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Clinton, MO 660.885.7116 • info@eyecarespecialties.biz • Warrensburg, MO 660.747.2020
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| Making Vision a Focus in the New School Year – August 26, 2011 |  |
| Getting back into the school groove for students isn’t always easy, but one of the keys to success in the classroom can be making sure that a student’s eyes are allowing them to see clearly what is in front of them. “Vision and learning are intrinsically linked,” says Dr. Susan Lake from Eyecare Specialties. “A comprehensive eye exam can detect issues that may affect a child’s abilities in school.” According to studies conducted by the American Optometric Association (AOA) 80 percent of what a child learns comes through the visual system. “Unfortunately, a lot of conditions with the eyes can go under the radar or undiagnosed,” says Dr. Lake. “As a result many students are diagnosed as having a learning disorder or disability that actually have a visual problem.” “If a child has difficulty seeing the board they might not want to read aloud in class or might begin dissrupting classroom activities which can lead to a the diagnosis of a behavioural issue,” Lake added. Comprehensive exams check a number of components of eye health. They include: visual acuity or the clarity of vision, which is measured at several distances; the ability to focus; eye teaming skills (binocular vision), which allow the eyes to work together to create a single image; eye structure health, and eye tracking, if they move efficiently across a page when reading. “Through Eyecare Specialties we offer the Vision and Learning Center (VLC),” says Dr. Lake. “At the VLC we can help a students facing challenges from motor to vision to auditory skills. The Vision and Learning Center offers programs that include: -Vision Therapy -Speech and Language Therapy -Motor and Coordination Programs -Handwriting Without Tears -Interactive Metronome “We have found that if a child is carefully evaluated and has appropriate treatment, then the stumbling blocks to learning will be eliminated and they will be able to successfully meet the challenges of school and life,” Lake says. The overall outcome of how the Vision and Learning Center is making a difference for students is tremendous. “We have had hundreds of success stories since I began,” says Dr. Lake. “Students in Warrensburg take a Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) test periodically throughout the year and we have had students score several points higher after going through our program at the Vision and Learning Center. We have also had students improve whole letter grades as well.” The Vision and Learning Center (VLC) is located at 601 East Russell Avenue, Suite C in Warrensburg, MO. The VLC is committed to providing lifelong learning for children through Vision Therapy, Speech Therapy, educational classes and resources that help the child from head to toe. For more information about the Vision and Learning Center please contact 660.747.2020 extension 246. |
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| STOP YOUR EYES FROM AGING THIS SUMMER - July 1, 2011 | |
| Only 32 percent of adults consider UV protection an important factor when purchasing sunglasses Warrensburg, MO - Most Americans know the importance of UV blocking sunscreen to protect their skin from aging and diseases. Unfortunately, according to the recent American Eye-Q® survey, funded by the American Optometric Association (AOA), only 32 percent of Americans understand the same is true when it comes to protecting their eyes from aging and diseases. "Summer can be a dangerous time for the eyes because people spend so much time outdoors, exposed to the sun," said Dr. Jason Lake. "Overexposure to ultraviolet rays fast forwards aging of the eyes and increases the risk for serious diseases." If the eyes are exposed to excessive amounts of UV radiation over a short period of time, a "sunburn" called photokeratitis can occur. This condition may be painful and include symptoms such as red eyes, a foreign body sensation or gritty feeling in the eyes, extreme sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. Photokeratitis is usually temporary and rarely causes permanent damage. Ongoing exposure to UV radiation, however, can cause serious harm to the eyes and age them prematurely. Research has shown that exposure to small amounts of UV radiation over a period of many years increases the chance of developing cataracts, macular degeneration - the leading cause of blindness in adults - and eye cancer. Long-term exposure may also cause damage to the retina, a nerve-rich lining of the eye that is used for seeing. "In addition to sunglasses, certain contact lenses incorporate an ultraviolet blocker in the lens, which helps further reduce exposure to UV light that can eventually cause cataracts and other eye problems," said Dr. Lake. "In addition to wearing sunglasses or protective contact lenses, applying UV-blocking sunscreen around the eye area and wearing a hat will further protect the eyes and help prevent premature aging." To provide adequate protection for the eyes, the AOA recommends sunglasses and protective contact lenses should: • Block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation • Screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light • Sunglasses should be perfectly matched in color and free of distortion and imperfection and have lenses that are gray for proper color recognition The AOA also urges parents to remember to protect infants' and children's eyes from the sun at all times. This is particularly important as kids tend to spend more time in the sun than adults. |
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| Eyecare Specialties Supports Joplin - June 13, 2011 | |
| During the month of June Eyecare Specialties will be collecting cash or check donations for relief efforts in Joplin, MO. “We have a donation box in our lobby at Eyecare Specialties where individuals can give a donation to Joplin relief efforts,” says Dr. Jason Lake. “I plan to match what is given to us,” adds Lake. The Joplin area has recently been asking for monetary donations to help with relief efforts and Eyecare Specialties staff decided that this was a great way that they could help. “We were all impacted by what happened in Joplin,” says Lake. “We have had staff with family and friends in the area and thought that this would be a great way to help.” If you would like to give to the collection you can do so by going into Eyecare Specialties, or can call them at 660.747.2020 for more information. |
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| Staying Cool & Looking Hot This Summer is as Easy as Buying New Sunglasses - June 1, 2011 | |
| Eyecare Specialties has an easy way to stay cool this summer, while looking hot at the same time simply by purchasing a new pair of sunglasses. “Buying a quality pair of sunglasses not only protects the health of your eyes but can also make a fashion statement as well,” says Optometrist Dr. Jason Lake. “Even during cloudy days you want to get sunglasses that block 100% of the UV-A and UV-B rays.” If you spend a lot of time outdoors in bright sunlight, wrap around frames are also encouraged to provide additional protection from the harmful solar radiation. The style this season for women are bigger is better. “In women’s fashion this year it’s more fashionable to have big sunglasses,” Says Dr. Lake. “Coach, Fendi and Prada are our hottest sellers and the color that is ‘in’ this season is white.” What’s hot for men’s eyewear this spring and summer? “The classics are still popular, the Oakleys, the Maui Jim’s, and Ray Ban’s particularly aviator style from Ray Ban,” says Dr. Jason Lake. “We carry all of these brands and styles in our gallery at Eyecare Specialties and individuals are welcome to custom order their sunglasses from us to match their style.” Whether you are looking for a way to match your shades with your purse, or match the color with your favorite sports team, Eyecare Specialties can help you get the perfect pair of shades this summer that will keep you looking hot, while staying cool. |
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| Spring has sprung and keeping an ‘Eye’ on Allergies can help you enjoy spring - March 28, 2011 | |
| For most Americans, the start of spring is welcomed with warmer weather, blooming flowers and lots of time outside. But, for the 50 million Americans who suffer from allergies, the early signs of spring more closely resemble sneezing, coughing and itchy, watery eyes. Eye allergies, also called “allergic conjunctivitis,” are a reaction to indoor and outdoor allergens – pollen, mold, dust mites and pet dander – that get in the eyes and cause inflammation of the tissue that lines the inner eyelid. While eye allergies can affect anyone, the spring can be particularly hard on contact lens wearers. Extended wear time and infrequent lens replacement are two of the main reasons contact lens wearers face more severe symptoms. Optometrist Dr. Jason Lake recommends contact lens wearers consider the following to make the spring season more comfortable: • Reduce contact lens wearing time when possible. • Talk to your optometrist about changing your cleaning method or using daily disposable contact lenses. • Use eye drops as prescribed by a doctor of optometry. The American Optometric Association (AOA), found more than one-third (36 percent) of allergy suffers use antihistamines or other medications to treat their symptoms. While antihistamines can help with typical symptoms like runny noses and sneezing, the medication can make ocular symptoms worse by reducing tear quality and quantity. “To effectively treat and relieve the symptoms caused by eye allergies, patients should see their optometrist,” said Dr. Lake. “In most cases, we can soothe allergy-related conjunctivitis with prescription or over-the-counter eye drops depending on the patient and his or her medical history.” While eye allergies can be a nuisance and affect job performance, leisure and sporting activities, symptoms of allergies can be curtailed and prevented by following these recommendations from the AOA: • Don’t touch or rub your eyes. • Wash hands often with soap and water. • Wash bed linens and pillowcases in hot water and detergent to reduce allergens. • Avoid sharing, and in some cases, wearing eye makeup. • Never share contact lenses or contact lens cases with someone else. Beyond discussing allergy relief with your optometrist, the AOA also recommends adults age 60 and under have a comprehensive eye exam every two years. Adults over age 60 should have eye exams annually. Based on an individual’s eye health and the severity of their eye allergies, the eye doctor may recommend more frequent visits. |
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| Vision and Learning Center Helping Children in Central Missouri - February 24, 2011 | |
| Students Find Success in the Classroom with the Vision and Learning Center As the end of the third quarter draws near many parents are looking for ways that they can help their students find success in the classroom, especially with upcoming spring testing getting ready to begin. One of the resources that individuals in the community find helpful in assisting students who are experiencing challenges at school is the Vision and Learning Center. Founded ten plus years ago by Optometrist Dr. Suzy Lake, the Vision and Learning Center is committed to helping build a foundation for children who have difficulty with motor or coordination skills, vision problems or language and auditory processing difficulties. “Many times it is as simple as evaluating the student and getting them started in our Vision Therapy (VT) program,” says Dr. Susan Lake Optometrist. “We have a team of experts on staff at the Vision and Learning Center that work to develop and enhance the systems in the brain needed for individuals to achieve their full potential.” The Vision and Learning Center offers programs that include: Vision Therapy Speech and Language Therapy Motor and Coordination Programs Handwriting Without Tears Interactive Metronome “We are a one-stop shop so to speak for all challenges that an individual might have from motor to vision to auditory skills,” says Dr. Lake. “We have found that if a child is carefully evaluated and has appropriate treatment, then the stumbling blocks to learning will be eliminated and they will be able to successfully meet the challenges of school and life.” The overall outcome of how the Vision and Learning Center is making a difference for students is tremendous. “We have had hundreds of success stories since I began,” says Dr. Lake. “Students in Warrensburg take a Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) test periodically throughout the year and we have had students score several points higher after going through our program at the Vision and Learning Center. We have also had students improve whole letter grades as well.” The Vision and Learning Center (VLC) is located at 601 East Russell Avenue, Suite C in Warrensburg, MO. The VLC is committed to providing lifelong learning for children through Vision Therapy, Speech Therapy, educational classes and resources that help the child from head to toe. For more information about the Vision and Learning Center please contact 660.747.2020 extension 246. |
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| Archive: | |
| Nutrition and Your Vision - January 12, 2011 Tips for Taking Care of your Eyes During the Winter - December 6, 2010 Eyecare Specialties Optometrist Dr. Susan Lake Becomes Fellow of FCOVD Eyecare Specialties Helps Survival House |
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