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.

The Top Children’s Books That Will Get Your Kids Reading Again

If you haven’t yet signed up for Infinite Eye Care’s Reading Bug Contest, you had better get going! The contest will be continuing until August 19th, and if your kids haven’t started yet, they’ll have a bit of ground to make up! Join Infinite Eye care in encouraging our community to have fun reading again!

Studies show that kids lose retention and knowledge learned during the school year while enjoying the months of summer. The appropriately named “summer slide” can create an impact on a child’s learning - especially when they return in the fall. That is why every summer, Infinity Eye Care provides this program to motivate kids to read more during the summer.

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At times, however, it can be difficult at times to determine what books to read, with millions of different lengths, genres and styles available. That struggle should hopefully be eased with this list of 100 Greatest Books for Kids from scholastic.com. Some of our favorite classics include:

Charlotte’s Web, by E.B. White

Charlotte’s Web is the classic tale of Wilbur the pig and his unlikely friendship with a spider named Charlotte. Whether you’re reading it for the first time or the hundredth, this book is entertaining for all ages.

The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats

The tale tells the story of a young boy exploring the city during a very snowy day. This picture-based book is perfect for younger readers.

Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak

After Max is sent to bed without his supper, he imagines himself sailing to an island inhabited by beasts called the Wild Things. While the story itself is fairly short, your kids will love the illustration and imagination in this book.

Green Eggs and Ham, by Dr. Seuss

One of many classics by Dr. Suess, the book tells the story of Sam, a stubborn person who is hesitant to try new things. Fun fact: This book was the result of a bet between Seuss and his publisher, who challenged him to keep the entire book under 50 different words, which Suess did.

Frog and Toad are Friends, by Arnold Lobel

The book tells the story of two friends —a frog and a toad — and the tales they share together. The book is broken into five different stories, so it is perfect for new chapter book readers.

Matilda, by Roald Dahl

The novel tells the story of a neglected yet intelligent young girl named Matilda and her remarkable powers.

The Adventures of Captain Underpants, by Dav Pilkey

This book series tells the story of two boys creating a superhero that comes to life. No one knows his true identity - not even Captain Underpants himself!

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, by Grace Lin

The book tells the story of a young girl going on a journey trying to find the Old Man on the Moon as he knows all of life’s questions.

The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame

The book tells the story of the adventures that a curious Mole has after leaving his home to explore. Along the way, he meets and befriends a laid-back Rat and an eccentric Toad, and they have exciting adventures together.

Hopefully, some of these books will help your kids start their summer reading adventure and reach their Reading Bug contest goals. There are hundreds and thousands of other books to pick and choose from—for all ages and reading levels.  What are your favorite classic stories? Let us know in the comments.

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.

Protecting Your Eyes From Summer's Sunny Hazard: UV Rays

UV or Ultraviolet rays are harmful to your eyes. The amount of UV radiation reaching earth is increasing, which is why it is more important than ever to wear sunglasses. Sunglasses are not just created for the “cool factor”, they are a crucial part of healthy eyes. Because UV damage is cumulative, it is important to wear sunglasses every time you go outside. Even infants should be wearing sunglasses because their eyes have not begun to cloud yet and are more sensitive to light.

Types of Ultraviolet Rays

There are three types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. The most harmful of these are UVC rays, but thankfully, our atmosphere blocks virtually all of these rays from ever reaching the earth. UBV rays are shorter in wavelength, meaning they are lower energy. Small amounts of exposure cause our production of melanin -Our body’s natural defense against UV radiation (and the pigment that gives you skin a sun tan). High doses cause sunburn and increase your risk of wrinkles, freckles, premature aging, and skin cancer. UVA rays are perhaps the most detrimental to your eye health. These rays have the ability to pass through the cornea and reach the retina and lens of your eye. Overexposure can lead to cataracts and macular degeneration over time.

Common Light-related Eye Irritants

One of the most common eye irritations that can occur from exposure to excess amounts of UV radiation is photokeratitis. Photokeratitis is similar to that of a sunburn. The eye can feel itchy, have a burning sensation, or even have a gritty feeling. None of these symptoms are pleasant, but with the use of sunglasses, they can be prevented.

Your eyes are similar to your skin, if exposed to sunlight, they will get burned. This is how some people get cancer on their eyelids. Remember, even ten minutes outside at the right time of day can cause damage. Constant exposure to sunlight and other harmful light sources can cause macular degeneration later on in life.

People living in the mountains or one of the US Sunbelt states are at a higher risk of UV radiation damage. Tanning beds and sunlamps create artificial UV light and (contrary to some belief) still cause damage, possibly leading to skin cancer. Welders, medical technologists, graphics artists, and those who work in manufacturing electronic circuit boards are at risk of UV damage. If you have had cataract eye surgery or if you have a retinal disorder, your eyes can be more sensitive to harmful rays. Even certain medications can increase your eyes sensitivity to UV radiation.

What to Look for in Your Sunglasses

When deciding on a pair of sunglasses, there are a few things you should consider. Sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection provide the best protection and those that absorb most HEV rays are important. Also, close fitting sunglasses that slightly wrap to your face provide the best protection. Sunglasses should screen out 75-90 percent of visible light, this means those lighter tinted sunglasses may not be the best for long sunlight exposure.

At Infinite Eye Care, we have numerous options of sunglasses to choose from. We will help you find the ones that fit your face, provide the right exposure protection, and help you avoid problems later on in life. Visit our website for more information on the sunglasses we have in store.

Framed for Spring Trends

Spring has finally sprung, which means Spring fashion is well underway - and that includes glasses and sunglasses for the season. Not only is it important to find a frame that fits your face shape, but the color of the frame can make a world of difference. Spring is the season for calm colors, warm grays, and matte blues. These trends provide a fun color option without an in-your-face statement.

When choosing new frames for you face, use these useful tips for fitting the frame to your face shape:

Square Face:

If you have a square face, frames that are oval or round will contrast against the straight lines of your face. The contrast creates a softer look on your face.

Round Face:

Looking for frames when you have a round face? Soft rectangular frames are your best bet; these frames usually have a taper from the top to the bottom.

Oval Face:

Your face is naturally balanced, so when you are looking for glasses, avoid frames that are too big or too small for you face. Off-sized frames can distort the natural balance of your face.

Heart Face:

What’s a heart face shape? It’s when you have a wider forehead and your face narrows to your chin. The best frames for your face are frames that complete the balance of your face and mirror its shape.

Rectangle Face:

Frames with a heavier top divide up your face for more depth. Both round, oval, and rectangle frames can work with your face, so you may need to try a few to find what fits you best.

When looking through the new trends for spring, remember to consider your face shape. Just because you like the color of the frames or you like them in the advertisement, doesn’t mean they will fit your face. You not only want to feel good about wearing your glasses, but you also want to look good, too!

Spring time means grad parties, picnics, reunions, and reconnecting with friends. This is the perfect time to freshen up your look. An updated pair of glasses can take years off your face. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter. We have unique and trendy frames for all your needs, and now, we even carry Raybans! Stop in and check them out - we will help you select the best frame for your face. See clearly with a new pair of frames from Infinite Eye Care.

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.