Monday, December 28, 2015

Dr. Tom's 2016 Eye Health Resolutions

2016 marks Dr. Tom Johnson’s 27th year in the eye care industry. His knowledge and willingness to help his patients with every eye care need is what makes him one of the top Family Optometrists in Central Minnesota. So with the start of a new year, here are some tips from Dr. Tom on how you can improve your eye health in 2016:

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1. Regular Visits to Your Eye Doctor  
Reviewing your eye health on a regular basis makes discovering potential problems (such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, refraction based lazy eye, etc) easier. Treatment early on is better and more effective than discovering a problem later and trying to reverse more significant damage.

2. Eating Carrots Can Be a Good Thing
Old wives tale? Not really. Leafy green veggies and orange colored veggies like carrots or squash are rich in antioxidants, which can radically slow down the process of certain sight blinding diseases.

3. Rule of 20/20/20
If on a monitor or reading for long periods of time, follow the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at a space 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives the eye a chance to rest and lessens the chance or severity of future nearsighted advancements and general strains to the eye.

4. Contact Lens Health
Some folks don’t know that you CAN wear certain contact lenses overnight or for a certain amount of time. More importantly, some don’t know that the wearing of ANY contact lens overnight can lead to a vision debilitating infection, and can even create a scar that will lead to permanent vision loss. NOT FUN. Know your lenses.

5.  Dry Eye  
There are many conditions that can lead to dry, scratchy eyes, which can also cause reduced visual ability, even with your best glasses or contact lens prescription. There is merit to regular hot lid compress cleaning every day - it will increase the performance of your tears and lessening the dry eye symptoms. We can illustrate how to properly perform lid treatments, and when used with other meds or treatment options, they can drastically help dry eyes.

6. Glasses Cleaning  
What a puzzle. I’ve seen the most absurdly scratched glasses mostly from the people who feel they never see clearly and they need to “power scratch” their glasses. The more they scrub, the worse they see. At Infinite Eye Care, we train our patients how to properly clean daily in a way that scratches (while not impossible) are much less likely. I often stop by our in-office lab and illustrate it to my patients myself. I can describe it, but it’s so much easier to teach in person. Stop in and see a first-hand demonstration on how to properly clean your glasses.

For more information and assistance or to book an appointment visit infiniteeyecare.com or give us a call at 320.257.4990. We wish you a healthy and happy 2016!

Thursday, November 19, 2015

May the Frames Be With You

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Greetings. My name is Mini Darth Vader, I am the long lost brother (and a significantly shorter version) of the Real Darth Vader, aka Anakin Skywalker. Many of you know his story - well here is mine. Shortly after the Empire Struck back, I set course for the plant Madukatar in the Galaxy of the Milky Way. During my voyage, my ship experienced engine failure and I crashed landed in a place called Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, on your planet Earth. After my crash landing, I noticed that my eyesight had diminished due to my entry into the Earth’s atmosphere.

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Luckily my ship landed near Infinite Eye Care, where I was pleased to meet Dr. Thomas Johnson. Dr. Tom and the Infinite Eye Care staff graciously assisted me with my eye care needs.


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Everything from the check-in, the waiting lobby, the eye exam and the selection of frames was exceptional (The best service in the universe actually). They even accepted my healthcare insurance provider!

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After my checkup, I was greeted by a lovely lady named Katie who helped me try on some frames. Their large selection of high-quality frames made it a very difficult decision.

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After much consideration, I decided to go with the red ones, not only because I am a member of the dark side, but because they fit my facial structure just right!

To repay my friend Dr. Thomas Johnson and the Infinite Eye Care staff, I agreed to help them run a contest of epic proportions called #MayTheFramesBeWithYou, which is happening now until the movie premiere of the new Star Wars Film: The Force Awakens, on December 18th.

You can win a multitude of prizes, including Marcus Theatres gift cards, popcorn and soda and the grand prize, a family movie package, including a gift card to Zaffiro's!

So pay close attention to Infinite Eye Care’s Facebook page over the next few weeks, and be sure to stop in and say hello, as I will be hanging out in the lobby waiting for your arrival. Make sure to snap a picture with me as well, I enjoy taking photos.

Hope to see you soon, and #MayTheFramesBeWithYou,


Mini Darth Vader

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Friday, October 30, 2015

15 Interesting Eye Facts

Take a moment and think about the human eye; all of the different uses for our eyes, the range of different colors eyes come in, and how your eyes actually work. There is so much that is unknown about the eye and how it works, but there are also a lot of fun facts that you might not know about the eye! Here are 15 crazy facts that you might not know about your eyes:

eye-211610_1920.jpg 1. There are more than 2 million working parts in the human eye

2. An iris has 216 more unique characteristics than a finger print, making retina scanning an increasingly popular security feature

3. Following the brain, eyes are the second most complex organ in your body

4. Corneas are the only tissue in the whole body that do not contain blood

5. Your eyes don’t continue to grow after you are born

6. Your eye color can change throughout your life

7. The average eyes blink upwards of 20,000 times per day

8. The eyelid is the fastest muscle in the human body

9. Newborn’s eyes don’t produce tears

10. If you are nearsighted, your eyeball is longer than normal, if you are farsighted, your eyeball is shorter than normal

11. Depending on the reason for your tears, they will be made up of varying compositions of liquid.

12. Your retinas perceive everything you see upside down - it’s your brain that flips the image for you

13. You can always see your nose, your brain just chooses to ignore it

14. When you see an image you are only seeing half of the surroundings, it’s your brain that fills in the rest from memory

15. Doctors still have not found a way to transplant a complete eyeball

Eyes are an important part of the human body and they are constantly working to help you learn, work, and accomplish daily tasks. It is important to take care of your eyes so that they can work at optimal levels throughout your life. If you would like to know more about the human eye or would like to schedule an appointment, visit our website at infiniteeyecare.com.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Amplify Your Attire This Halloween With Phantom Lenses


Halloween is one of the only times a year when you can dress up however you want - the scarier you look, the better. Phantom contact lenses are one way that you can take your costume to the next level. They come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and patterns and can enhance any Halloween costume.
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Image by ArunKamaraj via Flickr


The most popular options for these lenses are the cat eye styles in various colors, and the blizzard or “witch eye” styles. These were some of the first styles to come out and are now the most popular when looking to add some spook to your costume. Some of the newer styles are the Spinner, Vortex and Robotic which are likely to become hot sellers.


Phantom Contact Lenses can be sized to fit any eye and can be customized to fit nearly any prescription. They can be ordered with no prescription for those who do not need optical correction but want the added spooktacular effect.
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Image by the_steve_cox via Flickr

Really any Halloween costume can be “spooked out” by adding some of these Phantom lenses, but some popular ideas and coordinating styles are:
  • Witch --- Blizzard or Helter Skelter
  • Vampire – Bloodlust, Red Dawn, or Demonic Red
  • Zombie – Pandora, Night Orc, Red Orc, or Undead Yellow
  • Cat – Tigers Eye, Purple Cat, Sun Cat, Blood Cat, or Snow Cat (depending on how scary or realistic you’d like to be)
  • Rocker Chick – Pink Seduction, North Star, Flower Power, Hydra

You don’t have to have a costume that is scary to incorporate these lenses into your costume either! There are plenty of styles that will add that extra something to any costume and make it just right. Check out the line of Phantom Contact Lenses and get some inspiration for a fantastic 2015 Halloween!

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Fight Breast Cancer with Infinite Eye Care

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is just around the corner and Infinite Eye Care is supporting the cause. We will be taking part in American Cancer Society’s Making Strides of Central Minnesota walk as a team. This year’s event is being held at SCSU’s Hallenbeck Hall on Saturday, October 15th. Registration and team photos will begin at 8 am and the walk starts at 9.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is the largest source of breast cancer awareness events in the country and we are dependent on your help for our continued success. About 12% of all women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime - a number that is far too high. With your help and determination, we can raise money that will help finish this fight.

Our team, “Infinite Pink” has the goal of raising $1500 at this year’s walk. Dr. Tom and Infinite Eye Care would love to have you as a member of our team. An Infinite Eye Care team t-shirt will be available with a donation of $25 or more! Please make sure you donate by October 9th to allow us time to have a t-shirt ready in your size by the time of the event. We would love to have you as a member of our team even if your finances limit you from donating.
  
Breast cancer has had an impact on almost everyone in some way. Now is a great time to join the fight and make a difference. The money we raise will go towards groundbreaking breast cancer research and providing services to people fighting breast cancer. Join our “Infinite Pink” team today!

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Protect Your Eyes from the Summer Sun

Under the blazing sun of the hottest months of summer, you protect your skin from sunburn with hats, the shade of a tree, or generous amounts of sunscreen, but do you take measures to protect your eyes? Just like your skin, it is much easier to take care of your eyes now, to prevent future damage later on. We may not always think exposure to the sun can make a huge difference on our eyes, but in the long run, small preparations go a long way.

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The sun is full of harmful UV rays and extended exposure to these rays has been linked to eye damage including, cataracts, macular degeneration, pingueculae and pterygia (also known as surfer’s eye) and photokeratitis, which can cause temporary vision loss. Depending on the type, UV rays can affect your eyesight in different ways. There are two types of UV rays; UVA and UVB. UVA rays can hurt your central vision. It has a lower energy and is penetrated deep into the eye, which may injure the macula. UVB rays can do damage to your cornea and lens; these types of rays are considered to be more dangerous to your vision.


The simplest way to protect your eyes from the sun is to wear sunglasses. When choosing a pair of sunglasses, don’t base your choice off looks. Make sure you are picking a pair that blocks UV rays and protects your vision, not just your style. Sunglasses with a wraparound frame will give you the most protection.

6625820635_9cf5706cce_b.jpgSwimming in the summer is a great past time, especially in the land of ten thousand lakes. We have to make sure to protect our eyes from the harmful effects of swimming pools and natural bodies of water. Swimming pools contain chlorine which can create that burning sensation when you open your eyes under water. Too much of this can irritate your eyes causing redness, itchiness, and inflammation. Natural bodies of water contain different bacterias and debris that can get in your eyes and make you at risk of several irritants and eye diseases. Also, remember that wearing contacts does not mean you are protected. Contacts can trap the different bacterias and extra chlorine in the water and can cause more damage to your eyes.


However, don’t feel like you can’t enjoy swimming during the summer. Goggles are a simple way to stay protected. You might actually enjoy swimming more since you won’t have that constant itchy and irritated feeling!

Enjoy your summer out in the sun, but don’t forget to protect your eyes! If you have any questions about eye health, stop into Infinite Eye Care or check out our website. We would be happy to assist you in any way possible!

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Exclusive Frames at Infinite Eye Care

A pair of eyeglasses will be with you for a long time- be sure to pick a one-of-a-kind pair that you love the entire time. Infinite Eye Care can help you find that special pair that you can’t find everywhere else with our exclusive frames. These frames are only available at certain clinics and include some truly unique styles:

Plume Paris
For the fall 2012 line of Plume Paris frames, the designers actually traveled to France and drew inspiration from three different cities; Nice, Lyon, and Paris. Several of their other frames are inspired by retro 1940’s-60’s trends, while others envelope a more modern twist. All the design options available from Plume Paris leave a great variety to choose from when you look for your glasses- you’re bound to find a pair for you.

Bebe
Did you know that the brand name “bebe” was actually inspired by the line “to be or not to be” from Shakespeare’s Hamlet? The brand is all about attitude, mindset, and being a true original. Bebe has become a very popular brand throughout the years and has established their name among top women’s retailers. They embody modern and unique styles that really give eyeglasses a fun flare. Which of these stylish frames will you choose- that is the question.
Dolabany
These frames, handmade with Italian Zyl, made for the retro lover. The craftsmanship and materials used to create these stylish frames cannot be beaten. If you don’t believe us, take advice from Johnny Depp, Paul McCarthy or James Dean (well, maybe not James Dean)- just a few of the Hollywood stars that choose Dolabany frames.

Ann Taylor
Dolabany isn’t the only brand that has had great success with the celebrities they attract. The Ann Taylor brand has become a favorite style for modern women, including United States First Lady Michelle Obama, Kate Hudson, Angelina Jolie, Diane Kruger, Halle Berry, Jessica Alba and many more. Taylor’s line is known for versatility- easily transition from the office to a night out in these frames.


Jimmy Crystal New York
Established in 1991, Jimmy Crystal New York isn’t exactly a new kid on the block, but the brand has been hanging tough since its inception.The name Jimmy Crystal was actually created because of the unique Swarovski Crystal embedded frames and Sunglasses they create. This brand can really make your personality ‘sparkle’ with its standard of elegance.
As you can see, Infinite Eye Care carries several designer brands that are unique and can really cater to everyone’s needs. These five brands are just the beginning; we offer many more name brands designers. Stop in Infinite Eye Care, and we guarantee you will walk out with a look you love!

Friday, June 5, 2015

Healthy Vision and Ultraviolet Awareness Month


May was Healthy Vision and Ultraviolet (UV) Awareness Month, and with the sunny summer months ahead of us, we want to continue to discuss how UV rays can be harmful and how to protect yourself from some of its negative impacts. Most people associate the negative effects of UV rays with sunburn and skin cancer, but are not as aware of the negative affect they have on your eyesight or the kinds of eye problems they can cause.

There are several different eye problems that can arise from UV rays including Macular Degeneration, Cataracts, Pteryglum, Skin Cancer, and Corneal Sunburn. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization says that UV radiation from the sun and from tanning beds poses a threat to healthy eyesight. How you ask? Depending on the types of UV rays, they can affect your eyesight in different ways. There are two types of UV rays- UV-A and UV-B. UV-A rays can hurt your central vision. It has a lower energy and is penetrated deep into the eye, which may injure the macula. UV-B rays can do damage to your cornea and lens; these types of rays are considered to be more dangerous.


It is difficult to constantly keep your eyes protected from the sun, but some of the most effective ways are to know the dangers of UV rays and to stay informed about your eye health. If you do not take the time to stay informed and just ignore the health of your eyes, it will come back to haunt you later on in life.

It is also important to carry a pair of sunglasses or a hat as often as possible. Sunglasses are a great way to protect your eyes, however, be careful about the kind you choose. Some sunglasses are designed with fashion in mind and have no UV protection. While one pair of glasses may be trendier, just remember that long after that trend it out of fashion, you will still need your eyesight.


Lastly, wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap because it can actually block about half of the UV rays that may hit your eyes. Hats are a helpful alternative if you do not have a pair of sunglasses handy, though the combination of the two is the most effective way to protect your eyes.

The sun may not seem to be causing harm every day, but each time you leave yourself unprotected, you put yourself at risk of exposure to harmful UV rays. Even though May is UV Awareness Month, be sure to keep your eyes protected all year round.


Be sure to protect your eyes with sunglasses from Infinite Eye Care.