Everywhere we shop we are exposed to over-the-counter readers. They are in all the drug stores, supermarkets, department stores, big-box retailers and even in eye doctor’s offices. They come in so many sizes and colors that it is hard to resist the temptation of buying one or a box full of these “cheap readers.” And yes, there are differences in the quality of these eyeglasses and the vision a person gets from them.

The biggest danger in over-the-counter readers is that a person will not get their eyes examined. When a person thinks he or she can see, there is a false sense of security that the eyes are healthy. But there are eye diseases, like glaucoma, that are what we call silent diseases that can rob your sight without any symptoms.

Eyestrain, headaches, glare, prescription changes, and fatigue are just a few of the symptoms that can be caused by over-the-counter readers. Why does this happen? Over-the-counter readers make the assumption that a person has the same prescription in each eye. The truth is that most people have different prescriptions in each eye.

What else? Cheap readers assume that all people are built alike. Again, not true. One of the most important measurements that an eyecare professional takes before fabricating eyeglasses is the distance between your eyes. Do you know if the lens magnification in over-the-counter glasses is centered in front of your eyes?

OTC readers are not all bad. They can be used to read a map, a menu or even take out a splinter. But I personally would never use them to read a book or work at a computer. Short term use only or for emergencies……..that’s it.

Have your eyes examined regularly. Let your eye doctor recommend the proper correction for your eyes.

Dr. Joel Kestenbaum

www.optixeyecare.com

Nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism are the three most common reasons why people wear eyeglasses.  The choices of frames are endless.  The choices of lenses are better defined.  When it comes to lenses, there are certain options that one can choose.  These include thinner lenses, UV protection, scratch resistance and non-glare lenses.

In my opinion, there is one option that should not be an option.  Non-glare, also called anti-glare or anti reflective lenses have so many benefits.  These lenses are truly a necessity.  Standard prescription lenses, although they may make your vision clearer, actually reduce the amount of pure light getting to your eyes.  Depending on the lens material, you can lose as much as 15% of the incoming light to reflections within the lens.  This is why when you look at someone wearing eyeglasses, you see reflections of yourself or the sky or the overhead lights.

Non-Glare lenses actually help you see better than you would with conventional lenses.  They improve vision by reducing reflections coming off your lenses.  They improve night vision, computer vision, vision in sunlight and vision indoors.  Non-glare lenses are not new.  They are improved to the point where they are scratch resistant and smudge resistant as well.  Non-glare lenses improve the cosmetic appearance of eyeglasses by minimizing the rings that you would otherwise see in high prescriptions.  As an added benefit, the lenses appear thinner than they actually are.

So I am baffled why someone would choose “glare” lenses.  In Europe and in Asia, non-glare lenses are the norm.   In the United States, patients are slowly accepting theses lenses as the standard.  In our office, we have been educating our patients about the benefits of non-glare lenses for over 15 years.  We have such confidence in today’s technology that we offer to change the lenses to the older “glare” lenses if for some reason a patient isn’t satisfied.  We have never had to honor this guarantee with the newer technology non-glare lenses.

So when you are in need or in the market for a new pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses, think about whether you want to glare or not to glare.

Thank you for choosing OPTIX Family Eyecare Center as your first choice for eyecare and eyewear.

Joel Kestenbaum, OD

I learned years ago that a good pair of shoes helps me to feel sound all day.  When my feet hurt, it is hard for me to concentrate on my daily activities.  As a twenty five year old, I used to wear Thom McCann shoes.  They were cheap and looked ok.  One day I couldn’t stand the discomfort and decided to invest in a comfortable pair of shoes from an upscale shoe store.  The comfort was incredible.  From that day on, I have always invested in my feet.

In my opinion, the same concept that applies to shoes, applies to vision and eyewear.  As an optometrist married to an optician, I am intricately involved with my patient’s visual well being.  Over the years I have listened to my patients complaining about their eyes and vision and have seen many people wearing poor quality eyeglasses.  Headaches, eyestrain, tired and red eyes and marks on the nose are just a few of the complaints.

In my office, my staff and I work hard to educate our patients in the importance of maintaining not only clear, but comfortable vision.  We have come to the conclusion that people need to put their priorities in order.  Most people don’t understand that not all lenses are the same and frames are not just pieces of plastic or metal.  More importantly, the opticians that fabricate eyeglasses and the equipment they use can make an extreme difference in the visual outcome.

Think about these facts.

1. What is one of the first things that someone sees when he or she meets you?  The answer is your eyeglasses.
2. If you wear eyeglasses every day, should they be comfortable to wear?  I think so.  There are many eyeglass materials that are light weight and are guaranteed to hold up to perspiration without pitting.  If you can, choose quality over price…. Remember, you wear these eyeglasses every day.
3. Should eyeglasses provide clear vision?  The answer is definitely yes.  So why if non-glare or non-reflective lenses are available in every prescription, do 50% of patients choose older technology lenses that have less than perfect optical quality?  I have a hard time understanding this.
4. Since eyeglasses are both a visual aid and a cosmetic statement, why do people wear the same pair of eyeglasses every day?  I don’t wear the same shirt, shoes or pants every day.  So why should I wear the same eyeglasses every day?  Should a person have a wardrobe of these?  I think so.  Fashion eyewear, work glasses, sports glasses, computer glasses, sunglasses are all available.  Why wear the same eyewear every day?

At Optix, we invest in our staff as an investment to our patients.  We’ve invested thousands of dollars in sophisticated equipment to ensure that eyeglasses are fabricated to exact specifications.  We use only the finest quality lenses and recommend only high quality non-glare technology.  The frames we recommend are not only fashionable but also comfortable.  And they don’t have to be expensive.

In today’s battered economy, the best investment you can make is in something that makes you see well, look good and feel like a million bucks.  At Optix, it is our goal to give our patients the best eyewear they’ve ever had and support their purchase with excellent service.   Please come see us.

________________________________________
Dr. Joel Kestenbaum and the Optix staff.

Is anyone watching American Idol this year?  The contestants are actually quite entertaining.  Of course what I notice is the eyewear fashion, especially that of Danny Gokey.  Danny is a 28 year old from Milwaukee Wisconsin who not only has wonderful vocal ability, he has excellent eyewear fashion sense.  Danny makes himself noticeable by wearing different eyeglasses each week.

Ever since Sarah Palin took center stage as a vice presidential candidate and wowed the world with her eyeglasses, people are noticing when a celebrity makes a fashion eye statement.  Danny has a keen sense of style, wearing different pairs of Versace glasses for each performance.

What Danny realizes that most people don’t is that the first thing that people notice when they look at you is your eyewear and your general style.  Most people wear the same eyeglasses every day but would never think of wearing the same clothes.  Think of how many pairs of shoes a woman has in her closet.  For that matter, how many dresses hang there?  It is mind boggling to think that most of those dresses are worn once.  And how about the shoes that only match that dress?  Are they worn once too?  And what do those dresses and shoes cost to be worn once?  Think about it.

Why don’t more people have eye fashion sense?  I suppose there are lots of reasons.  One must remember eyeglasses are worn every day.  Danny Gokey embraces the look of eyeglasses.  He has taken eyewear fashion to the next level.  The next time you are looking for eyeglasses, consider taking it to the next level.  Treat yourself to a bit of fashion for something you wear every day.

Optix……..Versace, Bvlgari, Tiffany, Calvin, Gucci, Dior and more.
Come see us so we can help you see others and other see you at your best.  You too can be an American Idol.

Dr. Joel Kestenbaum
516-931-6330

Well Optix is here to help you out and make sure this Valentine’s Day is a memorable one. Considering that the Spring is right around the corner and Valentine’s Day is this Saturday, why not buy your loved one a pair of beautiful and stylish sunglasses?

Optix carries the best brands like Prada, Prodesign, Versace, Marc Jacobs, Juicy, Coach, Ray Ban and Nike.  And considering that sunglasses are a bit out of season, prices could not be more affordable!

Now back to the Valentine’s gift ideas!

Coach and Juicy are two brands that have many styles of sunglasses with hearts and other symbols of love. What’s more is that these brands both come in a flashy pink color that is perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Now if pink frames and hearts are not what your loved one is looking for, then come on in and check out the rest of our EXTENSIVE sunglass collection. When you come to Optix you’ll leave seeing at your best.   Our trained expert eyewear technicians will help you make that perfect choice of eyewear.

So put down that box of chocolate in your hand and come in to Optix Family Eyecare in the Woodbury Plaza Shopping Center next to Trader Joes.

Your loved ones will be so thrilled with your thoughtful gift that keeps their eyes healthy and has them looking fantastic for the upcoming sunny weather!

From everyone here at Optix, have a wonderful Valentine’s Day! We love you all…

-Team Optix

OPTIX- Serving Plainview, Woodbury, Old-Bethpage, Jericho, Melville, Roslyn, Hicksville, Syosset and the Long Island Community!

What makes a quality pair of sunglasses? You would be surprised to learn that those glasses you got on the street can actually be worse for eyes than wearing nothing at all. These cheap sunglasses block some of the light, causing your iris to open to allow more light in. This lets in more of the UV light as well, increasing the damage UV light can cause to the retina.

Spending a little more on superior glasses may save your eyesight in the future. Buying those glasses from a qualified eye care center should put your mind at ease about what you’re getting.
These are the things you should look for in a good pair of sunglasses:

UV Protection – without getting too technical, sunlight (contains UV light) is a high energy light that can damage your retina and cornea. You need 100% protection.

Lens Tint- based on what activities you plan on using the glasses for. For example, gray tints are all purpose and are best for driving, while yellow or gold tints reduce “blue haze” and are best for snow sports.

Special Coatings or Features – these include polarized (glare reducing) and photochromic (Transitions)

Frame/Lens Design – styles such as wraparounds block extra light from sides and below by sitting close to your face; they are the favorite of snowboarders and water skiers.

Style – luckily, you can get all the qualities you are looking for in a variety of styles and brands. By choosing an eye care center instead of the kiosk in the mall, you will find someone qualified to help you find a pair that fits your face and your style.

In addition, quality sunglasses also provide you with the greatest clarity while minimizing any object distortion.

Come on into Optix and we will help you to pick out a pair of sunglasses that will fit YOUR way of life!

OPTIX- Serving Plainview, Woodbury, Old-Bethpage, Jericho, Melville, Roslyn, Hicksville, Syosset and the Long Island Community!

You may be wondering, “A blog? What for?”
Here at Optix Family Eyecare we are taking the initiative to provide not only our patients but millions of people with important knowledge about the WORLD of eye care.

We feel it is absolutely imperative that people understand how important their eye health is and what it means to have healthy vision. We understand that many individuals may neglect their eye health and therefore seriously put a damper on all areas of their life. The bottom line, Optix Family Eyecare of Long Island is here to step up to the plate and provide you with a constant feed of great knowledge, both fun and informative, about YOUR EYE HEALTH!

Most of all, the Optix Blog is here for you to enjoy yourself and relax.
We will provide you with great…

1. Success stories
2. Interviews with the Optometry Doctors
3. How to’s and tips
4. Pictures and details about Brand New fashion designer eyewear
5. Live video
6. News and Offers going on at Optix Family Eyecare in Plainview, NY

Plus so much more!!

So take a moment to bookmark the blog and check back when it is most convenient for you.
Dr. Joel Kestenbaum, Dr. Michelle Zalaznick and the entire Optix Eyecare team can’t wait to provide you with a plethora of enjoyable and informative knowledge on eyecare!

Check back soon!

-The Optix Team