The Dos and Don’ts of Eye Makeup

While many use makeup every day, not much consideration is given to some of the safety risks of using make up to alter the look of our eyes. Here at Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley, we would like to give you some basic tips on the dos and don’ts of eye makeup for your safety.

Don’t: Hold onto eye makeup longer than three months.

Going through any woman’s makeup bag, you’re likely to find makeup that has been bought and used only a few times – and then just left there. While we oftentimes try to get the most “bang for our buck” with expensive beauty products, it is important to remember that these cosmetics go bad. These expired makeup products can be harmful for your health. Experts suggest that makeup should not be kept three months after they've been purchased.

Don’t: Attempt to moisten dried out or clumpy mascara. A mascara tube is a dark, wet environment – the perfect place for bacteria to grow. According to professionals, preservatives in mascara only work for so long, and infections (such as a sty) can develop.

Do: Keep eye cosmetics cool. Keeping cosmetics in a place with high temperatures can allow for a quicker growth of bacteria. Avoid keeping them in a hot car or steamy bathroom.

Do: Skip cosmetics when you have an irritated eye. The irritation may be coming from a cosmetic product and can help stop contamination from spreading to your makeup.

Don’t: Share eye makeup with friends or family. Bacteria can contaminate your cosmetics as well as her cosmetics.

Do: Make sure cosmetic applicators are clean before using. This will help to ensure there are not harmful bacteria near your eyes.

Do: Remove eye makeup (and other makeup) before bed. When sleeping, it is possible for pieces of makeup to make their way into your eyes and cause irritation.

Keeping your eyes safe while wearing eye makeup is very important. Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley would like to remind you to follow these simple tips listed above for safe makeup application and wear. 

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley: Curiosity About a Cat’s Point of View

Today’s blog for Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley can be called “the cat’s meow.”

There are those who are “cat people.” They love everything that is feline and frequently have one (or more) cats as pets. Then there are those who are allergic to cats (so most likely don’t own one – or more).

Whatever one’s opinion (love ‘em or leave ‘em) of cats, no one can deny their general aura of cool sleekness. Part of that comes from the slinky, sashaying walk that many have. The other comes from their eyes. In the animal kingdom, cats’ eyes run the gamut of being the most expressive, from wide-eyed and curious to pure attitude of “you lookin’ at me?” arrogance. And while they have human-like expressions (and feelings), we at Site for Sore Eyes wondered what (if any) differences there were between how a cat sees the world and how human beings see the world.

We recently checked out an archived article on “Business Insider” titled “How Cats See the World Compared to Humans.” With insight from Kerry L. Ketring, DVM, DACVO of All Animal Eye Clinic, Dr. DJ Haeussler of The Animal Eye Institute and the Ophthalmology group at Penn Vet, author Dina Spector crystallized what the differences are in human vision versus the vision of cats (and dogs for that matter). It all boils down to the retina…

The retina, generally speaking, is a layer of tissue at the back of the eye. The retina contains what are called “photoreceptors” which convert light rays into electrical signals, which then get processed by nerve cells that are sent to the brain, thus “translating” and making the connection with what we see ­–be it a person, pet, building, or anything else. The cells inside the photoreceptor cones are rods (for peripheral and night vision, as well as detecting brightness and shades of gray) and cones (for color perception and day vision).

Now for what makes the two different species see things differently. Quite simply, cats and dogs have high concentrations of rod (but low) cone receptors. (This means they can see REALLY well at night but are limited in how they perceive color.) Humans have high concentrations of cone (but low) rod receptors. (That’s why night vision goggles were only made for us, and we make a fuss over colors of the cars we buy and how to paint our homes, among other frustrations.)

Other differences, in a nutshell, are that cats have a wider visual field (200 degrees) compared to humans (180 degrees). We can see things 100 feet away, but a cat has to be a lot closer (20 feet away) to see the same object. This means that cats are also by nature nearsighted, whereas we humans can be nearsighted, farsighted, or somewhere in between.

Well, we hope you have enjoyed this bit of a diversion of our usual type of topic. We hope you cat lovers enjoyed this blog, and will share it with your fellow “cat fans,” and have a new point-of-view (pardon the pun) for your feline family members.

We close with a blast-from-the past trailer for the movie “Stephen King’s ‘Cat’s Eye’” which we are sure you have seen and may be part of your collection. If not, check it out. The hero is a cat who finds himself in some bizarre and mysterious adventures. Enjoy!

Thanks for reading… keep your sites (and those of your cat) on healthy vision.

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley: The Lowdown is to Slow Down on Smartphones

It is the first day of August. Oh, you probably know that. After all, you just need to check the calendar app that is on your smartphone. Great things, those smartphones; they are a true boon to making life convenient and organized. Check and write emails and text messages, buy movie tickets, make reservations…you name it, and the smartphone does it. But…take care…

This week’s Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley blog is a throwback to the age-old idiom of “how too much of a good thing can be bad for you.” In this case (as you might have already guessed), the “bad” thing about excess usage of your smartphone is the potentially damaging effects it may have on your vision. And please understand – the staff here at Site for Sore Eyes is NOT knocking the iPhone, Android, or whatever your smartphone of choice. We just want to call attention to the fact that there is the risk of not-so-good side effects if you are forever staring at a mobile screen.

A survey that was conducted in England several months ago, it was reported that approximately 2,000 people check their smartphones 32 times a day. (We are mentioning England to point out that smartphone overuse is a worldwide habit…not restricted to America.) The blue violet light that emits from the screen of a phone can affect the back of the eye, as well as increase the possibility of developing macular degeneration (a leading cause of blindness).

Some more immediate problems from what we might call “smartphone extremism,” is that, without realizing it, our vision gets so riveted to the screen that our natural reflex to blink is affected. According to Andy Hepworth, the optician interviewed for the survey, “...the combination of not blinking enough and bringing the device closer than you normally look at objects ­– it strains your eyes.” This can result in disrupted sleep patterns and headaches. To read the full article from BBC News, click here.

So…you may ask…how do we limit or circumvent this problem? The simple answer is to limit smartphone usage…which is MUCH easier said than done. Reportedly, people can become irritated or go into panic mode if they don’t have their phone with them. (So, there are even psychological side effects.) They cannot be separated from them. Only several days ago, the news reported the tale of a 13-year old girl who kept her smartphone under her pillow while she slept…only to create a fire. Fortunately, she was not hurt, but this is just how far the epidemic (yes, we think it can be called that), to being addicted to our smartphones has become.

Will power – that is the first thing that each and every one of us must strengthen in ourselves. As said earlier, this is easier said than done, but the consequences could be serious, and many people the world over will be sorry sooner or later. (That 13-year old girl is most definitely sorry.) Take a conscious break for one hour where you do NOT look at your phone. Build on this gradually, week by week. You may go through mobile withdrawal, but it will be worth it. We don’t mean to sound grim, but the health of your eyes (or even your life) is at risk if you don’t take healthy breaks from your phone.

"Get your eyes tested regularly and take regular breaks from your computer and hand held device." No, that is not a quote from us. It is from another optician named Amanda Saint, who was also interviewed for the BBC article. (YES! People get their eyes tested in other countries, also!)

One last thing before we sign off for the week. You no doubt have Google Maps or some other form of GPS technology on your phone. Please enter the coordinates for 2174 Shattuck Avenue, which is (that’s right), the address of our store in Berkeley. Once you do that, navigate down for an eye exam.

Thanks for reading…enjoy the weekend…and keep your sites on healthy vision.

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley: Jump Up to Some Events in July

Well, the summer of 2014 is at the three-quarter mark. We at Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley hope that you’ve been able to enjoy some time off, or had time to fit some recreation into your schedules. If you haven’t gotten in any recreation (the secret word) read on, because it is time for our events blog…

If you are the sort of person whose favorite holiday is Halloween, or you have a taste for gothic and horror stories, get thee down to the Central Works at the Berkeley City Club , located at 2315 Durant Ave. this evening for a performance of “Dracula Inquest.” This new play by Gary Graves mixes traditional atmospheric chills along with a twist (or two) to Bram Stoker’s iconic vampire prince. Ticket prices range from $15.00-$28.00, and you can call (510) 558-1381 for reservations. Or, you can order tickets (as well as see the full schedule of performances) by clicking here. For the die-hard fans who have scary-looking contact lenses (we know you’re out there!), pop them in for the show!

A famous quote that you will find in the novel and nearly every movie adaptation of “Dracula” is: “I never drink – wine.” For those who do like a glass once in a while, you might be interested in visiting Broc Cellars tomorrow. Beginning at 1:00 tomorrow afternoon, this winery at 805 Camelia St. holds their annual open house, known as “Broctacular 2014.” A wide variety of wine and food (courtesy of Naked Lunch restaurant in San Francisco) will be served to satisfy your culinary curiosity. Oh, just because the food is from Naked Lunch does not mean it is a FREE lunch (as that saying goes). Tickets are priced from $12.50 to $25, and may be bought either at the door, or in advance by calling (510) 542-9463.

If you attend “Broctacular 2014” and choose to imbibe, don’t get drunk, literally. Get drunk in the figurative sense the next day for the appropriately titled “Drunk with Song: A Concert by Barry Warren.” If that name is not familiar to you, his music will be, as Mr. Warren’s compositions have been widely performed by a number of Bay Area singers and musicians. If you are in the mood for an eclectic selection of jazz tunes from yesteryear, by all means pay a visit to this Sunday’s concert at the California Jazz Conservatory, at 2087 Addison St., beginning at 4:30pm. General admission is $15.00, while students and seniors can get in for $12.00. You can purchase tickets online at Eventbrite, or call (510) 845-5373 to reserve your space.

Well, another month is nearly over…but, as always, the happenings in Berkeley NEVER are! There is always a lot to do and see (emphasis on ‘see’). If you have some time (and you haven’t done so yet), consider schedule your appointment for an eye exam with us. You can do this online, so there are no excuses! Oh, and if you want to see some more of what’s going on this weekend, click here.

Thanks for reading…enjoy the weekend…and keep your sites on healthy vision.

Learn How to Protect Your Eyes in the Summer

 While summertime means more time spent outdoors, it is important to remember to always protect your eyes. Studies show that overexposure to sunlight can play a role in the development of cataracts and even possibly macular degeneration. Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley would like to provide you with some tips and tricks to help you protect your eyes this summer.

1.       Wear your sunglasses

      Sunglasses are much more than just a fashion statement. Sunglasses help to protect and block dangerous UV-A and UV-B rays. (Read more about the dangers of UV Rays in a blog from this past May.) UV Rays can have short-term and long-term effects on the eyes. A large amount of exposure (in a small amount of time) can lead to “photokeratitis,” which leaves a sunburn-like effect on the eyes. Studies show that a small amount of exposure over long periods of time can lead to increased chances of developing cataracts and certain type of cancers.

2.       Wear sunscreen and a hat

Wearing sunscreen on your face can help fight against UV rays, which has not only been linked to an increased chance of skin cancer, but also causes wrinkles. Wearing hats will also help to protect your face from UV rays.

3.       Swim without contacts

      For contact lens wearers, opening your eyes underwater can be very dangerous. It can cause bacterial contamination of your eye. This can result in eye infections, irritation, and potentially sight-threatening conditions such as a corneal ulcer.

4.       Drink water

Drinking water not only helps to keep your body hydrated – it keeps your eyes hydrated as well. Being in the sun (and possibly wind) for long periods of time can cause your eyes to dry.

5.       Keep an eye on the ball

Baseballs, Frisbees and volleyballs are all a part summertime fun. Be sure to use protective eyewear when participating in sports this summer (and always, for that matter) in order to help reduce the risk of eye-related injuries.

6.       Schedule an eye exam

Lastly, we would like to remind you to schedule a yearly eye exam! Prevention is the greatest way to keep our eyes healthy!

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley: Summer Safety at Work (Revisited)

Hello, dear readers. We at Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley hope you had an enjoyable (and safe) Fourth of July weekend. This week, our blog is something of a recap of one that was posted this past March, and deals with eye safety in the workplace.

Why, you may be asking, would this blog cover (or review) eye safety…and at work, for that matter? Well, some of you may have the luxury of what is known as “summer hours,” meaning that you can cut out early on a Friday once in a while. Or, summer is when you are planning to take some vacation time. And, to any of our younger readers (i.e., high school or college age) who may hold down a summer job, reading about work when you’re away from work is the last thing you want to do. Well, the examples listed above (and they are only a few among many) are exactly why this Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley blog wants to address eye safety in the workplace – yet again.

Maybe it’s the heat (yes, it is rarely cold in California, but still…), or the spike in vacationing, but the summer season has, generally speaking, been a time where a feeling of casualness sets in among many people. Yes, we still go to our jobs, we do what we have to ­– but there is not the same sense of urgency that we feel during the rest of the year. Casualness, however, can translate to laziness…and this means we are not on our guard. And we’re not talking about job performance…we are talking about health (specifically, eye health).

March is recognized as “Workplace Eye Wellness Month.” To complement this, July is recognized as “Eye Injury Prevention Month,” which was covered in last week’s blog. The wording may be different, but the message is the same – don’t leave the safety of your eyes to chance. Please excuse these scary statistics, but it has been reported that approximately 2,000 eye injuries occur every day, half of which happen in the workplace. Those who have “blue-collar” jobs (i.e., factory or labor) are at risk because of any unforeseen accidents that result in falling or flying objects, sparks, glass, or other matter. And, for those who are employed in a “white-collar” work setting (i.e., office or professional), reading small type, combined with staring at a computer screen – for hours on end – can take a more subtle (but no less harmful) toll on their eyesight.

The safeguards against eye injury in the workplace have been listed before, but a brief refresher never hurts. Those employed in the “blue-collar” environments should always have safety glasses or goggles on hand, and be ready to put them on in an instant. The “white-collar” workers should make a conscious effort to look away from their computers after 20 minutes, and focus their vision on an object 20 feet away for a period of 20 seconds. (The operative number here is 20.) At last, but not least, the biggest favor that everyone from every career path can do for themselves is to have their eyes checked on a yearly basis. (Do you find yourself with some free time during the summer? Then you can make an appointment for an eye exam.)

Did any of this sound familiar? If so, good…that means that our blog in March made an impression and that you take your eye health seriously. Sorry for the repetition, but eye safety in the work place deserves repeating.

 Thanks for reading. Keep your sites on healthy vision. And enjoy the second half of the summer!

Fourth of July Weekend Kicks Off “Eye Injury Prevention” Month

As the Fourth of July is upon us, your weekend is probably filled with plans of family and friends, food and fun. Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley would first like to wish you a happy and safe Fourth of July, and we would also like you to keep safety in mind this weekend – first and foremost. For many, the Fourth of July weekend is filled with backyard BBQs, trips to the beach and (most likely) fireworks. The staff here at Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley would like you remember to protect your eyes this weekend – just in time for Eye Injury Prevention Month. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks accounted for a large number of emergency room visits, many which were on account of eye injuries.

We would like to remind you that fireworks are in fact illegal in the city of Berkeley, so the best way to stay safe is to see a fireworks show. Some fireworks shows that are taking place in and around Berkeley can be found here. For those of you readers who are traveling out of state, it is important to keep in mind that although fireworks may be legal, they are still dangerous. Some of the most popular fireworks that can cause injuries include firecrackers, sparklers, and bottle rockets.

In order to ensure safe use of fireworks, be sure to follow your state and county’s fireworks laws and remember to neither buy nor handle illegal fireworks. Never let children handle fireworks of any kind, even if they are just sparklers. Adults handling fireworks should wear ANSI (American National Standards Institute) – approved eye protection, which can be found at most hardware stores. Finally, it is important to remember to keep your distance; nearly half the people injured are bystanders. Make sure to stand back and wear safety glasses.

Sorry to get graphic here, but we cannot emphasize the risks of fireworks enough. Some typical eye injuries that result from fireworks include detached retina, scratches on the cornea, ruptured eyeball and burns. If you experience a fireworks eye injury, make sure to get medical attention right away. You should not rub your eyes, rinse your eyes, apply pressure, remove any stuck objects, apply ointments, or take blood thinning pain medicines such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

From everyone over here at Site for Sore Eyes, we would like to wish you a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend!