Dr. Jeff Sanger and Dr. Melinda Kennel

are proud to announce that two more

of our staff technicians are now

Certified Paraoptometrics! 

Sara Switzer and Valarie Heusman

To become a Certified Paraoptometric, one must be a high school graduate and employed by an optometrist for at least 6 months.  Sara and Valarie had to pass a test covering a variety of topics including:  Anatomy, Common Eye Disorders, Basic Pharmacology, Eye Examinations, Refractive Conditions, Contact lenses, Basic Optics, Ophthalmic Lenses, and Ophthalmic Dispensing.

The staff at Prairie EyeCare Center

continues to excel in education

and certification to improve

our quality of care for you, our patients.

 Once again, CONGRATS to Sara and Valarie.

Contact lenses send many to hospitals

CHICAGO (AP) — More than 70,000 children and teenagers who go to emergency rooms each year do so with injuries and com­plications from medical devices such as contact lenses, accord­ing to the first detailed national estimate.

About one-fourth of the prob­lems were things like infections and eye abrasions from contact lenses. These are sometimes preventable and can result from wearing contact lenses too long without cleaning them.

The most serious problems found by U.S. Food and Drug Administration researchers in­volved implanted devices such as brain shunts for children with hydrocephalus (water on the brain); chest catheters for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at home; and insulin pumps for diabetics. Infections and over­doses are among problems asso­ciated with these devices. Only 6 percent of patients overall had to be hospitalized.

The researchers are work­ing to determine how and why the injuries occurred and also are examining the prevalence in adults. Those efforts might result in FDA device warnings, said the report’s co-author, Dr. Brock Hefflin.

Remember the Dr. Jeff Sanger

and Dr. Melinda Kennel

are here to help.  Call us today (308)872-2291

Don’t forget that back-to-school eye exam

 Quinlyn Kennel daughter of Dr. Melinda Kennel sporting her iCarly glasses.

Well, it is that time of year again-the time where parents begin thinking about back to school issues such as kids clothing and back to school supplies. However, something else we should be thinking about as parents is that back to school eye exam. You child’s eye doctor will perform a thorough evaluation that not only includes testing how clearly they see, but also whether there are any other vision disorders that could get in the way of learning. These other disorders can include uncorrected hyperopia, accommodative insufficiency, and convergence insufficiency or excess.

A child with significant amounts of uncorrected hyperopia, or farsightedness, can actually have 20/20, yet complain of headaches, eyestrain, or a dislike of reading. This is a result of the excessive and constant overuse of the eye’s focusing muscles. After awhile, the child becomes uninterested in reading and grades can suffer.

Accommodative insufficiency is when the eye’s focusing muscles are abnormally weak. Again a child can have 20/20 vision at distance with this condition, but anytime the child tries to focus up close (such as for reading a book) the eyes get tired much more quickly than normal. This too can lead to a dislike of reading and poor grades in school.

Convergence insufficiency or excess is when the eyes don’t work well together. Convergence insufficiency occurs when the eyes do not converge enough when reading. Convergence excess can be present when the eyes converge, or cross inwards too much for comfortable reading. With either of these situations, the child can experience blurred or double vision when reading, headaches, or eye fatigue-also associated with reading.

All of these conditions can be diagnosed by a thorough eye exam with your child’s eye care provider. Be sure to mention to him or her if your child is complaining of any of the symptoms mentioned above as there are specific tests which can be helpful in detecting these problems.

Finally, the above eye conditions can sometimes produce ADD/ADHD-like behavioral symptoms in children. If your child displays hyperactivity, poor concentration or restless behavior particularly in school, a good idea is to start with an eye exam. Treating the eye condition may lessen or even eliminate the ADD/ADHD symptoms.

Contact Dr. Sanger or Dr. Kennel for more information AND don’t forget to call Prairie EyeCare Center, PC today (308)872-2291 to schedule your appointment.

Call us today to schedule your child's back to school exam.  Prairie EyeCare Center, East side of the square Broken Bow, (308)872-2291.

CONGRATULATIONS TO JENNY DENSON!  

Jenny was the winner in our June FREE sunglasses drawing.  Jenny will receive her sunglasses that she ordered from Prairie EyeCare Center, for FREE!  Jenny chose a very stylish Valentino sunglass frame.

Once again congratulations to Jenny and thank you for letting us serve you at Prairie EyeCare Center, Your Hometown Vision Experts.

Anyone who's owned an Airsoft gun or plans on owning one has probably heard the cautionary tales of Airsoft guns. These are the tales of eye damage and permanent blindness caused by Airsoft pellets hitting people in the face and lack of protective eyewear. It's ok though because all of these stories are just urban legends right? Wrong! If you use Airsoft guns and don't take the proper precautions then you could quite easily wind up with a serious eye injury. Using an Airsoft gun while taking the proper precautions will ensure that your Airsoft experience be completely safe.

There are some simple steps to ensure a safe Airsoft shooting experience. First, make sure that there are no people or animals in the immediate area. Also, remember that even if you aren't shooting directly at anyone that Airsoft bbs don't always wind up landing where you expect them to. Airsoft BBs are too light to pierce many objects and will often ricochet back in your general direction or that of the people watching you shoot. You won't see an Airsoft BB coming at you traveling at over 150 feet per second until it's far too late.

Always wear some form of eye protection when using an Airsoft gun - be it in your backyard or in an organized Airsoft war game. Proper eye protection means eye goggles rated at least ANSI Z87.1 or paintball goggles. Proper eye protection is not military sun/dust/wind goggles, ski goggles, or shop glasses. Do no risk you won eyes or take on a liability for your friend’s eyes. A stray BB could come flying at your face at any moment so you need to be prepared.  If you're playing competition Airsoft war games do not take your mask off during active play. They can fog up and be uncomfortable to wear but never, ever remove your mask or goggles during play. Even during planning time another players gun could misfire and injuries can result. Be aware!

If, for whatever, reason do you receive an eye injury by an Airsoft BB then you should contact Prairie EyeCare Center immediately. Leaving an eye injury untreated isn't an option and further damage can result from lack of treatment. 

Just a reminder from the doctors and staff at Prairie EyeCare Center, where we care for your safety as well as your eyes.

Prairie EyeCare Center, P.C. will be closed on July 3rd to allow us to celebrate Tia Myers and Mike Jilg's wedding. 

Best wishes to the happy couple!

Protect Your Eyes and Attend Professional Fireworks Displays

This year for the 4th of July celebrations, the American Optometric Association (AOA) together with Prairie EyeCare Center, suggest that families and friends stay away from private firework use and instead enjoy professional displays to protect and preserve eyesight.

Each year over the holiday, thousands of adults and children are seriously injured as a result of fireworks and pyrotechnic devices. Many burns and injuries affect eyesight, permanently damaging and in some cases blinding the victims.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), during the 2006 calendar year (the most recent year statistics were available), fireworks were involved in an estimated 10,800 injuries that were treated in U. S. hospital emergency departments. The CPSC reports approximately 1,600 cases were eye injuries. Most of these eye injuries were contusions and lacerations.

Believe it or not, sparklers are the highest cause of fireworks injuries requiring trips to the emergency room. Sparklers can easily burn children since they heat up to 1800 degrees (hot enough to melt gold.) And, surprising to many, bystanders are not safe from injury. Data from the United States ye Injury Registry shows that bystanders are injured by fireworks one-half of the time.

About two-thirds of the fireworks-related injuries were burns, and most of the burns involved the hands, eyes and head/face. Nearly half (45%) of the victims were under 15 years old, and twice as many males were injured as females.

Be safe and protect your eyes this 4th of July. Go to professional displays and enjoy the spectacle in the sky.  If an ocular injury does occur, contact Dr, Jeff Sanger or Dr. Melinda Kennel at Prairie EyeCare Center at (308)872-2291, where we care about your eyes and your summer!

Flood-Related Eye Care Precautions

As flooding continues to expand across much of the Midwest, the American Optometric Association (AOA), together with Prairie EyeCare Center, remind consumers to be vigilant with eye protection and eye care, particularly for contact lens wearers.

Flooding causes an increase in the incidence of water-borne pathogens. These pathogens—including amoeba, parasites, bacteria and viruses—can be dangerous to the eye and may lead to infections, other complications and even loss of sight. AOA doctors of optometry have seen an increase in flood-related eye infections, particularly in areas throughout Iowa, and believe that these cases will continue to rise in the coming weeks.

Recommendations for contact lens wearers to avoid exposure to flood-related eye infections and complications:

• Avoid contact with flood waters. If contact cannot be avoided, remove contact lenses prior to exposure to water. If contact lenses are unavoidable, wear goggles.

• Don't assume treated tap water is safe. Avoid using tap water to wash or store contact lenses or contact lens cases.

• Always wash and dry hands before touching the eye or handling contact lenses. Use hand disinfectant frequently.

• Use only sterile products recommended by your optometrist to clean and disinfect lenses. Saline solution and rewetting drops are not designed to disinfect lenses.

• Only fresh solution should be used to clean and store contact lenses. Never re-use old solution. Contact lens solution must be changed according to the manufacturer's recommendations, even if the lenses are not used daily.

• Rub and rinse the surface of the contact lens before storing.

• Store lenses in the proper lens storage case and replace the case every three months. Clean the case after each use, and keep it open and dry between cleanings.

• Contact lens wearers who regularly sleep in contact lenses as prescribed should refrain from doing so if exposed to water

• Replace lenses using your doctor's prescribed schedule.

• Never put contact lenses in the mouth or moisten them with saliva, which is full of bacteria and a potential source of infection.

• Never use contacts that have not been prescribed by an eye doctor.

• Never wear lenses prescribed for another person.

Contact lens wearing is not an option for everyone; consult with an optometrist to see if contact lenses are an appropriate choice for vision correction.

Symptoms to watch for:

If you experience any of the following conditions, contact Dr. Jeff Sanger or Dr. Melinda Kennel at Prairie EyeCare Center immediately:

• Red and irritated eyes lasting for an unusually long period of time after lens removal

• Pain in and around the eyes especially if it progressively worsens

• Increased sensitivity to light

• Sudden blurred or fuzzy vision

• Excessive eye tearing or discharge

We often buy sunglasses the same way we buy fashion accessories: a new pair every spring with an emphasis on fashion over function. But, being in the sun should always mean taking precautions against damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Dr. Sanger and Dr. Kennel suggests you shop smart. When making that fashionable purchase, remember sunglasses protect your eyes. So, how well they work matters just as much as how they make you look.

UV Protection

The sun's UV radiation can cause cataracts; benign growths on the eye's surface; cancer of the eyelids and skin around the eyes; and photokeratitis, sometimes called snow blindness, which is a temporary but painful sunburn of the eye's surface. Wide-brimmed hats and caps can block about 50% of UV radiation from the eyes, but optometrists say that is not enough protection.

Blue-Light Protection

Long-term exposure to the blue and violet portion of the solar spectrum has been implicated as a risk factor for macular degeneration, especially for individuals who are “sun sensitive.”

Comfortable Vision

The sun's brightness and glare interfere with comfortable vision and the ability to see clearly by causing squinting and watering of the eyes.

Dark Adaptation

Spending just two or three hours in bright sunlight can hamper the eyes' ability to adapt quickly to nighttime or indoor light levels. This can make driving at night after spending a day in the sun more hazardous.

Sunglass Options: You don’t need a lot of sunglass extras. But, there are some extras that are worth the added protection.

Polarized Lenses

Polarized lenses effectively combat reflected glare. They can provide added comfort and better vision for those who do a lot of driving or boating. For certain sports such as golf, polarization has the potential to cause a loss of visual information that may reduce performance. Polarization may not be the best choice for all situations, and should not be used for certain activities such as piloting an airplane.

Photochromic Lenses

Some people like the convenience of photochromic lenses, which darken or lighten with the amount of available light. These lenses don't darken or lighten instantaneously
when going from indoors to outdoors or vice-versa. Also, car windshields interfere with the darkening process, making photochromic lenses less effective.

Polycarbonate lenses

Polycarbonate lenses are a must for sunglasses worn for sports and activities that are potentially hazardous at work and around the home. These lenses provide excellent
impact protection, but are not a substitute for occupational or sports safety eyewear.

Wrap-around frames

Wrap-around frames provide added side protection from bright light and UV radiation.

Price is no gauge of UV protection or of lens quality.

Studies have found that some higher-priced sunglasses have poor quality lenses or inadequate UV protection, while some relatively inexpensive sunglasses are quite good in both categories.

The doctors and staff at Prairie EyeCare Center want to remind you that there are currently no federal sunglass requirements regarding UV protection, light transmission levels or lens quality. The only federal regulation concerns lens impact resistance. Voluntary industry standards are not very strict. Prairie EyeCare Center recommend that sunglasses block 99% to 100% of UV radiation. There is no uniform labeling of sunglasses with regard to UV protection. There are almost as many UV labels as there are sunglass manufacturers, and studies have found many of the labels are misleading.

For more information about UV and sunglasses see the professionals at Prairie EyeCare Center, East side of the square in Broken Bow.

Dr. Jeff Sanger and Dr. Melinda Kennel encourage simple eye care precautions during sun exposure.

With summer right around the corner, more people will be spending time outdoors and UV protection will be top of mind. Unfortunately, most people think about the protection of their skin, when they should also be considering the safety of their eyes. In fact, according to the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) American Eye-Q® survey, only one-third of Americans said UV protection is the most important factor they consider when purchasing sunglasses. Whether it’s cloudy or sunny, summer or winter, the AOA urges Americans to take measures to protect their eyes from the sun’s UV rays in order to decrease the risk of eye diseases and disorders.

“Overexposure to UV rays is quite serious and can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, or, in some cases, skin cancer around the eyelids,” said Sarah Hinkley, O.D., the AOA’s UV protection expert. “Other disorders that can occur are abnormal growths on the eye’s surface and even sunburn of the eyes. These conditions can cause blurred vision, irritation, redness, tearing, temporary vision loss and, in some instances, blindness.”

Even more concerning is the lack of awareness surrounding the potential effects of overexposure to UV radiation. According to the American Eye-Q® survey, 35 percent of adults are unaware of the eye health risks associated with spending too much time in the sun without the proper protection.

The following top five tips from the American Optometric Association may help prevent eye and vision damage from overexposure to UV radiation:

1. Wear protective eyewear any time the eyes are exposed to UV rays, even on cloudy days and during the winter.
2. Look for quality sunglasses or contact lenses that offer good protection. Sunglasses or protective contact lenses should block 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B radiation and screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light.
   
3. Check to make sure sunglass lenses are perfectly matched in color and free of distortions or imperfections.
4. Purchase gray-colored lenses because they reduce light intensity without altering the color of objects to provide the most natural color vision. Brown or amber-colored lenses may be better for those who are visually impaired because they increase contrast as well as reducing light intensity.
5. Don’t forget protection for young children and teenagers, who typically spend more time in the sun than adults and are at a greater risk for damage.

Children need protection too. “The lenses of children’s eyes are more transparent than those of adults allowing shorter wavelength light to reach the retina,” said Dr. Hinkley. “Because the effects of solar radiation are cumulative, it’s important to develop good protection habits early, such as purchasing proper sunglasses for young children and teenagers.”

According to the AOA, parents should purchase sunglasses for all children, including infants. The American Eye-Q® survey found 66 percent of Americans purchase sunglasses for their children, but more than one in four parents do not check to make sure the lenses have proper UV protection. Additionally, less than one third (29 percent) of parents make sure their child wears sunglasses while outdoors.

More information on UV protection
Additional information from the AOA’s 2009 American Eye-Q® survey, which identified Americans’ attitudes and behaviors regarding eye care and related issues, includes the following statistics:

• While just over one-third (33 percent) of Americans said UV protection was the most important factor when purchasing sunglasses; the other factors respondents said were important included comfort/fit (26 percent), price (18 percent), style (15 percent) or lens color (3 percent).
  

• 73 percent of survey respondents have worn lenses (contacts lenses or eyeglasses) that provide UV protection.

• 38 percent of respondents wear prescription sunglasses.

• 42 percent of respondents do not wear sunglasses during the winter months
  

• 66 percent of parents do not make sure their children wear sunglasses during winter months.
  

A good way to monitor eye health, maintain good vision, and keep up-to-date on the latest in UV protection is by scheduling periodic comprehensive eye exams with an eye doctor. The AOA recommends adults age 60 and under have a comprehensive eye exam every two years and then annually thereafter. Based on an individual’s eye health, the optometrist may recommend more frequent visits.

For additional information on UV protection, please visit: http://www.aoa.org/ or contact Prairie EyeCare Center (308)872-2291.

WHAT BETTER WAY TO TREAT DAD THEN TO LET HIM KNOW YOU CARE ABOUT HIS EYES.

Fashion sunglasses these days not only protect the eyes but acts as symbol of luxury. In the past sunglasses were worn to protect eyes from suns harmful rays and dust. But these days many youth and people of all ages wear sunglasses to protect their eyes as well as to show off.

Designer sunglasses are a must accessory for every person irrespective of male or female. These sunglasses come in handy during the hot summer. Hot summer is the right time to purchase fashion sunglasses. While choosing a pair of sunglasses it is important to take into account, how they will suit your face. Right pair of sunglasses will increase your beauty and face look. There are different types of frame types such as round, oval, diamond, square, base up triangle, base down triangle and oblong, it is essential to choose the one which fits you snugly without compromising the look.

Moreover when purchasing brands of sunglasses you have to check it whether they are UV protected and free from distortion. In addition, you will want to check it twice whether the sunglasses are authentic one as there are many replicas available in market.

Designer sunglasses are available in different colors, you can choose from a large variety the color you love most at Prairie EyeCare Center. You can also choose the color of the tint based upon your usage; if you drive regularly then you can choose a lens with dark tint, light colored tints like green or blue can be chosen when you go out for a regular stroll or stay in your garden.

Prairie EyeCare Center carries quality sunglasses backed by a one-year warranty in a variety of price ranges. Our custom-made prescription sunglasses are backed by a two-year warranty. A large collection for both men and women are available in these eyeglasses. Prairie EyeCare Center carries a variety of name brand sunglasses and lenses.

Choosing the right sunglass enhances your beauty and protects your eye at the same time. See the professionals at Prairie EyeCare Center. East side of the square in downtown Broken Bow.

Not only prevention is better than cure, it is less expensive too. To protect your eyes and vision, prescription glasses and sunglasses have become indispensable tools. Prescription glasses not only can take care of your vision related problems, but can also protect your eyes from other risks. Sunglasses have been always known for giving your eyes shade and protecting your vision from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. With the depleting ozone layer, the importance of sunglasses has increased tenfold. Nowadays, prescription glasses for kids are also available; making sure that taking care of ones eye health begins early.

Almost all sunglasses and prescription glasses come with an UV coating. Ultraviolet rays are the primary reason for cataracts and an UV coating greatly reduces the chance of its occurrence. Transition and photogray lenses can automatically adjust to the particular circumstances depending on the amount of UV light absorbed. When the concentration of UV rays is high, the lenses become darker and vice versa, providing your vision complete protection.

Anti-scratch coating on the lenses offer these pairs durability and your vision protection from harmful objects. The coating makes sure that these prescription glasses and the sunglasses last longer, guarantying your eyes longer durations of protection.

During a bright day, the glare of the sun can have damaging effects while driving and doing other activities. Prescription glasses or prescription sunglasses with polarization, like the Xperio lenses, reduce this glare, giving you a much clearer vision. The polarization of the lenses protects you from UV rays getting reflected off water, sand, glass or cement. As the decreased reflection improves the vision, it increases the focus. This proves beneficial when driving at night or working in front of a computer. The less amount of glare effectively reduces the stress on the eyes and your eyes get less stressed.

Various occupational glasses are also available which are specifically designed for your job or hobby. Whether you are a librarian or a mail clerk who routinely need to file and read items overhead or pharmacists who has to spend most of the day reading small prints on the labels, you will find prescription glasses with specially crafted lenses at Prairie EyeCare Center.  Our knowledgable staff will help you choose lenses to complete your job without any eye stress.

If you are looking for the widest range of prescription glasses or sunglasses, Prairie EyeCare Center is here to help.

Dry eyes can be a chronic condition, but Dr. Sanger and Dr. Kennel can prescribe treatment to keep your eyes healthy, more comfortable, and prevent your vision from being affected. The primary approaches used to manage and treat dry eyes include adding tears, conserving tears, increasing tear production, and treating the inflammation of the eyelids or eye surface that contributes to the dry eyes.

• Adding tears – Mild cases of dry eyes can often be managed using over-the-counter artificial tear solutions. These can be used as often as needed to supplement natural tear production.
  

• Preservative-free artificial tear solutions are recommended because they contain fewer additives that could further irritate the eyes. However, some people may have persistent dry eyes that don’t respond to artificial tears alone. Additional steps need to be taken to treat their dry eyes.

• Conserving tears – An additional approach to reducing the symptoms of dry eyes is to keep natural tears in the eyes longer. This can be done by blocking the tear ducts through which the tears normally drain. The tear ducts can be blocked with tiny silicone or gel-like plugs that can be removed, if needed. A surgical procedure to permanently close tear ducts can also be used. In either case, the goal is to keep the available tears in the eye longer to reduce problems related to dry eyes.

• Increasing tear production – Prescription eye drops that help to increase production of tears can be recommended by your optometrist, as well as omega-3 fatty acid nutritional supplements.

• Treatment of the contributing eyelid or ocular surface inflammation – Prescription eye drops or ointments, warm compresses and lid massage, or eyelid cleaners may be recommended to help decrease inflammation around the surface of the eyes. 

Steps you can take to reduce symptoms of dry eyes include:  Remembering to blink regularly when reading or staring at a computer screen for long periods of time. Increasing the level of humidity in the air at work and at home. Wearing sunglasses outdoors, particularly those with wrap around frame design, to reduce exposure to drying winds and sun.  Avoiding becoming dehydrated by drinking plenty of water (8 to 10 glasses) each day.  Using nutritional supplements containing essential fatty acids may help decrease dry eye symptoms in some people.

Ask Dr. Sanger or Dr. Kennel if the use of dietary supplements could be of help for your dry eye problems.

Call Prairie EyeCare Center today (308)872-2291.  Your eye care professionals close to home.

How are dry eyes diagnosed?

Dry eyes can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Testing, with special emphasis on the evaluation of the quantity and quality of tears produced by the eyes, may include:

• Patient history to determine any symptoms the patient is experiencing and the presence of any general health problems, medications taken, or environmental factors that may be contributing to the dry eye problem.

• External examination of the eye, including lid structure and blink dynamics.

• Evaluation of the eyelids and cornea using bright light and magnification.

• Measurement of the quantity and quality of tears for any abnormalities.
  

• Special dyes may be instilled in the eyes to better observe tear flow and to highlight any changes to the outer surface of the eye caused by insufficient tears.

Using the information obtained from testing, Dr. Sanger and Dr. Kennel can determine if you have dry eyes and advise you on treatment options.

Our final blog about dry eyes will be next week.  Please come back to learn "How Dry Eyes are treated?"

Contact Prairie EyeCare Center to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sanger or Dr. Kennel today (308)872-2291

What Causes Dry Eyes?

The development of dry eyes can have many causes. They include:

• Age – dry eye is a part of the natural aging process. The majority of people over age 65 experience some symptoms of dry eyes.

• Gender – women are more likely to develop dry eyes due to hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives, and menopause.

• Medications – certain medicines, including antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications and antidepressants, can reduce the amount of tears produced in the eyes.

• Medical conditions – persons with rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and thyroid problems are more likely to have symptoms of dry eyes. Also, problems with inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis), inflammation of the surfaces of the eye, or the inward or outward turning of eyelids can cause dry eyes to develop.

• Environmental conditions – exposure to smoke, wind and dry climates can increase tear evaporation resulting in dry eye symptoms.

• Failure to blink regularly, such as when staring at a computer screen for long periods of time, can also contribute to drying of the eyes.

• Other factors – long term use of contact lenses can be a factor in the development of dry eyes. Refractive eye surgeries, such as LASIK, can cause decreased tear production and dry eyes.

Next week we will be discussing "How is Dry Eye Diagnosed?

Dr. Sanger and Dr. Kennel have several different techniques for treating dry eye. Call us today (308)872-2291, we will find a solution for you, too.

This week our discussion will be "What is Dry Eye?"

Dry eye is a condition in which there are insufficient tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision. People with dry eyes either do not produce enough tears or have a poor quality of tears. Dry eye is a common and often chronic problem, particularly in older adults.

With each blink of the eyelids, tears are spread across the front surface of the eye, known as the cornea. Tears provide lubrication, reduce the risk of eye infection, wash away foreign matter in the eye, and keep the surface of the eyes smooth and clear. Excess tears in the eyes flow into small drainage ducts, in the inner corners of the eyelids, which drain in the back of the nose.

Dry eyes can result from an improper balance of tear production and drainage. Inadequate amount of tears

– Tears are produced by several glands in and around the eyelids. Tear production tends to diminish with age, with various medical conditions, or as a side effect of certain medicines. Environmental conditions such as wind and dry climates can also affect tear volume by increasing tear evaporation. When the normal amount of tear production decreases or tears evaporate too quickly from the eyes, symptoms of dry eye can develop. 

Poor quality of tears– Tears are made up of three layers: oil, water, and mucus. Each component serves a function in protecting and nourishing the front surface of the eye. A smooth oil layer helps to prevent evaporation of the water layer, while the mucin layer functions in spreading the tears evenly over the surface of the eye. If the tears evaporate too quickly or do not spread evenly over the cornea due to deficiencies with any of the three tear layers, dry eye symptoms can develop.

The most common form of dry eyes is due to an inadequate amount of the water layer of tears. This condition, called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is also referred to as dry eye syndrome.

People with dry eyes may experience symptoms of irritated, gritty, scratchy, or burning eyes, a feeling of something in their eyes, excess watering, and blurred vision. Advanced dry eyes may damage the front surface of the eye and impair vision.

Treatments for dry eyes aim to restore or maintain the normal amount of tears in the eye to minimize dryness and related discomfort and to maintain eye health.

Stay tuned to PrairieEyeCare.com where we will be discussing "How Is Dry Eye Diagnosed?" next week.   Remember the doctors and staff at Prairie EyeCare Center are here to help.  Call us today (308)872-2291 to schedule an appointment.

Come in today for your complete eye health exam

Healthy vision is an amazing gift. Imagine what it would be like to lose your vision and the devastating impact it would have on your life. Many eye diseases can rob you of your sight.  Fortunately most cases of severe vision loss and blindness can be prevented with early detection, and today there are options available to help your doctor identify disease early.

Doctor Jeff Sanger and Doctor Melinda Kennel are excited to offer you a new, advanced test to evaluate the health of your eye and help detect glaucoma and retinal disease. The Cirrus HD-OCT performs a simple yet powerful test, which helps doctors identify early signs of eye problems, which can lead to irreversible blindness.  The test is quick, completely painless, and does not touch the eye. 

Diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy tend to progress without any symptoms in the early stages. Age is a major risk factor for development of many eye conditions because they typically develop over the course of one’s lifetime. That is why it is vital to be tested for these conditions early with the Cirrus HD-OCT. The later a disease is discovered, the more difficult it is to treat.

Early detection and monitoring can help your doctor make important decisions about your vision. Therefore, Prairie EyeCare Center highly recommends you take this convenient exam.

 

Call or come in today to schedule your Cirrus HD-OCT exam.  We are located on the East Side of the Square in Broken Bow. Call us today (308)872-2291

 “Melanoma Monday” is the kick-off of May Melanoma Month with special activities nationally and locally.

Also known as National Skin Self-Examination Day. People are encouraged to examine their skin for skin cancer.  Prairie EyeCare Center in encouraging everyone to wear black on Monday May 3rd to remind us of the importance of Melanoma screenings.

Melanoma is a malignant tumor of melanocytes which are found predominantly in skin but also in the bowel and the eye. Dr. Jeff Sanger and Dr. Melinda Kennel routinely check for ocular melanoma at your routine eye exams.   It is one of the less common types of skin cancer but causes the majority (75%) of skin cancer related deaths. Melanocytes are normally present in skin, being responsible for the production of the dark pigment melanin.  Despite many years of intensive laboratory and clinical research, the greatest chance of cure is in the early surgical resection of thin tumors.

Around 60,000 new cases of invasive melanoma are diagnosed in the US each year, more frequently in males and in Caucasians.  It is more common in Caucasian populations living in sunny climates than in other groups, or in those who use tanning salons. According to a WHO report about 48,000 melanoma related deaths occur worldwide per year.

The treatment includes surgical removal of the tumor, adjuvant treatment, chemo- and immunotherapy, or radiation therapy.

Melanoma is easily detectable and curable in its early stages. We urge you to make a habit of periodically checking your whole body for any signs of melanoma. This mnemonic, the ABCD’s of melanoma was developed to help you evaluate changes in your moles in order to recognize melanoma in its earlier stages. The letter E for “evolving” has also become part of most literature about melanoma.

A = Asymmetry. Draw an imaginary line down the middle of any mole and ask yourself if the two halves match. Ordinary moles are usually round and symmetrical, while melanomas are often asymmetrical.

B = Border. Ordinary moles are round or oval and have well-defined, smooth, even borders. Melanomas often have irregular, uneven, or notched borders.

C = Color. If your mole has several colors – including black, brown, red, white and blue – or an irregular patten of colors, it may be melanoma.

D = Diameter. Watch for change in the size of your moles.

E = Evolving. A mole that changes in size, shape, shades of color, surface or symptoms may be suspicious of melanoma. Further, if it tingles, itches, burns or feels strange, it may be evolving and should be checked.

For further information contact your dermatologist, family physician, or visit http://www.melanomamonday.org/. 

Remember to schedule your routine eye exam with the doctors at Prairie EyeCare Center, where we check more than just your vision.  Call today (308)872-2291.

 

As an expectant mother, you should:

1. be aware of vision changes during pregnancy and

2. know what symptoms indicate a serious problem.

Refractive Changes

Dry Eyes

Some women experience dry eyes during pregnancy. This is usually temporary and goes away after delivery. The good news is that lubricating or rewetting eye drops are perfectly safe to use while you are pregnant or nursing. They can lessen the discomfort of dry eyes. 

It’s also good to know that contact lenses, contact lens solutions and enzymatic cleaners are safe to use while you are pregnant. To reduce the irritation caused by a combination of dry eyes and contact lenses, try cleaning your contact lenses with an enzymatic cleaner more often. If dry, irritated eyes make wearing contacts too uncomfortable, don’t worry. Your eyes will return to normal within a few weeks after delivery.

Puffy Eyelids

Puffiness around the eyes is another common side effect of certain hormonal changes women may have while pregnant. Puffy eyelids may interfere with side vision. As a rule of thumb, don’t skimp on your water intake and stick to a moderate diet, low in sodium and caffeine. These healthy habits can help limit water retention and boost your overall comfort.

If you suffer from any pre-existing eye conditions, like glaucoma, high blood pressure or diabetes, it's very important to tell your eye doctor that you are pregnant. Your eye doctor may watch closely for changes in your vision during this exciting time in your life.

Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches linked to hormonal changes are very common among pregnant women. In some cases, painful migraine headaches make eyes feel more sensitive to light.

If you are pregnant and suffering from migraines, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any prescription or non-prescription migraine headache medications.

Prenatal care helps keep both you and your unborn child healthy. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are having any problems. Keep your eye doctor up-to-date about your overall health. Tell him or her about any pre-existing conditions, and about any prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking.

Diabetes

High Blood Pressure

Glaucoma

While many glaucoma medications are safe to take during pregnancy, certain glaucoma medications such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors can be harmful to the developing baby.

Call and schedule your appointment today (308)872-2291

HELP KEEP EYES HEALTHY AND BEAUTIFUL

Prevent Blindness America Offers Safety Tips to

Promote Proper Use of Eye Makeup and Contact Lens Care

CHICAGO (March 27, 2009) – The cosmetics and personal care products industry generates more than $250 billion globally. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitors many of these products for safety, consumers need to make sure they are using products correctly to help protect themselves.

Improper use of eye cosmetics can lead to eye infections, irritations and corneal injuries. Prevent Blindness America is using April’s Women’s Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month as an opportunity to offer free tips to the public on the safe use of eye cosmetics. And, contact lens wearers should take extra precautions as cosmetics are a common source of eye problems for contact lens users.

“From adolescents beginning to experiment with make-up to adults who wear it daily, we want to get everyone in the habit of applying cosmetics in a safe way to avoid painful eye injuries,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America.

“All healthy eyes are beautiful!”

Prevent Blindness America advises cosmetic users of all ages to

• Never use makeup testers in stores or share eye makeup with others.

• Dispose of eye cosmetics three months after purchased,

• Always apply makeup outside the lash line to avoid contact with the eye.

• Never store cosmetics in extreme heat or cold conditions (such as a car), as this can break down preservatives, allowing bacteria to grow.

• Never apply makeup while driving or riding in a moving vehicle.

• Never apply eye cosmetics if eyes are already red, swollen, or if you have recently undergone eye surgery until an eye doctor has given permission.

• Do not dye eyelashes or eyebrows. No color additives have been approved by the FDA for permanent dyeing or tinting of eyelashes or eyebrows.

Whether contact lenses are used for vision correction or simply to change the appearance of eye color, they should never be considered merely cosmetic. In fact, in 2005, the FDA stated that all contact lenses are considered medical devices and therefore can only be used under the direction of an eye care professional. Contact lens users should:

• Visit a licensed eye care professional to be fitted for contact lenses.

• Use pressed eye shadows in conjunction with an eye shadow base to help makeup stay in place.

• Always insert contact lenses before applying makeup and remove them before taking makeup off.

• Never share or trade contact lenses with others.

• Before handling contact lenses, wash hands with soap and water, then rinse and dry them with a lint-free towel.

• Minimize contact with water, including removing lenses before going swimming or in a hot tub.

• Contact lens cases should always be cleaned with fresh solution – not water.

Leave the empty case open to air dry.

• Do not use cracked or damaged lens cases. Lens cases can be a source of contamination and infection.

• Keep the contact lens case clean and replace it regularly, at least every three months.

For more tips and information on the safe use of eye cosmetics and/or contact lens safety, please visit Prevent Blindness America at preventblindness.org or call (800) 331-2020.

About Prevent Blindness America

Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness America is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight.

Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness America touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening and training, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, divisions and chapters, it's committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America.

For more information, or to make a contribution to the sight-saving fund, call (800) 331-2020 or to schedule an appointment at Prairie EyeCare Center call (308)872-2291.

April is Women's Eye Health Month.  Prairie EyeCare Center will be presenting several different women's health topics this month.

What Women Need to Know about their Eyes: Omega-3s Might Help Dry Eye Syndrome

By Elizabeth Somer, Registered Dietician and
Author of Age Proof Your Body

Itching, burning, irritation, redness and excessive tearing are all symptoms of one of the most common eye problems ― dry eye syndrome. More than 10 million Americans suffer from dry eyes. Anyone can develop the problem, but women during and following menopause are at a heightened risk of developing this condition.

So what causes dry eyes? It is usually caused by a problem with the quality of the oily tear film that lubricates the eyes and helps prevent evaporation of the eye’s natural moisture. However, one of the most common reasons for the eyes to be dry is aging. The human body produces 60 percent less oil at age 65 then at age 18. And studies have found that this effect is more pronounced in women, who tend to have drier skin than men. Without as much oil to seal the watery layer, the tear film evaporates much faster, leaving dry areas on the cornea.

Beyond the eye drops that lubricate the eyes and provide synthetic “tears,” there might be something in your kitchen that could also help relieve the symptoms of dry eyes. Researchers at both Harvard and at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston report that fish oils might be helpful in preventing or treating this problem.

For example, in the Brigham study, more than 32,000 women from the Women’s Health Study, aged 45 to 84, provided information on their diet, and nearly 5 percent of the women reported problems with dry eyes. Results showed that women who consumed the most omega-3 fats from fish had a 17 percent lower risk of suffering from dry eyes when compared to women who consumed little or no seafood.

And, it’s also important to note that not all omega-3 fats are equal. The omega-3 fat in plants, such as flax and walnuts, may help lower heart disease risk, but does not appear to help with dry eyes. It is the two omega-3s in fish, called DHA and EPA, that are most helpful.

Need some recipe ideas that are rich in eye healthy omega-3s DHA and EPA to help you ward off dry eye? Try Smoked Salmon Pizza with Dill & Lemon or Seared Tuna with Orange, Avocado, and Cilantro Salsa – both meals are bound to satisfy your appetite, while also helping to protect your vision!

Although no optimal dose has been determined for maintaining healthy eyes, the American Heart Association recommends at least two weekly servings of fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, or sardines. If you don’t like to eat a lot of fish or are vegetarian, then look for foods fortified with the omega-3 fat DHA, or take a supplement, such as fish oil capsules that contain at least 200 milligrams of DHA or a gram of the combination of EPA and DHA.

Eating healthy and adding omega-3s to your diet can help alleviate some of the symptoms related to dry eyes, but it’s also important to work with your doctor of optometry to develop a plan to help you cope with these problems. Many vision issues are related to hormonal changes, hormone replacement therapy, and estrogen levels.

[References: Miljanovic B, Trivedi K, Dana M, et al: Relation between dietary n-3 and n-6 fatty acids and clinically diagnosed dry eye syndrome in women. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2005;82:887-893.

Saadia R, Yiping J, Tatiana E, et al: Topical Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids for Treatment of Dry Eye. Archives of Ophthalmology 2008;126:219-225.]

The staff and doctors at Prairie EyeCare Center would like to thank everyone who came to our trunk show on Wednesday. We had a lot of fun showing the latest in frame styles to you and your friends. We're proud you've chosen us for your eye care needs and will continue to bring you the quality you deserve.

Back by popular demand.....

Prairie EyeCare Center together with Walman Optical will be having a Trunk show on April 14th from 8 am to 8 pm.

Our CPO certified staff is excited to present you with the latest in optical fashion and the newest in ophthalmic lens technology.

There will be in office specials and 30-50% off select frames and 30% off non-prescription sunglasses. *

Steppers – Stepper Eyewear features lightweight titanium and is hypoallergenic (100% allergy free) with superior strength.  Corrosion resistant with no fading or discoloration over time. These beautiful frames come in men and women styles.

Sundance – A timeless and casual women’s frame collection inspired by the essence of the southwest. Each frame comes with a hand tooled leather case in your choice of black or brown.

Wildflowers – The Wildflower collection expresses vibrant color and fresh styling in a youthful eyewear collection.  This collection lets you express yourself!

Wiggles – The Wiggles are known and loved around the world.  As children’s entertainers, their songs and music have delighted children around the globe for over 17 years.  Wiggles frames are fun and children will love to wear the unique designs and colors.

Plus some of the other designers we will be showing ;

Women

Elizabeth Arden

Geoffrey Beene

Gloria Vanderbilt

Jill Stuart

Kay Unger

Phoebe Couture

Sophia Loren

Via Spiga

Mens

Perry Ellis

Geoffrey Beene

Randy Jackson

Stetson

Umbro

Van Heusen

Stetson Off Road

Kids

Nickelodeon     

Avatar

SpongeBob

Dora the Explorer

Go Diego Go

I Carly

Umbro Youth

At Prairie EyeCare Center, PC East side of the Square Broken Bow, where your eyes are our highest priority.

 *some restrictions apply see Prairie EyeCare Center for details.