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:

 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.

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!

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!