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Nutrition and Your Vision - January 12, 2011
Proper Diet & Nutrition tops 2011 New Year’s Resolutions and this resolution not only benefits the way you look, but the way you can see too.

Millions of Americans Can Protect Against Eye Diseases by Eating Healthier.

One of the number one New Year’s resolutions in the United States is to begin eating healthier. Many people do this to get into better shape and to help their heart and cardiovascular health. But eating healthier can also benefit your vision. Approximately 43 million Americans suffer from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or cataracts, the two leading causes of vision loss and blindness. Based on research, there is a strong correlation between good nutrition and the prevention of these age-related eye diseases. By eating foods rich antioxidants such as: Lutein, zeaxanthin, Omega 3-s, vitamins C and E ― you can help protect your vision.

“Clinical research has shown that foods with these types of nutrients can help prevent or at the least slow down conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts.” says Optometrist Dr. Jason Lake “So in reality, these types of foods can improve vision.”

Together the American Optometric Association (AOA) and several current pieces of clinical research encourage eating a diet with a variety of foods loaded with key nutrients for maintaining and improving eye health, such as lutein and zeaxanthin.

“Many still believe that carrots are the best food for the eye,” says Dr. Lake, “and while carrots do provide vitamin A or beta-carotene which is a useful nutrient in helping dark adaptation, spinach and other dark leafy greens can be the healthiest foods for eyes because they are rich in xanthophylls like lutein and zeaxanthin.”

According to recent research there will be over 17 million cases of Macular Degeneration by the year 2050 and almost 25% of those can be prevented and contained by simply taking supplements to reach the essential values of these very important vitamins and minerals. The average American only consumes 2mg of Lutein daily and a healthy person roughly 6 mg of just Lutein to maintain healthy vision. The best way to obtain this is adding in 4 or more servings per week of spinach, kale or collard greens. If those dietary changes are not obtained, supplementation is the key reaching those levels.

“Most individuals know that nutrition is critical for wellness and health, but most don’t realize the impact it can have on your eyes,” says Dr. Lake. “By simply adding ‘color’ to your diet like cherries, pomegranates, spinach and lean proteins like eggs, fish and walnuts you will not only find nutritional benefits for your body, but also for your visual system.”
Tips for Taking Care of your Eyes During the Winter - December 6, 2010

As the weather outside gets frightful, don’t forget to protect your eyes too.

With temperatures dipping below freezing in Central Missouri, many individuals are concerned with staying warm, but many do not realize the damage that cold temperatures can have on their eyes. Here are some tips from Optometrist Dr. Jason Lake on keeping your eyes healthy during winter.
1) Use a humidifier in your house. “During the winter months, your eyes tend to get dry because of the use of room heaters. These heaters absorb a lot of the moisture in the already dry air. You can use a preservative free artificial tear or a humidifier to easily aid in making your eyes feel better. Eyecare Specialties has a dry eye clinic that can really help ease the discomfort from dry eyes that are not easily treated. There are many new medications and treatments to help us make you feel better for cases of chronic dryness.”
2) Wearing shades is cool, especially when it’s cool. “Contrary to what many people believe, the winter sun is just as harsh as the summer sun. Just because it’s not especially warm outside, doesn’t mean that the UV rays aren’t damaging your eyes. At Eyecare Specialties we suggest that you wear sunglasses year round. Our gallery has various brands and prices on sunglasses from Maui Jim to Coach, to Oliver Peoples.”
3) Hats & hoods help too. “Hats and jackets with hoods are also helpful protection for your eyes. It can block the cold winds that can cause irritation and dryness. They also help to block the glare from the harsh snows.” Dr. Jason Lake founded Eyecare Specialties in Central Missouri in 1998. After 13 years in Central Missouri his office has become one of the leading Optometry offices in Missouri. With a tradition of quality service and a friendly staff, Eyecare Specialties is committed to excellence in providing state of the art eye care needs.
Eyecare Specialties Optometrist Dr. Susan Lake Becomes Fellow of FCOVD

The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) has certified Dr. Susan Lake of Warrensburg, Mo. as a Fellow of the College (FCOVD) at the association’s annual meeting held in October. Dr. Lake was one of 30 optometrists awarded Fellow status by the COVD Board of Directors in 2010. Internationally, there are less than 400 actively practicing Optometrists who have achieved Fellowship status.

“This is an exciting accomplishment for me,” says Dr. Susan Lake, FCOVD. “I truly wanted to further my experience and expertise in vision care and therapy for children in Central Missouri.”

The COVD Fellow certification process serves to identify doctors of optometry who are prepared to offer state-of-the-art clinical services in behavioral and developmental vision care, optometric vision therapy and vision rehabilitation. All COVD Fellows are Board certified in pediatric vision development and therapy and offer functional and preventative vision care services to their patients.

To become a Fellow of COVD, optometrists who have practiced for at least three years must complete an intensive Fellowship education program, a written examination and an oral interview administered by the COVD International Examination and Certification Board. Continuing education annually is needed to maintain Fellow status in COVD.

Dr. Susan Lake is an Optometrist at Eyecare Specialties in Warrensburg and Clinton. She is also founder of the Vision and Learning Center in Warrensburg. The Vision and Learning Center offers vision therapy, speech and language therapy, and many other classes for students in Central Missouri to help a child reach their full potential.
Eyecare Specialties Helps Survival House

(Warrensburg) – Eyecare Specialties recently held a penny war between team members with all proceeds benefitting survival house. The staff raised $200 for Survival House and it was matched by Eyecare Specialties Optometrist Dr. Jason Lake. Pictured here Eyecare Specialties Optometrist Dr. Jason Lake (center right) presents a check for $400 to Coordinator at Survival House Brad Schultze. Also pictured here are a few of the Eyecare Specialties team members who participated in the penny war. Pictured from left to right: Thea Nash, Tina Keith, Debbie Reynolds, Patty McWilliams, Brad Schultze, Dr. Jason Lake, Kandy Edwards, Autumn Baker, Nicole Gaither, and Elouise Snare. Survival Adult Abuse Center, Inc. provides shelter and supportive services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Survival seeks to reduce the frequency and tolerance of domestic violence and sexual assault.