!

Ideas for Dad’s perfect gift:

1.       Sunglasses

Why not buy Dad a new pair of sunglasses? He probably won’t splurge on a new pair of designer shades himself, and after all, it is a day to show appreciation for all he does. Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley has a great selection of sunglasses to fit every style.

2.       What are his interests?

Is your Dad a foodie? A tech nerd? Or sports guy?

Go ahead and buy him that new cookbook, gadget or sporting event tickets he’s been pining for. But before he delves into his new toys or takes on a game, stop by Site for Sore Eyes for an eye exam so he can enjoy himself to the fullest.

3.       Could Dad use anything for work?

A go-to gift for any Dad is always a new tie or dress socks. Maybe he needs a new briefcase or a new pair of eyeglasses. Stop by Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley and pick out a pair, or buy him a gift card and let him choose!

4.       Feeling creative? Try making a homemade gift.

Giving a homemade gift shows you put in time and effort. With the help of the Internet and sites like Pinterest, it is now easier than ever to come up with homemade gift ideas. You may want to consider making a frame or shadowbox with photos and other things that remind you of Dad.

5.       Make Dad a home cooked meal or his favorite dessert.

They always say food is the key to a man’s heart. Bring out your inner chef and make a home cooked meal for Dad (or even his favorite dessert).

No matter what you get your Dad this Father’s Day, remember this is a time for celebrating all of the great things our fathers do for us every single day! Enjoy the weekend, and be sure to protect your eyes while out celebrating!

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley Jumpstarts June

So active is the Berkeley community, that we are extending last week’s coverage of events to this week.

If weather permits, take a stroll over to the Live Oak Park Fair (1301 Shattuck Ave.) tomorrow or Sunday between 10:00am to 6:00pm. This annual fair has been going on for 43 years, and, like we promised, has something for everyone. Browse for pleasure, or buy with purpose, as affordable arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing and more will be on display. You want entertainment? You got it. Listen to live music and marvel at magic shows, among other diversions. And what would a fair be without food. Delight in some culinary curiosities at the Edible Tastings, courtesy of Edible East Bay, which benefits and recognizes People’s Grocery. So eat, and eat for a good cause. For further information about the Live Oak Park Fair, call (510) 227-7110. (If you choose to drive there, please remember to wear your sunglasses – if not for yourself, for others, and especially your buddies here at Site for Sore Eyes.

Culture vultures, people of Irish extraction (or both) may be interested in checking out ‘Bloomsday in Berkeley’ next Saturday, June 15^th at the Garden Gate Creativity Center, located at 2911 Claremont Ave. This event celebrates the Irish author, James Joyce, with staged readings and music. (James Joyce’s stuff may not be to all tastes, but he really did look like the classic writer and intellectual in those rimless eyeglasses! What do you think?) Want to give it a chance? Call (510) 472-2834 to reserve your space.

In two weeks (Saturday, June 22^nd), hang out at The 10^th Annual Berkeley World Music Festival. Considering that starting time is 12:00 noon and finishes at 9:00pm, and that there is no admission (i.e., free), this is one of the best deals in live entertainment you’ll find in the near future. Contemporary, classical, and multi-cultural music will be heard. This concert is taking place at 2454 Telegraph Ave. Give a call to (510) 859-8583 or visit www.berkeleyworldmusic.org to learn more. And remember, if you wear glasses or contact lenses, keep them clean and ready. Seeing these musicians in action is just as enjoyable as hearing their music.

The city of Berkeley cannot get enough music. This extends even to youngsters. On Saturday, June 29^th, stop in at the Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse at 2020 Addison St. for the beginning of the week-long fiddlekids concert, where children will present their versatility on the violin. Like the World Music Festival, admission is free. Who knows? One of the fiddlekids of today could be the prodigy of tomorrow. Call (510) 644-2020.

What you have read here are only a few of what Berkeley has to offer. For more events, as well as for ones that take place during the week, visit SF Gate.

The members of Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley feel truly fortunate to be located where so much diversity in the arts, education, and culture are celebrated. There is so much to do and see, so remember – keep your vision strong.