The LASIK Blog

Leave Fireworks to the Professionals this Fourth of July

Each Fourth of July, thousands of people are injured from using consumer fireworks. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 9,000 fireworks-related injuries happen each year. Of these, nearly half are head-related injuries with nearly 30 percent of these injuries to the eyes.  One-fourth of fireworks eye injuries result in permanent vision loss or blindness.

July is Fireworks Eye Safety Awareness Month, and we at EyeCare 20/20 want to remind you to leave fireworks to professionals. Too many Fourth of July celebrations are ruined because a child has to be rushed to the emergency room after a fireworks accident.  Potentially blinding injuries can be avoided if families attend a professional public fireworks display instead of putting on a home fireworks display.

Children are the most common victims of firework accidents, with those fifteen years old or younger accounting for half of all fireworks eye injuries in the United States. For children under the age of five, seemingly innocent sparklers account for one-third of all fireworks injuries. Sparklers can burn at nearly 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cause a third-degree burn.

 

Among the most serious injuries are abrupt trauma to the eye from bottle rockets.  The rockets fly erratically, often injuring bystanders. Injuries from bottle rockets can include eye lid lacerations, corneal abrasions, traumatic cataract,  retinal detachment, optic nerve damage, rupture of the eyeball, eye muscle damage, and complete blindness.

For a safe and healthy Independence Day celebration, follow of the following tips:

 

• Never let children play with fireworks of any type.
• View fireworks from a safe distance: at least 500 feet away, or up to a quarter of a mile for best viewing.

• Respect safety barriers set up to allow pyrotechnicians to do their jobs safely.
• Leave the lighting of fireworks to trained professionals.
• Follow directives given by event ushers or public safety personnel.
• If you find unexploded fireworks remains, do not touch them. Immediately contact your local fire or police departments.
• If you get an eye injury from fireworks, seek medical help immediately.

We at EyeCare 20/20 wish everyone a safe and happy 4th of July Holiday Weekend!

Prevent An Eye Injury: How to Open that Champagne Safely on New Year's Eve

There is no doubt that improper handling of a champagne bottle can lead to serious eye injuries, and lead to an awful start to the new year.  Last year I posted the following clip on YouTube.  It explains how to safely open a champagne bottle.  SInce the posting I have received several comments on the proper way to open a bottle.  One comment suggested never leaving the un-caged cork unprotected.  I agree, pressure should be placed on the cork as soon as the cage is removed!

While we are on the subject of champagne, @GaryVee of the Wine Library just came out with his top 10 champagne selections:

1. Legras Brut Champagne Presidence Vv 2002

2. Legras St Vincent 2000

3. Legras St Vincent 1990

4. Jose Michel Special Club Brut 2002

5. Pierre Peters Brut 2003

6. Jacquart Allegra 1999

7. Legras St Vincent 1996

8. Conde De Subirats Brut Nv 

9. Andre Clouet Brut Grand Reserve 

10. Dumont Brut 

All of us at EyeCare 20/20 wish all of you a Happy, Healthy, Safe, and Propsperous New Year.  We look forward to keeping you all informed on eye care topics in 2010!

Happy Holidays From EyeCare 20/20!

It's certainly beginning to feel like the holiday's are upon us.  The big snow storm is heading our way here in New Jersey, ensuring that we will certainly have a white Christmas next week!  Last week our office had our annual Holiday Luncheon, Habatchi lunch was enjoyed by all!

Many of our patients are scrambling to get their last minute presents.  EyeCare 20/20 has offered many of our previous LASIK patients a free $1000 "gift  of sight" certificate to go towards LASIK surgery performed at EyeCare 20/20.  Although this offer ended yesterday, we are extending it through Christmas Day.

All of us at EyeCare 20/20 wish everyone a Healthy & Prosperous Holiday Season and New Year!

No Proof in ABC's GMA Claim to Link Between Nearsightedness and Texting

There was an interesting story this morning on ABC's Good Morning America:  Study Finds More Nearsighted Americans.  This story was based on a recent National Eye Institute Story.  The lead in to this story claimed a link between our kids texting and myopia.

Also called myopia, nearsightedness is a refractive error that produces clear vision for near objects but blurs objects seen in the distance. Nearsightedness is caused by an abnormally steep curvature in the cornea or by an elongated eyeball. As a result, light rays passing through the cornea converge at a point before the retina.

Several interesting points were made in the piece:

• Myopia in the US increased from 25% in the 1970's to 41% today.
• Myopia effects 40 to 50 million Americans.
• Costs of treatment is $2 to $3 billion annually.

The story further went on that there is a genetic predisposition to develop myopia and suggests that close work may be a contributing factor, however, there is no scientific proof if this linkage.  Adding the fact that there are over 110 billion text messages sent annually just clouds the issue.  Many more people eat sushi today than in the 1970's, maybe this is the cause of myopia development?!?

It might simply be that nearsighted patients like to do close tasks more because it is easier for them.  The question becomes:  What comes first the task or the condition?, just like the chicken and the egg story.

In my opinion there is no correlation between myopia development and close work, computer work, or texting.  Further study is certainly warranted to determine environmental causes.  I do agree with the takeaway message:  Regular eye exams are required to maintain eye health!  If there are no problems, get that eye exam every 2 years..

Winter Eye Tips

 

 

Winter brings many fun activities, but it's important to make sure you stay safe by following these simple winter eye tips brought to you by the  American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Avoid Dry Eyes

 

The sun is not winter's only eye hazard. Its cool winds and drier air can irritate eyes while indoors and outdoors.

 

 

Indoor heat used during winter months tends to rid the air of moisture which can dry out and irritate eyes. Use a humidifier in the bedroom during months with low humidity. This helps moisten dry eyes, especially when exposed to forced air.

 

 

Contact lens wearers should limit their outside exposure and use artificial tears frequently. Soft contact lenses are like sponges and need lots of moisture. If they start to dry out, they can become painful and stick to the eye.

 

 

Protect Eyes From Harmful UV 

 

Most people think that it is only necessary to protect the eyes from the sun during the summer. Exposure to UV rays during winter can temporarily harm eyes as well as increase the risk of developing sunlight-related eye disorders, including cataracts.

 

 

Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV light, especially when in the snow. People forget the sun is just as bright when reflected by the snow as it is off the ocean and beach. High quality, UV-blocking sunglasses can prevent and reduce exposure to the wind and cold.

 

When skiing or snowboarding, wear goggles to protect your eyes. They help protect the skin around the eyes, as well as the eyes themselves. This is especially important since skin on your upper lids is the thinnest and most vulnerable to exposure.

 

Eyewear with polycarbonate lenses are a must when using snowmobiles, recreational snow vehicles, and even skiing and snowboarding. The goggles will also protect against tree branches and flying ski pole tips.

Applying a good, quality eye cream will also help protect the delicate eye area from the effects of winter. 

 

 

Now get on out there and enjoy the winter, because Ground Hog's Day is next week and who knows, spring might be just around the corner!

It's New Year's, What Champagne Should You Drink?

In my last blog today, I discussed eye injuries related to getting hit in the eye with a cork while opening chchampagne.  People are often confused about what chchampagne to buy.  My personal favorite is J. Schram from the California vineyard of Schramsberg

According to their web site:

"Wine grapes from the finest vineyards of Northern California are nurtured throughout the ripening process, before they are hand-picked. Complexity is gained through fermentation in both oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. Some small lots undergo malolactic fermentation to enrich aromas and infuse creaminess on the palate. The wine is then aged in our historical mountainside caves for over five years.

Dedicated to our founder of 1862, Jacob Schram, this special bottling has been a great success since its first
release in 1992. J. Schram reflects Schramsberg’s continuing role as a pioneer in world class sparkling wines. It is our nominee when you want an American statement of international excellence. J. Schram is appealing as an aperitif or enjoyed with fresh shellfish, caviar, smoked salmon, mild cheeses, seafood brochettes and risotto with prosciutto."

 

Schramsberg has an excellent wine club with which I participate.

Below is a list I found in Wine Spectator which you all may find helpful:

 

Champagnes and Sparkling Wines for New Year's Eve

GLORIA FERRER Brut Carneros Royal Cuvée Vintage Reserve 2001 Score: 93 | $32

This sparkling wine is fresh and vibrant, yet with a core of rich, luscious fruit. Aromas of Asian pear, rose water and lemon curd lead to layered flavors of fresh ginger, pippin apple and cinnamon that finish on a showy note. Drink now through 2013. 6.500 cases made. —T.F.

DOMAINE CARNEROS Brut Carneros 2005 Score: 92 | $26

Beautifully focused and refined, with Gala apple and raspberry aromas and flavors that are crisp yet layered, with creamy lemon and lime notes and a finish that lingers with mineral and a hint of yeast. Drink now through 2012. 45,000 cases made. —T.F.

DUVAL-LEROY Brut Champagne NV Score: 91 | $38

This rich, sumptuous bubbly is marked by clover honey, candied citrus and hints of malt and mineral. It's beautifully integrated, with medium weight and a lingering, ginger-infused aftertaste. Drink now through 2010. 35,000 cases made. —B.S.

GOSSET Brut Champagne Grande Réserve NV Score: 91 | $69

Fresh and elegant, revealing a graphite and citrus flavor profile. Shows finesse and a mineral and chalk quality on the back end. Beautifully refined and persistent, with a mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2012. 41,000 cases made. —B.S.

ARGYLE Brut Willamette Valley 2005 Score: 90 | $30

Light and creamy, with white pepper and oatmeal nuances to the citrus and pear flavors, lingering on the fine bead of a finish. Drink now. 7,172 cases made. —H.S.

DRAPPIER Brut Champagne Carte d'Or NV Score: 90 | $44

Fresh and pure, offering floral, yellow fruits and mineral flavors, this bubbly is graceful and beautifully integrated. The texture is firm and refined, with a subtle nutty note on the finish. Drink now. 75,000 cases made. —B.S.

LALLIER Brut Champagne Georges Lacombe Sélection NV Score: 89 | $39

Starts out rich and fruity, sporting apple and floral notes that pick up a lemon and mineral edge on the finish, turning more elegant as it does. Drink now. 20,000 cases made. —B.S.

MUMM NAPA Brut Napa Valley Prestige NV Score: 89 | $19

A lively, fruit-driven bubbly, with creamy and yeasty aromas that blend with baked pear aromas and flavors that are crisp and vibrant, finishing with notes of toast and spice. Drink now through 2012. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 95,000 cases made. —T.F.

DOMAINE CHANDON Brut California Classic NV Score: 88 | $22

Offers lively aromas of apple blossom and citrus, with layered, crisp and creamy flavors of Asian pear, spice and freshly baked bread. Drink now. 240,000 cases made. —T.F.

SCHARFFENBERGER Brut Mendocino County NV Score: 88 | $20

Appealing for its sleek sense of focus and proportion. Nutty and spicy aromas blend with citrus and green apple, then open to zesty baked pear and lemon zest flavors. Drink now. 25,000 cases made. —T.F.

DOMAINE STE. MICHELLE Blanc de Blancs Columbia Valley NV Score: 87 | $12

Crisp and peppery, with a spicy note mingling with lime marmalade and toast flavors, lingering gently. Drink now. 32,640 cases made. —H.S.

PIPER SONOMA Brut Sonoma County Select Cuvée NV Score: 87 | $17

Crisp and creamy, with floral jasmine and citrus aromas and appealing green apple, anise and mineral flavors that linger toward the zesty finish. Drink now. 115,000 cases made. —T.F.

ROEDERER ESTATE Brut Anderson Valley NV Score: 87 | $23

Shows good intensity and balance, with baked apple, spice and appealing earthy herb aromas that lead to rich but crisp pear, lemon curd and toast flavors. Drink now through 2012. 80,000 cases made. —T.F.

 

Wishing everyone a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year, and remember, be safe!

Happy New Year's! Watch that Cork: Keeping An Eye on Safety

 

New Year’s Eve is notoriously one of the worst times of the year for eye injuries due to the fact that many people do not know how to correctly open a champagne bottle. When a bottle is opened improperly, the cork is expelled at a high velocity by the gas pressure in the bottle. If the cork accidentally strikes the eye, it can lead to serious injuries including internal hemorrhage, traumatic cataract, and torn or detached retinas.

 

 

 

 

To avoid turning a happy occasion into a tragedy, follow these common sense rules on how to prevent an injury to you or someone else’s eyes:

 

• Chill the bottle- warm champagne generates more pressure behind the cork.

• Do NOT shake the bottle.

• With the bottle pointed away from everyone’s face, remove the foil seal and wire that keeps the cork in place. Keep one finger on the cork at all times while you remove the wire.

• As soon as the wire is removed, cover the top of the bottle with a towel. Get a good grip on the cork until you feel or hear the release of some gas behind the cork.

• Then remove the towel with the cork. 

Cheers! Make your toast, enjoy your drink and have a happy and healthy New Year from all of us here at EyeCare 20/20!

 

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. 

 

~Benjamin Franklin

A New Year, A New You

Your eyes are the window to the world and keeping them healthy is important. So as you make your New Year's resolutions this year, consider these helpful hints to ensure you continue seeing clearly.

QUIT SMOKING…Smokers are twice as likely as non-smokers to lose their sight in later life from Advanced Macular Degeneration, the leading cause of sight loss. Stop smoking, or better still don't start!

LOSE EXCESS WEIGHT…If you are overweight, studies have shown the risk of developing cataracts can double that of people who are not overweight. Extra pounds, especially around the waist, also seem to speed up damage to the macula.

EAT HEALTHY…Eating a diet low in fat but rich in vegetables (especially green leafy vegetables), fruit, nuts and fish can help prevent AMD and cataracts. Using vitamin and mineral supplements for eye health is not generally recommended as a preventative measure as a healthy diet should be sufficient. However, people who have AMD may consider supplementation with vitamins and anti-oxidants but should consult their doctor first.

PROTECT YOUR EYES IN THE SUN… your eyes can be damaged by prolonged exposure to intense sunlight and could lead to AMD and cataracts. Use quality sunglasses and/or wear a wide brimmed hat in the sun. Limiting UV exposure can also reduce the risk of skin cancer around the eyelids.

BOOK AN EYE EXAM… Of the four leading causes of blindness- cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration- all but cataracts can progress without your knowing it. Just getting a new presciption for glasses isn't enough. Be sure to schedule routine eye examinations with a dilation.

There's a right way and a wrong way to make a New Year's resolution. Be realistic by setting achievable goals. Make a plan and stick to it, while still remaining flexible.

Tree Decorating & Eye Safety Tips

 

Its hard to believe the Holiday Season has officially begun.  With better than expected numbers on Black Friday, we are hopeful for a rebound in the economy.  The Holiday Season can be fun, but it can also be hazardous for the eyes. By paying attention to these great eye safety tips, many can avoid serious accident and have a happy holiday season.

 

• While decorating the Christmas tree with children in mind, don’t put ornaments that are breakable, have small detachable parts, metal hooks or look like food or candy on the lower branches where small children can reach them.

• Wearing gloves while decorating with “angel hair” an also help avoid eye injuries. “Angel hair” is made from spun glass similar to fiberglass and can cause major irritation if particles are rubbed into the eye.

• Spray Snow is also very dangerous to the eyes. Avoid spraying the aerosol near the eyes, follow directions carefully, and apply properly in ventilated areas.

 

Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree.

In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall.

Larry Wilde, The Merry Book of Christmas

 

We at EyeCare 20/20 wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season!!