what is a retinal detachment.?

The U.K.'s Edinburgh Evening News (9/29) reported that "a detached retina is a rare, but serious, condition which can cause blindness if it is not treated quickly. It affects around one in 10,000 people, usually those who are middle-aged and very" nearsighted, but, in certain cases, "it is seen in younger people who have a retinal weakness. Cataract surgery, ocular tumors, and diabetic eye disease can also be causes." Detachment can happen when there is "a tear in the retina, allowing fluids to leak underneath and leading to the retina peeling off its choroid, which contains the blood vessels which nourish" it. The "most common symptom" of a detached retina "is a shadow or curtain spreading across the eye. Dark spots called floaters are also common, but none of these symptoms are painful." The Evening News urged readers "with these symptoms" to "have them checked out as quickly as possible," because "the sooner the retina is reattached, the better the chances of saving vision." The article also featured the experiences of a young woman who had suffered two retinal detachments, one of which cost the vision in her right eye.

Spinach may help prevent macular degeneration, dietitian says.

The Dallas Morning News (9/28, Churnin) reported that certain foods "can turn back the clock," according to dietitian Karen Ansel, R.D. For example, spinach, which is "loaded with Vitamin K," can help "improve bone density and lower the risk of hip fracture." In addition, "it's the No. 1 source of zeaxanthin and lutein, nutrients that soak up harmful light before it can damage the retinas in your eyes, meaning spinach helps to prevent macular degeneration and blindness." Tomatoes, which are "packed with lycopene," may help protect "skin from the oxidation that results from sun damage and leads to wrinkles." Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols, "which are plant chemicals that encourage blood vessels to relax," thus lowering blood pressure, and possibly "reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke."

LASIK complications.

In a syndicated column in Canada's Edmonton Sun (9/27), W. Gifford Jones, M.D., talked about complications associated with laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). While, "millions of North Americans have had this procedure done, and are happy with the result," the Food and Drug Administration "wants stronger warnings of complications on patient information material." The corneal flap created during surgery "and then placed back in its original position may move, causing problems." The incision site may become infected, which "may require intensive treatment, and may lead to temporary loss of vision or even irreversible blindness." Other "patients have developed debilitating visual problems, such as double vision, or have complained of glare halos." Some patients "develop the dry-eye syndrome," in which "the eye is unable to produce enough tears to keep [itself] moist. This can cause not only discomfort, but also intermittent blurring, and it can be a permanent problem requiring regular eye drops." Dr. Jones recommended, "Simply, you must be a well-informed patient before agreeing to LASIK surgery," and "anyone who tells you there are no complications is either a liar or a fool."

Maui-Jim Sunglasses for fishing

The great outdoors offers many challenges especially in the world of fishing. Maui-Jim is ready to take on these challenges with an exclusive line of polarized products offering unique layer technology, contributing to ultimate clarity in all lenses. Each polycarbonate lens is shatterproof with scratch-resistant, AR and super hydrophobic coatings. Special polarization and 100% UV protection provides unequaled clarity and contrast. Fishing may not be considered a contact sport but lures, hooks and weights are always in action. All poly-carbonate are impact resistance, which comes in handy when taking on this challenge. Maui-Jim eyewear offers high performance protection and functionality along with great styling, all perfectly suited for the most competitive of anglers.

At Fine Eyewear, we carry the full line of Maui-Jim sun glasses and can readily put prescription lens in them to solve all your sun glasses requirements!

Dilation

Dilation of your eyes is a temporary inconvenience; however, the benefits far outweigh the inconvenience. DILATION IS THE STANDARD OF CARE TO ALLOW THOROUGH EVALUATION OF EYE TISSUE FOR A NUMBER OF EYE CONDITIONS. The use of dilation drops temporarily increases the size of your pupils, which allows us to accurately investigate the health of your eyes and many important aspects of your general health. The inconvenience of eye dilation drops will diminish gradually. It will typically take two to six hours for the effects to wear off. During this time, reading ability may be more difficult and your sensitivity to light may increase. For a short time, wearing sunglasses may be a necessary comfort. Notify staff if you feel your distance vision is excessively blurred before attempting to drive home. Thank you for your patience during this important procedure. Call your doctor immediately if you experience excessive pain, discomfort, or nausea.

AMD affects one in 10 people over age 50, eye expert says.

The Irish Independent (9/22, Leonard) reported that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is "a condition affecting the central part of the retina at the back of the eye." AMD "affects one in 10 people over the age of 50, and is the leading cause of blindness in the Western world." Dara Kilmartin, consultant ophthalmic surgeon at the Eye and Ear Hospital in Dublin, Ireland, explained that, "by 2020, the number of people with AMD is going to at least double," because people are living longer. Dr. Kilmartin said that the risk of AMD "becomes greatest over the age of 65. One in five people over 75 will have AMD." Dr. Kilmartin pointed out that risk factors include "age, family history, and smoking." In addition, there is a possible link between AMD and "obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol." Dr. Kilmartin urged older people to "get their eyes tested more often," and to "check their 'straight ahead' vision" in "each eye separately." The article also discussed the experience of Rosemary Smith, a patient with the wet form of AMD, who is now a peer counselor with the National Council for the Blind of Ireland.

Some learning disabilities may be undiagnosed vision problems, optometrist says.

In continuing coverage from previous editions of First Look, WCSH-TV (9/20) Portland, an NBC affiliate, reported on its website that, according to optometrist David Redman, O.D., some children's "learning disabilities are actually undiagnosed vision problems." Dr. Redman explained, "When children are diagnosed with a learning disability, about 60-percent of the time it's just a visual problem, and then once they get their glasses, they come up to speed." Dr. Redman said that "a pediatrician's eye exam is not enough." In fact, children "need a more thorough exam." Therefore, he "recommends they get one at ages one, three, and five, and every year after that."

Optometrist points out importance of eye examinations for aging eyes.

In the Ask an Optometrist column in Canada's Midland Free Press (9/17), Lillian Linton, O.D. pointed out that "common eye conditions affecting" aging "baby boomers can include glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration." She reminded readers that the "only definitive way to diagnose your condition is to visit your optometrist to be tested." Optometrists "use a number of techniques to assess any potential vision or eye health problems, and will keep a file of that information in order to keep track of changes in" future "eye health or vision."

Medical flexible spending accounts cover vision-related expenses.

In the Boston Globe's (9/9) Managing Your Money column, Cheryl Costa wrote that medical flexible spending accounts (FSAs) cover "eligible healthcare expenses," such as "office visit co-payments and glasses/contact lenses." In addition, FSAs cover "Braille books and magazines, guide dogs for the blind," and "laser eye surgery," which is often not covered by health-insurance plans. "For a full list of eligible expenses," eye-related or otherwise, "check out IRS Publication 502," Costa advised.

http://www.irs.gov/publications/p502/index.html


Eyeglasses (and contacts and eye examination fees)
You can include in medical expenses amounts you pay for eyeglasses and contact lenses needed for medical reasons. You can also include fees paid for eye examinations.

Medicines
You can include in medical expenses amounts you pay for prescribed medicines and drugs. A prescribed drug is one that requires a prescription by a doctor for its use by an individual. You can also include amounts you pay for insulin. Except for insulin, you cannot include in medical expenses amounts you pay for a drug that is not prescribed.

Medical Services
You can include in medical expenses amounts you pay for legal medical services provided by:

Physicians,

Surgeons,

Specialists, or

Other medical practitioners.

Nutritional Supplements

if they are recommended by a medical practitioner as treatment for a specific medical condition diagnosed by a physician.

Computer Glasses

For people "staring at a computer screen all day...glare is everywhere," contributing to computer vision syndrome. "There are about 175 million people in the workplace using computers, and about 80 percent of those people notice problems" with eye strain. Glasses are available to reduce computer glare. They have specially coated lenses made to reduce eye strain. It's just more relaxing on their eyes, allowing them to "work longer, and be more productive,"

Be sure to ask your doctor about computer vision glasses if you work in front of a computer all day.

Doctor explains how eyes may change with age.

South Carolina's Greenville News (9/9, Foley) reported that "eyes change as we age." Bill Caldwell, M.D., explained that "presbyopia happens to almost everyone right about the time they turn 40." Yet "another common age-related eye issue is a lack of sensitivity in the eyes. People have difficulty with color perception," and "depth perception can be hampered." Because "pupils get smaller" with increasing age, people "need more light to see well," and also "need more time to adjust when changing from one extreme of either bright light or darkness to the other." As the "lens of the eye naturally hardens with age," cataracts form, with typical onset at "about age 60." According to Dr. Caldwell, "macular degeneration usually begins with those 65 and older," and "occurs when the macula, which is the central part of the retina, is damaged." Glaucoma causes "damage to the optic nerve. It's usually caused by a fluid buildup that exerts pressure on the eye." To catch serious conditions early, Dr. Caldwell "suggests annual eye checkups."

U.K. judge orders company to pay over £60,000 for illegal sale of contact lenses.

Optician Online (9/12) reports that a judge in the U.K. "has ordered Vision Direct to pay over £60,000" (about $105,213) "after the General Optical Council achieved a successful prosecution against the company for illegal sales of contact lenses." The company "pleaded guilty to six offenses of selling" contact lenses "without a valid specification, and without the supervision of a registered doctor or optician, at the Sept. 3 hearing at Hendon Magistrates Court." In the U.K., "sale and supply of optical appliances are regulated under the Opticians Act." Reacting to the verdict, the president of the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA), Sarah Janikoun, stated, "Contact-lens wearers and practitioners must be vigilant of contact-lens suppliers who do not request a proper contact-lens specification from a qualified practitioner, since lenses that are not as the practitioner prescribed can cause visual and ocular problems."

Made in Italy Eyewear

Vitality, inventiveness and ambition are the positive qualities that have made it possible for the Italian eyewear industry to successfully face up to the competitive challenges over the last half-century. With an efficient distribution network, outstanding development of industrial facilities combined with an extremely qualified work force, the Italian optical sector was one of the first to realize the importance of the combination of esthetic values and technology. It's no wonder that it has become an uncontested world leader. Currently more than 80% of eyewear manufacturing is concentrated in the Veneto region (the province of Belluno alone accounts for 72.6%) where it is said to have had its origin. In fact, in 1878 Angelo Frescura (who is considered, and rightly so, the founder of this industry) registered his eyewear factory, the first in Italy, located near Calalzo di Cadore, with a notary in Padua. (The invention of spectacles, however, goes back to much earlier times, around the 11th century). This natural environment formed the perfect cradle for an industrial sector that has evolved from a "family-run small business" to a full-fledged international industry in just over 300 years. Many descendent entrepreneurs have conscientiously cultivated a global vision of their industry. This means they focused on constantly being aware of the socio-cultural changes taking place in various countries, and tried to capture and interpret their essence and spirit. Flexibility in making use of their productive energies allowed these companies to offer varied responses to different world markets. Furthermore, the conviction that cooperation between the various components of the sector is one of the winning cards toward creating a place for oneself in the international scenario, contributed significantly to making the eyewear industry one of the primary driving forces behind the Italian economy. The eyewear industry in Italy comprises approximately 1,510 companies, (260 industrial manufacturers and 1250 small businesses) which employ 17,800 workers.