Eyesight 101

With the end of the year comes the end of another school semester, and that means exams and extra studying. High school and college students are cramming and planning out all sorts of activities this month and trying to fit studying somewhere in between. Many don’t realize that all that time spent pouring over notes and staring at a computer screen can do more than a bit of damage to their eyes. Whether you are a student yourself, or have children spending the month cramming their minds, think about some ideas to maintain healthy eyes.

Stressed Out

Stress causes all sorts of problems: weight gain, anxiety, restless sleep, (the list goes on and on), but did you know it also can do harm to your eyes? One of the major complications caused by stress is high blood pressure. When blood pressure goes up, your internal eye pressure can do the same. Over time, high pressure to the optic nerve can lead to Glaucoma. Stress is also a trigger to the sometimes comically portrayed (though still very irritating) eye twitch. Though typically not dangerous, an eye twitch can last anywhere from minutes to days long. Take the time to decompress: exercise, listen to music, take a walk, anything that takes your mind, and eyes, somewhere else for a bit.

Badvision.com…

The transition between looking at a keyboard, computer screen, and surrounding distractions strains our eyes. Computer images sometimes have a perceivable “flicker” on the screen, and our eyes read them differently than printed words. Eye strains can cause headaches or back and neck pain, as well as damage to your eyes. Be sure to unplug yourself every now and then and rest your eyes. Or, believe it or not, you can get a prescription for glasses specifically for computer use.

Go to Sleep!

The benefits of a full-night’s sleep span many areas of health, including eyesight. Missing a few precious hours adds dark circles under your eyes, but without at least five hours of rest your eyes do not properly replenish themselves. Lack of sleep can stop your eyes from reaching their full potential, so be sure to get plenty of rest at night.

End of terms can be the most stressful on students and parent alike. Infinite Eye Care reminds you to take the good with the bad this time of year. Take heed from these tips and enjoy the rest of your 2014 year!

Making Strides Against Central MN

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Are you doing anything to help this cause? If not, now’s your chance to do so!

At Infinite Eye Care, we have formed a team, Infinite Pink, to help support the fight against breast cancer! Our team will be walking at the Making Strides of Central MN Walk at SCSU’s Halenbeck Hall on October 18th and would LOVE for you to join us! Registration & photos start at 7 am and the 3-mile walk begins at 9 am. We will walk rain or shine so make sure to come prepared.

Our goal, as a team, is to raise $1500. With your help, we will be able to reach this goal. While a number of you have mentioned interest in joining a team, Team Infinite Pink has great incentives if you join the team. You could get a cool t-shirt designed by Facetime Business Resources!  

Here’s all we need you to do:

• Click the link below & donate $25 (by Friday 10/10/2014) or more, you will receive a t-shirt and can walk the fun event on 10/18 with us.
• Click the link below & donate $40 (by Friday 10/10/2014) or more, you will receive a t-shirt, walk the walk, and receive 20% off ANY product at IEC until 12/31/14.
• If you qualify for a t-shirt and plan to join us for the walk on 10/18, email Dr. Tom at drtom@infiniteeyecare.com.

Donate or Join Team Infinite Pink Here

This is truly an amazing event and we would be honored to even have you join us for fun; so don’t let finances refrain you. Your presence is a gift in itself. Thank you for your support.

Importance Of Back To School Eye Exam

Did you know 80% of all learning is done through vision?

Good vision is a crucial part in your child’s success in school. With the first day of school coming right around the corner, it is important to send your child back to school seeing clearly! You can view our hours here.

(Dr. Tom checks a child's eyes at a volunteer vision screening)

Regular eye exams are recommended for everyone at least once a year. Our vision naturally changes with age, which makes regular eye exams crucial. 95% of vision problems in kids can be fixed if detected early. Here are some signs your child may be experiencing vision impairment:

•  Loses place while reading 
• Avoids tasks that require good vision
• Frequent squinting or eye- rubbing while reading or watching television
• Repeated shutting or covering of one eye
• Holds a book closer than normal 
• Uses finger to maintain place while reading 

(Jeff Udy recording near vision standings)

Click here for more signs and information on visual impairment. If you notice any of these signs in your child’s behavior schedule an eye exam with us today!

Scheduling an appointment with us can be easily done through our website. You can also schedule an appointment via telephone at: 320- 257- 4990.

Sauk Rapids Ladies Night Out

We are thrilled to announce we are a part of Sauk Rapids Ladies Night Out events as one of the participating businesses! These events are held every third Thursday of June, July, August, and September. 

These events give us an opportunity to stay involved in the community and have some fun! Giveaways, drinks and snacks are just some of what you can expect at these fun- filled events. 

We had a blast participating in the first Ladies Night Out event. We gave away a stylish STORM sports shirt. 2 coach purses were also given away as part of the big outing. We gave away free retina exams to those that came into Infinite Eye Care. Shear Dynamics also came in to talk about face makeovers and hairstyles. 

The second Ladies Night Out was Hawaiian themed and was on the 17^th of July. Guests had the chance to win an Infinite Eye Care cooler! The lucky winner of this prize was very ecstatic! 

You can look forward to the next Ladies Night Out event on Thursday August 14^th. For more information on the Ladies Night Out events visit: http://on.fb.me/1lLbUcv.

Anti-Fatigue Lenses and What They Can Do For You

With technology today, it’s hard to go a day without staring at some type of screen. From long days at work staring at the computer or even scrolling through your phone, screens are unavoidable. By the end of the day your eyes are exhausted. 

Essilor Anti-Fatigue lenses address the symptoms found in Visual Fatigue Syndrome (VFS), which 60% of the population suffers from. The side effects these endless hours of screen watching have on you include:

 

•  Blurry vision
•  Dry eyes
•  Eye strain
•  Fatigue
•  Difficulty focusing
•  Headaches
•  Light sensitivity

If you tend to experience these side effects frequently you should consider Essilor Anti-fatigue glasses. Essilor Anti- Fatigue lenses are proven to decrease visual fatigue by 50%. These lenses are recommended for people who are nearsighted ages 18- 40 who experience the symptoms of fatigued eyes and people who are far sighted ages 35-45 who are having trouble reading but are not yet ready for progressive lenses.

Anti- Fatigue lenses are specialized to give the wearer’s eyes clarity and comfort when focusing up-close for long periods of time. There is an area of specific correction located at the bottom of the lens, which helps facilitate your eyes in focusing. This area is added to your current prescription to allow the best vision and comfort as possible.

For more information on Essilor Anti- Fatigue lenses please visit our site at: http://bit.ly/SME0c9.

The Reading Bug is Back!

As the summer is fast approaching, the Reading Bug is almost here! Don’t let your kids become apart of the “summer slide” where kids can lose up to one month of instruction by not learning during the summer. The Reading Bug is a great way to prevent the “summer slide” by giving children the opportunity to have fun reading and win prizes!

The program begins June 2nd and ends August 22nd. If your child is one of the first 30 children to complete a reading log, they will receive a special “Bug” prize. All participants that complete a reading log will be given a prize from one of our wonderful vendors. These participants will also be entered into a contest for a grand prize given out in June, July, and August!

Take reading above and beyond this summer by helping Dr. Tom capture the Reading Bug!

To download a tracking sheet visit: http://bit.ly/1lQ3A7D.

For instructions and additional information on the Reading Bug Program check out our information page at: http://bit.ly/1trtmoK.

The Affordable Care Act and What It Means For Your Child’s Eyes

Now that the Affordable Care Act, or “Obamacare,” has come into effect, some changes have arrived for vision coverage in health plans.  Whether you are keeping your original health plan or switching to a new one, important new things are happening for eye care coverage.  This is especially important for children.

Under the ACA, all health plans are required to cover certain types of preventative care for children, including dental and eye care.  This means that all children under 18 can have an eye examination without any charge or copay if they go to an optometrist within their network. 

The importance of having children’s eyes checked should not be overlooked.  In fact, according to the American Optometric Association, children should have their eyes examined right before kindergarten, and then every two years after that.  It can be easy to overlook something as vital as vision, and a child may not even realize they have a vision problem. The ability to see well has a major impact on a child’s ability to learn.  Studies show that if a child is unable to see well, he or she will have a more difficult time in school.  Being unable to see the white board or homework clearly can make learning difficult.  Having your child’s eyes examined before they start school can prevent this.

At Infinite Eye Care we offer a variety of services for children and take most major health providers.  We offer a great program called InfantSEE for very young children, and regular comprehensive eye examinations for older children.  So take that important step for your child and book an appointment today!