Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley Sets Up for the Super Bowl

A good part of the nation will be tuned in to the Super Bowl this Sunday night, and some of the staff of Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley will be included in that large percentage. Even those who are not big football fans will have their attention on this annual sporting event. Great plays and touchdowns, eagerly-awaited commercials, and the half-time show by a famous musician and band (this year it’s the Red Hot Chili Peppers) all contribute to the electricity and excitement of this one night.

As the anticipation builds for Sunday’s big game, we’re reminded of a blog from last September that detailed the importance of eye protection in sports, and the measures athletes must take to ensure that their vision is as safe and sound when they leave the playing fields as when they marched on to it. The vision requirements for professional sports are obviously different and more demanding, but remember that some lucky kids who play for fun today…may one day be the next NFL star. Considering that 90% of sports-related eye injuries are preventable, contact lenses or plastic or shatter-resistant eyeglasses are a must for any athlete, regardless of whether they are professional, student or amateur.

And let us not forget the audience. If anyone reading this who has the good fortune to attend the game on the East Coast, be sure to have your glasses freshly polished and at the ready (particularly if you happen to be sitting way, way (…waaayyy) back in the stands. Like most of the country, if you are watching from home, keep your glasses or contacts clean. (If your eyes are very sensitive, consider keeping a small bottle of eye drops on hand. One side effect of all the spicy foods that are served at Super Bowl parties is their tendency to make your eyes red, or eyeglasses steam up – and you don’t want to risk missing that super play.)

With that, we end this short and sweet blog on a festive note. We have some shopping and setting up to do for Sunday night as well.

Enjoy the game!

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley 'Likes' the "Glasses for Noah" FB Page

Many of us have been here at one point. You are sitting in class, squinting and straining your eyes to see the board. You might even have asked your teacher if you could sit closer to the front of the classroom to see. After a while, you probably admitted to yourself that you might need to go to the eye doctor and get a pair of glasses.

Picking out glasses was always something of an arduous task. You probably wanted a fun, thick-rimmed frame or a colored frame, and your parents probably picked out a more conservative, round, wire frame (or even wire framed aviator glasses if you grew up in the 80s and early 90s!). The end result of your trip to the eye doctor was that you were petrified to go to school and wear your glasses in front of the other kids. Unless you were seriously blind, you probably avoided wearing them at all costs.

Surprisingly enough, the stigma around wearing glasses has changed over the past few years. For the most part, lenses have become more stylish and have even turned out to be a great fashion accessory. Children who are in grade school, however, will still encounter those “bullies” who will make fun of them for having to wear glasses. That is exactly what four-year-old Noah Fisher was afraid of when he got his first pair of glasses.

Noah kept telling his parents that he didn’t want to wear his glasses because “everyone will laugh at him.” His parents were saddened about this, so they set out to show Noah that glasses are actually pretty cool. They set up a Facebook page and urged people to send in pictures of them wearing glasses to show Noah that lots of people from all over the world wear glasses. If you haven’t heard about this yet, check out the “Glasses for Noah” Facebook page.

The response was incredible! Within a matter of weeks, “Glasses for Noah” went viral and people from all over the world were sending in pictures and videos of themselves, their family and friends, famous actors, superheroes (and even their pets) wearing glasses. Today, the page is just shy of 90,000 “Likes” with countless numbers of photos still rolling in.

We here at Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley would also like to reaffirm that glasses are cool. People even wear glasses – that have no prescription – as a fashion accessory (because they are clearly jealous of the rest of us who have to wear glasses). Visit Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley if you are still wary about getting your first pair of glasses, and the staff of optometrists and opticians will show you that in the end, they are actually pretty great.

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley Examines the 2014 Eyewear Trends

When it comes to fashion and the latest trends, the first things we usually think of are clothes and shoes. There is a lot more to maintaining a fashionable wardrobe, however, than just clothes and shoes. When putting together your outfits for this year, don’t forget about adding some of the hottest accessories; particularly when it comes to eyewear.

There are a few different looks this year that are coining some pretty interesting names. The first look on our list is the “Instagram look.” These glasses are characterized by the late social media craze, combined with a bit of 1970s appeal. This look is all about the lens-tinting. Rosy or gold-tinted lenses are growing in popularity, along with glasses that have a sepia-tone gradient. Confused as to which sunglasses might fit this look? Just think of the different filters that avid Instagrammers slap onto their pictures. If the tinting of the lenses draws any similarities to these filters, chances are you will be sporting the Instagram look. Sun wear and optical specs that reminisce of yesteryear with bubbly shapes, wooden frames or tortoise print will also fit perfectly with this style.

This next look pairs angular cuts, geometric shapes and neutral colors to the…can you guess? It is the “Mathematical look.” Mathematical look glasses have sleek, yet shapely designs. Designers such as Marni and Chloe have emphasized triangular or hexagonal shapes in this year’s lenses, while others such as Emporio Armani and Optic Nerve have chosen to concentrate on overstated brow bars. Additionally, the brand names of XOXO and Roberto Cavalli have also included black and white patterns and prints on their glasses to incorporate the mathematical feel.

The next look that is on the list is perfect for the spring and summer months. Aptly named, the “Aquatic look” (which goes perfectly with the orange lip that is showing up all over the runway) features bright blues, teals and turquoises. The Aquatic look even dips into eyeglasses, as companies such as Prodesign and Scott Harris are showcasing the “floating lens effect” in their minimalist blue-tinted specs. This look can be worn in many different ways – whether you are planning a day on the boat, a trip to the vineyards, or accenting your tux at a wedding.

The final look you need know about for 2014 is the “Garden look.” Probably the most fun and recognizable, the Garden look is characterized by earthy green colors and vibrant pinks that evoke spring growth, complemented by floral prints and whimsical butterfly-shaped silhouettes. Pulling off the Garden look isn’t so much about the shape of the rim – but the design. Whether they are aviators, wayfarers or cat eyes, make sure your lenses have a touch of bright color, a floral pattern, or even sparkles and studs. If your glasses make you think of spring growth, a garden party, or even just blooming flowers – you’ve done it!

Don’t worry, though; you aren’t alone in your quest to pull off these 2014 eyewear trends. The eye care specialists at Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley are more than qualified to help you find the perfect glasses to fit any of these looks. They will even help you find the right shape and color of glasses that will look best on you (depending on the shape of your face and the tone of your skin). Make an appointment at Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley today and come see us!

Know About Glaucoma Awareness Month from Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley

First, we at Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley wish all of our readers a happy and healthy new year in 2014 (with particular emphasis on ‘healthy.’)

As the title of this week’s blog tells you, January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, and while this subject has been covered before, a reminder (or refresher) article never hurts. And…there is an exciting and revolutionary development going on that those who suffer from glaucoma will indeed want to know about. What is it, you ask?

A general definition and description of glaucoma is when the human eyeball experiences increased pressure, which results in a gradual loss of sight. The insidiousness of this condition is that there are no early warning signs. There are no symptoms; one feels no noticeable pain, and it is possible to lose up to 40% of vision before anything is noticeably wrong. And, sadly, once a portion of eyesight is gone, it is gone for good, and cannot be regained.

Here are some other facts and figures:

·      According to the National Eye Institute, reportedly over four million people in America suffer from glaucoma. The Glaucoma Research Foundation states that just over half of this number is over the age of 40.

·      People in the African American and Latino population are at higher risk of suffering from glaucoma.

·      Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness, but it is the first and foremost cause of preventable blindness (please note the word ‘preventable’).

We asked you to keep in mind the word ‘preventable,’ and that is the one and (as of now) only method of battling glaucoma. There is no cure, but there is the chance of preventing this condition through the early detection that only a comprehensive eye exam can provide. A yearly eye exam, that requires little time and no stress and no strain, makes all the difference in maintaining the health of your vision. That old cliché that begins “an ounce of prevention…” never had a more powerful or relevant parallel than having your vision checked.

And now, we focus on that revolutionary development regarding the treatment of glaucoma.

Although the loss of vision cannot be fully restored, those suffering from glaucoma will soon have a breakthrough method of administering medicine to maintain their remaining eyesight. Just over one month ago, researchers at Massachusetts Eye and Ear/Harvard Medical School Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology announced that they were on the threshold of perfecting a new type of contact lens that is specifically geared toward dispensing controlled doses of latanoprost (a medication for glaucoma) for as long as one month at a time. This change from the at times awkward and unsteady application of eye drops to having medication already in place will truly be a welcome change.

It remains to be seen as to whether this new phase in the treatment of glaucoma is a one-shot deal, or an indication of positive changes never before imagined in the world of eye health. In the meantime, we speak for all professionals in the optical field when we ask that you help us in helping you. It’s the New Year. If you’ve been relaxed about having your eyes checked, make a New Year’s resolution to yourself today and make an appointment.

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley Brings in the New Year

It’s that time of the year again. You can’t avoid it, and whether you want to admit it or not, you’ve probably had a New Year’s resolution or two burrowed – deep in the back of your mind; something you’ve wanted to do or a goal you’ve tried countless times to achieve. You tell yourself over and over again, “This will be my year! I’m going to be so healthy in the New Year…I’m going to exercise every day and I’m going to eat right.” According to statistics published by the University of Scranton, about 45% of Americans told themselves the same thing. But don’t worry – you weren’t the only one who failed. Only 8% of the people who set the standard “lose weight” resolution actually achieved it. To those 8%, we salute you. Good job.

Now, don’t let this discourage you… just don’t let history repeat itself. If the standard approach you once took didn’t work the first time, try and approach your resolution in a different way. Break down your overall big goal into smaller, more achievable goals. Start with one or two small goals each week, such as drinking 6-8 glasses of water each day, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Each week, add one or two more weekly goals that will help you achieve your overall goal. After a while, your first goals will become a habit, allowing you to concentrate on achieving your newer weekly goals.

Ease into exercise. It is not healthy to go from a completely sedentary lifestyle to a completely active one. Don’t burn yourself out. Start with a goal of going to the gym one or two days a week and then work up from there.

By making small, steady changes to your lifestyle, you will be able to ease into your new regimen, rather than have a really successful first two weeks (followed by 50 weeks of regret and self-pity).

Now, the weekly goals to achieve an overall healthy lifestyle in the New Year don’t all have to be exercise and diet-related. There are other things you can do to help your body, such as making sure you get 7-8 hours of sleep each night, meditating daily – or even exercising your eyes.

Did you really think you’d get through this post without us mentioning your ocular health?

Add these fun and simple eye exercises into your daily routine to help maintain your eyes’ ability to focus and preserve your vision. Now, there are countless eye exercises you can do. Here are our favorites.

1.      Close your eyes tightly for 3-5 seconds. Open them for 3-5 seconds. Repeat this about 7 or 8 times.

2.      Extend your arm to its full length and hold your finger up. Move your finger closer and closer to your face until your eyes can no longer focus on it. This is your focus line. Move your finger back to its original position, so your arm is fully extended. Repeat this 10 times. A variation on this activity would be to tie an object such as bolt to a string. Swing the object towards and away from your face while you try and keep the bolt in focus.

3.      Lightly press three fingers on each of your hands against your upper eyelids for 1-2 seconds, and release. Repeat this 5 times.

4.      Try this activity when you are lying in bed or on the couch relaxing. For one set, roll your eyes clockwise, then counter-clockwise. Blink in between each set, completing a total of five sets.

5.      Focus on a distant object (over 150 feet away) for about 10-15 seconds, and then refocus your eyes on an object that is less than 30 feet away. Focus on this object for 10-15 seconds. Do this five times.

6.      Make vertical eye movements, going from up to down. Do this eight times and then make horizontal eye movements, starting from left to right. Repeat this eight times. Make sure you don’t over extend and look further than your eyes want to go in any particular direction, or you risk making your vision worse.

7.      Finish up your eye exercises with palming. This is one of many activities you can do to complete your eye exercise routine. To palm your eyes, make sure you are sitting comfortably. Rub your hands together until they are warm. Close your eyes and lightly cover them with your cupped palms. Do not apply pressure to your eyeballs, and make sure your nose is not covered. Close the spaces in between your fingers as tight as possible to ensure that no light is getting through. Although you may see lingering traces of color, imagine a deep blackness and focus on it. Start taking slow, deep, even breaths while focusing on the blackness and either thinking of something happy or visualizing a peaceful scene. After you see nothing but darkness, remove your palms from your eyes. Repeat this activity for three more minutes.

These eye exercises can really come in handy when you are tired from staring at a screen all day or stressed out at work.

Looking for other ways to keep up on your vision in the New Year? Visit us at Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley and meet with one of our vision care specialists. We’d love to help you meet part of your New Year resolution.

Well, dear readers, the Christmas holiday is a mere four days away. We at Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley hope that those who celebrate will have a joyous and memorable holiday.

And because it is Christmas, the staff of Site for Sore Eyes naturally thinks of a movie which has become a holiday classic. It is the story of Ralphie, a little kid who wears very big eyeglasses (something we certainly appreciate) whose one wish for Christmas is to own an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. (No it is NOT a BB gun, as people mistakenly think.) A Christmas Story is sure to play on TV stations and DVD or Blu-Ray players across the country as you read this.

While A Christmas Story is a fun, funny family classic, those of us at Site for Sore Eyes also consider it a morality tale. Here’s why…

{SPOILER ALERT! If you are one of the few people on earth that have NEVER seen A Christmas Story, stop here, see it, and THEN continue reading…}

Throughout this tale, little Ralphie’s pleas for the Red Ryder Air Rifle (for space considerations, we won’t list all of the adjectives again) are met with the warning: “you’ll shoot your eye out!” Ralphie hears this from everyone – his parents, Santa Claus, and even his teacher .

We’ll stop here; aficionados of A Christmas Story know what happens. And we at Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley know what happens, which brings us to the moral of the story…

The fundamental fact of nature is that kids will be kids. They are excited about the whole holiday…waiting for Santa on Christmas Eve, coming down to the tree (by the way, are the ornaments out of their reach?), and opening their presents. Be cautious in selecting gifts for very young children (i.e., no toys with sharp or small pieces). Are your kids a little older? They then think that they are invincible and that nothing can happen to them, so they can have toys that are a bit risky (wrong!).

In all of their holiday merriment, they will be running and jumping around. They could get hurt. Stay alert, and (gently) lay down the laws about how they can and cannot play. Ralphie learned his lesson the hard way, but got off easy; don’t let that be the case with your kids.

Make your Christmas holiday a safe holiday. Thanks for reading. Keep your sites on healthy vision, and we’ll see you in the New Year!

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley: The Freedom of Flex Dollars…

It is no secret that the holidays are a time when money is tight. Everything from the purchase of gifts, holiday cards and wrapping paper, to preparing for any number of festivities, parties, or dinners,  will more than likely run up credit card statements while decreasing immediate cash resources at the bank.

Saving money is difficult at this time of year (if not downright impossible). The last thing that most people are thinking of is health insurance. No, this week’s Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley blog does not focus on health insurance, but an option that a number of employers and health insurance companies are adopting. This option does not save money, but it gives you more flexibility on where you spend health care-related benefits (as opposed to receiving deductibles). Flexibility is the operative word, as “Flex Dollars” is the name of this option.

How do “Flex Dollars” actually work? The good people at Investopedia.com have a basic, but informative explanation…

“An example is being assigned $1000 to split between dental, vision and prescription drugs. An employee in this case can split it evenly between all three, or put all in just one if they feel that would be most beneficial to their situation. Some companies provide basic benefits coverage and add flex dollars for better coverage.”

So…in short...if you have immediate need for healthcare you have that much more currency to contribute to that specific treatment. If this sounds like something you’d like to consider, check with your insurance company (or the benefits plan offered by your employer) to see if the “Flex Dollars” option is available.

If you are already ahead of the curve, and have a “Flex Dollars” plan, there IS one caveat you may not be aware of: as many companies have a “use them or lose them” policy for vacation days, the same deal holds true for Flex Dollars. If they have not been spent during the course of the year, they cannot be carried over into the following year.

So, two questions:
1. Do you have any “Flex Dollars” left in your account?
2. Have you been keeping up with your vision health lately?

If you answered “yes” to the first question and “no” to the second, we simply state that you should consider using what is essentially ‘found money’ for having your eyes checked. So strongly does Site for Sore Eyes believe in the benefit of “Flex Dollars,” that it is currently the reigning campaign: “Get More Specs for Your Flex.”

It has been said that good health is a gift that we take for granted. If that is true, treat yourself to a holiday gift of healthy vision. Get your eyes examined, and if you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, check your prescription is up-to-date.