West Branch Eyecare

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#6666FF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="03f00760egblyg.jpg"> <div> <B>West Branch Eyecare</B></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFF33" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT><A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Doctors"><U>Doctors</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Staff"><U>Staff</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Services/Products/Insurance"><U>Services/Products/Insurance</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id26.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="CL Types"><U>CL Types</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id27.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Employment"><U>Employment</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id24.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><U>Contact Us</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id31.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="But Now I See!"><U>But Now I See!</U></A></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=193 BGCOLOR="#6633FF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>Welcome to West Branch Eyecare,   serving the eye care needs of Northern Michigan from downtown West Branch since 1932.</B></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="index_m.htm#what_s_new_" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="West Branch Eyecare"><U><B>What's News?</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="index_m.htm#office_hours" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="West Branch Eyecare"><U><B>Office Hours</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Doctors"><U><B>Our Doctors</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Staff"><U><B>Our Staff</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Services/Products/Insurance"><U><B>Our Services</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id24_contact_lens_reorders.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><U><B>CL Reorder</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id24.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><U><B>Contact Us</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="index_m.htm#links" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="West Branch Eyecare"><U><B>Links</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id31.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="But Now I See!"><U><B>But Now I See!</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B> </B></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#6633FF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <IMG SRC="05b2d730.jpg" border=0 width="557" height="371" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="7" VSPACE="0"></div> <div>          304 W. Houghton, PO Box 128, West Branch MI  48661, 989-345-<B>2020</B></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Times New Roman" > <A NAME="office_hours"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></FONT><U>Office Hours</U> <B>         </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" >Downloadable  <a href="HTMLobj-228/Registration_form.pdf"><u>RegForm</u> </a>  </FONT></div> <bR> <div>         Expanded hours available since 2010</div> <bR> <div>         Monday  < 10:00 - 5:30 ></div> <div>         Tuesday and Thursday < 8:00 - 7:00 ></div> <div>         Wednesday and Friday < 8:00 - 5:00 ></div> <div>         Saturdays < 8:00 - 12:00 ></div> <bR> <div>         Call 345-<B>2020</B> for an appointment.</div> <div>         Same day appointments may be available. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <U> <A NAME="what_s_new_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U><B><U>WHAT'S NEWS?</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Experts: Nutrients May Help Provide Eye Health In Aging Individuals.</B></div> <bR> <div> Medscape Share to FacebookShare to Twitter (4/18, Hitt) reports, "Several nutrients, including zinc, vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, help promote eye health in aging individuals, according to a statement from a roundtable of experts convened by the Ocular Nutrition Society (ONS)." The expert panel, "led by Jeffrey Anshel, OD, president of the ONS, included eight experts in ophthalmology, optometry, diet and nutrition, and primary care." Members of the "roundtable concluded that the displacement of 'nutrient-dense foods by processed foods in the Western, or American, diet is disconcerting, as is the lack of awareness of key nutrients and other modifiable risk factors that impact eye health,' and they encouraged eating a healthy diet rich in nutrients."</div> <bR> <div> <B>US Melanoma Rates Increasing In Young Adults; Tanning Beds Blamed.</B></div> <bR> <div> ABC World News (4/2, story 8, 2:25, Sawyer) reported, "There is a stunning new number tonight potentially affecting everybody in this country. The deadly skin cancer melanoma is on the march diagnosed at eight times the rate it was 40 years ago."</div> <bR> <div>         The CBS Evening News (4/2, story 7, 0:20, Pelley) reported that melanoma is "on the rise in younger Americans. In a new study, researchers at the Mayo Clinic say they are seeing four times the number of cases in men under the age of 40 than they did in 1970 and for women eight times as many. Researchers blame tanning beds for the increase." NBC Nightly News (4/2, story 9, 2:45, Williams) also covered the study.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Proper Eyeglasses May Ease Computer Vision Syndrome.</B></div> <bR> <div> The New York Times Share to FacebookShare to Twitter (3/15, B9, Meece, Subscription Publication) reports, "Eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and neck and shoulder pain are common complaints of someone experiencing computer vision syndrome, according to the American Optometric Association." For people who make changes to their "work environment for comfort and still have problems, the solution may be another pair of glasses, the association says." Many people who use computers "need special-purpose glasses with lenses adjusted to bring the computer screen sharply into focus." The article goes on to detail the various eyeglass prescriptions needed for computer use, depending on the person's age and focusing requirements.</div> <bR> <div> The <B>Michigan Optometric Association </B>encourages people to follow the recommendations below, which will go a long way in maximizing productivity while minimizing discomfort while surfing the Web, editing a document or sending an e-mail.</div> <bR> <div> <B>· Give It A Rest: </B>Remember the 20-20-20 rule. At least every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. The Eye-Q® survey found that the majority of Americans don't follow this rule; more than half (59 percent) take breaks every hour, or less frequently.</div> <bR> <div> <B>· Size Up: </B>Smaller screens on hand-held devices usually favor tiny type that challenges vision. Instead of bringing the screen closer to the eyes, increase the font size so the device can be used at a distance that is more comfortable.</div> <bR> <div> <B>· Sharpen Up: </B>Better resolution offers greater clarity and usually more comfort. Adjust the brightness of the screen to a comfortable intensity, neither too bright nor too dim.</div> <bR> <div> <B>· Reduce Glare: </B>Hand-held devices present challenges in various lighting conditions. When possible, try to make sure lighting is not directly behind the head or in front. Try to reduce glare, which may ease reading and can make a bigger difference than increasing the font.</div> <bR> <div> <B>· Look Down: </B>Since it's easier on the eyes to focus on reading material that is below eye level, position a computer monitor or hand-held device slightly below eye level. </div> <div> <B> </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Changes In Retina May Portend Disorders Elsewhere In The Body</B>.</div> <bR> <div> The Washington Post Share to Facebook Share to Twitter (3/6, Thigpen) reports that according to studies, a specific freckle found in the back of the eye called CHRPE (congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium) "has a 'statistically significant' correlation with hereditary colon polyps known as familial adenomatous polyposis, or FAP." The article quotes retina expert Neal Adams, who said, "When we look in back of the eye at the retina, we can find signs that may help us identify many disorders -- common ones like high blood pressure and diabetes, rare genetic disorders and even life-threatening cancers."</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>The Michigan Optometric Association</B> recommends parents contact their optometrist if their child frequently:</div> <div> - Loses place while reading                                                                   </div> <div> - Avoids close work                                                                    </div> <div> - Tends to rub eyes                                                                    </div> <div> - Has headaches                                                                         </div> <div> - Turns or tilts head                                       </div> <div> - Makes frequent reversals when reading or writing                               </div> <div> - Uses finger to maintain place when reading                                         </div> <div> - Omits or confuses small words when reading                                      </div> <div> - Consistently performs below potential                                                </div> <div> - Struggles to complete homework       </div> <div> - Squints while reading or watching television</div> <div> - Has behavioral problems</div> <div> - Holds reading material closer than normal </div> <bR> <div> <B>Tips for Allergy Season: </B>Although common, giving up contact lens wear during allergy season is often unnecessary. Judicious use of specific ocular medications, as well as switching to other types of contact lenses for limited periods during times of heightened allergic symptoms, or perhaps permanently, may allow continued wearing of contacts. Here are a few tips I would recommend to assist your allergy patients who would like to stay in their contacts:</div> <bR> <div> 1.<B>  Avoid specific antigens. </B>Avoid pollen by wearing wrap-around and closely-fitted sunglasses. Drive with windows closed and the air-conditioner on, and use only high-grade filters for the home A/C system. Reduce pet dander, which is highly allergenic, by keeping pets out of the bedroom and off the bed. Avoid early-in-the-day outdoor activities when pollen levels are highest, and leave the lawn mowing to someone else.</div> <bR> <div> 2.<B>  Dilute and flush antigens. </B>Use frequent lens lubricants or in-eye lubricant-cleaners. Wash hands and face and shampoo hair more frequently. Reduce exposure to dust mites by more frequent laundering of bed linens at high temperatures.</div> <bR> <div> 3.<B>  Daily.  </B>Wear only daily disposable lenses during allergy season if at all possible, and steer clear of extended wear too during periods of high antigen exposures.</div> <bR> <div> 4.<B>  Modify lens care. </B>For those who cannot use dailies, emphasize rubbing of lenses prior to disinfection to decrease antigen load and consider switching to hydrogen peroxide systems.</div> <bR> <div> 5.<B>  Avoid eye-rubbing </B>to reduce the mechanical release of inflammatory mediators. Use cold compresses for itching.</div> <bR> <div> 6.<B> Allergy Mantra: </B>"OTCs are not for me!" Most allergy sufferers are likely to overuse OTCs and with vasoconstrictors may wind up with "rebound hyperemia." Prescription medications used judiciously, on a "bid" basis, before and after lens wear, are typically much better.</div> <bR> <div> 7.<B> And what about Meds? </B>The early spring is the right time to start allergy medications, even before severe symptoms strike. For most lens wearers, a combination antihistaminic-mast cell mediator topical eye drop is useful throughout prime allergy months. For severe allergies topical steroids can be added, if necessary, but use only the "soft-steroid" loteprednol products and limit their use to short periods, relying on the combo agents for regular allergy control. OTC oral agents may concurrently be prescribed to further control allergic symptoms, but may lead to greater dryness complaints.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Reducing Contact Lens Tearing: </B>Would you like to decrease the unnecessary expense and frustration of cracked or torn contact lenses?  Use the "slosh and toss" technique when opening a new flat pack:  Shake the flat pack before opening, slosh the flat pack back and forth to insure that the lens is moving, and toss the lens and solution out into the palm of your hand.  This technique prevents both lens adherence tears and finger nail slices.   Lubricating your lenses with rewetting drops at least one minute before removal will make the lens more pliable and will decrease adhesion.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sports-Related Eye Injuries: </B>According to a recent study by the U.S. Eye Injury Registry, more than 600,000 sports-related eye injuries occur every year and 40,000 require emergency room care, says a release from Prevent Blindness America (PBA). Of these, 90% can be prevented by wearing proper eye protection.  Among other findings:</div> <bR> <div> • Fishing injuries are the number one cause of eye injuries, accounting for 9% of all injuries and 38% of those injuries involve a hook to the eye.</div> <div> • Approximately 1 in 50 little-league baseball players will sustain an eye injury that requires attention.</div> <div> • The leading cause of eye injury in adult women involves racket sports.</div> <div> • The average football team will sustain four eye injuries every season.</div> <div> • More than half of all eye injuries from soccer occur in children age six to 14.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Teachers Believe Clear Vision as Important as Nutrition to Academic Success: </B>A new survey reveals 93% of teachers believe poor vision impacts a student’s academic performance and 74% of those surveyed have personally observed children falling behind in school due to vision problems. The survey involved 509 kindergarten through 12th grade teachers and was conducted by Russel Research on behalf of Give the Gift of Sight foundation. The teachers surveyed estimated that two in five of their students suffer from vision problems, more than one-third of which they say have not been treated. Other findings include:</div> <bR> <div> • 82% of teachers believe poor vision hinders academic motivation</div> <div> • 70% believe poor vision negatively affects self-confidence</div> <div> • 64% believe it affects a child’s ability to enjoy sports and games</div> <div> • 40% believe poor vision affects a student’s ability to develop social skills.</div> <bR> <div> The teachers surveyed also believe eye care should be provided for underprivileged children, with 88% saying that exams should be offered free of charge for students who can’t afford them, 87% believe these children should receive free vision screenings and 80% think they should receive free prescription eyeglasses. For more information, visit http://www.givethegiftofsight.org. </div> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="links"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>LINKS</U></B> you might find interesting:</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.aoa.org/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.aoa.org/"><U>American Optometric Association</U></A>                 </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.themoa.org/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.themoa.org/"><U>Michigan Optometric Association</U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.nei.nih.gov/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.nei.nih.gov/"><U>National Eye Institute</U></A> </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.allaboutvision.com/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.allaboutvision.com/"><U>All About Vision</U></A>    </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.fcoint.org/index.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.fcoint.org/index.html"><U>Fellowship of Christian Optometrists</U></A>               </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.ferris.edu/mco/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.ferris.edu/mco/"><U>Michigan College of Optometry</U></A>    </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.rosenbaumeye.com/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.rosenbaumeye.com/"><U>Rosenbaum Laser Center</U></A>     </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.anderseneye.com/index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.anderseneye.com/index.htm"><U>Andersen Eye Care</U></A>                      </div> <bR> <div>   <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tr><td align="center"><p style="font-size: 12px; color: 000; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; margin: 16px 0 6px 0"><b>Visitors since February 20, 2007</b></p></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><a href="http://www.pliner.net/appcounter/clickaav.aspx?id=74311" target="_top"><img border="0" src="http://www.pliner.net/appcounter/counteraav.aspx?id=74311" width="295" height="24"></a></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><p style="font-size: 10px; color: 000; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; margin: 6px 0 16px 0">Visit <b><a href="http://www.allaboutvision.com" target="_blank" style="color:#336699;text-decoration:none">AllAboutVision.com</a></b> for complete guides <br>to <a href="http://www.allaboutvision.com/eyeglasses/" target="_blank" style="color:black;text-decoration:none">eyeglasses</a>, <a href="http://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/" target="_blank" style="color:black;text-decoration:none">contact lenses</a>, <a href="http://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/" target="_blank" style="color:black;text-decoration:none"> vision surgery</a>,<br><a href="http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/" target="_blank" style="color:black;text-decoration:none">eye diseases</a> and <a href="http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/" target="_blank" style="color:black;text-decoration:none">eye health</a>.</p></td></tr></table>   </div> </td> </tr></table></body>