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

Recently, we added a new Retinal Camera from Kowa. This is also called a fundus camera.  What is a retinal camera?  This special camera takes a high resolution digital photograph of the back of the eye allowing for easier diagnosis of diseases that affect the film of our eyes…… the retina.

What diseases can the retinal camera help diagnose?

• Diabetes (diabetic retinopathy)
• Glaucoma
• Hypertension
• High Cholesterol
• Brain Tumors
• Cancer of the eye
• Macular Degeneration
• Fluid on the Retina
• Retinal Holes or Tears

And many more

This simple test can be completed for most people without dilating the eyes.  It takes only a few seconds and the results are immediately available to the doctors to explain to our patients.  The retinal camera is an invaluable tool allowing the doctors to magnify even the smallest of images for easier diagnosis.  By attaching the images to our patient’s electronic file, we can compare small changes from year to year making treatment decisions easier.

Come see one of our associates.  At Optix, we provide 21st century eyecare.

Dr. Joel Kestenbaum
Optix Family Eyecare Center
www.optixeyecare.com

• 80% of learning is through the eyes.
• 80% of a person’s lifetime exposure to ultraviolet light comes before he age of 18.
• Vision screening in a pediatrician’s office is NOT an eye examination.
• Vision screening in a school nurses office is NOT an eye examination.
• An eye doctor should examine a child by age three.

Signs that a child might have a problem with their eyes are:
•    Difficulty making eye contact
•    Difficulty tracking moving objects
•    Constant or intermittent crossing or misalignment of one or both eyes
•    The pupils appear white
•    Red, crusty, watery or painful eyes
•    Droopy eyelids
•    Squinting often
•    Eye rubbing
•    Constant blinking
•    Eyes appear to bulge

Here are some definitions of some common terms related to the eyes:

•    Nearsightedness… Can see near but has difficulty seeing far away.
•    Farsightedness… The eyes work harder than normal to see far away and work. even harder to see close up.  High degrees of farsightedness need to be treated in children.
•    Astigmatism… A distorted image created by a misshapen cornea.
•    Glaucoma…related to elevated pressure inside the eye.
•    Lazy Eye or Amblyopia… reduced vision from lack of use.  Early detection (before age 5 is mandatory) and treatment is necessary to ensure best visual results.
So parents, please be concerned about your child’s eyes and have their eyes examined at the earliest age possible.  You will be assuring that they have all the visual tools for a proper education and enjoyment of life’s experiences.  Isn’t now a good time?

Dr. Joel Kestenbaum
Optix Family Eyecare Center
www.optixeyecare.com

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