Prevent Springtime Allergies by Purifying the Air in Your House

Spring is a refreshing time of the year, but for allergy sufferers, it also causes a lot of discomfort. Even when you are indoors, it is hard to escape the itchy, watery eyes, nasal congestion, and other symptoms that come along with allergens such as dust mites, mold, and pet dander.

Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to purify the air in your home and reduce allergens. Add these simple tasks to your spring cleaning list to purify your air for a more comfortable home.

Remove Clutter

The fewer items you have in a home, the fewer places there are for allergens to build up. Allergens tend to collect on the surfaces of items around your home, so limit the number of items you have to only what is necessary. This will also make the rest of your cleaning tasks easier to complete.

Dust Correctly

According to everydayhealth.com, the most common trigger of asthma and allergy symptoms in the home are dust mites. Dusting helps to remove dust mites, but only if done correctly. Traditional feather dusters often make allergy symptoms worse by dispersing dust particles into the air. Instead, try using a damp cloth or rag that will attract dust particles into the cleaning surface. You can also wear a dust mask while dusting if your allergy symptoms continue.

Vacuum and Clean Floors

Allergens don’t only collect on your furniture and decor, they also accumulate on your floors. Whether they are hardwood, carpeted, or tiled, your floors are likely collecting dust mites that can aggravate your allergy symptoms. Clean your floors often – especially by vacuuming carpets – to remove built-up dust mites hiding in the surface of your floors.

Wash Fabrics

Porous materials like cloth and fabrics can store dust more easily than other surfaces, so washing your clothes, bedding, and curtains can make a huge difference in your home’s air quality. Wash these items regularly to improve your allergy symptoms.

Humidity Control

According to National Allergy, 70-75% of a home dust mite’s weight is water, meaning that the humidity in your house has a direct impact on the dust in your home. Using a dehumidifier during the spring can limit the dust particles in your home. Be sure to clean and empty your home’s dehumidifier often to keep it running properly.

Air Filtration 

Finally, having the proper air filtration system in your home will be an easy solution to improving your home’s air quality. Be certain that your home’s air conditioning system is using HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters to remove the most airborne allergens possible. This will be the simplest and one of the most effective ways of minimizing your allergy symptoms.


Removing the source of your allergies (a.k.a. Antigens) will often help. However, sometimes a little help is needed. When that time comes and the symptoms persist, call Infinite Eye Care for an allergy evaluation consult. You and your eyes will be glad you did.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk 2016

This year, once again, Dr. Tom and the Infinite Eye Care staff will be supporting the fight against breast cancer with the American Cancer Society at the Making Strides of Central Minnesota walk. The walk is set to be held at Hallenbeck Hall at SCSU Saturday, October 15th.  Our goal is to raise $2500 for the cause.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Each year, it is estimated that over 246,000 women in the United States alone will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Statistics show that one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. On average, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes. However, there are currently 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

Making Strides

Survival rates for Breast Cancer patients have been on the rise since about 1990, partly due to better screening and early detection, increased awareness, and continually improving treatment options. However, survival rate improvement would not have accelerated at the rate it has without the support of community members and resources from the American Cancer Society. According to last year’s statistics from cancer.org, “The Society is currently funding more than $86 million in breast cancer research through 204 research and training grants. These grants are awarded in multiple areas relevant to the disease, including genetics, etiology, diagnostics, drug development; and preclinical, clinical, and epidemiological studies in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and quality of life.”

Programs such as Relay For Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer are a huge asset in supporting the fight against breast cancer. Relay For Life has rallied four million people worldwide, raising critical funds to help fuel the mission of the American Cancer Society and impact millions of lives. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks are influential as well, raising awareness and funds to stunt breast cancer – it is the largest network of breast cancer events in the nation. It unites nearly 300 communities to finish the fight. Funds raised by the walk allow the American Cancer Society to pioneer research for breast cancer, provide free educational programs to patients, survivors, and caregivers, and improve the screening processes.

The 2015 Making Strides team

Infinite Eye Care recognizes the important influence that the Strides Against Breast Cancer walk has in the fight against this insidious disease. We acknowledge the impact that a community can have when it comes together. That is why we want to invite those around us to join us in supporting a cause bigger than ourselves; be a part of a movement that can have a profound impact on many lives by walking with us on October 15th.

Find out how you can join our team and have a lasting impression by visiting our Strides Against Breast Cancer page.

Watch our Making Strides Against Breast Cancer video on Youtube.

Why School Vision Screenings Aren't Enough

According to the American Optometric Association, as much as 80% of a child's learning occurs through their eyes, which is why a child’s vision is very important. Schools offer vision screenings performed by school nurses, but often they aren’t enough to detect the range of possible vision impairments. They often only test how well a child can see an eye chart from a distance. Even if a child passes that test, they may not be able to see well enough to read or write at their full potential.

Your child’s vision doesn’t only affect what they see. The visual system is complex and involves a patchwork of over 20 visual abilities. It affects how they process and interpret information. It will affect how well they are able to recognize and identify words and pictures, and it is necessary for making and storing mental images. Undetected vision issues will severely impair a child’s ability to learn and develop, and it will stunt their ability to succeed in and beyond the classroom. Any issues in vision can also hinder the ability of a child to succeed on the sports field and affect a child’s ability to pursue hobbies and even socialize.

A visit to a trained professional will help detect any vision impairments and help your child perform to the best of their ability in school. A professional optometrist will be able to test the condition of the eye, the ability of the eyes to fully function, and the ability of the eye to properly perceive. Professionals will also be able to detect visual acuity and refractive issues, inabilities to focus that can result in eyestrain, headaches, double vision, and inabilities to focus.

A school sanctioned vision screening will not be able to accurately measure the health of a child’s entire visual system nor will they have the technology to accurately determine whether or not a child can process information visually. After all, the school nurse is outnumbered by the amount of students and the tasks she or she must perform on any given day. Bringing your child to a professional, like Dr. Tom and his staff at Infinite Eye Care, will mean you child’s eyesight is getting a comprehensive check-up.

Infinite Eye Care is also offering a Back-to-School special on glasses which can help your child see in style. With stylish and affordable glasses options starting as low as $99, your family will be able to stay on budget as the school season approaches.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit infiniteeyecare.com.

Infinite Eye Care Has Caught the Reading Bug!

It’s that time of year again - the Reading Bug Program has begun! Starting June 6th and continuing until August 19th, area kids have the opportunity to win prizes from Infinite Eye Care just by reading a few books!

Keep your kids’ time occupied with something educational, work on their reading skills, and help prevent learning loss known as “summer slide” during summer break. We are also continuing our “Read to Me, Please” Program for kids that are not yet old enough to read on their own.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Read. 10-20 books, depending on the age and reading level of the child.

Step 2: Complete the reading log. You can download a log from our website.

Step 3: Return you log to Infinite Eye Care.

Step 4: Win Prizes!

Guidelines:

• Kindergarten & younger “Read to Me, Please” 20 books 
• 1st Grade, adult reads to child/child reads to/with adult 15 books 
• 2nd Grade, child reads with adult, child reads books 12 books 
• 3rd Grade and older, child reads with adult / child reads books 10 books 

The first 30 children to complete their reading logs will receive a special “Bug” prize, and ALL participants will win a special prize from one of our sponsors. This year, our prizes are sponsored by The St. Cloud Skatin Place, The Fishing Pond Learning Store, Air Maxx Trampoline Park, Domino’s Pizza, Great River Bowl, Marcus Theatres, Dairy Queen, and Chuck E. Cheese’s!

Don’t forget to register to win one of the grand prize drawings happening in June, July and August. Visit our website or call (320) 257-4990 for more information.

Treating and Preventing Springtime Allergies

Seasonal allergies can wreak havoc on your health, but you don’t need to let irritating allergies disrupt your enjoyment of spring. Learn about the most common causes of seasonal allergies and about how you can take care of annoying springtime allergies.

Most Common Causes

Springtime allergies can trigger coughing, sneezing, congestion, and runny noses. These airborne irritants can also cause itchy, watery, irritated, and swollen eyes.

Pollen — from trees in early spring and from grasses in late spring and early summer — is often the main culprit of spring allergies. Mold spores, like yeast or mildew, are common in the air outside and inside your home. They often cause severe allergy symptoms from the beginning of spring well into the fall season.

Pollen and mold can set off hay fever, which affects 30 to 60 million Americans each year. The most common types of trees to trigger hay fever in spring include oak, sycamore, elm, maple, birch, walnut, poplar, birch, ash, and cypress. As Minnesota residents, we are lucky enough to have access to nearly all of these.

Get Your Body Back on Track

Everyone looks forward to the sunshine and warmth that spring welcomes, but allergy season is something we could do without. Once you know how to face your allergies head on, however, you can feel in control of your body again.

Be aware of your triggers. More than two-thirds of spring allergy sufferers have year-round symptoms. Talk to your allergist or local specialist. Your doctor can recommend the best treatment or medication to control your symptoms that can range from antihistamine eye drops and oral medications to widely recommended drugs without a prescription and immunotherapy (allergy shots).

Take preemptive care. To alleviate spring allergy suffering, begin taking your allergy medicine before your allergy symptoms escalate. Anticipating the onset of your allergy symptoms and seeking the proper treatment will prevent a host of health problems and suffering.

Clean up after being outside. Don’t leave airborne irritants embedded in your body or clothing. Washing your face, rinsing your eyes, or just hopping in the shower can loosen and flush out the allergens from your body. Take care to launder your clothes (in a machine, not outside) after being outside all day as pollen and mold spores can become embedded in the fibers of your clothing. Wipe your pet’s fur off before returning inside.

Spend some time indoors. For temporary relief, keep your doors and windows closed, use allergy filters on your air conditioning unit, and avoid spending too much time outdoors on breezy days when the pollen counts are especially high. Spending time outdoors between 10 AM and 4 PM will prolong your exposure and worsen symptoms of allergy. When you do, make sure to wear protective sunglasses to shield your eyes from irritants.

Seasonal allergies don’t have to get the best of you. Talk to the specialists at Infinite Eye Care to take control of your allergies and enjoy your best spring yet!

Love Your Eyes: Tips for Healthier Eyes

It might sound like an exaggeration, but taking care of your eyes is crucial to living a happy life. Don’t think so? We use our eyes nearly every waking moment to drive, work, read, watch tv, surf the web (maybe for a blog about eye health), and enjoy time with friends and family ­ It is especially important to take care of your eyes. Use these simple tips on a regular basis and you can look forward to healthier eyes and a clearer life.

Regular Eye Exams

Regular visits to the eye doctor are important to ensure eye health and eye exams help avoid problems that may become worse without treatment. Eye exams are short and safe, and should be scheduled with your eye doctor annually.

Avoid wearing contact lenses longer than 19  hours

Take care of your contacts! Most users know that contact lenses can become harmful ­ even cause permanent damage ­when left in the eye too long. It is especially important to remove, clean and change your contacts as your eye care provider has recommended.

Remove eye makeup

Makeup can cause redness and irritation in the eye when left on the skin overnight; especially eye makeup and eyeliner. Remove makeup every day to prevent irritation and maintain healthier eyes.

Don’t rely on Allergy drops

Eye drops are meant to temporarily reduce the irritation in the eye, but don’t rely on them too heavily. Because they are effective and create moisture in the eye, the eye can stop creating its own moisture and become more irritated. If you find you’re using your eye drops too often, contact your optometrist.

Wear Sunglasses

Always wear sunglasses when the sun is out ­ even in the winter. You may not be going to the beach, but the sun is still out, and you can bet it is bouncing off all that snow! Choose shades that are UVB and UVA protectant 99%­100% for the best protection. The younger you are when you start wearing sunglasses on a regular basis, the better it will be for your eyes when you are older.

Get Sleep

Sleep is the most important ingredient to almost any good habit. Get 7­8 hours of sleep a night. A good night’s sleep not only allows your eyes to rest, but excessive strain on your eyes can cause temporary blurriness.

Exercise Regularly

Just like sleep, regular exercise is very beneficial to any healthy lifestyle. Exercise can prevent glaucoma and macular degeneration, as well as keep you feeling better every day.

Keep Eyes Hydrated

This one is simple; drink plenty of water! Cucumbers on eyes prevent puffiness. Eye lubrication 

drops (not Visine) help, but remember that using eye drops too often can make them worse. If your eyes do get too dry, avoid rubbing them, as this can cause accidental trauma.

Limit Screen Time

Look straight at a computer screen or TV screen, not angled down or up. Also, keeping good posture is good for overall health. Use the 20­20­20 rule: after 20 minutes of screen time, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Eat a Healthy Diet

A diet rich in Vitamin E, Zinc, Vitamin C, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Omega 3 fatty acids can help you see clearer and reduce eye complications later in life. In short, listen to your mother and eat your vegetables.

All in all, your eyes are an important part of everyday life, so take care of them now. Take time to take care of yourself and schedule an eye exam today. We would be glad to help. You can contact us online with any questions, or call Infinite Eye Care at 320­257­4990 to set up an appointment.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

Symptons of the Season

Spring in full swing, rapidly moving into summer, but for many that means the return of those dreadful spring allergies. The return of sneezing, sniffling and dry or watery eyes can sneak up on you quick, so here are 4 ways to help prepare for these seasonal symptoms:

1. As the weather becomes warmer, many people love to open their windows and doors up and let the cool  breeze inside. To help minimize your allergy symptoms, keep your doors and windows closed on windy days to shut out the pollen and other allergens in the air.

2. Spring-cleaning is a very important part of preparing for these symptoms. When you’re tidying up the house, focus on areas that tend to accumulate allergens. These areas include air filters, bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpeting. Along with focusing on these key places, always remember to vacuum your floors, furniture and rugs often to suck up any allergens that may have drifted in.

3. You can’t lock yourself inside until fall to avoid these allergies, but to help minimize their effect, try taking a shower every night before you go to sleep. The transfer of allergens from your hair or face to your pillow can heighten your symptoms and make them worsen.

4. Although pollen is one of the most common reasons for allergies, mold can also cause unpleasant symptoms. Specialists suggest focusing on areas such as basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where a leak can occur to help minimize the mold build up in your home.

Spring and summer are beautiful time of the year, and we want to make sure you can see it! Following these tips can help minimize your spring allergies and enjoy all the wonderful things this time of year has to offer!

The Reading Bug

Looking for something both fun and educational to occupy the little ones in your life this summer? Take reading “To Infinity and Beyond” by helping Dr. Tom catch the Reading Bug this summer!

Studies show that kids who read during the summer months retain better skills, making this program perfect for kids of all ages and gives parents a reason to encourage their children to read throughout the summer. For children who cannot read yet, they can participate in a “Read to Me, Please” program. These children participate by having someone share 20 books with them. Those that are able to read will finish 10-15 books throughout the summer and the first 30 children to return their completed reading logs will receive a special out-of-this-world prize!

Even if you are not one of first 30 participants to complete the reading log, you will still receive a prize from one of these generous donors: Summerland, Domino's Pizza, Great River Bowl, Marcus Theaters, Air Max, Chuck E Cheese, & The Skatin’ Place! Each time a child finished a book, an adult signs their log; once the reading log is completed, bring it to Infinite Eye Care to receive a prize and register for the grand prize drawing! 

Everyone can enter this drawing to win one of three grand prizes that will be drawn in June, July, and August! The Grand Prize will be a backpack filled with school goodies, Toys R’ Us Gift Cards, Space Aliens tokens, Summerland passes, and much more! 

Join us from June 2nd to August 22nd to catch the Reading Bug this summer with Dr. Tom!

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.