Do Children Need Annual Eye Exams?

When it comes to keeping children healthy and ensuring proper childhood development, annual visits to pediatricians are important. But what most parents don’t realize is that annual eye exams are equally as important.  Eye Exams for children are critical to their development and eye health. It is estimated that 25 percent of school age children have some type of vision problem, much of which goes unidentified due to lack of regular eye exams. Identifying issues with children’s vision is important because children can respond better to treatment when problems are diagnosed early. 

Learn More:  Pediatric Eye Care

With so much going on in your kid’s life it can be difficult to keep up, but it’s important to make sure they can see the world in front of them as clearly as possible.  So you might ask, when would be the right time to have your child seen for their first eye exam?  You might even be shocked by answer. 6 months old is the ideal age for a child's first eye exam. That may seem a bit young to you, but an eye exam from an optometrist at age 6 months is important for more than just checking for vision issues alone.

As we all know, the vision of a child during early life is constantly changing. By the time that a child reaches 6 months, their visual acuity has already dramatically improved. Hence, it is very important that your child is examined by an optometrist to check their vision.  Delaying such an exam might even cause a child to suffer from undetected vision issues.

After the first exam, the next eye exam should be done once a child reaches 3 years old. By this time, the eyes of your child are already developing and growing. It is very important to have your child's eyes examined by an optometrist before they enter preschool. Although many schools offer vision screening, these screens are not comprehensive eye exams and the results can be very inaccurate. If you notice your child is having trouble with their vision (squinting, rubbing eyes, trouble reading) schedule an appointment with iCare Family Vision today and we can help address the issue and get your child seeing clearly again. With most vision conditions, early detection can make the corrections much easier to treat than allowing the problem develop into something worse.

Learn More:  Why Eye Exam Are Important For Everyone

Some of the vision issues that can be found through a comprehensive eye exam include astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and other conditions that can be easily addressed by making use of prescription glasses. There are other eye issues in children which can easily be spotted by an optometrist including amblyopia or commonly known as a "lazy eye". Hence, it is best advised for parents to make the first steps in taking responsibility for their kids' overall eye health by scheduling regular annual eye exams starting at age 3.

Just like the usual trip to the hospital or to a doctor, children might feel scared about it going to the optometrist. The good news is that Dr. Johnson at iCare Family Vision is super friendly and wonderful with kids of all ages.  She makes your child's eye exam feel like a fun game.

Learn More: The 21st Century Eye Exam

Ultimately, do not fall into the trap of assuming that everything is perfect with your child’s vision just because they are not complaining about or having particular symptoms.  Please make it a top priority as a parent to ensure that you have your kids checked by iCare Family Vision on an annual basis.

Is Blue Light Harmful to our Eyes?

Taking care of our skin from harmful light has always been a prime concern for people especially the over exposure to the harmful UV rays of the sun which can lead to sunburn and even skin cancer.  Protecting our eyes from harmful light is also very important since apart from the UV rays that can wreak havoc on us, there is another light that we need to be aware of, blue light.

So what is the blue light and how does it affect our eyes?

Blue light comes from the sun as well as LED lights and digital device screens. Blue light is the part of the visible light spectrum which is known to produce a highest levels of energy. Blue light is the kind of light is characterized by a higher form of energy and thus it can affect deeper into our eyes when we least expect it.  We must understand that our eyes are easily affected by this kind of light.  Blue light suppresses our body's release of melatonin, which can affect our sleep cycles and can cause insomnia. Some studies have shown that when our eyes are overexposed to the blue light, it can have a negative effect on the eye’s retina that could lead to a vision disorder that usually shows up as we age. One of the vision disorders thought to be caused by blue light is called  macular degeneration.

Although more research is needed to determine how much natural and man-made blue light is harmful to the retina, many eye care providers are concerned that the added blue light exposure from computer screens, smartphones and other digital devices might increase a person's risk of macular degeneration later in life.

Can Blue Light Be Harmful?

Two of the most obvious and harmful effects of blue lights to our eyes are macular degeneration as well as digital eye strain. As we have mentioned earlier, the blue light is known to reach deeper into the eyes. Such instance badly affects the retina’s sensitive cells which later on leads to macular degeneration when we get older.

It is an unfortunate fact, as well that the sources of blue light are some of the things that we love to use and we have been using for almost every day. Some of these include flat screen TVs, computers, mobile phones, and other digital devices like iPads and tablets.

Another thing which makes the blue light a problem for our eyes is that digital eye strain is very common nowadays in a generation of so many digital devices such as mobile phones and tablets. What the blue light is known to emit is a scattered energy instead of a focused energy. And our eyes are more susceptible to the scattered light which leads to digital eye strain.

What can be done to reduce exposure to blue light?

Optometrists highly suggest that in order to combat the degenerative effects of the blue light the easiest solution is getting blue filtering or yellow tinted lenses. These lenses can be very helpful since it can reduce the amount of discomfort that can be derived from prolonged staring exsposure to blue light. These are also helpful in limiting the exposure of our eyes to a safer level of these lights.

Other options to help reduce the amount of blue light exposure include digital device filters, and computer eye glasses with blue blocking lenses by BluTech.

Make sure to schedule an eye exam appointment today with Dr. Johnson at iCare Family Vision to discuss Blue Light and lenses that can help reduce the effect of this light.

The 21st Century Eye Exam

The Phoropter is a common name for an ophthalmic testing device, also called a refractor. It is has been commonly used by eye care professionals during an eye examination, and contains different lenses used for refraction of the eye during sight testing, to measure an individual's refractive error and determine his or her eyeglass prescription.  The term Phoropter was trademarked by Henry DeZeng in 1921, who is also credited for one of the first eye examination devices.

The model of phoropter as pictured above has been used by many eye doctors for decades and many patients remember their first eye exam on this type of manual traditional phoropter.

Welcome to the 21st Century Eye Exam

Today, digital technology has completely transformed the way we live our lives. Digital technology has also transformed the traditional eye exam. At iCare Family Vision, we don't settle for anything less than the best digital technology, especially when it comes to something as important as your vision!

From the moment you sit down for your eye exam at iCare Family Vision, you’ll see how far we’ve come. No more old-fashioned knobs and hand-turned lenses. Instead, Dr. Johnson uses use an advanced digital eye exam system.  Dr. Johnson’s state-of-the-art eye exam uses the latest digital technology to ensure an accurate and comfortable prescription. Digital technology is incorporated into the comprehensive evaluation in order to enhance the analysis of your overall eye health.

A common concerns we hear from patients is having a hard time “choosing between 1 or 2” because it isn’t always easy to tell which is better and they are not comfortable guessing.  No need to guess anymore!  One of the benefits of digital eye exam is that we begin with a precise digital prescription measurement that we determined during your pre-testing on our digital autorefractor.  The autorefractor determines the lens power required by your eye to accurately focus light on your retina, giving Dr. Johnson a baseline prescription in an accurate & time-saving manner in the eye exam, which reduces the number of comparisons needed to finalize the customized prescription.

At iCare Family Vision we believe that an eye doctor having strong family values leads to the best service possible. Our eye doctor strives to provide an exceptional, personalized eye care each and every one of our patients.  In order to provide exceptional eye care, our eye doctor uses cutting-edge technology which enhances your eye care experience. Our eye doctor's goal is to provide you and your family with the most comprehensive eye care possible.

Tips For Safely Viewing The Solar Eclipse

On Monday, August 21, 2017, all of the United States will have a solar eclipse. The moon will cover at least part of the sun for 2 to 3 hours. Halfway through, anyone within a narrow path from Oregon to South Carolina will experience a brief total eclipse. The moon will completely block the sun's bright face for up to 2 minutes 40 seconds. Day will turn into night, and (weather permitting) one of nature's most awesome sights will become visible: the sun's shimmering outer atmosphere, or corona.

Here are six tips to safely view the solar eclipse:  

1. Don't look directly into the sun without proper eye protection!
2. Use approved solar eclipse viewers. The only safe way to view a partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as "eclipse glasses" or viewers that meet international standard ISO 12312-2 for safe viewing.
3. Sunglasses, smoked glass, unfiltered telescopes or magnifiers, and polarizing filters are unsafe.
4. If you can't find eclipse viewers, build a pinhole projector to watch the eclipse.
5. Before looking at the sun, cover your eyes with the eclipse viewers while standing still. Glance at the sun, turn away and then remove your filter. Do not remove the filter while looking at the sun.
6. Visit your doctor of optometry. If you should experience discomfort or vision problems following the eclipse, visit iCare Family Vision for a comprehensive eye examination.

Fun Eclipse Links:

NASA Eclipse 101

How to Watch the Solar Eclipse Like a 1960s School Kid

Tips for photographing the solar eclipse

When Buying Glasses Online - Buyer Beware!

Ever thought about buying glasses online?  Purchasing eyeglasses online may offer convenience to patients, but the American Optometric Association (AOA) warns that the consequences of making an uninformed purchase could cost you more time and money in the long run. 

The AOA stresses that eyeglasses are an investment in your health and must be custom-fitted not only to meet particular prescriptive, but also to provide the greatest level of ocular comfort which only an eye doctor can determine.  

“Without visiting an eye doctor, patients run the risk of purchasing eyeglasses online with an improper fit or receiving the wrong prescription,” said Dr. Elizabeth Johnson. “Patients can spend more time dealing with online order mistakes and making returns than had they simply visited their local eye doctor in the first place.” 

An AOA study published in coordination with the Optical Laboratories Association and The Vision Council highlights the disadvantages of ordering eyeglasses online. The study concluded:

• Of 200 glasses ordered online, only 154 pairs were actually received;
• 44.8% had the wrong prescriptions or posed a safety issue;
• 29% had at least one lens fail to match the requested prescription;
• 19% of adult lenses failed impact resistance testing; and,
• 25% of children’s lenses failed impact resistance testing.

Purchasing eyeglasses from a local optometrist like iCare Family Vision is the AOA’s first and foremost recommendation, but if patients are still interested in making a purchase online, the AOA strongly warn consumers to do their research before making a final decision.

“If a patient believes that ordering a pair of glasses online is in their best interest, it is important for the patient to know about the potential downsides in doing so,” said Dr. Johnson. “In multiple studies it has been revealed that nearly half of all glasses ordered online had either the wrong prescription or were made with a very low safety standard. Personally, I find that an unacceptable standard of care and a disservice to the patient. Patients deserve much better than that.”

iCare Family Vision and the AOA reccomend patients to consider the following factors before making a eyeglass purchase online:

The Fit

The fit of eyeglasses is critically important — if the fit is incorrect, not only can a patient experience discomfort, such as pinching and headaches, but can also cause additional vision problems which could affect the long term health of your eyes..

The Materials

Consumers also need to consider the various lens options available, and what is best lens for their particular prescription and lifestyle. Lenses come in various materials, such as traditional plastic, as well as thinner (high-index), lighter materials. Other considerations are the different anti-reflective coatings and UV treatments available such as non-glare coatings and photochromic (transitions) lenses. 

The Prescription

Just because the eyeglasses “look right” on your face, it doesn’t mean the measurements are correct. Pupilary distance (PD) determines where to place the optical center of each lens in your frames to customize the optics to your eyes. This measurement is necessary to ensure the eyeglasses serve your vision needs properly and you can see properly through them.  

Patients need an optometrist like Dr. Johnson at iCare Family Vision to provide the PD and to ensure precise measurements.  Measuring your PD is a service provided at no-charge with all eyeglass purchases at iCare Family Vision. The measurements needed for multi-focals and progressive lenses are more complex and can only be accurately made once the frame is selected and properly fitted to your face, so typically this measurement is simply estimated at best for eyeglasses available online.  Buyer Beware!

Why You Should Purchase Your Next Eyeglasses From iCare Family Vision

At iCare Family Vision, we stand behind our products 100%.  We guarantee the accuracy of the prescription, and the fit of your eyeglasses.  We always recommend products that will help you see clearly and that fit your lifestyle.  We offer only the finest selection of frames and lenses available. Our fashion-forward inspired optical boutique comes alive with locally-sourced furnishings and displays that provide a unique backdrop for our incredible collection of high-quality, handcrafted eyewear from around the world. Our team of American Board of Opticianry Certified (ABOC) eye care professionals will help you and your family select the perfect glasses.  

You're going to love the way you look!

Why Eye Exams Are Important for Everyone

Most people experience an eye screening as their first introduction to eye care, whether during school or at the DMV.  An eye screening is basically a test to determine if you can see 20/20. While an eye screening is a great way to determine a need for a prescription, it is not in any way determining the health of your eyes. Even if you can pass an eye screening and see 20/20, you should still have an annual eye exam to check the health of your eyes.

At iCare Family Vision, we do more than just determine your glasses and contacts prescription during an eye exam. By providing early detection of health issues, your eye doctor is often the first line of defense against chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Many eye and vision problems have no obvious signs or symptoms, and you may be completely unaware of them.

Only a small percentage of your time during an eye exam is actually spent determining your prescription. The majority of the testing time in an eye exam is devoted to tests such as visual field, tonometry, retinal evaluation, slit lamp, etc.

These tests are just a few of the ways that your eye doctor can check your overall health and well being:

• Eye diseases: glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, etc.
• Refractive error: farsightedness, nearsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia
• Other diseases: high blood pressure, high cholesterol
• Amblyopia, strabismus, and focusing problems

Treatment plans following your eye exam can include a prescription for glasses or contact lenses to correct refractive errors, vision therapy, medical treatment for eye disease and in some cases your eye doctor may also recommend that you take vitamins or supplements to maintain good eye health or to help alleviate specific problems like dry eyes.

In the end, regular eye exams are important for seeing more clearly, early detection of health issues, and preserving your vision for life.

Schedule your annual eye exam today at iCare Family Vision.

St Louis Park Optometrist to Open New Practice

Opening day on March 20

St. Louis Park, MN — March 20, 2017 — iCare Family Vision, a full scope optometric practice, will open this month on 5103 Minnetonka Blvd. and will be independently owned and operated by Dr. Elizabeth Johnson.

Dr. Johnson has been working as an optometrist in the area for six years in the employ of Calhoun Vision Center and The Spectacle Shoppe, and has a reputation in the community for her gentle style and excellent clinical skills. She obtained her Doctorate of Optometry from Indiana School of Optometry, is a member of the American Optometric Association, the College of Optometrists in Vision Development and the Minnesota Optometric Association.

Better Patient Experience

Dr. Johnson’s plans for iCare Family Vision include use of the latest technology, personalized care for each patient, and a unique assortment of eyewear in a comfortable, well-appointed optical gallery for discriminating buyers. She has partnered with several local eyewear vendors in addition to offering well-known brands of eyewear, and is committed to helping all of her patients see more clearly.

 “After serving the Twin Cities community for the better part of a decade, I realized the need for a clinic that focuses more on the patient experience” said Dr. Johnson.  “At iCare Family Vision, our mission is to change the way you think about eye care by providing exceptional eye care and only the highest quality eyewear.”

Dr. Johnson will begin seeing patients at iCare Family Vision on March 20, 2017.  iCare Family Vision is an in network provider for patients with VSP, and also most major medical plans.

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