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!

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.

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.

Swimming 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!

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!

Foods That Will Improve your Eye Health

As the seasons being to change, so will the foods that you see in your everyday diet. Change it up even more with some of these power foods! These five foods will not only help protect and improve your eye health, but will also leave your taste buds (and eyes) wanting more:

1.    Blackcurrants. These berries contain some the highest levels of the antioxidant anthocyanins and are extremely rich in essential fatty acids. These fatty acids lend added support to their anti-inflammatory properties, which set them a notch above the rest in foods that nourish your eyes. Many opt for using blackcurrant seed oil, but when these berries are in season eating them whole is always an option.  These berries are especially popular in breakfast muffins! You can find this delicious recipe here.

2.    Bilberry. No, that was not a typo. These berries are a close relative to the blueberry, but tend to be difficult to grow and cultivate. They also contain high amounts of anthocyanins similar to the blackcurrant. Research on these berries has shown that the bilberry extract is effective for the prevention of macular degeneration and cataracts. Bilberries are another delicious powerhouse food for eye health, especially when added in a pie.

3.    Kale. One of the hottest food trends right now is Kale, and we aren’t complaining! Green leafy vegetables are high in lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important nutrients for eye health and clear vision. Kale is one of the most lutein-rich foods, but you can also find it in foods such as carrots, squash, and other orange and yellow fruits and vegetables. If you’re looking for something that is both good tasting and good for you, check out these 10 healthy recipes using kale.

4.    Organic Pastured Egg Yolks. One of the best ways to take advantage of these nutrients is by eating these foods raw. Eating just one raw egg yolk contains .25 mg of lutein and zeaxanthin. Keep in mind that when you consume raw eggs, finding a high-quality source is critical to avoid foodborne illnesses. Make sure your eggs are from organically raised and pastured hens to reduce these risks.

5.    Wild-Caught Alaskan Salmon. This power food contains two essential eye nutrients: omega-3 fats and astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is an exceptionally potent antioxidant that has been found to protect against a number of eye diseases, including blindness, and is also low in mercury. The omega-3 fat provides structural support to cell membranes that boost eye health and protect retinal function. These recipes will help make eating this super food both easy and delicious!

You’ve just taken a look at five essential power foods that will help improve and protect your eye health. Now go out and cook up something that is both delicious and good for you. You, and your eyes, deserve it!