Each individual, including children, is at risk of eye damage from UV radiation that can lead to vision loss. Any factor that increases the amount of time you spend in the sun will increase your risk so when you or your children play outdoor sports or work outside, be sure to protect your eyes with sunglasses that reduce glare and filter out 99-100% of UV rays without distorting color.

Take a journey through the human eye and discover how we see.
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Going back in time to the 1920’s and 1950’s, quirky upswept styles hit the runway this season with a new modern look. Try cat eye shaped glasses to accentuate, and accessorize with sorbet colors, floral image prints and feminine shapes this season

Eye Care Tip: Limit your alcohol intake. Although, moderate consumption of alcohol does not affect the health of your eyes, excessive drinking may lead to slow pupil reaction, blurred vision, double vision and reduced color vision

Ever wonder how other animals see the world? Here is a photo of a shrimp created with a specialized camera that shows how a shrimp and other reef dwelling animals such as octopus, crabs and some fish, view the world through polarization vision. Humans are essentially blind to polarized light. http://ping.fm/QX9AQ

Eyewear News: For the first time in 20 years, the US military has updated their standard-issue eyeglasses. Until now, military personnel requiring vision correction were given eyeglasses that were so unflattering they acquired the acronym BCG’s or Birth Control Glasses. Now the thick, large brown BCG frames have been replaced with a sleeker and modern black plastic frame and it seems the recruits are quite happy with the upgrade. Listen to more about this story on NPR: http://ping.fm/YG91q

February is AMD (Age related macular degeneration) and Low Vision Awareness Month. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans aged 60 and older. Risk factors include smoking, obesity and hypertension, race (Caucasians are most at risk), family history and gender (women are at greater risk). Early detection is key to slowing the disease progression and preventing blindness so learn more and schedule a yearly eye exam!