Spring is the season of renewal and rejuvenation, with the trees budding, the birds singing, and tax refunds being deposited! As we emerge from the cocoon of winter and warm up to summer, it’s an ideal time to invest in your vision health. At Minnesota Eye Consultants, we’re passionate about helping you seize this opportunity to enhance your quality of life through vision correction procedures and treatments. Discover how your tax refund can pave the way for clearer vision and a brighter future.  

LASIK: Say goodbye to glasses and contacts with LASIK surgery. This popular procedure can correct refractive errors, allowing you to see clearly without the need for corrective lenses. Not a candidate for LASIK? We’ve got you covered! Our doctors offer an array of vision correction treatment options to help you achieve your vision goals. Pair your tax refund with Minnesota Eye Consultants’ exclusive LASIK discount running now until June 30, 2024. For a limited time, we’re offering $300 OFF per eye on LASIK if you have the procedure by June 30, 2024! Enjoy the freedom of clear vision this summer with LASIK.  

Cataract Surgery: If cataracts are clouding your vision and impacting your quality of life, cataract surgery can help. Using advanced technology, our surgeons remove the cataracts and replace them with artificial lenses, restoring clear vision and improving your overall well-being. Some people will further their dependence on glasses after cataract surgery and opt for one of our premium vision correction packages  . These packages offer the use of advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs), and/or innovative technologies and techniques to help improve vision post-surgery. You can learn more about the vision correction packages by clicking here. By using your tax refund to invest in cataract surgery and premium lenses, you can regain the clarity of vision you deserve.  

Dry Eye Services: As an accredited Dry Eye Center, our dry eye services can provide relief and improve your comfort, allowing you to see clearly and enjoy greater overall eye health. From advanced diagnostic testing to personalized treatment plans, we’re here to help you find relief from dry eye symptoms.

Oculoplastic Services: Your eyes are not only essential for vision but may also play a significant role in your self-confidence. Our oculoplastic services focus on enhancing both the aesthetics and function of the eyelids and surrounding facial areas. Whether you’re interested in blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) or brow and forehead lifts, our skilled oculoplastic surgeons can help you achieve natural-looking results while maintaining eye function and feeling more confident in your appearance. 

Cosmetic &Aesthetic Services: Looking to refresh your appearance and enhance your natural beauty? With our cosmetic and aesthetic services, you can address common concerns like crow’s feet, under-eye bags, and facial expression lines. Using minimally invasive techniques and advanced technology, our providers can help you achieve a more youthful and vibrant look, all while maintaining the health and integrity of your eyes. 

Financing Options: At Minnesota Eye Consultants, we understand that investing in your vision is essential, but we also recognize the importance of making it financially manageable. CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit offer flexible payment plans with low monthly payments. These financing options can help make your eye care goals more affordable, so you can have the treatment done now, and pay over time  

Tax refunds provide an opportunity to invest in vision health and improve your quality of life. Whether you’re interested in LASIK, cataract surgery, dry eye services, oculoplastic procedures, or cosmetic/aesthetic treatments, Minnesota Eye Consultants is here to help. Our team of specialized eye care providers is dedicated to delivering exceptional care and life-changing results. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you achieve your spring vision goals. Call to schedule at 952-888-5800 or request an appointment here.  

The post Maximize Your Tax Return: Invest in Clearer Vision appeared first on Minnesota Eye Consultants.

But is there a limit to how much our eyes can take? Keep reading to learn how much screen time is too much and what you can do to keep your eyes healthy!

Too much screen time can lead to computer vision syndrome

If you haven’t heard of computer vision syndrome, it’s also known as digital eye strain. Digital eye strain is a group of eye conditions that can occur because of prolonged computer and device use.

On average, workers in America spend seven hours per day on the computer. After a short period of time, this starts to take a toll on your eyes.

Part of the problem is most people at work have double monitors. When you’re looking at two monitors for over seven hours a day, your eyes will get tired.

The more you look at screens, the more likely you are to experience digital eye strain. Common symptoms include dry eye, eye pain, discomfort, and blurry vision. It only gets worse as you continue looking at screens.

Increased screen time means more dry eye and less blinking

Another side effect with digital eye strain is you blink less. What’s the big deal? It’s just blinking, right? Not exactly. Not blinking is going to start you down the path towards dry eye syndrome.

This is one of the most common side effects for people that stare at screens and devices all day long. If your eyes feel gritty, look bloodshot, or water uncontrollably, you may have dry eyes.

Thankfully, there are some things you can do about a reduced blink rate. First of all, practice the 20-20-20 rule.

With this rule, every 20 minutes, take a break to look at something (not a screen!) that’s at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

Regular breaks away from the screens are the very least you can do to help your eyes recover during a long workday.

Another thing you can do? Try to blink more. Sounds stupid, but when you’re looking at a screen, it causes your blink rate to drop to half of what it should be.

If you know you’ll be looking at a screen for a long time, have some artificial tears on hand as well. Use them when your eyes start feeling dry or itchy.

The last thing you want to do is scratch or irritate them while they are uncomfortable!

Are the effects of computer vision syndrome permanent?

If you find yourself with computer vision syndrome, there’s no need to panic! The effects are not permanent, as long as you take some steps to correct the problem.

In some cases, this may mean having a special pair of glasses prescribed only for computer work. These glasses will often have a tint or coating on them that makes working in front of a computer easier.

You may also need to look into how you are sitting at your computer. For many people, working in front of a computer is a problem because of the glare coming off the screen.

If this is part of the problem, you can get special glare-reducing filters for your computer. These filters help reduce how much glare is coming off your computer screen or reflected off it.

If it’s not an issue with glare, you may want to see if the distance of your computer is playing a part as well. Your computer shouldn’t be too close to your face.

Instead, the computer should be about 15 to 20 degrees below eye level. This is about 20 to 28 inches from your eyes.

What can I do to help my eyes?

Even if you don’t have computer vision syndrome or digital strain, there are things you can do to help your eyes.

Eat foods that keep your eyes hydrated

Drinking water is an important part of hydration, but did you know that the food you eat affects your eyes too? Aim to eat foods like:

● Kale, spinach, and collard greens. These dark leafy greens have lots of Vitamin C and E, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin. Eating more of these lowers your risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
● Fatty fishes like salmon, tuna, and trout. Seafood has high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids in them. This can help reduce dry eye and protect you from AMD and glaucoma.
● Cucumber, melons, celery, tomatoes, radishes, green peppers, watermelon, and strawberries. These fruits and vegetables all have very high water content, which is key if you want to stay hydrated.

Want to incorporate more hydrating foods into your diet?

Consider a melon, strawberry smoothie for a healthy and hydrating kick. Or, you could put together a salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, and green peppers. It goes to show, you can eat your way to hydration too!

Wondering if you could be suffering from the effects of computer vision syndrome? Struggling with the debilitating symptoms of dry eye syndrome?

We can help! Schedule an appointment at Minnesota Eye Consultants in Minneapolis, MN today!

The post How Much Screen Time Can Your Eyes Handle? appeared first on Minnesota Eye Consultants.

Have you ever experienced burning, irritation, or scratchiness in your eyes? Did it make you wonder if you have dry eyes or allergies?

Dry eye and allergies are two of the most common conditions that can affect our eyes. Since they share some of the same symptoms, it can be difficult to tell them apart.

Also, it is possible to have both conditions at the same time, which makes both worse. Can’t take another day of dry, itchy eyes? Keep reading to learn the differences between allergies and dry eye and how we can help!

Dry Eye

There are many parts that make up the tears in our eyes. They are not only made of water. The three components of tears are water, lipids, and mucin.

People get dry eyes if they are missing any of the important components that make up tears. The outer layer of a tear is the lipid, and it makes sure that the tears do not evaporate or spill over the lid boundaries.

At the edge of the lids, there are glands called Meibomian glands, and they produce the lipid layer of a tear. Most of the time, dry eye is because of a reduction in the lipid layer.

Some medical conditions can cause dry eye as well. The main symptoms of dry eye are burning, redness, a sandy/gritty feeling and reflex tears.

Allergies

Allergies can also cause red eyes and tearing but the main symptom is itchiness. Eye allergies happen when the eyes develop a sensitivity to an element. This is not usually harmful.

If your eyes come in contact with allergens, histamine gets released. Histamine causes swelling, redness, and itching.

Most eye allergies are environmental like dust mites, pollen, cat dander and more. Though rare, there are other eye allergies that can become dangerous.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the irritation; is it dry eye or allergies? If you have dry eye, the focus is on treating your meibomian glands. This may be by using tear lubricants, as well as addressing any inflammation.

With allergies, the main treatment is using anti-histamine against your mast cells. Antihistamine stops the mast cells from releasing histamine. Other treatments include avoiding allergens (if possible), cold compress and synthetic lubricants.

If you wear contacts, your eye doctor may decide to change you to something more moisturizing. Wearing contacts can dry out your eyes, making any allergy symptoms worse.

Most patients with allergies have the best results using daily disposables. These lenses are more resistant to drying out.

If your eyes continue to bother you, you can try over the counter products. These are usually something like artificial tears. Artificial tears are great in the short term since they restore moisture.

The problem, of course, is they can’t treat the underlying problem. If you suspect that you have dry eye or allergies affecting your eyes, see your eye doctor! They can help you come up with a treatment plan that will treat and fix your dry eyes.

Need to make an appointment to treat your dry eyes, once and for all? Contact Minnesota Eye Consultants in Minneapolis, MN to schedule an appointment today!

The post Is It Dry Eye Or Allergies? appeared first on Minnesota Eye Consultants.

Demodex Blepharitis Study
Do you experience any of these symptoms: eyelid itching, eyelid swelling, or eyelid redness? You could qualify to take part in a compensated research study to study ocular surface disease when using an eyelid hygiene product. Must be 18 or older and not using contact lenses. For more information, please contact the Research Department at (952) 567-6111.

The post Research Studies – We Need You! appeared first on Minnesota Eye Consultants.

Stock Up
If you’re going to be away for an extended period of time, be sure your medication supply will last through your trip. If you need additional medications, contact your pharmacy well in advance to request an additional refill.

Artificial Tears
Especially for patients battling Dry Eye, bring a small bottle (3 ounces or less!) of Artificial Tears on the plane. Airplane cabins tend to be very dry and can really take a toll on your eyes. Artificial tears will likely come in handy once you reach your destination as well, as some new environments can pose new challenges (such as windy, sandy beaches or cold mountain air).

Hydrate
Drinking plenty of water is recommended across the board, but staying hydrated while traveling is especially important for patients with Dry Eye. Dry Eye symptoms unfortunately get worse with dehydration, so drink plenty of that refreshing H20!

Contact Lenses
If you’re a contact lens wearer, it’s smart to bring an extra set of contacts with, and of course a pair of back-up glasses. Many patients choose to wear their glasses on the plane to reduce any possible irritation from the dry airplane cabin, and switch into their contacts upon arrival at their destination.

NEVER, EVER swim in your contacts. Wearing your contacts while in the pool, ocean, hot tub and even the shower can be very dangerous and puts you at risk for eye infections, irritation and even vision-threatening conditions such as Acanthamoeba Keratitis. If you do wear your contacts in the water, be sure your swim goggles are airtight.

If you happen to loose or forget your contact lens solution, do not use tap water to clean or store your contacts. Check with the hotel front desk to see where you can find or purchase some solution as using regular tap water poses the same risks as listed above.

Wear Eye Protection
It’s no surprise that we recommend wearing eye protection while out in the sunshine and elements. Sunglasses should have UV protection and we recommend wearing them even if it’s a cloudy day. Don’t forget the kiddos -they need eye protection just as much (if not more!) than we do. Many Ski Goggles also come with UV protection, offering a shield against the all-too dangerous UV rays and snow blindness.

Seek Help When Needed
We realize it may not be ideal to spend a piece of your vacation visiting the eye doctor, but if eye troubles arise, please don’t hesitate to seek help. Waiting until you get home to address an eye injury or eye problems could be harmful to your vision.

Safe travels!

The post Eye Care Traveling Tips appeared first on Minnesota Eye Consultants.

For those battling with Dry Eye, click here for a few at-home treatment suggestions from Dr. Ahmad Fahmy, one of our Ocular Surface Disease/Dry Eye specialists.

To schedule a Dry Eye evaluation, call us at 952-888-5800.

The post Winter is Coming – and so is Dry Eye appeared first on Minnesota Eye Consultants.

Below are a few patients who were kind enough to share their experience with us with others. For those contemplating LASIK or PRK, or if you’re battling with Dry Eye, you may want to check out these short videos.

LASIK – Derek P.

PRK – Joseph N.

Dry Eye – Sarah J.

The post Patient Testimonial Videos appeared first on Minnesota Eye Consultants.

The first Ocular Surface Disease Patient Education Webinar will be taking place on Tuesday, October 13th from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM. These unique webinars offer an abundance of information on Dry Eye/Ocular Surface Disease, and allow you to join in remotely from whatever location is convenient for you.

Ahmad M. Fahmy, OD, FAAO, Dipl, ABO and Scott G. Hauswirth, OD, FAAO are specialists and researchers in the field of Dry Eye/Ocular Surface Disease. As your presenters, they will discuss the symptoms and causes of Ocular Surface Disease, the advanced diagnostics used at Minnesota Eye Consultants, and the various treatment options available for patients suffering from Ocular Surface Disease.

Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for updated information surrounding these webinars.

Register Here for the October 13th webinar.
Register Here for the December 1st webinar.

The post Ocular Surface Disease Patient Education Webinars – Register Today! appeared first on Minnesota Eye Consultants.

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